Mercedes Benz SL SL600 V12 Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M275 V12 biturbo engines - supply & fit available nationwide.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers

From £3,200 to £6,000
Used from £1,800 · Reconditioned from £3,200 · Common codes: M275 E55, M275 KE55, M275.951, M275.954
From £1,800
Tested, bare/short engine
From £3,200
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 SL600 V12 Replacement Engineto Finding the Best Mercedes Benz SL SL600 V12 Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 represented the pinnacle of R230 grand touring refinement, pairing the flagship M275 twin-turbo V12 with Active Body Control suspension. Across its production life, the SL600 V12 received two distinct M275 engine variants - the 5.5L biturbo in pre-facelift cars and a higher-output version for facelift models.

Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 represented the pinnacle of R230 grand touring refinement, pairing the flagship M275 twin-turbo V12 with Active Body Control suspension. Across its production life, the SL600 V12 received two distinct M275 engine variants - the 5.5L biturbo in pre-facelift cars and a higher-output version for facelift models.
Mercedes Benz SL600 V12
Engine History Timeline
**2003** - R230 SL600 V12 launches with M275 E55 5.5L V12 biturbo 493hp, 800Nm
**2006** - R230 facelift introduces revised M275 KE55 5.5L V12 biturbo 517hp, 830Nm, with updated engine management
**2008** - SL600 V12 continues with M275 KE55 through to end of R230 production
**2011** - R230 SL600 V12 production ends; no R231 SL600 variant produced
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostMercedes Benz SL600 V12 Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
5.5L Petrol Biturbo (2003-2006)
Compatible Trim Levels
- SL600
- SL600 Sport
- SL600 Designo

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,800-£3,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£3,200-£5,000
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£4,000-£6,000
Common Failure
Ignition coil pack failure on the inner bank cylinders is the most documented issue for the M275 E55. Heat soak in the tightly packed V12 engine bay degrades coil insulation, causing persistent misfires and unburnt fuel washdown. Typical failure mileage: 50,000-80,000 miles.


The Mercedes Benz SL600 V12's M275 twin-turbo engine delivers effortless V12 performance, but heat-related component failures - particularly ignition coil packs on the inner bank - frequently trigger urgent replacement searches. Every rebuilt M275 engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded coil packs and reinforced wiring, backed by a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty. Use the cost breakdown below to make an informed repair versus replacement decision for your R230 SL600 V12.

Why SL600 V12 Misfires Cascade
Affected Vehicles
Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 (M275 E55 / M275 KE55, 2003-2011)
Typical Failure Mileage
50,000 - 80,000 miles
Root Cause
Extreme heat soak in the tightly packed V12 engine bay degrades ignition coil insulation, particularly on the inner bank cylinders. Failed coils cause persistent misfires, unburnt fuel washdown, and rapid catalytic converter poisoning. A leaking valve cover gasket can also allow oil into spark plug wells, destroying the coil PCB.
Why It Happens
Extreme heat soak in the tightly packed V12 engine bay degrades ignition coil insulation, particularly on the inner bank cylinders. Failed coils cause persistent misfires, unburnt fuel washdown, and rapid catalytic converter poisoning. A leaking valve cover gasket can also allow oil into spark plug wells, destroying the coil PCB.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,200 - £3,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200 - £1,600
What it involves
Replacement of all 12 ignition coils with upgraded units, premium spark plugs, wiring harness inspection, ECU fault code clearance
Suitability
Preventative solution at 60k miles. Stops catalytic converter damage and restores smooth idle
Dealer (parts + labour)
£3,500 - £4,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,000 - £2,800
What it involves
Misfire tracing, oxygen sensor replacement, catalytic converter health check, fuel system pressure validation
Suitability
Required if misfires have persisted over 2k miles. Identifies secondary damage before it worsens
Dealer (parts + labour)
£8,000 - £11,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£4,500 - £6,500
What it involves
Complete V12 engine swap with specialist rebuilt long block, upgraded coil packs, reinforced wiring, bench-tested performance match, 12-month warranty
Suitability
Recommended for severe cylinder scoring, hydrolock, or extensive internal washdown damage
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intermediate - Coil Pack & Spark Refresh Minor | £2,200 - £3,000 | £1,200 - £1,600 | Replacement of all 12 ignition coils with upgraded units, premium spark plugs, wiring harness inspection, ECU fault code clearance | Preventative solution at 60k miles. Stops catalytic converter damage and restores smooth idle | |
Full Diagnostic & Catalytic Protection Best Value | £3,500 - £4,500 | £2,000 - £2,800 | Misfire tracing, oxygen sensor replacement, catalytic converter health check, fuel system pressure validation | Required if misfires have persisted over 2k miles. Identifies secondary damage before it worsens | |
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M275 Engine Best Value | £8,000 - £11,000 | £4,500 - £6,500 | Complete V12 engine swap with specialist rebuilt long block, upgraded coil packs, reinforced wiring, bench-tested performance match, 12-month warranty | Recommended for severe cylinder scoring, hydrolock, or extensive internal washdown damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2006-2011 Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 currently values between £7,500 and £16,000 in the UK used market. With the rebuilt engine cost at £4,500-£6,500 supply-only (plus £900-£1,300 for fitment), replacement is financially viable for most examples. However, if your SL600 V12 is valued under £8,000, evaluate whether a used engine or targeted coil pack repair offers better value before committing to a full rebuild.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
Replacing all 12 coils proactively at 60k miles prevents expensive catalytic damage. However, if misfires have already caused cylinder scoring or excessive oil dilution, a specialist rebuilt M275 V12 with upgraded coil packs and wiring harnesses delivers superior reliability. For SL600 V12 owners with confirmed coil-related misfires, we recommend immediate coil pack replacement and a catalytic converter health check before considering a full engine replacement.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your Mercedes Benz SL600 V12
Engine management warnings and mechanical failures often prompt panic, but many SL600 V12 powertrain issues are highly predictable and cost-manageable when addressed correctly. EnginesMarket connects you directly with UK Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 specialists who provide transparent, upfront pricing for targeted repairs or fully upgraded rebuilt M275 V12 engines. With nationwide delivery, bench-tested reliability, and a minimum 12-month warranty on all replacements, you avoid main dealer markups while preserving your SL600 V12's performance and investment value.
Compare rebuilt M275 V12 engine prices for your Mercedes Benz SL600 V12
Important 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 Benz SL600 V12. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does it cost to replace a Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine-
Short Summary: Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine replacement costs range from £1,800 for used M275 units to £6,500 for fully rebuilt engines with 12-month warranty. Typical reconditioned M275 V12 prices sit between £3,200-£5,500 supply-only. Prices vary by engine code (M275 E55 vs M275 KE55), year, and whether supply & fit is included.
- Used Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engines start around £1,800 for M275 E55 units
- Reconditioned M275 V12 engines typically cost £3,200-£5,500 supply-only
- Rebuilt M275 KE55 engines with upgraded components can exceed £6,000
- Supply & fit adds £900-£1,300 depending on garage location and ABC complexity
Question 2What are the signs of M275 V12 coil pack failure in an SL600-
Short Summary: The most common symptom of M275 V12 coil pack failure in the Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 is a persistent misfire, often affecting cylinders 2-7 on the inner bank. Check engine light, rough idle, loss of power, and unburnt fuel smell from the exhaust are all warning signs. If ignored, misfires can destroy catalytic converters.
- Misfire codes (P0300-P0312) stored in ECU - cylinders 7-12 most commonly affected
- Rough idle and hesitation under acceleration, particularly from cold start
- Fuel smell from exhaust due to unburnt fuel entering catalytic converters
- Leaking valve cover gasket allows oil into spark plug wells, destroying coil PCBs
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a Mercedes Benz SL600 V12-
Short Summary: Replacing a Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 M275 V12 engine costs £3,200-£6,500 rebuilt, often representing better value than selling a depreciated V12 SL with engine faults. For low-mileage examples or collector-grade R230 SL600 V12s with full history, engine replacement preserves significant investment value.
- Rebuilt M275 V12 engines cost £3,200-£6,500 supply-only from UK specialists
- SL600 V12 values with faulty engines drop 60-70% versus running examples
- Coil pack replacement (£1,200-£1,600) may resolve misfires without full engine rebuild
- Low-mileage R230 SL600 V12 examples justify rebuild investment given appreciating classic status
Question 4What engine code is in my Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 and how do I check-
Short Summary: Your Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine code appears on the engine block stamping, vehicle registration document, or via DVLA lookup using your registration number. Pre-facelift (2003-2006) SL600 V12s carry the M275 E55 (275.951), while facelift (2006-2011) models use the M275 KE55 (275.954).
- Engine code stamps appear on the block near the cylinder head or oil filter housing
- V5C registration document lists engine capacity and fuel type but not full code
- DVLA online vehicle enquiry using your reg confirms basic engine specifications
- Pre-facelift: M275 E55 (493hp) - facelift: M275 KE55 (517hp)
Question 5Do Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engines use timing chains or belts-
Short Summary: The Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 M275 engine uses a duplex roller timing chain, not a belt. However, timing chain tensioner wear has been documented on higher-mileage examples, causing cold-start rattle. If ignored, chain stretch can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
- Every Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 M275 engine uses a timing chain system
- Timing chain tensioner wear causes rattle on cold start, typically above 100k miles
- Chain stretch can trigger camshaft angle errors and misfire codes
- Preventative tensioner replacement recommended at 100k miles
Question 6What warranty comes with a reconditioned Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine-
Short Summary: Reconditioned Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engines supplied through EnginesMarket include a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty covering parts and labour at any UK garage. Specialist rebuilders may offer extended 24-month coverage on upgraded M275 V12 units with new coil packs and wiring harnesses.
- Minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty included on all EnginesMarket supplied engines
- Labour coverage valid at any UK garage, not just the supplying specialist
- Upgraded components like coil packs and wiring harnesses often carry extended coverage
- Warranty terms vary by supplier - always confirm exact coverage before purchase
Compare Mercedes Benz SL600 V12Engine PricesToday
100+ SL600 V12 engines supplied through our network
12-Month Warranty on every rebuilt M275 V12 engine
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Comparing quotes for your Mercedes Benz SL600 V12 engine replacement is completely free and carries no obligation. Whether you need a used M275 E55, a reconditioned V12 biturbo, or a fully rebuilt M275 KE55 with upgraded coil packs and 12-month warranty, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who understand the R230 SL600 V12 inside out. Enter your registration above and get tailored quotes within hours.

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