The Mercedes-Benz M 113.948 is a 4,266 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2002. It belongs to the M113 engine family, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), 32-valve configuration, and electronic multi-point fuel injection (ME-SFI). In standard tune it delivered 215 kW (292 PS), providing smooth and refined performance for luxury and performance applications.
Fitted to models including the W220 S-Class, W210 E-Class, and C215 CL Coupé, the M 113.948 was engineered for effortless power delivery and long-distance cruising comfort. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda-controlled fuel management, enabling adherence to Euro 3 standards across European markets.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the timing chain tensioner, which can lead to chain slack and camshaft timing errors. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 11 30 97, is attributed to fatigue in the plastic tensioner shoe under prolonged thermal cycling. Later production revisions included a reinforced metal-backed tensioner to improve durability.
Production years 1997–2002 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (EC Directive 98/69/EC, VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
The Mercedes-Benz M 113.948 is a 4,266 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for luxury and performance platforms (1997–2002). It combines SOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch ME-SFI electronic fuel injection to deliver linear power delivery and driving refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions requirements, it balances performance with OBD-II-compliant diagnostics and catalyst efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,266 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, SOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.9 mm × 72.6 mm | |
| Power output | 215 kW (292 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 410 Nm @ 3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME-SFI electronic multi-point injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 (EC Directive 98/69/EC) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (dual-row, tensioner-equipped) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40 (API SL/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The SOHC V8 provides smooth mid-range torque ideal for relaxed cruising but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using API SL/CF-grade 5W-40 to prevent timing chain tensioner degradation. The plastic tensioner shoe is sensitive to oil oxidation and sludge buildup, which accelerates wear under frequent short-trip operation. Fuel system maintenance includes periodic inspection of the ME-SFI injectors and idle air control valve to prevent stalling. Models equipped with catalytic converters must use unleaded petrol meeting EN 228 standards to avoid catalyst poisoning and OBD-II fault codes. Pre-2000 units should have the updated metal-backed tensioner installed per SIB 11 30 97.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 API SL/CF specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 11 30 97). Supersedes earlier MB 229.1 standard.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all M 113.948 models (EC Directive 98/69/EC, VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6795).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output achieved with 95 RON fuel (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A113948-05).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A113948-01, A113948-02, A113948-03, SIB 11 30 97
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6795)
ISO 1585:1976 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz M 113.948 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W220, W210, and C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-fuel mixture tuning for automatic transmission pairings in the W220 and revised intake manifolds in the W210-and from 2002, the W221 S-Class transitioned to the M273 engine family, ending M113 production. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A113948-07). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('U' for M113 series). Pre-2000 models have silver valve covers with ribbed design; post-2000 units use black finish. Critical differentiation from M113 base variant: M 113.948 features 32-valve SOHC and ME-SFI injection, whereas early M113 uses 16-valve configuration. Service parts require chassis number verification – timing kits for M 113.948 are incompatible with 16-valve variants (Mercedes-Benz SIB 11 30 97).
The M 113.948's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner failure, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or short-trip usage. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2001 indicated a measurable share of pre-2000 engines requiring tensioner replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA historic failure data links a significant portion of drivability complaints to idle control faults in poorly maintained examples. Extended oil intervals and use of non-specification lubricants increase wear rates, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1997-2002) and UK DVSA historic failure statistics (2002-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M113948.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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