The Mercedes-Benz M 113.962 is a 4,266 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2006. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), multi-point fuel injection (EZL), and a die-cast aluminium block and head. This refined V8 delivers 225 kW (306 PS) at 5,500 rpm and 440 Nm of torque, engineered for smooth power delivery and long-distance comfort in luxury sedans and coupes.
Fitted primarily to the W211 E-Class and C219 CLS models—such as the E430 and CLS430—the M 113.962 was designed for relaxed high-speed cruising and strong low-end torque. Its 90° V8 configuration provides inherent smoothness, while the aluminium construction contributes to weight savings and balanced handling. Emissions compliance was achieved through integrated exhaust manifolds and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 4 standards.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear due to inadequate lubrication at the upper valvetrain, highlighted in Mercedes Technical Service Bulletin 01.05.03. This issue arises from marginal oil flow to the cam lobes under sustained high-load operation or extended oil intervals. Later production units received revised oil gallery drilling and upgraded camshaft materials to enhance durability.
Production years 2001–2006 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6128).
The Mercedes-Benz M 113.962 is a 4,266 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for executive and luxury sedans (2001–2006). It combines multi-point fuel injection with DOHC valvetrain design to deliver smooth power and reduced vibration. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances refinement with mechanical efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,266 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.9 mm × 72.6 mm | |
| Power output | 225 kW (306 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 440 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (EZL control) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row timing chain (DOHC) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 (API SL/CD) | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The 90° V8 provides smooth mid-range power ideal for daily driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain camshaft and bearing longevity. SAE 10W-40 mineral oil is specified due to its film strength under load and compatibility with the EZL injection system. Extended idling should be minimized—premature cam wear has been documented in engines with delayed oil changes or low oil pressure. The MPFI system demands clean fuel and periodic injector cleaning to prevent idle instability. Valve clearances require manual adjustment every 60,000 km per Mercedes TIS A113785. Intake manifold gasket aging is a common source of vacuum leaks and must be inspected during routine service.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 (API SL/CD) specification (Mercedes SIB 01.05.03). Compatible with modern API SM/CF oils if seals are in good condition.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all production years (2001–2006) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6128).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified at the crankshaft without accessories.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A113785, SIB 01.05.03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6128)
ISO 1585:1992 Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz M 113.962 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211 and C219 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake manifold tuning for automatic transmission variants in the C219 and revised exhaust routing in the W211-and from 2006 the facelifted W211 models adopted the M113.977 with revised intake, creating direct interchange limits. 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 timing chain cover (Mercedes TIS A113785). The 7th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('D' for M113 series). Pre-2005 models have silver valve covers with ribbed air cleaners; post-2005 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M113.977: M113.962 uses naturally aspirated induction with EZL injection and no variable intake, while M113.977 features revised intake manifolds. Service parts require chassis number verification—intake manifolds for W211 and C219 are not interchangeable due to emissions routing differences (Mercedes SIB 05.07.04).
The M 113.962's primary reliability risk is camshaft and follower wear under sustained high-RPM use, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 150,000 km without oil service. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 2005 noted measurable cam lobe degradation in urban-driven E430s, while VCA field data links a significant portion of high-mileage W211/C219 failures to intake vacuum leaks. Extended oil intervals and poor fuel quality increase fuel system wear, making fluid maintenance and inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2001-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006-2016). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M113962.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MERCEDES-BENZ or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMERCEDES-BENZ documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
