Mercedes-BenzM116/M117/M119Petrol V83.5–5.6L1970–1999

Mercedes-Benz M116/M117/M119 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The M116, M117 and M119 are Mercedes' classic V8 petrol engines – legendary smoothness and durability, but chain tensioners and distributor caps need regular attention. Backed by real UK enquiries [ESTIMATED].

Mercedes-Benz M116/M117/M119 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost
Compare M116/M117/M119 Engine Prices

Jaguar M116 (3.5L) / M117 (4.5–5.6L) / M119 (4.2–5.0L) Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

M116 (3.5L) / M117 (4.5–5.6L) / M119 (4.2–5.0L)

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

3.5L–5.6L V8 (3,497–5,547 cc)

Power Range

200–326 hp [ESTIMATED]

Years Produced

1970–1999

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

4.5

out of 5

90% confidence – based on decades of owner feedback, specialist workshop consensus, and extensive forum data; proprietary enquiry figures are estimated.

The M116/M117/M119 are among Mercedes' finest V8s – smooth, powerful and durable – but age-related chain tensioner issues affect all examples – inspect timing components and injection systems carefully.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

4.5★ × 4

18 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint ~£4,000 → falls in £3,000–£4,999 band

16 /20

Repairability

Most mechanical work straightforward; chain tensioners and timing components require specialist attention

12 /20

Parts Supply

Good aftermarket support for common items; some M119-specific parts getting scarce

12 /20

Replacement Economics

TBC (Depends on host vehicle value – classic/collector values may justify; everyday examples may approach scrap threshold)

0 /20

Total Engine Score

0 / 20

Best for:

Classic Mercedes enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone seeking analogue V8 refinement with legendary build quality.

Avoid if:

You want modern fuel economy, cheap parts, or aren't prepared for classic car maintenance costs.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 0+ models from multiple years.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.

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Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

Cross-link: Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand fitment.

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

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Fitting an M116/M117/M119 typically takes 12–18 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED]. Timing chain and tensioner work is a specialist job.

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz – no cross-brand cost comparison applies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

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