The Mercedes-Benz M113.986 is a 6,208 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2004 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 350 kW (476 PS) at 6,100 rpm and 610 Nm of torque at 5,200 rpm, designed for high-performance AMG applications.
Fitted exclusively to the W211 E-Class AMG and C215 CL-Class AMG, the M113.986 was engineered for aggressive performance and track-capable dynamics. Its design emphasizes high-revving power delivery and mechanical robustness, meeting Euro 4 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 2005, revised camshaft materials and updated oil specifications (229.5) were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2004–2006 comply with Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8903).
The Mercedes-Benz M113.986 is a 6,208 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance AMG platforms (2004–2006). It combines DOHC 24-valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver track-focused performance and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it prioritizes mechanical reliability and high-RPM capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,208 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON min) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 mm × 95.0 mm | |
| Power output | 350 kW (476 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 610 Nm @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Timing chain (double-row, non-interference) | |
| Oil type | 229.5 specification (SAE 10W-60) | |
| Dry weight | 235 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 design offers high-revving power delivery ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 229.5-specified oil to prevent camshaft lobe wear. SAE 10W-60 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 98 RON or higher unleaded petrol to maintain knock resistance and injector cleanliness. Post-2005 engines benefit from improved camshaft hardening; pre-2005 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 229.5 (10W-60) specification (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification confirmed for all 2004–2006 production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8903).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes TIS Doc. A11411).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11383, A11311, A11319, SIB 07 05 98
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8903)
DIN Standards: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Mercedes-Benz M113.986 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W211/C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting in rear-wheel-drive applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised intake manifolds in the W211 and shorter exhaust manifolds in the C215—and from 2005 the facelifted W211 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 A11383). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('S' for M113 series). Pre-2005 models have silver valve covers with black plastic cam covers; post-2005 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M113.985: M113.986 has a distributorless EZL ignition system with coil packs mounted on the intake manifold, while M113.985 uses a conventional distributor. Service parts require production date verification—camshafts for engines before 08/2005 are incompatible with later units due to material upgrade (Mercedes SIB 07 05 98).
The M113.986'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 2004 indicated a notable share of pre-2005 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 (2004-2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2004-2007). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M113986.
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.
