The Mercedes-Benz M 130.980 is a 6,898 cc, V12, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2002. It features a DOHC 48-valve configuration with sequential multi-point fuel injection and advanced engine management (Bosch Motronic ME 2.1). In standard tuning, it delivered 270 kW (367 PS), with peak torque of 580 Nm available at 3,900 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the W140 S-Class (S 600 Pullman) and W150 600 SEL Pullman, the M 130.980 was engineered as the ultimate expression of Mercedes-Benz luxury and smoothness. It replaced the M 120 V12 and was designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, utilizing exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), secondary air injection, and dual three-way catalysts to control NOx and hydrocarbon emissions.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1999, when Mercedes-Benz revised the intake manifold runners and camshaft profiles to improve low-end torque and idle stability. This update, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07.0215/99, also included recalibrated engine mounts and updated ECU mapping to enhance NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) refinement under partial load conditions.
All production units (1997–2002) meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 4-compliant variant was produced.
The Mercedes-Benz M 130.980 is a 6,898 cc V12 engineered for flagship ultra-luxury sedans (1997–2002). It combines a 48-valve DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic ME 2.1 engine management to deliver imperceptible power delivery and supreme refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it prioritizes smoothness and quiet operation over emissions flexibility.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,898 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 106.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 270 kW (367 PS) @ 5,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 580 Nm @ 3,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 2.1 sequential multipoint fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| 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 | 268 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 provides seamless power delivery ideal for chauffeur-driven luxury but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 20W-50 MB 229.1 oil to maintain hydraulic lifter function and timing chain longevity. The Bosch Motronic system demands clean fuel and stable voltage; degraded ignition coils or clogged fuel injectors can cause misfires. Engines built before 1999 should be verified for intake manifold and camshaft upgrades per Service Bulletin 07.0215/99 to ensure idle stability and low-end torque. Cooling system maintenance is critical—failed expansion tanks or thermostats can lead to overheating due to the engine's high thermal load and dual-catalyst exhaust system.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.1 specification (20W-50) (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0215/99). Compatible with ACEA A3/B3 standards.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 3 only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No production units meet Euro 4 standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets; no fuel quality dependency.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32100, A32105, SIB 07.0215/99
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M 130.980 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W140/W150 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 W150-and from 2002 the W220 S-Class adopted the M 275 twin-turbo V12, 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 A32100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('J' for M 130 series). Pre-1999 models have silver cam covers with black valve cover gaskets; post-1999 units use black cam covers with revised intake runners. Critical differentiation from M 120: M 130.980 uses sequential fuel injection and dual three-way catalysts; M 120 uses batch-fire injection and single catalysts. Service parts require production date verification—intake manifolds and ECUs for pre-1999 engines are incompatible with later units due to runner length and mapping changes (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0215/99).
The M 130.980's primary reliability risk is ignition coil failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1999 indicated a notable number of pre-1999 engines required coil replacement before 180,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows older luxury V12s are disproportionately represented in MOT emissions failures due to aging oxygen sensors and exhaust leaks. Extended oil intervals and infrequent driving exacerbate coil and injector wear, making oil quality and regular maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (1997-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1995-2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M130980.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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