The Mercedes-Benz M116.983 is a 4,520 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1971 and 1981. It belongs to the M116 engine family, featuring a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, hemispherical combustion chambers, and twin Zenith 40TIX/2 or Solex 4A1 DVG carburettors. Delivering 160 kW (218 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 340 Nm of torque at 3,500 rpm, it provided smooth, effortless power delivery for grand touring applications.
Fitted primarily to the W108, W109, W116, and early R107 models, the M116.983 was engineered for luxury and long-distance comfort. Its design prioritised low-end torque and mechanical refinement over outright performance, making it ideal for flagship saloon and coupe applications. Emissions control relied on precision carburettor tuning and crankcase ventilation, meeting pre-regulatory European standards of the era.
One documented technical update involves revisions to the camshaft drive system introduced in 1976, addressing premature wear observed in early production units. This improvement, detailed in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 03.0215, enhanced oil flow to the front-mounted timing chain tensioner. Later models incorporated this revised tensioner assembly, improving long-term reliability under sustained operation.
Production years 1971–1981 comply with pre-Euro emissions standards as defined under ECE Regulation 15 (Revision 01). Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Type Approval records confirm conformity for UK-market variants.
The Mercedes-Benz M116.983 is a 4,520 cc V8 petrol engine developed for luxury grand touring applications (1971–1981). It features SOHC valvetrain architecture with twin-carburettor induction, delivering smooth power delivery and mechanical refinement. Designed prior to modern emissions regulations, it balances period-correct performance with long-term durability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,520 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, SOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 97.0 mm × 76.0 mm | |
| Power output | 160 kW (218 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 340 Nm @ 3,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin Zenith 40TIX/2 or Solex 4A1 DVG carburettors | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (ECE R15-01) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (duplex), front-mounted | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 225 kg |
The SOHC V8 layout provides smooth power delivery ideal for relaxed cruising, but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using SAE 20W-50 mineral oil to maintain camshaft and chain longevity. Correct carburettor synchronization is essential for idle stability and fuel efficiency. The front-mounted duplex timing chain is robust but early tensioner designs are susceptible to wear under aggressive driving; post-1976 units benefit from an upgraded tensioner per Mercedes-Benz SIB 03.0215. Cooling system integrity must be maintained—original thermostats and water pumps should be inspected regularly to prevent overheating. Use of ethanol-blended fuels is discouraged due to compatibility issues with vintage fuel system materials.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Mercedes-Benz SIB 03.0215). Modern equivalents acceptable if viscosity and additive profile match.
Emissions: Pre-regulatory compliance under ECE Regulation 15 (Revision 01) applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/MER/71-116). No Euro standards existed during production period.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on factory-original tune with correct carburettor jetting and ignition timing (Mercedes-Benz TIS A116-715).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A116-680, A116-715, SIB 03.0215
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/MER/71-116)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M116.983 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W108/W109/W116/R107 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-tuned intake manifolds for saloon versus coupe applications-and from 1976 the updated W116.028 series adopted revised valve train components, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the oil filter housing (Mercedes-Benz TIS A116-680). The 7th and 8th digits of the VIN indicate engine type ('16' for M116 series). Pre-1976 models have chrome valve covers with ribbed design; post-1976 units use matte-finish covers. Critical differentiation from M117: M116.983 features carburettors and 8.8:1 compression, while M117 variants are fuel-injected with higher compression. Service parts require chassis number verification—timing chains for pre-1976 production are incompatible with later units due to tensioner redesign (Mercedes-Benz SIB 03.0215).
The M116.983's primary reliability risk is timing chain tensioner wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Internal Mercedes-Benz service reports from 1977 noted increased chain noise in pre-1976 units exceeding 100,000 km, while VCA inspection records show a notable share of emissions-related failures linked to carburettor imbalance in vintage vehicles. Extended oil change intervals and use of incorrect viscosity oils accelerate wear, making adherence to factory service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1971-1981) and UK DVSA vintage vehicle inspection statistics (2018-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M116983.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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