Mercedes‑AMG GT R190Roadster2017–2021

Mercedes‑AMG GT R190 Engines — The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the AMG GT R190 roadster — the 4.0‑litre M178 twin‑turbo V8 in its 476‑585hp guises. Real UK costs, performance‑car running realities, and the hot‑vee cooling demands that define this generation. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED].

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Mercedes‑AMG GT R190 Engine Codes — The Complete Database

The M178 twin‑turbo 4.0‑litre V8 across all R190 roadster power outputs — from entry‑level GT to range‑topping GT R.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
M178.980M178Petrol, twin‑turbo476hp (350kW)2017–2021★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£12,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M178.980M178Petrol, twin‑turbo522hp (385kW)2017–2021★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£12,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
M178.980M178Petrol, twin‑turbo585hp (430kW)2017–2021★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL — pending dedicated Engine Page]— (pattern data)£14,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet]
BMW 3 Series E90

Overview

Mercedes‑AMG GT R190 — Overview

The R190 is the roadster bodystyle of Mercedes‑AMG's first‑generation GT, launched in 2017 as the open‑top counterpart to the C190 coupé.

It shares the same aluminium spaceframe chassis and front‑mid‑engine transaxle layout as the coupé, but with a fabric roof that adds character — and weight — to AMG's Porsche 911 fighter. Every R190 is powered by the M178 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo V8 in one of three power outputs.

Key Facts

Platform

Mercedes‑AMG C190/R190 aluminium spaceframe

Predecessor

SLS AMG Roadster (spiritual)

Successor

AMG SL R232 (roadster)

Sibling body styles in this generation

C190 Coupé

Market Intelligence

The first‑generation AMG GT (C190/R190 combined) generated real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [MB‑VERIFIED], with the GT R 585hp tune commanding the strongest specialist interest.

Best & Worst Engines

M178.980 (GT S, 522hp) engine

Best Petrol Overall

M178.980 (GT S, 522hp)

The sweet spot of the M178 range: 522hp delivers genuine supercar performance without the GT R's track‑focused suspension compromise, and the same hot‑vee V8 architecture that underpins AMG's most celebrated modern engines.

Who it's for: buyers who want the full AMG V8 experience without the GT R's premium.

M178.980 (GT R, 585hp) engine

Highest Risk

M178.980 (GT R, 585hp)

The highest‑strung factory tune of the M178 in the R190 line‑up. More power means more heat, and the hot‑vee design already runs cooling systems hard — intercooler and oil cooler integrity are critical on track‑used cars.

Who it's for: track‑day enthusiasts with a maintenance budget to match.

M178.980 (GT, 476hp) engine

Most Overlooked

M178.980 (GT, 476hp)

Entry‑level power in a £100k+ car sounds modest, but 476hp from a twin‑turbo V8 is still more than enough to exploit the R190's chassis. Lower tune means marginally less strain on the hot‑vee cooling system.

Who it's for: buyers who want AMG V8 character without the highest running costs.

Mercedes‑AMG GT R190 — Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
M178.980 (476hp)20k–40kIntercooler/coolant leaks£1,500–£3,000£12,000–£16,000
High‑End GT — budget for preventative cooling work
M178.980 (522hp)20k–40kIntercooler/coolant leaks, oil separator failure£1,500–£3,500£12,000–£16,000
Sweet Spot — more power, same basic costs
M178.980 (585hp)15k–30kIntercooler/coolant, turbo heat stress£2,000–£5,000£14,000–£18,000
Track Special — highest running costs

The R190 rule

A £14,000–£18,000 M178 recon against a £60,000–£80,000 R190 sits at 18–30% of the car's value — well inside the 70% Mercedes‑Benz threshold. But against a £50,000 high‑mileage example, that same recon reaches 28–36% — still viable, but a significant proportion of the car's residual value. Value the car and its service history first.

Common Problems

R190 Engine Replacement Costs — By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Core Variants

Petrol Variants

GTGT SGT R

Scope note: All variants listed are R190 roadster only. C190 coupé shares the same M178 engine line‑up but is covered on its own Generation Page, as fitment and production years vary by body style.

Market Intelligence

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        FAQ

        BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

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