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.
Mercedes V12 family: 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.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M120
How much power does the Mercedes M120 make?
Power output of the Mercedes M120, hp: 394 - 408 (M 120 E 60); 525 (M 120 E 73). Torque, Nm: 570 - 580 (M 120 E 60); 750 (M 120 E 73).
How much oil does the Mercedes M120 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 9.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-40.
Does the Mercedes M120 have a timing belt or chain?
Timing drive of the Mercedes M120: double-row chain.
Is the Mercedes M120 turbocharged?
No, the Mercedes M120 is naturally aspirated.
Does the Mercedes M120 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M120 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M120 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M120 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M120?
Mercedes S600 1994: city 20.7, highway 11.8, combined 15.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M120 installed on?
Mercedes CL-Class C140 in 1991 - 1998; Mercedes S-Class W140 in 1992 - 1998; Mercedes SL-Class R129 in 1992 - 2001.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M120?
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. All known problems.
