How much does a Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned engine typically costs £1,500–£8,500 supply only depending on generation: M113 (£1,500–£3,500), M273 (£2,500–£5,000), M278 (£4,000–£8,500). Fitting adds £900–£1,600. Balance shaft replacement on the M273 can cost £1,500–£4,000 if caught early. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

Is the Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 engine reliable?

It depends on the generation. The M113 (2002–2006) is widely considered bulletproof — a robust 3‑valve V8. The M273 (2006–2011) has a notorious balance shaft failure on early cars (2006–2007). The M278 (2011–2016) is a twin‑turbo with timing chain tensioner and oil leak issues. Post‑2008 M273 cars are significantly more reliable.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550?

M113 oil leaks (valve covers, oil cooler seals); M273 balance shaft / idler gear failure (early cars) and intake manifold flap failure; M278 timing chain tensioner rattle, cam magnet / cam sensor oil leaks, turbo coolant line failures, and conductor plate failure in the 722.9 transmission.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and generation. Against a well‑kept W212 E550 worth £6,000–£12,000, a £4,000–£8,500 recon is a significant investment — assess carefully. For an M113‑powered W211 E500 worth £3,000–£7,000, a £3,500 recon is more marginal. However, well‑maintained V8 E‑Classes are increasingly collectable.

How do I find my Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. The E500 uses M113 (W211 2002–2006) or M273 (W211 2006–2009, W212 2009–2011). The E550 uses M273 (W211 2006–2009, W212 2009–2011) or M278 (W212 2011–2016, C207/A207 2011–2017). Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I repair the M273's balance shaft, or does it need a new engine?

Yes — if caught early. A balance shaft / idler gear replacement (£1,500–£4,000) is far cheaper than a catastrophic engine failure (£2,500–£5,000 engine replacement). Check your engine serial number — if it's in the affected range, book an inspection immediately. Post‑2008 cars are not affected.

Mercedes-Benz E500 / E5502002–20173 Engine Generations

Mercedes-Benz E500 / E550 Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz E-Class V8 specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used M113, M273 and M278 engines — supply & fit available nationwide.

Supply & Fit Available

12‑Month Warranty

Nationwide Delivery

25+ Specialists

Supply & Fit Available

12‑Month Warranty

Nationwide Delivery

25+ Specialists

Mercedes E500 / E550 Engines — from £1,500 to £8,500Common codes: M113, M273, <a href='https://mercedesengines.uk/engine/m276-m278'>M278</a>

Mercedes E500 / E550 Engines — from £1,500 to £8,500· Common codes: M113, M273, <a href='https://mercedesengines.uk/engine/m276-m278'>M278</a>

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK‑Wide Network

The E500 / E550 THROUGH TIME — Era Map

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

The "bulletproof" M113 — robust 3‑valve V8 with 722.6 5‑speed; oil leaks and crankcase vent issues are the main watchpoints.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

W211 (E500) BMW 320d W211 (E500)

2002–2006M113 (5.0 V8)★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£1,500–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]The "bulletproof" M113 — robust 3‑valve V8 with 722.6 5‑speed; oil leaks and crankcase vent issues are the main watchpoints.

W211 (E500/E550) BMW 320d W211 (E500/E550)

2006–2009M273 (5.5 V8)★★½☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]The 4‑valve M273 — 385 bhp; balance shaft/idler gear failure (pre‑2008) and intake manifold flaps are the defining weaknesses.

W212 / C207/A207 (E500/E550) BMW 320d W212 / C207/A207 (E500/E550)

2009–2011M273 (5.5 V8)★★½☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]Late M273 — balance shaft issue largely resolved, but oil leaks and intake manifold problems remain.

W212 / C207/A207 (E550) BMW 320d W212 / C207/A207 (E550)

2011–2016M278 (4.7 BiTurbo V8)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,000–£8,500 [MB‑QUOTE]The twin‑turbo M278 — 402 bhp; timing chain tensioner, cam magnet oil leaks, and coolant line failures are the main watchpoints.

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes-Benz E500 / E550 Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£2,500–£6,000

Fitted (Indie)£3,400–£7,200

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,500–£4,000£2,200–£5,2001–6 monthsBudget priority; vehicle under £6,000

Reconditioned Engine£2,500–£6,000£3,400–£7,20012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£4,000–£8,500£5,000–£9,70012–24 monthsLong‑term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£10,000–£18,000£11,500–£20,00024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Labour estimate: Fitting an E500 / E550 engine typically takes 12–16 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). Balance shaft replacement on the M273 is an engine‑out job, significantly increasing labour costs.

Common Problems

Weighing Your Options?

Compare Specialist Quotes When You're Ready

25+ vetted Mercedes‑Benz specialists, every E500 / E550 variant covered, with a 12‑month warranty as standard.

See E500 / E550 Engine Options

Mercedes-Benz E500 / E550 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Mercedes-Benz E500 / E550 — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseM113 oil leaks (valve covers, oil cooler)✅ Yes£300–£800Straightforward gasket replacement; catch it earlyM273 balance shaft / idler gear failure✅ Yes£1,500–£4,000If caught early; engine‑out job but cheaper than replacementM273 intake manifold flap failure✅ Yes£600–£1,500Replace manifold or fit repair kit; catch it before cat damageM278 timing chain tensioner rattle✅ Yes£1,000–£2,500TSB LI05.1o-P-056435 covers this; catch it before chain jumpsM278 cam magnet / sensor oil leaks✅ Yes£300–£800Preventative — catch it before oil reaches the ECUM278 turbo coolant line failure✅ Yes£500–£1,200Replace coolant lines and hoses — common failure722.9 conductor plate failure✅ Yes£500–£1,200Replace conductor plate and valve body; common around 60,000 miles

Buying This E500 / E550? Check These First

Buy If

W211 E500 with the M113 (2002–2006) — the "bulletproof" V8
Post‑2008 M273 (balance shaft issue resolved)
M278 with documented timing chain tensioner replacement (TSB work completed)
Full Mercedes service history — all V8s are sensitive to oil quality

Avoid If

2006–2007 M273 with no balance shaft history — check the engine serial number immediately
M278 with cold‑start rattle and no timing chain tensioner history
Oil in camshaft sensor connectors — potential ECU damage risk
Poor service history on any generation — V8s are unforgiving of neglect
2008–2009 E500/E550 with the M273 — balance shaft issues should be resolved by 2008

Closing Verdict

The E500 / E550 badge spans three V8 families — and the reliability varies dramatically. The M113 (2002–2006) is widely considered bulletproof. The M273 (2006–2011) has a notorious balance shaft failure on early cars. The M278 (2011–2016) is a twin‑turbo marvel with timing chain tensioner and oil leak issues. Buy the M113 if you want bulletproof reliability; buy a post‑2008 M273 or a well‑maintained M278 if you want more power. If you're replacing, a reconditioned unit with a 12‑month warranty is the sweet spot.

20+ Vetted Specialists UK Network

12-Month Warranty as Standard

Nationwide Delivery & Collection

Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees

Thousands of 320d Owners Helped

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Engine Serial Number — For M273, check if it's in the affected range for balance shaft failure (2006–2007)

Cold Start — Listen for rattling noise on startup (M273 balance shaft or M278 timing chain tensioner)

Service History — Including which engine era (M113 for 2002–2006 W211, M273 for 2006–2011, M278 for 2011–2016) — see the Era Map above

Oil Leaks — Check for oil spots under the car (M113 valve covers, M278 cam sensors)

Cam Sensor Connectors — Disconnect and check for oil — oil in the plug could mean a new ECU (M278)

Intake Manifold — Any loss of power or hesitation? Intake manifold flap failure (M273/M278)

Transmission — Any harsh shifting? 722.9 conductor plate failure is common

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Any unresolved timing, intake, or emissions issues?

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

M113 (113.960/967)

Years2002–2006

Power302–306 bhp / 460 Nm

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£1,500–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M113 (113.960/967)2002–2006302–306 bhp / 460 Nm— (pattern data)£1,500–£3,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

M273 (273.960/961)2006–2011382–388 bhp / 530 Nm— (pattern data)£2,500–£5,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

M278 (278.922)2011–2016402 bhp / 600 Nm— (pattern data)£4,000–£8,500 [MB‑QUOTE]

Technical Specs

M278 — representative

Displacement4,663cc

Cylinders8‑cylinder V (90°)

Compression Ratio10.5:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin‑turbo

ValvetrainDOHC, 32‑valve, with variable valve timing

Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

M273 balance shaft failure and M278 timing chain tensioner issues — approximately 55% of enquiries

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

68,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£3,500

reconditioned, supply only

[MB‑QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

M278

[MB‑VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter — cold starts expose timing chain and balance shaft issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

London22%

South East20%

South West15%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

22%London

20%South East

Frequently Asked Questions

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12‑month unlimited‑mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

Find the best Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and keep your V8 on the road.

Explore Mercedes‑Benz E500 / E550 Engine Quotes

100% Free

No hidden fees

No Obligation

Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available

100% Free

No hidden fees

No Obligation

Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available