A sliding element for internal combustion engines may include a ferrous base provided with a film applied upon a sliding surface. The film may have, sequentially, a metal connecting layer, a transitional layer, and a contact layer. The transitional layer may include a carbide containing a metal element. The contact layer may contain DLC (diamond-like carbon) doped with the metal element of the transitional layer, the DLC containing a maximum of 2% hydrogen by weight. An atomic ratio between metal and carbon in the contact layer in terms of a ratio Me/C is equal to or less than 0.1.