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Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz E Class 500 and 550 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M113, M273 and M278 V8 engines - supply & fit available nationwide.

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Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine
from£2,500 to £8,500
  • Usedfrom £1,500
  • Reconditionedfrom £2,800
  • Common codesM113.967, M273, M278
Mercedes Benz e-class 500 / 550 Used Engine — M113.967Mercedes Benz e-classUsed Engine — M113.967Mercedes Benz e-class 500 / 550 Reconditioned Engine — M113.967Mercedes Benz e-classReconditioned Engine — M113.967Mercedes Benz e-class 500 / 550 Rebuilt Engine — M113.967Mercedes Benz e-classRebuilt Engine — M113.967

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Variant History

Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The E 500 and E 550 badges represented Mercedes-Benz's flagship V8 petrol offerings across the W211 and W212 E-Class generations. The E 500 launched with the M113 5.0-litre V8 - a robust three-valve SOHC design - before being replaced by the more powerful M273 5.5-litre V8 in 2006. The E 550 badge arrived with the W212 generation, initially powered by the M273 5.5-litre V8 before transitioning to the M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 in 2011 - a modern, more efficient powerplant that would define the E-Class V8 experience until the model's discontinuation. These V8-engined E-Classes represent the pinnacle of non-AMG E-Class performance, offering effortless power and refinement.

Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550
  1. 2002

    W211 E 500 launched with M113.967 5.0-litre V8, 225 kW (306 hp), 460 Nm

  2. 2006

    W211 facelift E 500 gains M273 5.5-litre V8, 285 kW (388 hp), 530 Nm

  3. 2009

    W212 generation launched; E 500 badge replaced by E 550 in UK market

  4. **2009-2011** - W212 E 550 with M273 5.5-litre V8, 285 kW (388 hp), 530 Nm

  5. 2011

    M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 introduced, replacing M273 in E 550

  6. **2011-2016** - W212 E 550 with M278 twin-turbo V8, 300 kW (408 hp), 600 Nm

  7. 2016

    W212 production ends; V8-engined E-Class models discontinued in favour of AMG-only V8 offerings

Every engine fitted to the Mercedes E Class 500 and 550 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

M113.967 — 5.0L V8 Petrol (2002-2006) engine

M113.967 — 5.0L V8 Petrol (2002-2006)

Power Output
225 kW (306 hp) at 5,600 rpm
Torque
460 Nm at 2,700-4,250 rpm
Displacement
4,966 cc
Bore × Stroke
97.0 mm × 84.0 mm
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Years Fitted
2002-2006 (W211 E-Class)

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M113 Mercedes E Class 500 engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M113 Mercedes E Class 500 engine replacement

Common Problems

Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The V8-engined E Class 500 and 550 represent the pinnacle of non-AMG E-Class performance. The M113 is a robust, proven design, while the M273 and M278 bring more power but also more complexity. Timing chain issues affect all three engine families to varying degrees, while the M273's balance shaft idler gear and the M278's oil seepage into wiring harnesses are well-documented weaknesses. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty. Below, we break down what these failures cost to fix and when replacement is the smarter option.

Common failure points and repair options

Timing Chain & Tensioner Wear

Affected
Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 (M113, M273, M278, 2002-2016)
Typical failure mileage
80,000 - 120,000 miles
Root cause
Timing chain tensioners and guides wear over time, particularly when oil change intervals are extended. The M113 is known for chain stretch at around 100,000 miles. On the M278, a service bulletin (LI05.10-P-056435) was issued for chain tensioner issues. Cold-start rattling - often described as "marbles in a can" - is the classic early warning sign. If ignored, the chain can jump a tooth, risking bent valves and catastrophic engine failure.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Preventative - Timing Chain Tensioner£800-£1,200£400-£800
Major - Full Timing Chain Replacement£2,500-£4,000£1,500-£2,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine£6,000-£10,000£3,200-£8,500
Our recommendation
The cold-start rattle is your early warning - don't ignore it. A specialist timing chain replacement at £1,500-£2,800 is significantly cheaper than the £4,000+ engine replacement if the chain jumps. On the M278, check if the timing chain tensioner service bulletin has been applied - this is a known issue that Mercedes addressed through warranty campaigns. On the M113, regular oil changes (8,000 miles) are critical for timing chain life.
-> Compare rebuilt M113 / M273 / M278 Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 engine prices

M113 & M273 Oil Leaks

Affected
Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 (M113, M273, 2002-2011)
Typical failure mileage
60,000 - 100,000 miles
Root cause
Valve cover gaskets and cam seals degrade over time, allowing oil to leak onto the exhaust manifold. This is a very common issue on the M113. On the M273, camshaft cover seals can fail. The burning oil smell and smoke from the engine bay are the classic warning signs.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Minor - Valve Cover Gasket Replacement£400-£800£250-£500
Intermediate - Cam Seal Replacement£600-£1,000£400-£700
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine£6,000-£10,000£3,200-£8,500
Our recommendation
Oil leaks are a fact of life on higher-mileage M113 and M273 engines. If you notice a burning oil smell or smoke from the engine bay, have the valve cover gaskets inspected promptly. The £250-£500 specialist repair is far cheaper than the £3,200+ engine replacement that oil starvation could cause. On the M113, valve cover gaskets are a well-known weak point - many owners consider them a maintenance item.
-> Get M113 / M273 Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 oil leak repair quotes

M273 Balance Shaft Idler Gear Wear

Affected
Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 (M273, 2006-2011)
Typical failure mileage
60,000 - 100,000 miles
Root cause
The M273 V8 uses an idler gear in the timing drive system. This gear can wear prematurely, causing timing faults and misfire codes. The issue is similar to the M272 balance shaft problem and was addressed on later production engines. Early M273 engines (up to serial number 27396230 088611) are most susceptible. Symptoms include check engine lights with timing correlation codes and engine misfires.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Major - Idler Gear & Timing Chain Replacement£2,500-£4,000£1,500-£2,800
Major - Timing Chain & Phasers£3,000-£5,000£2,000-£3,500
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine£6,000-£10,000£4,000-£6,500
Our recommendation
The M273 idler gear issue is a known design weakness on early engines. If you own a 2006-2008 E 500 or E 550, check the engine serial number against the known affected range. If you experience timing-related check engine lights or misfires, get the timing system inspected promptly - early intervention can prevent a £4,000+ engine replacement. Post-2009 M273 engines have improved components.
-> Get M273 Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 timing system quotes

M278 Oil Seepage into Wiring Harness

Affected
Mercedes E Class 550 (M278, 2011-2016)
Typical failure mileage
40,000 - 80,000 miles
Root cause
The M278 is known for oil seepage from camshaft position sensors and camshaft solenoid adjuster magnets. This oil can travel through the wiring harness to the ECU, causing misfires, rough running, and potentially ECU failure. The M278 is otherwise a reliable engine, but this issue requires prompt attention. Coolant loss and cylinder scoring have also been reported.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Minor - Sensor & Harness Inspection£300-£600£150-£350
Intermediate - Sensor Replacement & Harness Repair£800-£1,500£500-£1,000
Major - ECU Replacement & Harness£2,000-£4,000£1,500-£3,000
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine£7,000-£11,000£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
The M278's oil seepage issue is well-documented - if you experience misfires, rough running, or a check engine light on your E 550, have the camshaft sensors and wiring harness inspected promptly. Early detection can prevent ECU damage. Regular maintenance and using high-quality oil are essential for M278 longevity. If oil has already reached the ECU, replacement is the only safe option - but the £1,500-£3,000 cost is still far less than an engine replacement.
-> Get M278 Mercedes E Class 550 oil seepage and ECU quotes

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes E Class 500 or 550

Whether your E Class 500 or 550 is suffering from timing chain rattle, oil leaks, balance shaft idler gear wear, or M278 oil seepage issues, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare prices from trusted UK Mercedes specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network includes upgraded components designed to address the original failure point - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty and nationwide delivery. Compare prices, choose a specialist, and get back on the road without the main dealer premium.

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FAQ

Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your Mercedes E Class 500 or 550 engine replacement is free, no-obligation, and specific to your exact engine code and model year. Enter your registration above to get tailored prices from vetted UK specialists - whether you need a used M113.967, a reconditioned M273, a rebuilt M278, or a fully remanufactured unit with warranty and fitting. Don't pay main dealer premiums - compare, choose, and get back on the road with confidence.

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