Mercedes Benz SL 500/560 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SL 500 and SL 560 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the flagship V8s - from the classic M117 to the modern M177 - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,200 to £12,000
Used from £1,500 · Reconditioned from £2,200 · Common codes: M113.963, M273.965, M278.927, M176.980, M117.967
From £1,500
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,200
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 SL 500/560 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz SL 500/560 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz SL 500/560 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SL 500 has been the heart of the SL range across four generations, powered by a succession of V8 engines that have defined Mercedes grand touring excellence. The SL 560 badge, originally used on the R107 (1985-1989) with the M117 5.6-litre V8, was revived in the modern era for the R231 facelift with the M176 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The SL 500 lineage spans the M113 5.0-litre V8 in the R230 (2001-2006), the M273 5.5-litre V8 in the R230 facelift (2006-2011), and the M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 in the early R231 (2012-2017). These V8s represent the pinnacle of SL performance and refinement, each with its own character and engineering story.
Variant HistoryMercedes Benz SL 500/560 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SL 500 has been the heart of the SL range across four generations, powered by a succession of V8 engines that have defined Mercedes grand touring excellence. The SL 560 badge, originally used on the R107 (1985-1989) with the M117 5.6-litre V8, was revived in the modern era for the R231 facelift with the M176 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. The SL 500 lineage spans the M113 5.0-litre V8 in the R230 (2001-2006), the M273 5.5-litre V8 in the R230 facelift (2006-2011), and the M278 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 in the early R231 (2012-2017). These V8s represent the pinnacle of SL performance and refinement, each with its own character and engineering story.
Mercedes Benz SL 500/560
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated and twin-turbo V8s)
Engine Size Range4.0L-5.6L (M117: 5,547cc; M113: 4,966cc; M273: 5,461cc; M278: 4,663cc; M176: 3,982cc)
Power Output Range230-469hp across the variant's historyEngine History Timeline
M117.967 5.6L naturally aspirated V8, 230hp @ 4,750rpm (560 SL, R107)
M113.963 5.0L naturally aspirated V8, 306hp @ 5,600rpm (SL 500, R230 launch)
M273.965 5.5L naturally aspirated V8, 388hp @ 6,000rpm (SL 500, R230 facelift)
M278.927 4.7L twin-turbo V8, 455hp @ 5,250rpm (SL 500, R231 launch)
M176.980 4.0L twin-turbo V8 with 48V EQ Boost, 469hp @ 5,500rpm (SL 560, R231 facelift)
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypePetrol (naturally aspirated and twin-turbo V8s)Engine Size Range4.0L-5.6L (M117: 5,547cc; M113: 4,966cc; M273: 5,461cc; M278: 4,663cc; M176: 3,982cc)Power Output Range230-469hp across the variant's historyYears Produced1985-2020Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz SL 500 and SL 560 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M117 timing chain guide degradation to M176 oil separator and rear main seal failures.
Mercedes Benz SL 500/560 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz SL 500/560 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
5.6L Naturally Aspirated V8 (1985-1989)
Power Output230 hp (170 kW) @ 4,750 rpmTorque373 Nm @ 3,250 rpmYears Fitted1985-1989Displacement5,547 ccCylindersV8, 90° V-angle, SOHC, 16-valveEngine CodeM 117 E 56 / 117.967
Compatible Trim Levels
- 560 SL (R107)
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
£2,500-£4,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£3,500-£5,500
Common Failure
Timing chain guide degradation - the M117's plastic timing chain guides become brittle with age and heat cycling. Left-hand inner guide rail failure is a well-documented issue. If ignored, guide fragments can enter the timing chain and cause catastrophic engine failure. Typical failure mileage: 80,000-120,000 miles.
The SL 500 and SL 560's V8 engines represent five decades of Mercedes engineering excellence - from the classic M117 to the modern M176. However, each has well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. The M117 suffers from timing chain guide degradation, the M113 from oil pump chain stretch, the M273 from balance shaft wear, the M278 from timing chain and cylinder issues, and the M176 from PCV oil separator failure leading to rear main seal leaks. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
The Classic SL 560's Critical Weakness
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes SL 560 (M117.967, 1985-1989)
Typical Failure Mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root Cause
The M117's plastic timing chain guides become brittle with age and heat cycling. The left-hand inner guide rail is particularly prone to failure. If ignored, guide fragments can enter the timing chain and cause catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The M117's plastic timing chain guides become brittle with age and heat cycling. The left-hand inner guide rail is particularly prone to failure. If ignored, guide fragments can enter the timing chain and cause catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,500
What it involves
Replace timing chain guides, tensioner, inspect chain
Suitability
If caught before guide failure occurs
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£4,000-£6,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£3,800
What it involves
Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets
Suitability
If rattle is present or guides are failing
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£6,500-£9,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£3,500-£5,500
What it involves
Complete engine swap with new timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
If guide 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Preventative - Timing chain guide replacement Minor | £2,500-£4,000 | £1,500-£2,500 | Replace timing chain guides, tensioner, inspect chain | If caught before guide failure occurs | 1 - 2 days |
 Major - Timing chain & guide replacement Best Value | £4,000-£6,000 | £2,500-£3,800 | Replace timing chain, guides, tensioner, sprockets | If rattle is present or guides are failing | 1 - 2 days |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M117 engine Best Value | £6,500-£9,000 | £3,500-£5,500 | Complete engine swap with new timing components, 12-month warranty | If guide failure has caused valve damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 1985-1989 SL 560 is worth approximately £10,000-£30,000 depending on condition and originality. These classic roadsters are appreciating assets for well-maintained examples, making engine replacement a justifiable investment for preservation-minded owners.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If your SL 560 exhibits a rattling noise on cold start or you're approaching 100,000 miles, have the timing chain guides inspected immediately. Preventative guide replacement at a specialist is significantly cheaper than a full engine rebuild. On an SL 560 worth £10,000-£30,000, this is a worthwhile investment to preserve the vehicle's value and reliability.
Don't Let Timing Chain Issues, Oil Separator Failure, or Balance Shaft Wear Write Off Your Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560
Whether you're facing M117 timing chain guide degradation on your classic SL 560, M113 oil pump chain issues on your R230 SL 500, M273 balance shaft wear on your facelift SL 500, M278 cylinder scoring on your R231 SL 500, or M176 PCV oil separator failure on your modern SL 560, 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 guides, reinforced chains and tensioners, updated balance shaft gears, and improved oil separators - 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 flagship engines inside out.
Compare rebuilt M117 Mercedes SL 560 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 SL 500 or SL 560. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz SL 500/560 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560 engine replacement cost in the UK-
Short summary: A rebuilt M113 engine for the SL 500 costs £3,200-£4,800 supply-only; a rebuilt M273 costs £4,000-£5,800; a rebuilt M278 costs £4,500-£6,500; a rebuilt M176 for the SL 560 costs £6,500-£12,000 supply-only. Fitting adds £1,200-£2,500 depending on complexity - V8 work requires specialist knowledge.
- SL 500 (M113.963): rebuilt unit £3,200-£4,800; used engine from £1,800
- SL 500 (M273.965): rebuilt unit £4,000-£5,800; used engine from £2,200
- SL 500 (M278.927): rebuilt unit £4,500-£6,500; used engine from £2,500
- SL 560 (M176.980): rebuilt unit £6,500-£12,000; used engine from £3,500
- M113 oil pump chain replacement: £1,400-£2,200 at specialist
- M176 oil separator replacement: £1,200-£1,800 at specialist
Question 2What are the signs of PCV oil separator failure on a Mercedes SL 560 (M176)-
Short summary: A high-pitched whistling noise at idle, rough idle, or a check engine light are the classic warning signs on the M176 engine. If ignored, it leads to a blown rear main seal and a massive oil leak. Mercedes-Benz mandates that both oil separators be replaced whenever a rear main seal is found leaking.
- Whistling or howling sound from the engine at idle
- Rough idle or check engine light
- Oil consumption or oil leaks from the rear of the engine
- If caught early, oil separator replacement costs £1,200-£1,800 at specialist
Question 3Is the Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560 V8 engine reliable-
Short summary: Each generation has its own character and weaknesses. The M113 is generally robust but oil pump chain stretch is common. The M273 suffers from balance shaft/idler gear wear on early units. The M278 has timing chain tensioner and cylinder scoring issues. The M176 is powerful but the PCV oil separator is a notorious failure point. With these addressed, all are capable of 100,000+ miles.
- M113 V8 is fundamentally strong - oil pump chain is the main concern
- M273 balance shaft/idler gear wear affects early production units
- M278 timing chain tensioner and cylinder scoring issues are documented
- M176 PCV oil separator failure is the most common and expensive issue
- Regular oil changes with MB 229.5 spec oil are essential
Question 4How long do Mercedes SL 500 and SL 560 V8 engines last-
Short summary: Properly maintained M113 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles. The M273, M278 and M176 are too new for definitive long-term data, but with proactive maintenance on known issues, 100,000-150,000 miles is achievable.
- M113 (SL 500, 2001-2006): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
- M273 (SL 500, 2006-2011): 100,000-150,000 miles - balance shaft inspection from 60k miles
- M278 (SL 500, 2012-2017): too early for definitive data - timing and cylinder issues from 60k miles
- M176 (SL 560, 2018-2020): too early for definitive data - PCV and RMS issues from 40k miles
- Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec MB 229.5 oil
Question 5Is it worth replacing the engine in my Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560-
Short summary: Yes, if the SL is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M113 costs £3,200-£4,800 - far less than replacing a £6,000-£18,000 vehicle. The SL 560's higher value (£30,000-£55,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.
- SL 500 (R230) values: £6,000-£22,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
- SL 500 (R231) values: £15,000-£35,000
- SL 560 (R231) values: £30,000-£55,000 - flagship V8 values remain strong
- Rebuilt engine with upgraded components fixes original weak points
- Supply & fit typically £4,500-£14,500 depending on engine code
- New engine includes 12-month unlimited mileage warranty
Question 6What oil does my Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560 V8 need-
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.5 high-performance oil - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic. The M113 requires approximately 8.0 litres; the M273 requires approximately 8.5 litres; the M278 requires approximately 9.0 litres; the M176 requires approximately 9.5 litres.
- M113 (SL 500, 2001-2006): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 8.0L capacity
- M273 (SL 500, 2006-2011): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 8.5L capacity
- M278 (SL 500, 2012-2017): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 5W-40 - 9.0L capacity
- M176 (SL 560, 2018-2020): MB 229.5 5W-30 or 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 and oil separator failure
Why Choose UsCompare Mercedes SL 500/560Engine PricesToday
200+ V8 engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt SL 500 and SL 560 engine
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supply & fit available for M113, M273, M278, M176 and M117
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes SL 500 or SL 560 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, M278, M176 and M117 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded timing components, balance shaft gears, oil separators, and seals, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact SL - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.
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