Mercedes Benz M Class 500/63 AMG Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

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

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

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

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

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

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