Engine Overview
The MTU 12V 2000 S96 is a high-performance 12-cylinder V-configuration marine diesel engine delivering exceptional power and reliability for commercial and luxury vessel applications.
Key Specifications
Configuration: 12-cylinder, 60° V-engine
Power Output: 1,940 HP (1,447 kW) at 2,450 rpm
Displacement: 23.9 liters
Weight (dry): Approximately 2,350 kg
Aspiration: Turbocharged and charge air cooled
Cooling System: Fresh water cooling with heat exchanger
Common Applications: Fast ferries, patrol boats, luxury yachts (35-50m), crew boats
Typical Vessel Installations
The MTU 12V 2000 S96 is commonly found in:
High-speed passenger ferries
Offshore support vessels
Patrol and military craft
Performance yachts requiring sustained high-speed operation
Commercial vessels requiring IMO Tier II compliance
Service Intervals & Maintenance Schedule
Standard Service Intervals
250 Hours / 3 Months (whichever comes first)
Engine oil and filter change
Fuel pre-filter replacement
Visual inspection of all systems
Check cooling system levels
Inspect drive belts
500 Hours / 6 Months
Complete oil and filter change
Replace all fuel filters
Replace air filter elements
Inspect turbocharger
Check all hose connections
Inspect raw water pump impeller
1,000 Hours / Annual
Major service including all 500-hour items
Replace coolant filter
Replace raw water pump impeller
Inspect heat exchanger zincs
Check valve clearances
Inspect charge air cooler
Replace crankcase breather filter
Test all safety systems
2,000 Hours / 2 Years
Complete major overhaul items
Replace timing components as needed
Inspect injectors (testing/replacement)
Turbocharger inspection/service
Comprehensive inspection of mounting system
Replace all coolant and flush system
Essential Maintenance Parts
Engine Oil & Filters
Engine Oil Capacity: Approximately 80 liters
Recommended Oil Specification:
MTU approved oils meeting specifications
SAE 15W-40 for normal operation
SAE 10W-30 for cold climate operation
Always use ACEA E7 or API CI-4 minimum specification
Oil Filter:
Primary oil filter: Replace every 250 hours
Part typically required: 2 per service
Critical for maintaining engine longevity
Fuel System Components
Fuel Filters (Multi-Stage System):
Pre-filter (water separator): 500 hours
Primary fuel filter: 500 hours
Fine fuel filter: 500 hours
Critical: Always replace fuel filters with genuine OE parts to maintain injection system warranty
Fuel System Notes:
MTU 2000 series uses common rail injection
Contaminated fuel can cause catastrophic injection system damage
Water in fuel is a primary cause of injector failure
Air Intake System
Air Filter Elements:
Replace every 500 hours or when restriction indicator activates
More frequent in dusty environments
Never clean and reuse - always replace
Dual-element design on most installations
Turbocharger:
Inspect at 500-hour intervals
Listen for unusual noise or vibration
Check for oil leaks
Expected service life: 8,000-12,000 hours with proper maintenance
Cooling System
Coolant Specifications:
Use MTU approved coolant only
Mixture: 50% concentrate, 50% distilled water
System capacity: Approximately 120 liters (engine + heat exchanger)
Replace every 2,000 hours or 2 years
Coolant Filter:
Replace at 1,000-hour intervals
Contains corrosion inhibitor additives
Critical for protecting aluminum components
Raw Water Pump:
Neoprene impeller replacement: 500-1,000 hours
Inspect for wear, cracks, missing vanes
Always have spare impeller on board
Failure can cause engine overheat in minutes
Heat Exchanger:
Inspect zincs every 500 hours
Replace when 50% depleted
Clean tubes annually in saltwater service
Pressure test during major service
Drive System
V-Belt / Serpentine Belt:
Inspect tension at 250-hour service
Replace every 2,000 hours or if wear/cracking visible
Proper tension critical for alternator and cooling pump operation
Damper/Coupling:
Inspect at annual service
Check for vibration issues
Replace per manufacturer schedule (typically 6,000+ hours)
Common Issues & Failure Points
Based on 35+ Years of MTU Parts Supply Experience
1. Fuel Injection System Contamination (Most Common)
Cause: Contaminated fuel, water ingress, incorrect fuel specification
Symptoms: Rough running, black smoke, loss of power, difficult starting
Prevention: Religious fuel filter changes, quality fuel, water separator maintenance
Parts affected: Injectors (expensive), high-pressure fuel pump, fuel rail sensors
2. Cooling System Issues
Cause: Failed impeller, clogged heat exchanger, low coolant level
Symptoms: High temperature alarm, reduced power output
Prevention: Regular impeller replacement, annual heat exchanger cleaning
Critical parts: Raw water impeller, heat exchanger zincs, coolant filter
3. Turbocharger Wear
Cause: Oil contamination, air filter neglect, over-speeding
Symptoms: Loss of power, excessive smoke, unusual noise, high EGT
Prevention: Clean oil, quality air filters, proper cool-down procedures
Expected life: 8,000-12,000 hours with proper maintenance
4. Sensor Failures
Cause: Vibration, heat, age, moisture ingress
Symptoms: Error codes, safety shutdowns, erratic gauge readings
Common sensors: Temperature sensors, pressure sensors, speed sensors
Note: Always use genuine MTU sensors - aftermarket often unreliable
5. Starter Motor & Electrical
Cause: Corrosive marine environment, extended cranking, age
Symptoms: Slow cranking, clicking noise, no-start condition
Prevention: Keep connections clean and dry, test batteries regularly
Note: Heavy-duty marine starter - expensive component
Emergency Spares Recommendation
For vessels on extended passages, we recommend carrying:
Critical Spares Kit:
✓ Complete set of fuel filters (pre, primary, fine)
✓ Raw water pump impeller with gasket
✓ Engine oil filters (x2)
✓ Drive belt set
✓ Assorted hoses and clamps
✓ Thermostat
✓ Selection of sensors (temperature, pressure)
✓ Injector leak-off hoses
✓ Heat exchanger zincs
Tools & Consumables:
✓ Correct grade engine oil (at least one oil change worth)
✓ Coolant concentrate (10 liters minimum)
✓ Quality fuel additive/biocide
✓ Gasket sealant (MTU approved)
✓ Spare fuses and electrical connectors
MTU 12V 2000 S96 vs. Other S-Series Variants
Understanding Model Differences
S90 Series (1,800 HP):
Lower power rating
Some parts interchangeable
Typically lower operating costs
S96 Series (1,940 HP) - This Engine:
Higher specific output
Enhanced fuel injection system
Optimized for sustained high-speed operation
M Series (Commercial/Workboat):
Different ratings and certifications
Some shared components
Generally more conservative tuning
Important: Always verify part numbers with your engine serial number. MTU made running changes throughout production.
Parts Availability & Lead Times
At OE Engine Parts, we stock:
✓ In-Stock Items (Ship within 4-5 working days):
Standard filters (oil, fuel, air)
Raw water impellers and service kits
Common gaskets and seals
Belts and hoses
Basic sensors
Heat exchanger zincs
⏱️ Special Order Items (4-8 weeks typical):
Injectors and high-pressure fuel components
Turbochargers and turbo components
Engine control modules (ECU)
Major engine assemblies
Specialist tooling
⚡ Express Service Available:
For emergency situations, we can often expedite critical parts. Call us immediately if you have an urgent requirement.
Why Genuine OE Parts Matter for MTU Engines
The Case for Genuine MTU Components
Fuel System:
Common rail injection systems operate at 2,000+ bar pressure. Aftermarket injectors can cause catastrophic engine damage and void warranties.
Electronic Components:
MTU engine management systems are precisely calibrated. Non-genuine sensors can cause improper readings, leading to incorrect fuel delivery or safety system failures.
Filtration:
MTU filters are engineered for specific flow rates and filtration efficiency. Incorrect filters can starve the engine or allow contaminants through.
Warranty Considerations:
Using non-approved parts can void MTU factory warranties and extended service agreements.
Service Kit Solutions
We Offer Pre-Configured Service Kits
250-Hour Basic Service Kit:
Engine oil filters (x2)
Fuel pre-filter
All necessary O-rings and gaskets
Competitive pricing vs. buying items individually
500-Hour Standard Service Kit:
All 250-hour items PLUS:
Complete fuel filter set (pre, primary, fine)
Air filter elements
Raw water impeller kit
Coolant system additives
1,000-Hour Annual Service Kit:
All 500-hour items PLUS:
Coolant filter
Crankcase breather
Heat exchanger zincs
Additional gaskets and seals
Inspection check sheet
Custom Kits Available:
Planning a major service or extended passage? Send us your engine serial number and we'll quote a complete kit with everything you need.
Technical Support & Parts Identification
How We Can Help
Not Sure Which Part You Need?
Send us your engine serial number
Describe the issue or maintenance required
We'll identify the correct parts
Have a Service Schedule from MTU?
Upload or send us the PDF
We'll quote all parts required
Typical response time: Under 2 hours
Emergency Breakdown?
WhatsApp us photos of the failed component
We'll identify and check availability immediately
Express shipping available for critical parts
Request Your MTU 12V 2000 S96 Service Quote
Planning your next service interval? Need emergency parts? We specialize in complete MTU service kit quotes.
Get Your Quote:
📋 WhatsApp Your Parts List: +44 7599 451070
☎️ Call Our MTU Specialist: +44 1473 728678
📧 Email Your Service Schedule: info@oeengineparts.com
💬 Send an Inquiry:
Include:
Engine serial number
Service interval (250/500/1,000/2,000 hours)
Current engine hours
Any known issues
Timeline needed
Response Time: Within 2 hours during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-6pm GMT)
About OE Engine Parts
Since 1997, OE Engine Parts has specialized in supplying genuine OE marine diesel engine components. Our family business understands the critical nature of marine engine reliability.
Why Choose Us:
✓ Genuine OE parts from authorized suppliers
✓ Comprehensive inventory - from fasteners to complete assemblies
✓ Technical expertise across all major marine diesel brands
✓ Fair pricing with honest lead times
✓ Responsive service - we answer within 2 hours
✓ Support for vessels worldwide (4 continents)
Our Commitment:
We provide exactly the spare part you need. You can rely on our commitment to quality and dependability.
Related Guides:
MTU 16V 2000 M96 Complete Parts Guide
MTU 2000 Series Common Problems & Solutions
Marine Diesel Fuel System Maintenance Best Practices
Understanding MTU Service Bulletins & Technical Updates
Last Updated: October 2025
This guide is based on general specifications. Always refer to your specific engine's service manual and consult with qualified marine engineers for major work. Part numbers and specifications subject to change based on engine serial number and production date.
