In 1992, the Mercedes M111 E20 engine replaced the outdated 4-cylinder E20 engine from the M102 series. The new 2.0-liter engine differs from its predecessor primarily in a completely new cylinder block, which is made of cast iron, a new crankshaft, and a new connecting rod and piston group.
On the M111 E20 engine, the cylinder head has 4 valves per cylinder and two camshafts. The design provides space for hydraulic lifters, as well as electronic fuel injection systems.
1st gen Mercedes R4 family: M102, M111 E18, M111 E20, M111 E22, M111 E23, M166, M266, M271 E16, M271 E18.
Specifications
| Production years | 1992-2004 |
| Displacement, cc | 1998 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 136 (M 111 E 20) 180 – 192 (M 111 E 20 ML) |
| Torque output, Nm | 190 (M 111 E 20) 250 – 270 (M 111 E 20 ML) |
| Cylinder block | cast iron R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89.9 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 78.7 |
| Compression ratio | 9.6 – 10.4 (M 111 E 20) 8.5 (M 111 E 20 ML) |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | at the intake |
| Turbocharging | no (M 111 E 20) kompressor (M 111 E 20 ML) |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 5.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes C200 1999) — city — highway — combined |
11.1 6.3 8.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~420 000 |
| Weight, kg | 167 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1992 – 1997, E-Class W210 in 1995 – 2003;
- Mercedes C-Class W202 in 1993 – 2001, C-Class W203 in 2000 – 2002;
- Mercedes SLK-Class R170 in 1996 – 2004;
- Mercedes V-Class W638 in 1996 – 2003;
- Mercedes CLK-Class C208 in 1997 – 2003.
Disadvantages of the M111 E20 engine
- Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage.
- The mass air flow sensor has a modest resource; if it breaks, fuel consumption increases.
- Up to 100,000 kilometers, the water pump almost always starts to leak in the engine.
- From 100 to 200 thousand km, piston skirts often wear out or the exhaust cracks.
- After 200 – 250 thousand km, the oil pump or timing chain drive already requires attention.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M111 E20
How much power does the Mercedes M111 E20 make?
Power output of the Mercedes M111 E20, hp: 136 (M 111 E 20); 180 - 192 (M 111 E 20 ML). Torque, Nm: 190 (M 111 E 20); 250 - 270 (M 111 E 20 ML).
How much oil does the Mercedes M111 E20 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 5.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Mercedes M111 E20 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M111 E20 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M111 E20 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mercedes M111 E20 is turbocharged (no (M 111 E 20); kompressor (M 111 E 20 ML)).
Does the Mercedes M111 E20 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M111 E20 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M111 E20 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M111 E20 is ~420 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M111 E20?
Mercedes C200 1999: city 11.1, highway 6.3, combined 8.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M111 E20 installed on?
Mercedes E-Class W124 in 1992 - 1997, E-Class W210 in 1995 - 2003; Mercedes C-Class W202 in 1993 - 2001, C-Class W203 in 2000 - 2002; Mercedes SLK-Class R170 in 1996 - 2004; Mercedes V-Class W638 in 1996 - 2003; Mercedes CLK-Class C208 in 1997 - 2003.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M111 E20?
Most of all, grease leaks will cause you problems, and their number grows with mileage. The mass air flow sensor has a modest resource; if it breaks, fuel consumption increases. All known problems.
