Every component had to be designed, built and tested for the new engine. Daimler and Maybach initially attempted to overcome the ignition problem using a hot-tube ignition. The engine operated on a four-stroke principle.
Their test engine with horizontal cylinder had a capacity of 176 cm³ and was subjected to extensive testing from August 1883. By the end of the year, the two engineers had produced impressive results: their engine ran at a sensational 600 rpm and generated 0.25 hp.