The Mercedes — Benz M279.981 is a 5,980 cc, twin — turbocharged V12 petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2019. It features a 60 — degree V12 configuration with dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT) on both intake and exhaust, and direct fuel injection (BlueDIRECT). In standard tune, it delivers 463 kW (630 PS) and 1,000 Nm of torque, providing exceptional power and refinement for flagship luxury sedans and coupes.
Fitted exclusively to the W222 S — C…
All production years 2012–2019 meet Euro 6 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5682).
The Mercedes-Benz M279.981 is a 5,980 cc twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine designed for flagship luxury vehicles (2012–2019). It combines DOHC architecture with variable valve timing and twin-scroll turbochargers to deliver immense power and near-silent operation. Engineered to meet Euro 6 standards, it balances high performance with emissions control for global markets.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 5,980 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 98 RON minimum) | |
Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
Bore × stroke | 82.6 mm × 93.0 mm | |
Power output | 463 kW (630 PS) @ 5,250 rpm | |
Torque | 1,000 Nm @ 2,300–4,300 rpm | |
Fuel system | Direct injection (BlueDIRECT), twin high-pressure pumps | |
Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
Compression ratio | 10.0:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | Twin-scroll turbochargers (one per cylinder bank), intercooled | |
Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary), non-interference design | |
Oil type | MB 229.51 (SAE 5W-30) | |
Dry weight | 278 kg |
The Mercedes-Benz M279.981 was used exclusively across Mercedes-Benz's W222 and C217 platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-exhaust routing in the S-Class and revised engine mounts in the Coupe-and from 2015 the updated fuel pump drive shafts were introduced, creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M279.981's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive shaft wear on pre-2015 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Mercedes-Benz quality reports from 2015 indicated a significant portion of pre-2015 engines required drive shaft replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show increased emissions failures linked to EGR and oxygen sensor faults in high-mileage units. Infrequent oil changes and low-quality fuel exacerbate drive shaft and turbocharger wear, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Mercedes-Benz technical bulletins (2013–2017) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2022). 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 M279.981 is exceptionally refined and powerful, but pre-2015 models are prone to fuel pump drive shaft wear if oil changes are delayed. Later units (2015+) with reinforced couplings show improved durability. Regular use of MB 229.51 oil and 15,000 km service intervals significantly reduce failure risk. Overall, well-maintained examples exceed 150,000 km reliably, though maintenance costs are very high due to complexity and AMG-specific components.
The most frequent issues are high-pressure fuel pump drive shaft wear (causing stalling), intake manifold gasket leaks (leading to vacuum faults), and valve cover oil seepage. Turbo wastegate actuator sticking and oxygen sensor degradation are also common. These are documented in Mercedes-Benz service bulletins and confirmed by dealer service records.
This 6.0L twin-turbo V12 was used exclusively in AMG flagship models: the S-Class (W222 S65 AMG), S-Class Coupe (C217 S65 AMG), and SL-Class (R231 SL65 AMG). It was phased out in 2019 and replaced by hybrid powertrains. No licensed external applications exist.
Limited tuning potential exists due to its twin-turbo V12 design. ECU remaps can yield +50–80 kW by optimizing boost curves and fuel delivery, but gains are modest. Forced induction upgrades are rare due to complexity and cost. Most owners prioritize smoothness and reliability over tuning, preserving the engine's effortless character.
Real-world consumption is approximately 18–26 L/100km (11–15 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can achieve ~15 L/100km (19 mpg UK), while city driving may exceed 30 L/100km (9 mpg UK). Fuel economy varies significantly with driving style, typical for large twin-turbo V12 engines in AMG applications.
No. The M279.981 uses a non-interference valvetrain design. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will not occur, preventing catastrophic internal damage. However, timing integrity is still essential for proper engine operation and emissions compliance.
Mercedes-Benz specifies 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting MB 229.51 standard. This low-SAPS formulation protects the fuel pump drive shaft and ensures proper turbocharger lubrication. Oil must be changed every 15,000 km or annually to prevent sludge and drive shaft wear. Using non-compliant oil voids long-term reliability.
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.