The Mercedes-Benz M130.981 is a 5,987 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2002. It features a 32-valve, DOHC configuration with Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection and electronic ignition. This high-displacement engine delivers smooth, linear power delivery and refined performance, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz's flagship luxury sedans and coupes of the era.
Fitted to the W220 S-Class (S 500), R170 SLK-Class (SLK 55 AMG), and C215 CL-Class (CL 500), the M130.981 was engineered for effortless cruising, strong mid-range torque, and quiet operation. Emissions compliance was achieved through dual catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 3 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-2000) received revised oil feed geometry and upgraded bearing materials, improving long-term durability.
All production years 1998–2002 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Mercedes-Benz M130.981 is a 5,987 cc V8 naturally aspirated engine engineered for flagship luxury sedans and coupes (1998–2002). It combines 32-valve DOHC architecture with Bosch LH-Jetronic fuel injection to deliver seamless, high-torque performance. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances grand touring refinement with strong, linear power delivery.
| 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 | 270 kW (367 PS) @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 530 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch LH-Jetronic continuous injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| 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 | 232 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 provides linear 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-2000 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 3 certification applies to all 1998–2002 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes Group PT-1999).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33762, A34024, SIB 07.0123
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M130.981 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W220/R170/C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific tuning-adapted throttle response in the R170 and revised cooling layouts in the W220-and from 2000, 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 A33812). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for M130 series). Pre-2000 units have silver cam covers with black valve seals; post-2000 revisions use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M119.971: M130.981 has Bosch LH-Jetronic injection with twin distributors, while M119.971 uses similar injection but higher output. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts before 08/2000 are incompatible with later units due to profile and material changes (Mercedes SIB 07.0123).
The M130.981's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in high-RPM operation. Internal Mercedes quality reports from 1999 indicated a significant portion of pre-2000 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 (1998-2002) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2000-2006). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M130981.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
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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)
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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
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VCA Certification Portal
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