Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55 AMG and SL63 AMG engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the hand-built supercharged V8 and naturally aspirated V8 - supply & fit available nationwide.
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 SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SL55 AMG and SL63 AMG represent two distinct eras of AMG engineering excellence. The SL55 AMG launched in 2003 with the M113K 5.4-litre supercharged V8 - a hand-built engine producing 493hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. In 2008, the SL63 AMG replaced it with the M156 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, producing 518hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The M113K delivered relentless, supercharged torque that defined the early 2000s AMG experience, while the M156 brought high-revving naturally aspirated character and an iconic soundtrack. Both engines were hand-built in Affalterbach, representing the pinnacle of AMG V8 engineering.
2011 - M156.981 continues as the SL63 AMG engine through end of R230 production
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55 AMG and SL63 AMG is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M113K supercharger coupler wear to M156 head bolt corrosion.
Engine Codes & Pricing
Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
M113K — 5.4L Supercharged V8 (2003-2008)
Power Output
493 hp (368 kW) @ 6,100 rpm (early); 510 hp (380 kW) @ 6,100 rpm (facelift with Performance Package)
Torque
700 Nm (516 lb-ft) @ 2,600-4,000 rpm
Years Fitted
2003-2008
Displacement
5,439 cc (5.4L)
Cylinders
V8, 90° V-angle, SOHC, 24-valve (3 valves per cylinder)
Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement
The SL55's M113K supercharged V8 and the SL63's M156 naturally aspirated V8 are among AMG's most celebrated engines - hand-built masterpieces from Affalterbach. However, both have well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. The M113K suffers from supercharger coupler and bearing wear, while the M156 is notorious for head bolt corrosion. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing these original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Common failure points and repair options
🌡️
M113K Supercharger Coupler & Bearing Wear
Affected
Mercedes SL55 AMG (M113K, 2003-2008)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-90,000 miles
Root cause
The M113K's supercharger relies on a clutch and bearings to function properly. Over time, these components can wear out, leading to unusual noises, reduced power delivery, and even supercharger failure. The supercharger rear bearings are reportedly unserviceable according to some sources. Merc sees the supercharger as a single replacement unit and offers nothing separately.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Diagnostics - Supercharger inspection
£200-£400
£150-£300
Intermediate - Supercharger rebuild
£2,500-£4,000
£1,600-£2,500
Major - Supercharger replacement
£4,000-£6,500
£2,800-£4,500
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M113K engine
£9,000-£12,000
£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
M113K supercharger wear is progressive. If you hear unusual noises from the supercharger or notice reduced power, have it inspected immediately. Specialist supercharger rebuild at £1,600-£2,500 is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. If the supercharger has failed catastrophically, a full rebuilt M113K engine with a new supercharger is the only safe option.
The M156 engine is notorious for head bolt failure on 2007-2011 production engines. The original bolts had a defect in the anti-corrosive coating and a weaker hollow torx bolt head design. Failure causes coolant to leak into the cylinders, triggering "Top up coolant" warnings. If ignored, coolant ingress can cause hydrolock, bending connecting rods and destroying the engine. Engines with numbers below 60,060,658 are affected.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Diagnostics - Head bolt inspection
£300-£500
£200-£350
Preventative - Head bolt replacement
£4,000-£6,000
£2,500-£4,000
Major - Cylinder head & bolt replacement
£6,000-£8,500
£4,000-£6,000
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M156 engine
£10,000-£14,000
£6,500-£10,000
Our recommendation
If your SL63 AMG's M156 engine number falls below 60,060,658, we strongly recommend preventative head bolt replacement. The upgraded ARP studs or OEM updated bolts permanently resolve the corrosion issue. If you experience any "Top up coolant" warnings or coolant loss, do not drive the vehicle - coolant in the cylinders can cause hydrolock and catastrophic engine failure. Specialist head bolt replacement at £2,500-£4,000 is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. On an SL63 AMG worth £15,000-£35,000, this is a worthwhile investment to preserve the vehicle's value and reliability.
The M113K shares the common M113 family oil leak issues. Valve cover gaskets become hard and brittle with age and heat cycling. Ignition system issues including worn spark plugs and failing ignition coils can cause misfires and rough running. Harmonic balancer failure (rubber element separating from metal) is also reported.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Valve cover gasket replacement
£600-£1,000
£400-£700
Intermediate - Ignition system overhaul
£800-£1,500
£500-£1,000
Major - Harmonic balancer replacement
£800-£1,200
£500-£900
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M113K engine
£9,000-£12,000
£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
Oil leaks on the M113K are common with age but not usually urgent unless they are heavy. Valve cover gasket replacement at a specialist is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. If you experience misfires, have the ignition system inspected immediately. Use only OEM Mercedes-Benz gaskets and genuine ignition components.
The M156 engine can suffer from camshaft adjuster magnet failure, causing timing faults and rough running. Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, camshaft solenoid cover gaskets, and oil filter housing gaskets are also common. Sticking or leaking fuel injectors are a critical issue, with replacement recommended around 60,000 miles.
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Camshaft adjuster magnet replacement
£800-£1,500
£500-£900
Intermediate - Oil leak repair
£1,000-£1,800
£700-£1,200
Major - Fuel injector replacement
£1,500-£2,500
£1,000-£1,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M156 engine
£10,000-£14,000
£6,500-£10,000
Our recommendation
Camshaft adjuster magnet failure on the M156 is a known issue. If you experience rough running or timing faults, have the camshaft adjusters inspected immediately. Fuel injector replacement at 60,000 miles is recommended as preventative maintenance - a stuck-open injector can hydrolock the engine.
Don't Let Supercharger Wear, Head Bolt Corrosion, or Oil Leaks Write Off Your Mercedes SL55 or SL63 AMG
Whether you're facing M113K supercharger coupler wear on your SL55 AMG or M156 head bolt corrosion on your SL63 AMG, EnginesMarket makes it simple to compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes AMG specialists. Every rebuilt engine in our network carries upgraded components addressing the original design weakness - rebuilt superchargers with new bearings, ARP head studs, and fresh gaskets and seals - 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 AMG specialists who know these hand-built V8 engines inside out.
Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Everything Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.
Short summary: A rebuilt M113K engine for the SL55 AMG costs £5,500-£8,500 supply-only; a rebuilt M156 engine for the SL63 AMG costs £6,500-£10,000 supply-only. Fitting adds £1,500-£2,500 depending on complexity - AMG V8 work requires specialist knowledge.
SL55 AMG (M113K): rebuilt unit £5,500-£8,500; used engine from £2,500
SL63 AMG (M156): rebuilt unit £6,500-£10,000; used engine from £3,000
M113K supercharger rebuild: £1,600-£2,500 at specialist
M156 head bolt replacement: £2,500-£4,000 at specialist
Short summary: Unusual noises from the supercharger, reduced power delivery, or a persistent squeak are the classic warning signs on the M113K engine. The supercharger clutch and bearings wear out over time, leading to potential supercharger failure if ignored.
Rattling or clattering noise from the supercharger area
Dreaded continual squeak - often indicates rear bearing wear
Reduced power or boost pressure
If caught early, supercharger rebuild costs £1,600-£2,500 at specialist
Short summary: "Top up coolant" warnings, unexplained coolant loss, or misfires are the classic warning signs on the M156 engine. The original head bolts had a defect in the anti-corrosive coating and a weaker hollow torx bolt head design.
"Top up coolant" warning on the dash
Unexplained coolant loss without visible external leaks
Engine misfire or rough running
Check engine light with cylinder-specific fault codes
Short summary: The M113K is widely regarded as one of the most reliable AMG engines ever built, with a reputation for bulletproof V8 engineering. The M156 is a high-revving masterpiece but has known head bolt issues. With the head bolts addressed, the M156 is also a fundamentally strong engine.
M113K is considered bulletproof - supercharger wear is the main concern
M156 head bolt corrosion affects 2007-2011 production engines
Short summary: Properly maintained M113K and M156 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work. Supercharger wear on the M113K typically appears between 60,000-90,000 miles, while M156 head bolt issues can occur from 20,000 miles.
M113K (SL55 AMG): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
M156 (SL63 AMG): 150,000-200,000 miles - head bolt inspection from day one
Supercharger inspection recommended from 60,000 miles on M113K
Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec MB 229.5 oil
Short summary: Yes, if the SL is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M113K costs £5,500-£8,500 - far less than replacing a £10,000-£25,000 vehicle. The SL63 AMG's higher value (£15,000-£35,000) makes replacement even more financially justifiable.
SL55 AMG values: £10,000-£25,000 depending on year, mileage and condition
Compare Mercedes SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG Engine Prices Today
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes SL55 or SL63 AMG is completely free, with no obligation and no pressure. Enter your registration above to get tailored quotes from UK Mercedes AMG specialists who understand the M113K supercharged V8 and the M156 naturally aspirated V8 inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded supercharger components, ARP head studs, and fresh gaskets, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact SL - with a minimum 12-month warranty on every engine supplied.
100+100+ AMG V8 engines supplied through our network
12-Month12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt SL55 and SL63 AMG engine
Compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SL Class SL55/SL63 AMG engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.