How much does a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned E63 AMG engine typically costs £4,500–£18,000 supply only depending on generation. M156-era engines sit at the lower end (£4,500–£11,000), while M177 units run £7,000–£18,000. A replacement M156.985 engine costs on average £10,149 in good condition. Reconditioned M157 engines start from £6,200. Used M157 complete engines with transmission are available from £3,570. Fitting adds £1,000–£2,500 depending on workshop location. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

Is the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG engine reliable?

It depends on which engine generation your E63 has. The M156 (W211/early W212, 2006–2011) is a high-revving naturally aspirated masterpiece but has well-documented issues: head bolt failure, camshaft adjuster wear, lifter tick, and oil leaks. The M157 (W212 facelift, 2012–2016) is more reliable but suffers from timing chain stretch, oil thermostat leaks and misfires. The M177 (W213, 2017–2023) is the most reliable but has oil separator and rear main seal vulnerabilities. Check the Era Map above for your specific car.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG?

M156 head bolt failure (coolant loss, white smoke, potential hydrolock), M156 camshaft adjuster and lifter wear (knocking, ticking, rough idle), M157 timing chain stretch (rattling on startup), M177 oil separator failure and rear main seal leaks (oil leaks, whistling), and transmission issues across all generations (harsh shifting, torque converter wear).

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG engine, or should I scrap the car?

Apply the 70% Mercedes scrap threshold: if your E63 is worth £15,000–£30,000 and a recon engine is £7,000–£10,000 (23–67% of the car's value), assess the overall condition carefully. Well-maintained examples with good bodywork and interior justify replacement spend. Tired examples with significant rust or other issues may not. E63 AMGs are performance icons with strong enthusiast following — a good engine rebuild can add significant value if the rest of the car is in good condition.

How do I find my Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG engine code?

The engine code is listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: W211 (2006–2009) is M156.980/985 (6.2L NA V8, 514 PS), W212 pre-facelift (2010–2011) is M156.985 (6.2L NA V8, 525 PS), W212 facelift (2012–2016) is M157.980 (5.5L twin-turbo V8, 525–557 PS), W213 (2017–2023) is M177.980 (4.0L twin-turbo V8, 571–612 PS). Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I repair the M156 head bolts, or does the engine need replacement?

Yes — if caught early. Head bolt replacement with upgraded aftermarket bolts (£1,800–£3,500) is far cheaper than catastrophic failure requiring a full engine replacement (£4,500–£11,000+). At the first sign of coolant loss or white smoke, book an inspection immediately. Preventative head bolt replacement is recommended on pre-2011 M156 engines. Upgraded bolts made from stronger materials are available.

E63 AMG Engine Replacement Cost UK

Name: Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngine.uk

The E63 AMG THROUGH TIME — Era Map

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

Era Note

6.2L NA V8, 514 PS — head bolts, cam adjusters, lifter tick

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

W211 E63

2006–2009M156.980/985★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]6.2L NA V8, 514 PS — head bolts, cam adjusters, lifter tick

W212 E63 (pre-facelift) BMW 320d W212 E63 (pre-facelift)

2010–2011M156.985★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]6.2L NA V8, 525 PS — M156's final form, same vulnerabilities

W212 E63 (facelift) BMW 320d W212 E63 (facelift)

2012–2016M157.980★★★½☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£5,500–£13,000 [PLACEHOLDER]5.5L twin-turbo V8, 525 PS — more reliable than M156 but complex

W212 E63 S (facelift) BMW 320d W212 E63 S (facelift)

2014–2016M157.980★★★½☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£6,000–£14,000 [PLACEHOLDER]5.5L twin-turbo V8, 557 PS — higher boost, more strain

W213 E63

2017–2020M177.980★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£7,000–£16,000 [PLACEHOLDER]4.0L twin-turbo V8, 571 PS — hot-vee, oil separator issues

W213 E63 S BMW 320d W213 E63 S

2017–2023M177.980★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£8,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER]4.0L twin-turbo V8, 612 PS — Nanoslide bores, cooling needs

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches — Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£5,500–£14,000

Fitted (Indie)£7,000–£17,000

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£3,500–£6,000£4,500–£8,0001–6 monthsBudget priority; short-term ownership

Reconditioned Engine£5,500–£14,000£7,000–£17,00012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£8,000–£18,000£9,500–£21,00012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£15,000–£25,000£18,000–£30,00024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect current market rates for AMG engines. A replacement M156.985 engine costs on average £10,149 in good condition, with reconditioned units up to £11,744. Reconditioned M157 engines start from £6,200, with rebuilt units from £6,995. Used M157 complete engines with transmission are available from £3,570. Main dealer new engines are significantly more expensive.

Labour estimate: Fitting an E63 AMG engine typically takes 14–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent). The complex V8 layout, twin-turbo systems and sophisticated electronics add significant labour time. M157 and M177 engines require additional expertise due to the twin-turbo and hot-vee configurations.

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Common Problems

1. M156 Head Bolt Failure (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white smoke from exhaust, misfires, overheating, engine warning light. In severe cases, coolant enters the combustion chamber, causing hydrolock and catastrophic engine failure. The cylinder head bolts can break at the bolt head due to insufficient material strength. This is a "known issue on pre 2011 M156 engines". A slow reduction in coolant is often the first sign.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles — can occur at relatively low mileage.

Repair cost: £1,800–£3,500 (head bolt replacement with upgraded aftermarket bolts).

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only if caught early; catastrophic failure requires full engine replacement (£4,500–£11,000+).

🔴 Immediate - if you notice coolant loss or white smoke, stop driving and book an inspection today.

Our recommendation:

The M156's head bolts are its most critical weak point. Mercedes-Benz will not retrofit the new head bolts until they fail. Upgraded aftermarket bolts made from stronger materials are available. Replacement after failure costs around $2,000–$3,000, but costs increase if any bolts are broken. At the first sign of coolant loss or white smoke, book an inspection immediately — preventative head bolt replacement is far cheaper than a full engine rebuild.

1. M156 Head Bolt Failure (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, white smoke from exhaust, misfires, overheating, engine warning light. In severe cases, coolant enters the combustion chamber, causing hydrolock and catastrophic engine failure. The cylinder head bolts can break at the bolt head due to insufficient material strength. This is a "known issue on pre 2011 M156 engines". A slow reduction in coolant is often the first sign.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles — can occur at relatively low mileage.

Repair cost: £1,800–£3,500 (head bolt replacement with upgraded aftermarket bolts).

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only if caught early; catastrophic failure requires full engine replacement (£4,500–£11,000+).

🔴 Immediate - if you notice coolant loss or white smoke, stop driving and book an inspection today.

Our recommendation:

The M156's head bolts are its most critical weak point. Mercedes-Benz will not retrofit the new head bolts until they fail. Upgraded aftermarket bolts made from stronger materials are available. Replacement after failure costs around $2,000–$3,000, but costs increase if any bolts are broken. At the first sign of coolant loss or white smoke, book an inspection immediately — preventative head bolt replacement is far cheaper than a full engine rebuild.

2. M156 Camshaft Adjuster & Lifter Wear (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

Symptoms: Rough idling, engine knocking noises especially on startup, reduced engine performance and efficiency, check engine light, ticking noise from the engine. The camshaft adjusters can fail due to wear and tear or design flaws. The M156's camshafts and hydraulic lifters are also prone to premature wear, leading to ticking noises, rough idling, or reduced engine performance.

Typical mileage: 50,000–100,000 miles.

Repair cost: £2,000–£4,000 (camshaft adjusters, lifters, timing chain components).

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, can lead to severe engine damage.

🔴 Immediate - if you hear knocking or ticking, book an inspection today.

Our recommendation:

The camshaft adjusters and lifters are well-documented weak points on the M156. A replacement kit typically includes camshaft adjusters, timing chain (if worn), guides, tensioners, gaskets and seals. Using high-quality engine oil and maintaining proper oil change intervals can prevent these components from wearing out prematurely. At the first sign of knocking or ticking, book an inspection immediately.

3. M177 Oil Separator & Rear Main Seal Failure (W213 E63 2017–2023)

Symptoms: Oil dripping from the rear of the engine, oil around the transmission bellhousing, burning oil smell, whistling or howling sound, improper or unstable idle speed. The oil separator fails, causing crankcase pressure imbalance that forces oil past the rear main seal. Excessive vacuum can also pull seals inward, distorting or damaging them. This is "one of the most frequent and expensive problems we encounter" on the M177.

Typical mileage: 50,000–80,000 miles — preventative maintenance recommended around 70,000 miles.

Repair cost: £2,000–£5,000 (oil separator replacement, rear main seal, labour).

Replacement cost: N/A — repair only; if ignored, oil loss can lead to engine damage.

🔴 Immediate - if you notice oil leaks or a whistling sound, book an inspection today.

Our recommendation:

The M177's oil separator is a known failure point that can lead to expensive rear main seal leaks. A simple check can identify the issue: with the engine idling, try to remove the oil fill cap — if there is excessive vacuum, the cap will be extremely difficult to remove. If you hear a whistling sound, try slightly loosening the oil cap — if the noise changes, the oil separator is likely failing. Address this issue promptly to avoid costly seal damage.

E63 AMG — 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.

E63 AMG — 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 SenseM156 head bolt failure✅ Yes (if caught early)£1,800–£3,500Upgraded bolts prevent recurrence — catch before hydrolockM156 camshaft adjuster wear✅ Yes£2,000–£4,000Restores performance and smooth runningM157 timing chain stretch✅ Yes (if caught early)£1,500–£3,500Preventative — catches fault before catastrophic failureM177 oil separator/RMS failure✅ Yes£2,000–£5,000Essential repair — oil loss can damage engineSnapped timing chain (any engine)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementInterference engine — piston-valve contact means little is left to repair

Buying This E63 AMG? Check These First

Buy If

W211/W212 M156 with head bolts replaced with upgraded aftermarket bolts
M156 with camshaft adjusters and lifters replaced
M157 with full service history and regular oil changes (every 5,000–8,000 miles)
W213 M177 with oil separator inspected and no rear main seal leaks
Full service history with regular oil changes and warm-up procedures

Avoid If

M156 with coolant loss or white smoke — head bolt failure
M156 with knocking or ticking on startup — camshaft adjuster/lifter wear
M157 with timing chain rattle on startup — chain stretch
M177 with oil leaks or whistling — oil separator/RMS failure
Poor service history on any generation — these engines are unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The E63 AMG badge spans three generations of hand-built AMG V8s — from the naturally aspirated M156 to the twin-turbo M157 and M177. The M156 (W211/early W212) is a high-revving masterpiece but has well-documented head bolt, cam adjuster and lifter issues. The M157 (W212 facelift) is more reliable but suffers from timing chain stretch and oil leaks. The M177 (W213) is the most reliable but has oil separator and rear main seal vulnerabilities. With the 70% Mercedes scrap threshold, a £7,000–£10,000 reconditioned engine on an E63 AMG valued at £15,000–£30,000 is 23–67% of the car's value — assess the overall condition carefully. Well-maintained examples with documented preventative maintenance justify replacement spend.

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Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly.

M156.980/985

Years2006–2011

Power514–525 PS (378–386 kW)

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£4,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M156.980/9852006–2011514–525 PS (378–386 kW)— (pattern data)£4,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

M157.9802012–2016525–557 PS (386–410 kW)— (pattern data)£5,500–£14,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

M177.9802017–2023571–612 PS (420–450 kW)— (pattern data)£7,000–£18,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specs

M177.980 — W213 E63 S 2017–2023

Displacement6,208 cc (6.2L)

CylindersV8, 32-valve DOHC

Compression Ratio11.3:1

Fuel SystemMulti-point fuel injection

TurbochargerNaturally aspirated

Torque630 Nm

Displacement5,461 cc (5.5L)

CylindersV8, 32-valve DOHC

Compression Ratio10.0:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-turbocharged

Torque700–900 Nm

Displacement3,982 cc (4.0L)

CylindersV8, 32-valve DOHC

Compression Ratio10.5:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-turbocharged (hot-vee)

Torque850 Nm

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

M156 head bolts (W211/early W212) / M177 oil separator (W213) — generation-dependent 【PATTERN DATA】

Average Enquiry Mileage

65,000

miles 【PATTERN DATA】

Average Replacement Cost

£7,500

reconditioned, supply only 【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Most Requested Engine Code

M157.980 (W212 E63 facelift — highest-volume generation) 【PATTERN DATA】

Peak Enquiry Season

Spring/Summer — performance car owners recommissioning after winter 【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand

South East24%

London18%

South West (16%) 【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

24%South East

18%London

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.

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supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering everything from head bolt replacement to oil separator repair to full engine swaps on your W211, W212 or W213 E63 AMG.

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Mercedes-Benz E-Class E63 AMG Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

The E63 AMG THROUGH TIME — Era Map

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG Engine Replacement Costs

Common Problems

1. M156 Head Bolt Failure (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

1. M156 Head Bolt Failure (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

2. M156 Camshaft Adjuster & Lifter Wear (W211/W212 E63 2006–2011)

3. M177 Oil Separator & Rear Main Seal Failure (W213 E63 2017–2023)

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E63 AMG — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

E63 AMG — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

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Engine Codes

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