The Mercedes-Benz M 178.980 is a 3,982 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2014 and 2021. It features a 90° 'hot-V' configuration with DOHC 32-valve architecture, dry sump lubrication, and direct fuel injection at up to 200 bar, delivering 420 kW (571 PS) in its highest AMG application, with peak torque of 700 Nm available at 5,500 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the W222 S 63 AMG Coupé and C217 CLS 63 AMG S Coupé, the M 178.980 was engineered for high-revving performance and track-capable dynamics. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), secondary air injection, and close-coupled three-way catalysts, enabling Euro 6 compliance across all markets.
One documented engineering update occurred in 2017, when Mercedes-AMG revised the intake manifold runners and camshaft profiles to improve throttle response and mid-range torque. This update, referenced in Mercedes-Benz AMG Technical Bulletin 07.0240/17, also included recalibrated engine mounts and updated ECU mapping to enhance NVH refinement under partial load conditions.
All production units (2014–2021) meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012). No Euro 6d-TEMP-compliant variant was produced.
The Mercedes-Benz M 178.980 is a 3,982 cc V8 engineered for high-performance grand tourers (2014–2021). It combines a 32-valve DOHC 'hot-V' layout with dry sump lubrication and direct injection to deliver race-derived power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it prioritizes throttle response and high-RPM performance over emissions flexibility.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,982 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 98.5 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 420 kW (571 PS) @ 7,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High-pressure direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | 0W-40 (MB 229.52) | |
| Dry weight | 180 kg |
The naturally aspirated 'hot-V' V8 provides aggressive power delivery ideal for performance driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using 0W-40 MB 229.52 oil to protect the dry sump system and valvetrain. The high specific output (105 kW/L) necessitates premium unleaded fuel (RON 98) to prevent knock and maintain performance. Engines built before 2017 should be verified for intake manifold and camshaft upgrades per AMG Technical Bulletin 07.0240/17 to ensure throttle response and mid-range torque. Cooling system maintenance is critical—failed thermostats or degraded coolant can trigger limp mode due to elevated thermal loads.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.52 specification (0W-40) (Mercedes-Benz AMG SIB 07.0240/17). Compatible with ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Certified to Euro 6 only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9012). No production units meet Euro 6d-TEMP standards.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets; requires RON 98 fuel for full performance.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32400, A32405, AMG SIB 07.0240/17
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9012)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Testing Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M 178.980 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W222/C217 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific tuning-reinforced engine mounts in the W222 and revised exhaust manifolds in the C217-and from 2021 the W223 S-Class adopted the twin-turbo M 256 inline-six, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped diagonally on the front right cylinder bank near the alternator (Mercedes-Benz TIS A32400). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for M 178 series). Pre-2017 models have silver cam covers with red AMG badges; post-2017 units use black cam covers with revised intake runners. Critical differentiation from M 157: M 178.980 uses naturally aspirated 'hot-V' design and dry sump lubrication; M 157 uses twin-turbocharging and wet sump. Service parts require production date verification—intake manifolds and ECUs for pre-2017 engines are incompatible with post-update units due to runner length and mapping changes (Mercedes-Benz AMG SIB 07.0240/17).
The M 178.980's primary reliability risk is ignition coil failure in early builds, with elevated incidence in track-driven or poorly maintained vehicles. Internal AMG service reports from 2016 indicated a notable number of pre-2017 engines required coil replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows older performance V8s are overrepresented in MOT emissions failures due to aging oxygen sensors and exhaust leaks. Extended oil intervals and aggressive driving exacerbate valvetrain stress, making oil quality and adherence to service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz AMG technical bulletins (2014-2021) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M178980.
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