Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine ReplacementCompare 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.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,500 to £8,500
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,800 · Common codes: M113.967, M273, M278
From £1,500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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.
Variant HistoryMercedes 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
Fuel TypePetrol
Engine Size Range4.7L - 5.5L (4,663 cc - 5,461 cc)
Power Output Range225-300 kW (306-408 hp) across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
**2002** - W211 E 500 launched with M113.967 5.0-litre V8 225 kW (306 hp), 460 Nm
**2006** - W211 facelift E 500 gains M273 5.5-litre V8 285 kW (388 hp), 530 Nm
**2009** - W212 generation launched; E 500 badge replaced by E 550 in UK market
**2009-2011** - W212 E 550 with M273 5.5-litre V8 285 kW (388 hp), 530 Nm
**2011** - M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 introduced replacing M273 in E 550
**2011-2016** - W212 E 550 with M278 twin-turbo V8 300 kW (408 hp), 600 Nm
**2016** - W212 production ends; V8-engined E-Class models discontinued in favour of AMG-only V8 offerings
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrolEngine Size Range4.7L - 5.5L (4,663 cc - 5,461 cc)Power Output Range225-300 kW (306-408 hp) across the variant's historyYears Produced2002-2016Every engine fitted to the Mercedes E Class 500 and 550 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz E Class 500 / 550 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
5.0L V8 Petrol (2002-2006)
Power Output225 kW (306 hp) at 5,600 rpmTorque460 Nm at 2,700-4,250 rpmDisplacement4,966 ccBore × Stroke97.0 mm × 84.0 mmCompression Ratio10.0:1Years Fitted2002-2006 (W211 E-Class)
Compatible Trim Levels
- E 500 (W211)
- E 500 Avantgarde
- E 500 Elegance
- E 500 Sport
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,500-£2,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,500-£4,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,200-£5,000
Common Failure
The M113 is generally robust, but timing chain stretch and tensioner wear are reported on higher-mileage examples. Valve cover gasket oil leaks are very common, often dripping onto the exhaust manifold and causing smoke. The crank position sensor is known to fail. Timing chain guides can wear, causing rattling on cold start.
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.
The V8 Achilles Heel Across All Generations
Affected Vehicles
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.
Why It Happens
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.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£800-£1,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£400-£800
What it involves
Replacement of timing chain tensioner(s) only
Suitability
80,000-100,000 miles; effective if rattle is minimal
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,800
What it involves
Replacement of timing chain(s), tensioner(s), guides and sprockets
Suitability
When chain has stretched or rattle persists
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£6,000-£10,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,200-£8,500
What it involves
Supply & fit of rebuilt engine with new timing components and upgraded parts
Suitability
When chain has jumped causing valvetrain damage
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Preventative - Timing Chain Tensioner Minor | £800-£1,200 | £400-£800 | Replacement of timing chain tensioner(s) only | 80,000-100,000 miles; effective if rattle is minimal | 1 - 2 days |
 Major - Full Timing Chain Replacement Best Value | £2,500-£4,000 | £1,500-£2,800 | Replacement of timing chain(s), tensioner(s), guides and sprockets | When chain has stretched or rattle persists | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt Engine Best Value | £6,000-£10,000 | £3,200-£8,500 | Supply & fit of rebuilt engine with new timing components and upgraded parts | When chain has jumped causing valvetrain damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical W211 E 500 is worth £3,000-£7,000 depending on condition and mileage; a W212 E 550 commands £6,000-£15,000【INDUSTRY ESTIMATE】. If the vehicle is worth under £4,000, a used engine or timing chain repair is usually the pragmatic choice. For W212 cars worth £8,000+, a rebuilt engine with warranty can be justified if the rest of the car is sound.
Our Recommendation
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.
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.
Compare rebuilt M113 / M273 / M278 Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific Mercedes E Class 500 or 550. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes E Class 500 / 550 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes E Class 550 engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: Supply-only rebuilt M273 and M278 engines range from £4,000 to £8,500 depending on engine code and condition. With specialist fitting, budget £4,500-£9,500 total.
- M113.967 (E 500, 306 hp, 2002-2006): rebuilt £3,200-£5,000
- M273 (E 500 / E 550, 388 hp, 2006-2011): rebuilt £4,000-£6,500
- M278 (E 550, 408 hp twin-turbo, 2011-2016): rebuilt £5,500-£8,500
- Labour adds £500-£1,000 depending on specialist location
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in an E Class 500 / 550-
Short summary: Cold-start rattling that disappears after a few seconds is the classic early warning sign. On the M278, a service bulletin was issued for chain tensioner issues.
- Rattling on cold start, particularly from the front of the engine
- Metallic clanging sounds from the timing chain area
- Check engine light with cam-correlation fault codes
- Timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,800
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine on an older E Class 500 or 550-
Short summary: Yes, if the car is otherwise sound. W211 E 500 examples command £3,000-£7,000 used, while W212 E 550 examples command £6,000-£15,000, making replacement viable【INDUSTRY ESTIMATE】.
- A quality rebuilt M113 costs £3,200-£5,000 supply only
- A quality rebuilt M273 costs £4,000-£6,500 supply only
- A quality rebuilt M278 costs £5,500-£8,500 supply only
- V8-engined E-Classes are increasingly sought after as modern classics
- A replacement engine with warranty costs less than financing a newer car
Question 4What causes the M273 balance shaft idler gear to fail on E 500 / 550 models-
Short summary: The idler gear in the M273's timing drive system can wear prematurely, causing timing faults and misfire codes. This was addressed on later production engines.
- Idler gear wear typically occurs between 60,000-100,000 miles
- Check engine light with timing correlation codes is the main symptom
- Early M273 engines (up to serial 27396230 088611) are most susceptible
- Idler gear and timing chain replacement at a specialist costs £1,500-£2,800
Question 5What is the difference between the M113, M273 and M278 engines in the E Class-
Short summary: The M113 is a 5.0-litre naturally aspirated SOHC V8 (306 hp). The M273 is a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated DOHC V8 (388 hp). The M278 is a 4.7-litre twin-turbo DOHC V8 (408 hp).
- M113: 5.0L, SOHC, 3 valves/cylinder, 306 hp, 460 Nm - robust but dated
- M273: 5.5L, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, 388 hp, 530 Nm - more powerful but has idler gear issues
- M278: 4.7L twin-turbo, DOHC, 4 valves/cylinder, 408 hp, 600 Nm - most powerful but complex
- The M278 replaced the M273 in 2011 and is based on the S-Class M278 engine
Question 6How long does a Mercedes E Class 550 engine last-
Short summary: With proper maintenance and regular oil changes, M113, M273 and M278 engines regularly reach 150,000-200,000+ miles. The M113 is considered the most durable of the three.
- M113 V8 bottom ends are exceptionally robust when properly maintained
- Timing chain inspection at 80k-100k miles is recommended across all three
- The M278's turbochargers add complexity but are generally reliable
- Regular oil changes (8,000 miles) are critical for timing chain and turbo life
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