Engines Market

Mercedes GLE 500/580 V8 SPECIALISTS

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500 and 580 V8 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the 4.7-litre and 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8s - supply & fit available nationwide.

Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 Engine
from£4,500 to £9,000
  • Usedfrom £2,500
  • Reconditionedfrom £4,500
  • Common codesM278.928, M176.980
Mercedes Benz gle-class 500/580 Used Engine — M278.928Mercedes Benz gle-classUsed Engine — M278.928Mercedes Benz gle-class 500/580 Reconditioned Engine — M278.928Mercedes Benz gle-classReconditioned Engine — M278.928Mercedes Benz gle-class 500/580 Rebuilt Engine — M278.928Mercedes Benz gle-classRebuilt Engine — M278.928

Get your free Mercedes Benz gle-class 500/580 engine quotes

Secure enquiry — no spam, no pressure. Genuine quotes only from vetted UK specialists.

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide NetworkInstant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The GLE 500 launched with the W166 generation in 2015, powered by the M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 - a 435hp powerhouse derived from the S-Class engine family. In 2019, the all-new W167 GLE 580 replaced it with the M176 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 featuring 48V EQ Boost mild-hybrid technology - more power, better efficiency, and cylinder deactivation for improved economy, all while retaining the V8 character that defines the GLE flagship.

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580
  1. 2015

    M278.928, 4.7L twin-turbo V8, 435hp @ 5,250rpm (GLE 500, W166)

  2. 2019

    M176.980, 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 48V EQ Boost, 489hp (GLE 580, W167)

  3. 2023

    Facelift W167; M176 continues with refinements to 48V system

Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500 and 580 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M278 timing chain and cylinder scoring issues to M176 48V system vulnerabilities.

Engine Codes & Pricing

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

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

M278.928 — 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (2015-2019) engine

M278.928 — 4.7L Twin-Turbo V8 (2015-2019)

Power Output
435 hp (320 kW) @ 5,250 rpm
Torque
700 Nm @ 1,800-4,000 rpm
Years Fitted
2015-2019
Displacement
4,663cc
Cylinders
V8, 32-valve, DOHC, twin-turbocharged
Engine Code
M278.928

Can’t find your exact engine code?

-> Get quotes for M278.928 Mercedes GLE 500 engine replacement

Common Problems

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The GLE 500's M278 and the GLE 580's M176 are both hand-built twin-turbo V8s - powerful, refined, and the heart of the GLE flagship experience. However, each has well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. The M278 suffers from timing chain tensioner issues and cylinder scoring. The M176 has 48V system vulnerabilities and cylinder deactivation-related wear. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

M278 Timing Chain Tensioner Failure

Affected
Mercedes GLE 500 4MATIC (M278.928, 2015-2019)
Typical failure mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
Early build M278 V8s had problems with timing chain tensioners causing a rattle on start-up. The engine has a complicated timing chain drive arrangement including one primary chain and two secondary chains, each equipped with a tensioner (three total). If not addressed, this can lead to replacement of the entire chain drive system together with cam adjusters. Oil starvation due to failure of the oil pump drive gear has also been reported.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Preventative - Tensioner replacement£800-£1,200£500-£800
Intermediate - Full timing chain system£3,000-£4,500£2,000-£3,000
Major - Engine-out rebuild£6,000-£9,000£4,000-£6,000
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M278 engine£10,000-£14,000£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
If you hear a rattling noise on cold start from your GLE 500, act immediately. Some M278 engines are failing around the 100-120k mark. A £500-£800 specialist tensioner replacement is significantly cheaper than the £5,500+ full engine replacement. On a GLE 500 worth £15,000-£28,000, a £1,000 timing system inspection is excellent preventative maintenance.
-> Compare rebuilt M278 Mercedes GLE 500 engine prices

M278 Cylinder Scoring

Affected
Mercedes GLE 500 4MATIC (M278.928, 2015-2019)
Typical failure mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
Cylinder wall scoring has been reported across M278 engines. Some M278 engines have a cylinder wall issue where a coating was not applied correctly. A teardown of an M278 V8 revealed deep scores in several cylinders. The issue can affect individual cylinders - one owner reported cylinder #8 issues confirmed by borescope.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Diagnostics - Borescope inspection£200-£400£150-£300
Major - Cylinder re-sleeving / rebuild£8,000-£12,000£5,000-£8,000
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M278 engine£10,000-£14,000£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
Cylinder scoring is the most expensive failure on the M278. If you experience oil consumption, misfire, or loss of power, have a borescope inspection performed immediately. On a GLE 500 worth £15,000-£28,000, specialist re-sleeving at £5,000-£8,000 is a justifiable investment. However, if scoring is severe or has damaged multiple cylinders, a full rebuilt engine is the only safe option.
-> Compare M278 Mercedes GLE 500 engine quotes

M176 48V System Failure

Affected
Mercedes GLE 580 4MATIC (M176.980, 2019-present)
Typical failure mileage
30,000-70,000 miles
Root cause
The M176's 48V system has been subject to safety recalls affecting 2019-2024 models. A 48-volt ground connection under the passenger seat may not be properly secured, causing overheating and fire risk. 48V battery failure can also cause no-start conditions requiring specialist replacement. The integrated starter-generator (ISG) provides 22hp of EQ Boost but adds complexity.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Safety Recall Check£0 (if recall applies)N/A
Intermediate - 48V battery replacement£2,200-£3,500£1,800-£2,500
Major - ISG replacement£2,500-£4,000£1,800-£2,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M176 engine£10,000-£15,000£6,000-£9,000
Our recommendation
If your GLE 580 displays a "48V battery malfunction" warning or fails to start, do not assume a conventional jump start will work - the 48V system is entirely separate from the 12V starter battery. First, check your VIN for any outstanding 48V ground connection recalls. If the 48V battery has failed, specialist pricing of £1,800-£2,500 is significantly lower than dealer rates.
-> Compare rebuilt M176 Mercedes GLE 580 engine prices

M176 Cylinder Deactivation & Oil Consumption

Affected
Mercedes GLE 580 4MATIC (M176.980, 2019-present)
Typical failure mileage
40,000-80,000 miles
Root cause
The M176 features cylinder deactivation (Cylinder Management) for improved fuel economy. However, cylinder deactivation can cause vibration issues and lead to oil consumption and spark plugs that need to be replaced more often. A software defect in the engine control unit could lead to increased fuel injection during cylinder deactivation, prompting a recall. Injector design issues have also been reported.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Minor - Software update£0 (if recall applies)N/A
Intermediate - Spark plug replacement£400-£700£300-£500
Major - Injector replacement£1,000-£1,800£700-£1,200
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M176 engine£10,000-£15,000£6,000-£9,000
Our recommendation
The M176 is considered a reliable engine overall, but cylinder deactivation adds complexity. If you experience rough running or misfires, have a specialist perform diagnostics immediately. Check your VIN for any outstanding ECU software recalls. On a GLE 580 worth £35,000-£55,000, preventative maintenance is always the better investment.
-> Compare M176 Mercedes GLE 580 engine quotes

Don't Let Timing Chain Failure, Cylinder Scoring, or 48V System Issues Write Off Your Mercedes GLE 500 or 580

Whether you're facing M278 timing chain tensioner wear or cylinder scoring on your GLE 500, or M176 48V system issues on your GLE 580, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes V8 specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network carries upgraded components addressing the original design weakness - plus a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty with nationwide delivery and supply & fit options. Don't pay main dealer premiums. Compare prices from independent Mercedes V8 specialists who know these twin-turbo engines inside out.

Compare Mercedes GLE Class 500/580 V8 Engine Replacement Prices Now ->

FAQ

Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 V8 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare Mercedes GLE Class 500/580 V8 Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your Mercedes GLE 500 or 580 V8 is completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. Enter your registration above to get tailored quotes from UK Mercedes V8 specialists who understand the M278 and M176 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components or 48V system components, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact GLE - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.

200+200+ V8 engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt GLE 500 and 580 V8 engine
NationwideNationwide UK delivery
Get Free Mercedes GLE Class 500/580 V8 Engine Quotes ->

Compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes Benz GLE Class 500/580 engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.