Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the hand-built 5.4-litre and 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8s - supply & fit available nationwide.
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Variant History
Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The SLK 55 AMG represents the pinnacle of Mercedes' compact roadster line - the only V8-powered SLK ever produced. The R171 SLK 55 AMG launched in 2004 with the M113 5.4-litre naturally aspirated V8, producing 360hp and 510Nm of torque [8†L6-L7]. This hand-built engine from Affalterbach defined the AMG brand before the turbocharging era [8†L6-L7]. In 2012, the R172 SLK 55 AMG introduced the M152 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8, delivering 422hp and 540Nm [3†L8][3†L15-L18]. Both engines represent the last of the naturally aspirated AMG V8s in the SLK lineage.
2015 - M152.980 continues through end of R172 production
Every engine fitted to the Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points - from M113 oil leaks and crank sensor failure to M152 camshaft follower wear and rocker arm issues.
Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement
The SLK 55 AMG's M113 and M152 V8s are among AMG's most celebrated naturally aspirated engines - hand-built masterpieces from Affalterbach. The M113 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable AMG engines ever produced, with a legendary reputation for durability [1†L6-L7]. The M152 is a two-generation leap forward, offering a better soundtrack and higher redline [7†L45-L46]. However, both have well-documented weaknesses that can lead to significant repair costs. 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
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M113 Oil Leaks & Crank Sensor Failure
Affected
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG (M113.981, 2004-2008)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
The M113 V8 is known for oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and the rear main seal [9†L36-L37]. The crankshaft position sensor is a well-documented failure point, typically around 90,000 miles, causing hot-start failure - the car will start from cold fine but won't start when hot [12†L32-L33]. Oil pump pickup tube O-ring failure can cause low oil pressure, exacerbated by high oil temperatures and track use [1†L11-L14][12†L27-L29].
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Crank sensor replacement
£300-£600
£200-£400
Intermediate - Valve cover gasket replacement
£600-£1,200
£400-£800
Major - Rear main seal replacement
£1,500-£2,500
£1,000-£1,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M113 engine
£8,000-£12,000
£5,500-£8,500
Our recommendation
The M113's crank sensor is a known weak point - keeping a spare in the glove box is a common owner recommendation [12†L33-L35]. Oil leaks on the M113 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 hot-start failure, replace the crank sensor immediately - it's a cheap and straightforward fix that prevents being stranded.
The M152 can suffer from cam follower and rocker arm failure [7†L5-L6][2†L24-L27]. Symptoms include engine noise (tapping, ticking, or popping), rough running, lack of performance, and engine stalling [7†L5-L6][7†L11-L13]. Failure can be caused by stuck or sticking engine valves [7†L7-L8]. Carbon buildup on intake valves can also cause them to not seat properly, leading to air and fuel leakage during compression and combustion [7†L23-L25]. Replacing cam followers and rocker arms is recommended in sets to prevent future failures [2†L27-L29].
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Diagnostics - Valve train inspection
£200-£400
£150-£300
Intermediate - Cam follower replacement
£1,500-£2,500
£1,000-£1,800
Major - Rocker arm & follower replacement
£2,500-£4,000
£1,600-£2,800
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M152 engine
£10,000-£14,000
£6,500-£10,000
Our recommendation
The M152 is considered a reliable engine with no systemic weak points [2†L5-L6][2†L43-L44]. However, if you experience tapping or ticking noises from the engine, have the valve train inspected immediately. Replacing cam followers and rocker arms in sets at a specialist is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. On an SLK 55 AMG worth £18,000-£30,000, preventative maintenance is always the better investment.
The M152's twin-pipe exhaust system has adjustable flaps that affect exhaust noise - at engine speeds below 2,000 rpm, the flaps remain closed [2†L31-L34]. Exhaust flap issues are more common than engine problems on the M152 [2†L7]. Engine vibration at idle can be caused by low idle speed or hard engine mounts, affecting vehicles up to chassis number 171.473#F029282 [9†L5-L7]. Heavy engine use can cause engine mounts to wear out [9†L10].
Repair options
Repair tier
Dealer price
Specialist price
Minor - Exhaust flap actuator inspection
£200-£400
£150-£300
Intermediate - Exhaust flap actuator replacement
£500-£900
£350-£700
Intermediate - Engine mount replacement
£500-£1,000
£350-£750
Full Replacement - Rebuilt M113/M152 engine
£8,000-£14,000
£5,500-£10,000
Our recommendation
Exhaust flap issues and engine mount wear are common on higher-mileage SLK 55 AMG models but are usually straightforward to fix. Engine mount replacement at a specialist is significantly cheaper than dealer rates. If you experience engine vibration at idle, have the mounts and idle speed checked before assuming more serious engine issues.
Don't Let Oil Leaks, Crank Sensor Failure, or Valve Train Wear Write Off Your Mercedes SLK 55 AMG
Whether you're facing M113 oil leaks and crank sensor failure on your R171 SLK 55 AMG or M152 camshaft follower wear on your R172 SLK 55 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 - new gaskets and seals, fresh crank sensors, and reinforced valve train components - 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 SLK 55 AMG Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Everything Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.
Short summary: A rebuilt M113 engine for the R171 SLK 55 AMG costs £5,500-£8,500 supply-only; a rebuilt M152 engine for the R172 SLK 55 AMG costs £6,500-£10,000 supply-only. Fitting adds £1,500-£2,500 depending on complexity - AMG V8 work requires specialist knowledge.
SLK 55 AMG (M113.981): rebuilt unit £5,500-£8,500; used engine from £2,000
SLK 55 AMG (M152.980): rebuilt unit £6,500-£10,000; used engine from £2,500
M113 crank sensor replacement: £200-£400 at specialist
M113 rear main seal replacement: £1,000-£1,800 at specialist
M152 rocker arm replacement: £1,600-£2,800 at specialist
Short summary: The most common sign is hot-start failure - the car starts fine from cold but won't restart when hot. This is a well-documented issue on the M113 engine, typically occurring around 90,000 miles.
Car starts from cold without issue
Engine won't restart after driving when hot
No check engine light or warning codes in some cases
Specialist advice is to carry a spare crank sensor in the glove box
If caught early, replacement costs £200-£400 at specialist
Short summary: The M113 is widely regarded as one of the most reliable Mercedes engines ever produced - "almost legendary in its reliability" [1†L6-L7]. The M152 is a two-generation leap forward, considered "mega reliable" with no systemic weak points [2†L5-L6][2†L43-L44][7†L45-L46]. Both engines are fundamentally strong when properly maintained.
M113 is considered bulletproof - oil leaks and crank sensor are the main concerns
M152 has no systemic weak points - valve train wear is the primary issue
Both engines are hand-built AMG masterpieces
Regular oil changes with Mercedes-spec oil are essential
Short summary: Properly maintained M113 engines routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles before major work. One owner reported an M113 engine still running strong at 116,500 miles [9†L37-L38]. The M152 is too new for definitive long-term data but is proving reliable.
M113 (R171 SLK 55 AMG): 150,000-200,000 miles with regular servicing
M152 (R172 SLK 55 AMG): too early for definitive data - valve train issues from 60k-100k miles
Crank sensor inspection recommended from 90,000 miles on M113
Service interval is 10,000 miles or 12 months - use Mercedes-spec MB 229.5 oil
Short summary: Yes, if the SLK is otherwise in good condition with no rust or major transmission faults. A rebuilt M113 costs £5,500-£8,500 - far less than replacing a £10,000-£30,000 vehicle. AMG values remain strong, making engine replacement a justifiable investment for well-maintained examples.
SLK 55 AMG (R171) values: £10,000-£20,000 depending on condition
Short summary: Mercedes-Benz specifies MB 229.5 high-performance oil - typically 5W-30 or 5W-40 fully synthetic. The M113 V8 requires approximately 8.5 litres; the M152 V8 requires approximately 9.5 litres.
Comparing quotes for your Mercedes SLK 55 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 M113 and M152 V8 engines inside out. Whether you need a used engine, a reconditioned unit, or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded gaskets, seals, and valve train components, we'll connect you with the right specialist for your exact SLK - 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 SLK 55 AMG engine
Compare quotes from trusted UK Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG engine specialists with warranty-backed rebuilt, reconditioned and used options nationwide.