The Mercedes-Benz M275.953 is a 5,980 cc, 60° V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and multi-point fuel injection. This high-output variant delivers 368 kW (500 PS) and 630 Nm of torque, engineered for flagship grand tourer and luxury sedan applications. Its architecture supports electronic throttle control and adaptive ignition mapping for seamless power delivery across all load conditions.
Fitted exclusively to the W221 S-Class and C215 CL-Class, the M275.953 was designed to offer effortless high-speed cruising and refined acceleration. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-port fuel injection and closed-loop three-way catalytic converters, meeting Euro 4 standards throughout its production run. The water-cooled design ensures thermal stability during sustained operation at high loads.
One documented concern is early hydraulic lash adjuster wear in pre-2009 production units, as highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Information Bulletin 275.010/08. The root cause involves marginal oil film stability under low-RPM, high-load operation. In response, Mercedes revised the cam follower design and updated oil specifications in 2009, significantly improving long-term durability in later M275.953 engines.
All production years 2006–2013 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681).
The Mercedes-Benz M275.953 is a 5,980 cc V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for flagship luxury applications (2006–2013). It combines dual overhead camshafts with variable valve timing to deliver smooth, linear power delivery and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances peak performance with regulatory compliance and long-term drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,980 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.6 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 5,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 630 Nm @ 2,700–4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (ME 9.7 ECU) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 238 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 delivers exceptionally smooth power ideal for grand touring but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.5-spec oil to prevent cam follower wear. Using non-compliant oils can degrade hydraulic lash adjuster performance, leading to valve train noise and potential recession. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure stable oil pressure to upper valvetrain components. The ME 9.7 engine management system is sensitive to vacuum leaks and sensor degradation, requiring diagnostic verification during maintenance. Post-2009 models benefit from revised followers and improved lubrication; pre-2009 units should be inspected per SIB 275.010/08. Catalytic converters are durable but vulnerable to fuel contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-40) specification (Mercedes-Benz SIB 275.010/08). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 standards.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2013 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5681). No market-specific variants.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. 368 kW output applies to M275.953 in S600/CL600 applications (Mercedes-Benz TIS Doc. A32002).
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31573, A31892, SIB 275.010/08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5681)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Mercedes-Benz M275.953 was used exclusively in Mercedes-Benz's W221 and C215 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning differences—slightly revised intake manifolds in the W221 and enhanced sound insulation in the C215—and from 2009 the updated W221 facelift models adopted revised hydraulic lash adjusters, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front right cylinder bank near the intake manifold (Mercedes-Benz TIS A31701). The 7th and 8th digits of the VIN indicate engine type ('DF' for M275 series). Pre-2009 models have silver cam covers with visible black valve stem seals; post-2009 units use updated hydraulic lash adjusters with revised oil feed grooves. Critical differentiation from M275.963: M275.953 has a naturally aspirated design and lacks twin-turbochargers. Service parts require model-year verification—cam followers for pre-2009 engines are not compatible with post-2009 revisions due to internal design changes (Mercedes-Benz SIB 275.010/08).
The M275.953's primary reliability risk is hydraulic lash adjuster wear on early builds, with elevated incidence in mixed urban driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2010 indicated a significant number of pre-2009 engines required follower replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show cam-related faults contribute to emissions failures in high-mileage units. Frequent cold starts and extended short trips increase wear risk, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2007-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M275953.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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VCA Certification Portal
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