Engine Family
M116 (3.5L) / M117 (4.5–5.6L) / M119 (4.2–5.0L)
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].

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/
Rating:
4.5
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:
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.
Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 0+ models from multiple years.
Jaguar Exclusive Engine
This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.
Other Jaguar Models
Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.
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.
All prices are estimates from UK specialists [JAGUAR-QUOTE]
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.
Compare Prices from UK specialists
Get live pricing from 20+ trusted engine suppliers.
All prices are estimates from UK specialists
[JAGUAR-QUOTE]
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.
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