The 6.0-liter 12-cylinder Mercedes M120 E60 engine was produced from 1991 to 2001 and was installed on models such as the S-Class sedan and coupe in the 140th body or the SL-Class R129 roadster. Based on this engine, AMG has developed its power units with a volume of 7.0 and 7.3 liters.
The V12-family includes: M120, M137, M275, M279.
Specifications
| Production years | 1991-2001 |
| Displacement, cc | 5987 (M 120 E 60) 7291 (M 120 E 73) |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 394 – 408 (M 120 E 60) 525 (M 120 E 73) |
| Torque output, Nm | 570 – 580 (M 120 E 60) 750 (M 120 E 73) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V12 |
| Block head | aluminum 48v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 89 (M 120 E 60) 91.5 (M 120 E 73) |
| Piston stroke, mm | 80.2 (M 120 E 60) 92.4 (M 120 E 73) |
| Compression ratio | 10.0 (M 120 E 60) 10.5 (M 120 E 73) |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | double-row chain |
| Phase regulator | on the intake shafts |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 9.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 2/3 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes S600 1994) — city — highway — combined |
20.7 11.8 15.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
| Weight, kg | 300 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes CL-Class C140 in 1991 – 1998;
- Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1992 – 1998;
- Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1992 – 2001.
Disadvantages of the M120 E60 engine
- This is a hot motor and with a lack of cooling, its gaskets quickly collapse.
- And then, through all the collapsed gaskets and seals, grease begins to ooze.
- A lot of headaches for owners are delivered by the Bosch LH-jetronic control system.
- The double-row chain only looks powerful, sometimes it stretches to 150,000 km.
- But most of the complaints are about high fuel consumption and the considerable cost of spare parts.
