The Mercedes-Benz M113.965 is a 5,987 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2001 and 2006. It forms part of the M113 engine family, featuring a 90-degree V configuration, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and three valves per cylinder (2 intake, 1 exhaust). Equipped with sequential multi-point fuel injection and an EZL ignition system, it delivers 265 kW (360 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 530 Nm of torque at 3,000–4,000 rpm, designed for high-performance luxury vehicles.
Fitted primarily to the W220 S-Class and W215 CL-Class, the M113.965 was engineered for effortless high-speed cruising and strong low-end torque. Its design emphasizes refinement and durability, meeting Euro 3 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter, lambda feedback control, and secondary air injection, with no exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) required for petrol combustion.
One documented service concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobes, particularly in early production units. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 07 05 98, is attributed to marginal lubrication under sustained high-load operation and extended oil change intervals. From 2003, revised camshaft materials and updated oil specifications (229.3) were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2001–2006 comply with Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902).
The Mercedes-Benz M113.965 is a 5,987 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for flagship luxury platforms (2001–2006). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth, high-output performance and refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical reliability and ease of maintenance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 102.0 mm | |
| Power output | 265 kW (360 PS) @ 5,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 530 Nm @ 3,000–4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (double-row, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | 229.3 specification (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 220 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 design offers smooth, linear power delivery ideal for relaxed cruising but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 229.3-specified oil to prevent camshaft lobe wear. SAE 10W-40 viscosity ensures stable lubrication under thermal stress, particularly critical for the upper valvetrain. Extended idling or short-trip driving may accelerate carbon buildup on intake valves. Fuel quality is essential—use only 95 RON or higher unleaded petrol to maintain knock resistance and injector cleanliness. Post-2003 engines benefit from improved camshaft hardening; pre-2003 units should be inspected for lobe wear per Service Bulletin 07 05 98. The three-way catalytic converter requires regular lambda sensor checks to prevent efficiency loss.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.3 (10W-40) specification (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98). Supersedes ACEA A2/B2 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification confirmed for all 2001–2006 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8902).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes TIS Doc. A11410).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11382, A11310, A11318, SIB 07 05 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8902)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz M113.965 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W220/W215 platforms with longitudinal mounting in rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the W220 and shorter exhaust manifolds in the W215—and from 2003 the facelifted W220 models adopted updated lambda control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the left-side cylinder head near the intake manifold (Mercedes TIS A11382). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('S' for M113 series). Pre-2003 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2003 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M113.960: M113.965 has a distributorless EZL ignition system with coil packs mounted on the intake manifold, while M113.960 uses a conventional distributor. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts for engines before 08/2003 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98).
The M113.965's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft lobe wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage urban use. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 2002 indicated a notable share of pre-2003 engines showing lobe degradation before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased catalytic converter failures in vehicles with delayed lambda sensor servicing. Extended oil intervals and low-RON fuel exacerbate wear and knock risk, making oil quality and fuel specification adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2001-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2002-2007). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M113965.
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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