The Mercedes-Benz M 119.970 is a 6,000 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1991 and 2002. It served as the high-performance flagship engine for Mercedes-Benz's luxury and grand tourer lineup, featuring a DOHC 32-valve design with multi-point fuel injection and advanced engine management (Bosch Motronic). In standard tuning, it delivered 235 kW (320 PS), with peak torque of 500 Nm available at 3,750 rpm.
Fitted to iconic models such as the W140 S-Class (S 600), R129 SL-Class (SL 600), and C140 CL-Class (CL 600), the M 119.970 was engineered for smooth, effortless power delivery and long-distance refinement. It replaced the older M 117 V8 and was designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, utilizing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and secondary air injection to control NOx and hydrocarbon emissions.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear in early production units (1991–1995), highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 07.0189/95. This issue was linked to inadequate lubrication under sustained high-load conditions and suboptimal camshaft material hardness. In 1995, Mercedes introduced revised camshafts with improved surface hardening and updated oil pump calibration to enhance oil flow to upper engine components.
Production years 1991–1996 meet Euro 2 standards; 1996–2002 models comply with Euro 3 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M 119.970 is a 5,987 cc V8 engineered for flagship luxury sedans and coupes (1991–2002). It combines a 32-valve DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic engine management to deliver refined high-speed performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 and later Euro 3 standards, it balances smooth power delivery with evolving emissions requirements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 106.0 mm × 84.0 mm | |
| Power output | 235 kW (320 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 500 Nm @ 3,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ML 4.7 multipoint fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 (pre-1996); Euro 3 (post-1996) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | 20W-50 (MB 229.1) | |
| Dry weight | 228 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 provides linear power delivery ideal for grand touring but requires consistent use of high-quality 20W-50 oil meeting MB 229.1 specification to prevent camshaft and bearing wear. Oil changes every 15,000 km or annually are critical, especially for engines with sustained high-speed operation. The Bosch Motronic system demands clean fuel and stable voltage; degraded ignition coils or clogged fuel injectors can cause misfires. Early M 119.970 units (1991–1995) should be inspected for camshaft lobe wear per Service Bulletin 07.0189/95. Cooling system integrity is vital—failed expansion tanks or thermostats can lead to overheating due to the engine's high thermal load.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.1 specification (20W-50) (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0189/95). Compatible with ACEA A3/B3 standards.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to pre-1996 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 3 compliance from 1996 onward varies by market.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets; no fuel quality dependency.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31972, A32010, SIB 07.0189/95
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M 119.970 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W140/R129/C140 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the W140 and revised intake manifolds in the R129-and from 1998 the W220 S-Class adopted the M 137 variant with electronic throttle control, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front right cylinder bank near the alternator (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31972). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for M 119 series). Pre-1995 models have silver cam covers with black valve cover gaskets; post-1995 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M 137: M 119.970 uses mechanical throttle linkage, while M 137 uses electronic throttle (drive-by-wire). Service parts require production date verification—camshafts for engines before 09/1995 are incompatible with later units due to material and profile revisions (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0189/95).
The M 119.970's primary reliability risk is premature camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1996 indicated a significant number of pre-1995 engines required camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows older luxury V8s are disproportionately represented in MOT emissions failures due to aging fuel and ignition systems. Extended oil intervals and low-rev driving exacerbate wear, making oil quality and regular maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1991-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M119970.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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