The Mercedes — Benz M275.981 is a 5,980 cc, V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and multi — port fuel injection. In standard tuning, it delivered 368 kW (500 PS) with peak torque of 630 Nm, providing effortless high — speed performance and refinement for flagship luxury applications.
Fitted exclusively to the W221 S — Class and R230 SL — Class, the M275.981 was enginee…
Production years 2006–2013 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Mercedes-Benz M275.981 is a 5,980 cc V12 naturally aspirated engine engineered for flagship luxury vehicles (2006–2013). It combines DOHC architecture with variable valve timing to deliver seamless power delivery and exceptional refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz's naturally aspirated petrol engineering.
| 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 @ 2,700–4,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Sequential multi-port fuel injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
Dry weight | 238 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M275.981 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221/R230 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-intake manifold tuning in the SL-Class and revised cooling routing in the S-Class-and from 2009 the updated camshaft adjuster system introduced in facelifted S-Class models improved oil pressure response, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M275.981's primary reliability risk is camshaft wear in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban and low-RPM driving. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2010 indicated a significant number of pre-2009 engines requiring camshaft replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA records show intake-related faults contributing to emissions test failures. Extended idling and short-trip usage reduce oil pressure stability, making adherence to oil specification and service intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2007-2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M275.981 offers exceptional smoothness and robust construction, but early models (2006–2008) are prone to camshaft wear if maintenance is deferred. Post-2009 revisions resolved most oil pressure issues, so well-maintained examples exceed 200,000 km. Using correct MB 229.5 oil and adhering to 15,000 km service intervals is essential for longevity.
Primary issues include camshaft wear (especially pre-2009), intake manifold flap failure, valve cover oil leaks, and ignition coil misfires. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins. Carbon buildup and EGR faults are less common than in diesel variants but may occur with poor maintenance.
This 6.0L V12 was used exclusively in flagship models: S-Class (W221 S600), CL-Class (C216 CL600), and SL-Class (R230 SL600). All applications are petrol-powered and Euro 4 compliant. No cross-manufacturer usage is documented.
Yes, though gains are more limited than turbocharged engines. ECU remapping can yield +20–40 kW safely by optimizing ignition and fuel maps. Supporting mods like high-flow intake and exhaust improve responsiveness. However, the naturally aspirated design limits peak output, and tuning should not compromise valve timing stability.
Moderate for a V12. In an S600 (W221), combined consumption is ~14.5 L/100km (~19.5 mpg UK). City driving may exceed 18 L/100km, while highway runs can achieve ~11.0 L/100km (~25.7 mpg UK). Real-world economy depends heavily on driving style, but expect 18–22 mpg (UK) under mixed conditions.
No. The M275.981 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails, piston-to-valve contact is avoided, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, timing chain replacement is still recommended at 180,000 km or as per service schedule to maintain synchronization.
Mercedes-Benz specifies SAE 5W-40 oil meeting MB 229.5 standard. This synthetic oil provides optimal protection for the variable camshaft system and high-temperature stability. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or one year to prevent sludge and wear.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with MERCEDES-BENZ or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
MERCEDES-BENZ Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialMERCEDES-BENZ documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed”.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.