The Mercedes M112 E37 engine was intended for large cars and became the largest in the M112 family. Compared to the E32, in the E37 the cylinder block has been changed to accommodate a larger piston diameter of 97 mm.
The cylinder heads are similar to those used on the base M112 E32: with one camshaft (SOHC) and three valves per cylinder: two intake, one exhaust. The diameter of the intake valves has been increased to 38 mm, exhaust 43 mm. The variable valve timing system, hydraulic lifters, as well as a variable length intake manifold are still used.
The timing drive uses a chain, the average resource of which is about 200 thousand km. Bosch Motronic ME 2.0 engine management system.
Mercedes V6 family: M112 E24, M112 E26, M112 E28, M112 E32, M112 E37, M272 E25, M272 E30, M272 E35, M276 DE30, M276 DE35.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2008 |
| Displacement, cc | 3724 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 231 – 245 |
| Torque output, Nm | 345 – 350 |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V6 |
| Block head | aluminum 18v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 97 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 84 |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | yes |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 7.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 3/4 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for ML350 W163) — city — highway — combined |
19.4 11.0 14.1 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~360 000 |
| Weight, kg | 160 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes ML-Class W163 in 2001 – 2004;
- Mercedes SL-Class R230 in 2001 – 2006;
- Mercedes S-Class W220 in 2002 – 2005;
- Mercedes V-Class W639 in 2004 – 2008.
Disadvantages of the M112 E37 engine
- The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley.
- The remaining engine problems are somehow related to increased oil consumption.
- Due to contamination of the crankcase ventilation, grease creeps out from under the gaskets and seals.
- The main cause of oil burnout here is usually in hardened valve stem seals.
- Lubrication leak points are also the oil filter housing and heat exchanger.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M112 E37
How much power does the Mercedes M112 E37 make?
The Mercedes M112 E37 develops 231 - 245 hp and 345 - 350 Nm of torque.
How much oil does the Mercedes M112 E37 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 7.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mercedes M112 E37 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M112 E37 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M112 E37 turbocharged?
No, the Mercedes M112 E37 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Mercedes M112 E37 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M112 E37 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M112 E37 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M112 E37 is ~360 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M112 E37?
ML350 W163: city 19.4, highway 11.0, combined 14.1 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M112 E37 installed on?
Mercedes ML-Class W163 in 2001 - 2004; Mercedes SL-Class R230 in 2001 - 2006; Mercedes S-Class W220 in 2002 - 2005; Mercedes V-Class W639 in 2004 - 2008.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M112 E37?
The signature failure of this series of engines is the destruction of the crankshaft pulley. The remaining engine problems are somehow related to increased oil consumption. All known problems.
