The Mercedes-Benz M189.985 is a 4,963 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2013 and 2017. It features a 32-valve, DOHC configuration with direct fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication. This high-revving engine delivers linear power delivery and track-focused performance, characteristic of Mercedes-AMG's motorsport-derived philosophy.
Fitted exclusively to the GT (C190), the M189.985 was engineered for aggressive throttle response, high-RPM power, and circuit durability. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled catalytic converters and closed-loop lambda control, allowing Euro 6 compliance across its production run.
One documented performance enhancement is the use of forged internals and advanced cooling systems to sustain high-RPM operation. This design, detailed in Mercedes-Benz AMG Technical Bulletin 07.0127, includes a flat-plane crankshaft and individual throttle bodies for each cylinder. Later builds (post-2016) received revised piston cooling jets and upgraded valve springs for improved thermal management.
All production years 2013–2017 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686).
The Mercedes-Benz M189.985 is a 4,963 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high-performance applications (2013–2017). It combines direct fuel injection with a flat-plane crankshaft and dry-sump lubrication to deliver explosive power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-AMG's naturally aspirated V8 development.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,963 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 98.5 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 375 kW (510 PS) @ 6,000–6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 650 Nm @ 4,500–5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Direct injection (Bosch HDEV6, 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double-row roller chain (rear-mounted) | |
| Oil type | 0W-40 (MB 229.52) | |
| Dry weight | 212 kg |
The high-revving naturally aspirated V8 provides linear power delivery ideal for track use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.52-specified 0W-40 oil to maintain bearing and valvetrain integrity. High-RPM operation demands consistent oil pressure; dry-sump system failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The HDEV6 fuel system is robust but sensitive to fuel quality. Post-2016 engines benefit from upgraded piston cooling jets and valve springs per AMG Technical Bulletin 07.0127. Catalytic converters require premium unleaded fuel meeting EN 228 to prevent thermal degradation and backpressure issues.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.52 specification (Mercedes AMG TB 07.0127). 0W-40 viscosity critical for high-temperature bearing protection.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all 2013–2017 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5686). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Mercedes Group PT-2013).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A33767, A34029, AMG TB 07.0127
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5686)
DIN Deutsches Institut für Normung: DIN 70020 Power Measurement Standard
The Mercedes-Benz M189.985 was used across Mercedes-Benz's C190 platform with transverse mounting in hot-V configuration. This engine received platform-specific tuning-adapted throttle response in the C190 and revised cooling layouts in the C190-and from 2016, updated piston cooling jets and valve springs per AMG TB 07.0127, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the oil filter housing (Mercedes TIS A33817). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('M' for M189 series). All units have black cam covers with red AMG lettering. Critical differentiation from M157.980: M189.985 has a flat-plane crankshaft with individual throttle bodies, while M157.980 uses a cross-plane crank and twin-turbo setup. Service parts require production date verification - valve springs before 08/2016 are incompatible with later units due to metallurgy and spring rate changes (Mercedes AMG TB 07.0127).
The M189.985's primary reliability risk is valve spring fatigue on early builds, with elevated incidence in track use. Internal AMG quality reports from 2015 indicated a notable portion of pre-2016 engines required valve spring replacement before 120,000 km, while VCA data shows a share of emissions failures linked to misfires from valve float. Sustained high-RPM operation and aggressive driving increase valvetrain stress, making oil quality and adherence to MB 229.52 specification critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-AMG technical bulletins (2013-2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M189985.
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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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