E500 5.0 V8 (M113)
2002–2006 · petrol · 4966cc · 306hp
Engine codes: M113
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 E500 5.0 V8 (M113). Check this before you buy used.
The M113 5.0 V8 — considered one of the best engines Mercedes ever built, exceptionally durable and good well past 400,000 km. Reliability genuinely isn't the issue; running costs and fuel are. The honest age-related items are oil leaks (rear main seal, valve covers, the oil-pressure test port and the power-steering pump, whose oil can get onto the belts), individual ignition coils that misfire when they fail, and the secondary-air-injection pump that can fail and light the engine-management lamp. Early (pre-2003) 5.0s also had some camshaft-lobe wear from marginal top-end oiling. Keep the leaks and coils in check and it's a robust, long-lived powerplant.
Known Issues
Rubber seals harden with age — the rear main seal, valve covers, oil-pressure test port and power-steering pump all become leak sources; steering-pump oil can reach the drive belts.
Fix / Workaround: Reseal as leaks appear; keep oil off the belts.
Repair cost: €150–€1000
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Early 5.0 variants can show premature cam-lobe wear from marginal upper-valvetrain lubrication — rough idle, misfires under load and cam-sensor codes.
Fix / Workaround: On pre-2003 cars listen for rough idle/misfire and scan for cam codes; later builds improved.
Repair cost: €300–€1500
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Individual coils misfire when they fail (cylinder-specific codes); the secondary-air-injection pump can fail, lighting the engine-management lamp.
Fix / Workaround: Replace failed coils; repair/replace the SAI pump.
Repair cost: €80–€500
Thirsty V8 with pricier consumables — not a reliability fault.
Fix / Workaround: Budget accordingly.
0Year Cutoffs
Mileage Thresholds
After 150,000 km: Oil leaks, coil failures and (pre-2003) cam wear become more likely.
After 400,000 km: Exceptionally durable with leak and coil maintenance.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Check for oil leaks (rear main seal, valve covers, steering pump onto belts)
- ☐Pre-2003: rule out rough idle/misfire (cam-lobe wear)
- ☐Rule out coil misfires; check the secondary-air pump
- ☐Budget for fuel/consumables — one of the best MB engines ever
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 E500 5.0 V8 (M113) reliable?
Reliable — The M113 5.0 V8 — considered one of the best engines Mercedes ever built, exceptionally durable and good well past 400,000 km. Reliability genuinely isn't the issue; running costs and fuel are. The honest age-related items are oil leaks (rear main seal, valve covers, the oil-pressure test port and the power-steering pump, whose oil can get onto the belts), individual ignition coils that misfire when they fail, and the secondary-air-injection pump that can fail and light the engine-management lamp. Early (pre-2003) 5.0s also had some camshaft-lobe wear from marginal top-end oiling. Keep the leaks and coils in check and it's a robust, long-lived powerplant.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 E500 5.0 V8 (M113)?
The most commonly reported problems: Oil leaks (rear main seal / valve covers / steering pump), Camshaft lobe wear (pre-2003), Ignition coils / secondary air pump, Running costs / fuel.
Is a used Mercedes Benz E-Class W211 E500 5.0 V8 (M113) worth buying?
Minor issues only, easy to maintain, no design flaws. A safe used buy.