Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz M Class 500 and 63 AMG engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the hand-built V8s - from the naturally aspirated M113 and M156 to the twin-turbo M273, M278 and M157 - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,800 to £10,000
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,800 · Common codes: M113.964, M273.963, M156.982, M157.982, M278.928
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 M Class 500/63 AMG Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The ML 500 launched with the W163 generation in 1998, powered by the M113 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 - a robust, torquey engine that established the M Class as a genuine luxury SUV contender. The ML 55 AMG followed in 1999 with the supercharged M113K 5.4-litre V8, marking the beginning of AMG's involvement in the M Class. In 2006, the W164 ML 63 AMG arrived with the M156 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 - one of AMG's most celebrated engines. The W166 generation brought twin-turbo technology with the M157 5.5-litre biturbo V8, delivering even more power and torque.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The ML 500 launched with the W163 generation in 1998, powered by the M113 5.0-litre naturally aspirated V8 - a robust, torquey engine that established the M Class as a genuine luxury SUV contender. The ML 55 AMG followed in 1999 with the supercharged M113K 5.4-litre V8, marking the beginning of AMG's involvement in the M Class. In 2006, the W164 ML 63 AMG arrived with the M156 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 - one of AMG's most celebrated engines. The W166 generation brought twin-turbo technology with the M157 5.5-litre biturbo V8, delivering even more power and torque.
Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated and twin-turbo V8s)
Engine Size Range4.6L-6.2L
Power Output Range292-557hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
M113.964 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, 292-302hp (ML 500, W163)
M113K 5.4L supercharged V8, 347hp (ML 55 AMG, W163)
M273.963 5.5L naturally aspirated V8, 388hp (ML 500, W164)
M156.982 6.2L naturally aspirated V8, 510hp (ML 63 AMG, W164)
M157.982 5.5L twin-turbo V8, 525-557hp (ML 63 AMG, W166)
M278.928 4.6L twin-turbo V8, 408hp (ML 500, W166)
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated and twin-turbo V8s)Engine Size Range4.6L-6.2LPower Output Range292-557hp across the variant's historyYears Produced1998-2015Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz M Class 500 and 63 AMG is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M113 timing chain guides to M156 camshaft adjuster wear and M157 turbocharger issues.
Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
5.0L Naturally Aspirated V8 (1998-2005)
Power Output292 hp at 5,600 rpm (W163 ML 500)Torque460 Nm at 2,700-4,250 rpmYears Fitted1998-2005Displacement4,966ccCylindersV8, 90° V-angle, SOHC, 24-valveEngine CodeM 113 E 50 / 113.964
Compatible Trim Levels
- ML 500
- ML 500 4MATIC
- ML 500 Elegance
- ML 500 Avantgarde
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,500-£2,500
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,800-£3,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,200-£4,500
Common Failure
Timing chain guide degradation - the plastic guides can become brittle with age and heat cycling. Higher-mileage M113 engines will make timing chain noise at start-up. Valve cover gasket oil seepage and oil filter housing gasket leaks are also common. Typical failure mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles.
The M Class 500 and 63 AMG's V8 engines represent the pinnacle of Mercedes performance engineering - from the robust M113 to the celebrated M156 and the twin-turbo M157. However, each has well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. The M113 suffers from timing chain guide degradation, the M156 is prone to camshaft adjuster wear, and the M157 can develop turbocharger bearing issues. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The 5.0 V8's Age-Related Failure
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes M Class ML 500 (M113.964, 1998-2005)
Typical Failure Mileage
80,000-150,000 miles
Root Cause
The M113's plastic timing chain guides can become brittle with age and heat cycling. Higher-mileage M113 engines will make timing chain noise at start-up. The chain tensioner is also a common failure point. Replacing the chain and tensioner is not a bad job but requires specialist knowledge.
Why It Happens
The M113's plastic timing chain guides can become brittle with age and heat cycling. Higher-mileage M113 engines will make timing chain noise at start-up. The chain tensioner is also a common failure point. Replacing the chain and tensioner is not a bad job but requires specialist knowledge.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£500-£800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£350-£550
What it involves
Replace timing chain tensioner only
Suitability
Effective if caught early when rattle first appears
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets
Suitability
If chain rattle is present
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£5,500-£7,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,200-£4,500
What it involves
Supply & fit rebuilt M113 with new timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If timing failure has caused valve 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Intermediate - Timing chain tensioner replacement Minor | £500-£800 | £350-£550 | Replace timing chain tensioner only | Effective if caught early when rattle first appears | 1 - 2 days |
 Major - Full timing chain kit Best Value | £1,800-£2,800 | £1,200-£1,800 | Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets | If chain rattle is present | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M113 engine Best Value | £5,500-£7,500 | £3,200-£4,500 | Supply & fit rebuilt M113 with new timing components, 12-month warranty | If timing failure has caused valve damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 1998-2005 ML 500 is worth approximately £3,000-£8,000 depending on condition and mileage. These classic SUVs sit in a value band where repair decisions require careful consideration - a full engine replacement may approach or exceed the vehicle's value for higher-mileage examples.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your ML 500 exhibits timing chain rattle on cold start, have a specialist inspect the timing components immediately. The M113's timing chain guides are a known weakness with age. On an ML 500 worth £3,000-£8,000, preventative attention to this issue is always the better investment.
Don't Let Timing Chain Wear, Camshaft Adjuster Rattle, or Turbo Issues Write Off Your Mercedes ML 500 or 63 AMG
Whether you're facing M113 timing chain guide degradation on your ML 500, M156 camshaft adjuster wear on your ML 63 AMG, or M157 turbocharger issues on your later ML 63 AMG, 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 - new timing components, reinforced camshaft adjusters, and bench-tested turbos - 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 hand-built engines inside out.
Compare rebuilt M113 Mercedes M Class 500 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 M Class 500 or 63 AMG. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes ML 500 or 63 AMG engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt M113 engine for the ML 500 costs £3,200-£4,500 supply-only; a rebuilt M273 costs £4,000-£5,500; a rebuilt M156 for the ML 63 AMG costs £5,500-£8,500; a rebuilt M157 costs £6,500-£10,000 supply-only. Fitting adds £1,000-£2,000 depending on complexity - V8 work requires specialist knowledge.
- ML 500 (M113.964): rebuilt unit £3,200-£4,500; used engine from £1,500
- ML 500 (M273.963): rebuilt unit £4,000-£5,500; used engine from £1,800
- ML 63 AMG (M156.982): rebuilt unit £5,500-£8,500; used engine from £2,500
- ML 63 AMG (M157.982): rebuilt unit £6,500-£10,000; used engine from £3,500
- M156 camshaft adjuster replacement (labour only): £2,500-£4,000 at specialist
Question 2What are the signs of M156 camshaft adjuster failure on a Mercedes ML 63 AMG-
Short summary: A pronounced rattling noise on cold starts is the classic warning sign on the M156 engine. This issue can appear as early as 40,000 miles. If ignored, it can lead to poor engine performance and potentially severe damage.
- Cold-start rattle lasting 1-3 seconds - earliest warning sign
- Rough idling and reduced engine performance
- Check engine light with camshaft position timing codes
- If caught early, replacing all four adjusters costs £2,500-£4,000 at specialist
Question 3Is the Mercedes ML 63 AMG engine (M156) reliable-
Short summary: The M156 is one of AMG's most celebrated engines - a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 with exceptional character. While there are no major reported reliability problems, the camshaft adjusters can develop wear. With proper maintenance, these engines are fundamentally strong.
- M156 is a hand-built AMG masterpiece - no major reliability issues reported
- Camshaft adjuster wear is the most common issue - £2,500-£4,000 specialist fix
- Valve cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets can leak
- Regular oil changes with MB 229.5 spec oil are essential
Question 4How long do Mercedes ML 500 and 63 AMG V8 engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained M113 and M273 V8 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles. The M156 and M157 are too new for definitive long-term data, but with proper maintenance, 100,000-150,000 miles is achievable.
- M113 (ML 500, 1998-2005): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
- M273 (ML 500, 2006-2011): 150,000-200,000 miles with proper maintenance
- M156 (ML 63 AMG, 2006-2011): 100,000-150,000 miles - cam adjusters may need attention from 40k miles
- M157 (ML 63 AMG, 2012-2015): too early for definitive data - turbo and oil cooler issues from 50k miles
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes ML 500 or 63 AMG-
Short summary: Yes, if the M Class is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M113 costs £3,200-£4,500 - comparable to the value of a £3,000-£8,000 vehicle. For the ML 63 AMG, the higher value (£15,000-£40,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.
- ML 500 (W163) values: £3,000-£8,000 depending on condition and mileage
- ML 500 (W164) values: £5,000-£12,000
- ML 63 AMG values: £15,000-£40,000 - premium performance SUV values remain strong
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Question 6What oil does my Mercedes ML 500 or 63 AMG V8 need-
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.5 high-performance oil - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic. All M Class V8s require approximately 8.0-9.5 litres depending on the engine.
- M113/M273 (ML 500): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 8.0L capacity
- M156/M157 (ML 63 AMG): MB 229.5 5W-40 - 9.5L capacity
- Never use non-approved oil - can cause timing chain and hydraulic lifter issues
- Change every 10,000 miles or 12 months - stretched intervals cause timing chain wear
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes M Class 500/63 AMGEngine PricesToday
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12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt ML 500 and 63 AMG engine
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supply & fit available for M113, M273, M156, M157 and M278
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes ML 500 or 63 AMG 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 M113, M273, M156, M157 and M278 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components, camshaft adjusters, and turbo components, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact M Class - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.
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