The Mercedes-Benz M 137.980 is a 5,987 cc, V12 petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2002. It features a DOHC 48-valve configuration with sequential multi-point fuel injection (SIMPLE) and dual ignition coils per cylinder bank, delivering 368 kW (500 PS) and 610 Nm of torque. This naturally aspirated engine was engineered for flagship refinement and effortless high-speed performance in grand touring applications.
Fitted to the S-Class (W220) and CL-Class (C215), the M 137.980 targeted top-tier luxury buyers seeking maximum smoothness and power. Its design prioritized minimal vibration and linear throttle response, making it ideal for high-speed cruising. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter system and closed-loop lambda control, meeting Euro 3 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intake camshaft lobes, particularly under extended low-RPM operation or delayed oil changes. This issue, referenced in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 07.0023/99, stemmed from inadequate lubrication during cold starts. Later production units incorporated updated camshaft materials and revised oil pump calibration to improve upper valvetrain lubrication.
All production years (1998–2002) meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901).
The Mercedes-Benz M 137.980 is a 5,987 cc V12 petrol engine designed for flagship luxury sedans and coupes (1998–2002). It combines DOHC 48-valve architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver balanced performance and supreme refinement. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it prioritizes smoothness and high-speed stability in premium driving conditions.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,987 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Torque | 610 Nm @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point injection (SIMPLE) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | 10W-60 MB-Approval 229.3 | |
| Dry weight | 268 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 provides linear power delivery ideal for relaxed cruising but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 10W-60 MB-Approval 229.3 oil to prevent camshaft wear. Cold-start idling for 30–60 seconds ensures adequate oil pressure to the upper valvetrain. The SIMPLE fuel system demands high fuel quality (RON 98) to prevent injector coking. Early units (1998–2000) should be inspected for cam lobe wear per SIB 07.0023/99; updated camshafts and revised oil pump settings were introduced mid-2000. Dual ignition coils require periodic inspection for carbon tracking and boot seal degradation. Catalytic converters require periodic back-pressure checks to avoid flow restrictions.
Oil Specs: Requires MB-Approval 229.3 (10W-60) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0023/99). Supersedes ACEA A3/B3 requirements.
Emissions: All M 137.980 engines comply with Euro 3 standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8901). No Euro 4 variant was produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across production run; no market-specific derating (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A005918).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A005909, A005913, A005918, SIB 07.0023/99
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8901)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M 137.980 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W220/C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-tuned intake manifolds in the C215 and reinforced engine mounts in the W220-and from 2000 the facelifted W220 received updated ECU mapping, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front timing cover near the harmonic balancer (Mercedes-Benz TIS A005910). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('V' for V12 series). Pre-2000 models have silver cam covers with black valve stem seals; post-2000 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from M 119: M 137.980 has a 60° V-angle with revised crankshaft balance and updated ECU mapping, while M 119 uses earlier injection calibration and different intake routing. Service parts require production date verification - camshafts and oil pumps for engines before 06/2000 are incompatible with later units due to material and calibration revisions (Mercedes-Benz SIB 07.0023/99).
The M 137.980's primary reliability risk is premature intake camshaft wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 1999 indicated a significant share of pre-2000 engines requiring cam replacement before 140,000 km, while UK DVSA records link a portion of emissions-related MOT failures to catalytic converter degradation in high-mileage vehicles. Short trips and delayed oil changes increase cam and chain stress, making oil quality and maintenance adherence 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 M137980.
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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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