The Mercedes-Benz M120.980 is a 6,898 cc, V12, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2002. It features a 48-valve, DOHC configuration with Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection and electronic ignition. This high-displacement engine delivers smooth, linear power delivery and exceptional refinement, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedans and coupes of the era.
Fitted exclusively to the W140 S-Class (S 600) and C140 CL-Class (CL 600), the M120.980 was engineered for ultimate comfort, effortless acceleration, and silent cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 2 compliance across its production run.
One documented concern is premature camshaft wear in early production units. This issue, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07.0123, is attributed to inadequate lubrication under sustained high-RPM operation. Later builds (post-1998) received revised oil feed geometry and upgraded bearing materials, improving long-term durability.
All production years 1996–2002 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679).
The Mercedes-Benz M120.980 is a 6,898 cc V12 naturally aspirated engine engineered for flagship luxury sedans and coupes (1996–2002). It combines 48-valve DOHC architecture with Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver seamless, high-torque performance. Designed to meet Euro 2 standards, it represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated petrol engineering.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,898 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 90.0 mm | |
| Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 610 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LH-Jetronic continuous injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | 20W-50 (MB 229.1) | |
| Dry weight | 278 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 provides seamless power delivery ideal for grand touring but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.1-specified 20W-50 oil to prevent camshaft wear. High-RPM operation demands consistent oil pressure; oil starvation can accelerate lobe wear. The LH-Jetronic system is robust but sensitive to vacuum leaks and aging sensors. Pre-1998 engines should have upgraded camshafts and bearings per Mercedes SIB 07.0123. Catalytic converters require unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 to prevent thermal degradation and backpressure issues.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.1 specification (Mercedes SIB 07.0123). 20W-50 viscosity critical for high-temperature bearing protection.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all 1996–2002 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5679). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes Group PT-1997).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33760, A34022, SIB 07.0123
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5679)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M120.980 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W140/C140 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific tuning-adapted throttle response in the C140 and revised cooling layouts in the W140-and from 1998, updated camshaft profiles and bearing materials per SIB 07.0123, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front-facing engine block near the timing cover (Mercedes TIS A33810). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for M120 series). Pre-1998 units have silver cam covers with black valve seals; post-1998 revisions use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M120.979: M120.980 has Bosch LH-Jetronic injection with twin distributors, while M120.979 uses KE-Jetronic. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts before 08/1998 are incompatible with later units due to profile and material changes (Mercedes SIB 07.0123).
The M120.980's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM operation. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1997 indicated a significant portion of pre-1998 engines required cam replacement before 180,000 km, while VCA data shows a notable share of emissions failures linked to misfires from worn lobes. Sustained high speeds and extended oil intervals increase lobe and follower stress, making oil quality and adherence to MB 229.1 specification critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1996-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998-2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M120980.
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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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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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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