The Mercedes-Benz M119.981 is a 5,987 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 1991 and 1998. It powered high-performance variants of Mercedes-Benz's luxury lineup, featuring naturally aspirated design, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and four valves per cylinder. In standard configuration it delivered 295 kW (400 PS), with peak torque of 570 Nm, providing strong high-RPM performance and refined cruising capability.
Fitted to flagship models such as the W140 S-Class (S 600), R129 SL-Class (SL 600), and C140 CL-Class, the M119.981 was engineered for effortless power delivery and luxury refinement. It featured advanced engine management via the LH-Jetronic fuel injection system and electronic throttle control. Emissions compliance was achieved through catalytic converters and EGR systems, meeting Euro 2 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear, particularly in engines subjected to extended oil change intervals. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Technical Service Bulletin 01.01.149, is linked to inadequate lubrication under high-load conditions. In 1995, revised camshaft materials and updated oil specifications were introduced to improve durability, reducing failure incidence in later production units.
All production years 1991–1998 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Mercedes-Benz M119.981 is a 5,987 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for flagship luxury sedans and coupes (1991–1998). It combines DOHC architecture with LH-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver high-RPM power and smooth refinement. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it balances performance with drivability in high-weight applications.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 295 kW (400 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | LH-Jetronic continuous port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven (double-row, duplex chain) | |
| Oil type | 20W-50 MB 229.1 | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 delivers linear power ideal for grand touring but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 20W-50 MB 229.1 specification to prevent camshaft wear and bearing degradation. Use of non-compliant oils accelerates wear in high-load conditions. The LH-Jetronic system requires periodic airflow meter and injector cleaning to maintain idle stability. Pre-1995 engines should have camshafts inspected per SIB 01.01.149; later units benefit from improved metallurgy. Cooling system integrity is critical due to high underhood temperatures—inspect hoses, thermostat, and expansion tank regularly to prevent overheating.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.1 20W-50 (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.01.149). Supersedes ACEA B3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all models (1991–1998) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A34720).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A34720, A34751, SIB 01.01.149
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code — Net power
The Mercedes-Benz M119.981 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W140/R129/C140 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-longer intake manifolds in the W140 and revised cooling routing in the R129-and from 1995 the updated camshaft and oil system revisions in later builds, creating partial 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 cover (Mercedes-Benz TIS A34720). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for M119 series). Pre-1995 engines have silver cam covers with "M119" branding; post-1995 units use revised camshaft profiles. Critical differentiation from M117: M119.981 has DOHC 32-valve heads and LH-Jetronic injection, while M117 is SOHC with KE-Jetronic. Service parts require model-year verification—camshafts and timing kits for pre-1995 engines are not interchangeable with later revisions due to material and guide updates (Mercedes-Benz SIB 01.01.149).
The M119.981's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in pre-1995 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 1996 noted a significant number of early engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated engine-related failures in V8 models with deferred maintenance. Extended oil intervals and use of non-compliant oils increase wear rates, making oil quality and schedule adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1991-1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M119981.
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.
