Mercedes-Benz M116 engine

The Mercedes-Benz M116 is an automotive V8 engine made in several versions by Mercedes-Benz between 1969 and 1991. All models were gasoline powered, and utilized a single overhead camshaft with 2 valves per cylinder and Bosch Jetronic fuel injection. The larger M117 V8 followed, introduced initially in the US market.

Mercedes-Benz M116 Engine
3.5 litre, US-spec M116.980 in a 280 SE 3.5 Coupé
Overview
ManufacturerMercedes-Benz
Production1969–1991
Layout
ConfigurationNaturally aspirated 90° V8
Displacement
  • 3.5 L (3,499 cc)
  • 3.8 L (3,818 cc)
  • 3.8 L (3,839 cc)
  • 4.2 L (4,196 cc)
Cylinder block materialCast iron 1969-1978
Aluminum 1978-1991
Cylinder head materialAluminum
ValvetrainSOHC with 2 valves x cyl.
Combustion
Fuel systemFuel injection
ManagementBosch Jetronic
Fuel typeGasoline
Oil systemWet sump
Cooling systemWater-cooled
Output
Power output158–231 PS (116–170 kW; 156–228 hp)
Torque output266–310 N⋅m (196–229 lb⋅ft)
Chronology
PredecessorMercedes-Benz M100 engine
SuccessorMercedes-Benz M119 engine

The original M116 engine 116.980 was introduced August 1969 in the 300SEL 3.5. It featured 9.5:1 compression with 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp) at 5,800 rpm and 286 N⋅m (211 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm. This was enough to propel the 1,575 kg (3,472 lb) saloon to a top speed of 205 km/h (127 mph). This engine and its twin, the 116.981 remained in production until 1980 when it was replaced by its larger 3.8 litre variant.

  • Bore x Stroke: 92 mm × 65.8 mm (3.62 in × 2.59 in) Displacement 3.5 L (3,499 cc)

Usage

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The 116.960 engine was introduced in 1979 featuring 8.3:1 compression with 158 PS (116 kW; 156 hp) at 4,750 rpm and 266 N⋅m (196 lb⋅ft) at 2,750 rpm. This engine reached North America later for the 1981 380SL. There were 116.961, 116.962, and 116.963 versions of this engine. Early models came with a single row timing chain until 1983[1] and were plagued with chain failure problems which Mercedes-Benz would repair free of charge, changing the timing chain to a dual row thus resolved the problem making these engine as durable and reliable as any other Mercedes V8. All 1984 and 1985 3.8 V8 models came with a double row timing chain from the factory to prevent this failure, however this engine was replaced for the 1986 model year by its larger 4.2 litre variant.

  • Bore x Stroke: 88 mm × 78.9 mm (3.46 in × 3.11 in) Displacement 3.8 L (3,818 cc)

Usage

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The 116.965 engine was introduced in 1986 for the revised S-Class. It featured 9.0:1 compression and had from 204–231 PS (150–170 kW; 201–228 hp) depending on year and export market. All engines were mated to the Mercedes-Benz 4G-Tronic transmission. In North America, this engine was only used in 420SEL models featuring 204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp) at 5,200 rpm and 310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 3,600 rpm. This engine was used until 1991 when it was replaced by the newer 4.2L Double overhead camshaft Mercedes-Benz M119 engine with which it shares no parts.

  • Bore x Stroke: 92 mm × 78.9 mm (3.62 in × 3.11 in) Displacement 4.2 L (4,196 cc)

Usage

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References

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  • McComb, F. Wilson (1980). Mercedes-Benz V8s: Limousines, Saloons, Sedans. 1963 to date. Osprey AutoHistory series. London: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 0850453836.
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