The Mercedes-Benz M 275.982 is a 5,980 cc, 90° V12 petrol engine produced between 2006 and 2013. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, and naturally aspirated operation with multi-point fuel injection. In standard tuning, it delivered 386 kW (525 PS) and 830 Nm of torque, providing effortless high-speed performance and exceptional refinement.
Fitted exclusively to the W221 S-Class and R230 SL-Class flagship models, the M 275.982 was engineered for ultimate luxury, smoothness, and power. Its design prioritized vibration damping, ultra-quiet operation, and linear power delivery for imperious acceleration. Emissions compliance was achieved through sequential multi-port fuel injection, EGR, and close-coupled catalytic converters, meeting Euro 4 standards across its production run.
One documented concern involves premature wear of the intake camshaft adjuster mechanism, highlighted in Mercedes-Benz Service Bulletin 275.010/09. This fault can lead to incorrect valve timing, reduced performance, and potential engine damage if unaddressed. The issue stems from inadequate oil flow to the phaser piston under prolonged low-RPM operation. Later production units received revised adjuster designs and updated oil pump calibration to mitigate the risk.
All production years 2006–2013 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Mercedes-Benz M 275.982 is a 5,980 cc 90° V12 engineered for flagship luxury applications (2006–2013). It combines naturally aspirated design with dual variable valve timing to deliver imperious power and near-silent refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances extreme performance with drivability in the brand's most prestigious models.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,980 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 90° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.6 mm × 93.0 mm | |
| Power output | 386 kW (525 PS) @ 5,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 830 Nm @ 2,800–3,700 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Sequential multi-point fuel injection (ME 2.8 control unit) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.6:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (short-block to cylinder heads) | |
| Oil type | MB 229.5 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 238 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 delivers imperious, linear power ideal for grand touring but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using MB 229.5 specification oil to prevent camshaft adjuster wear. Low-speed city driving without regular highway use can exacerbate oil stagnation in the phaser mechanism. Using non-compliant oil or extended intervals risks premature adjuster failure, leading to timing faults and reduced performance. Cold starts should be followed by gradual warm-up to ensure oil circulation. Post-2009 models feature revised cam adjusters; pre-2009 units should be inspected per Mercedes SIB 275.010/09. Catalytic converters are sensitive to fuel quality and require premium unleaded (RON 95 minimum) to prevent thermal degradation.
Oil Specs: Requires MB 229.5 (5W-40) specification (Mercedes SIB 275.010/09). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2013 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across model years with no market-specific derating.
Mercedes-Benz Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32890, A32900, SIB 275.010/09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
DIN 70020:2004 Road vehicles — Determination of engine power
The Mercedes-Benz M 275.982 was used across Mercedes-Benz's W221 and R230 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific calibrations-adaptive throttle response in the S-Class and revised torque delivery in the SL-Class-and from 2009, minor internal revisions improved cam adjuster durability, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front right-side cylinder bank near the timing cover (Mercedes TIS A32895). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('J' for M275 series). Pre-2009 models have silver valve covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2009 units use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from M273: M275.982 is a V12 with larger displacement and different firing order, while M273 is a V8. Service parts require production date verification - cam adjusters for engines before 09/2009 are incompatible with later units due to internal redesign (Mercedes SIB 275.010/09).
The M 275.982's primary reliability risk is intake camshaft adjuster wear, with elevated incidence in urban driving conditions. Internal Daimler reports from 2010 indicated a significant portion of pre-2009 engines required adjuster replacement before 150,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows cam timing faults among the top engine-related MOT advisories for W221 S 600 models. Frequent short trips and low-RPM operation reduce oil flow to the phaser, making oil quality and interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2006–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about MERCEDES-BENZ M275982.
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.
