The Mercedes M112 E37 engine, the biggest in the M112 family, was designed for big cars. In order to accommodate a larger piston diameter of 97 mm, the cylinder block in the E37 has been modified in comparison to the E32.
M112 E24, M112 E26, M112 E28, M112 E32, M112 E37, M272 E25, M272 E30, M272 E35, M276 DE30, and M276 DE35 are all members of the V6-family.
The cylinder heads have three valves per cylinder—two intake and one exhaust—and a single camshaft (SOHC), just like the base M112 E32. The intake and exhaust valves now have 38 mm and 43 mm diameters, respectively. Hydraulic lifters, a variable length intake manifold, and a variable valve timing system are still in use.
The timing drive makes use of a chain with an average length of 200,000 kilometers. Engine management system Bosch Motronic ME 2.0.
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 |
Disadvantages of the M112 E37 engine
The destruction of the crankshaft pulley is the characteristic failure of this engine series.
The remaining engine issues are connected to higher oil consumption in some way.
Grease seeps out from beneath the gaskets and seals due to crankcase ventilation contamination.
Oil burnout is typically caused by hardened valve stem seals.
Additionally, the oil filter housing and heat exchanger are potential sources of lubrication leaks.