How much does an M137 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M137 typically costs £8,000–£14,000 supply only, varying by specific variant. Fitting adds £2,000–£4,000 depending on labour rates. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

Is the Mercedes M137 a reliable engine?

The M137 is rated 2.5★ out of 5 — it was designed to be lighter and more efficient than the M120 V12 it replaced, but its complex ignition system and oil leaks are well-documented. Many specialists consider the earlier M120 to be more durable.

What is the most common M137 failure?

Common issues include ignition module/coil failures (temperature-dependent misfires), oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and oil pans, timing chain tensioner wear, alternator failure, and cooling system leaks (radiator, water pump).

Which Mercedes models use the M137?

The M137 was only used in the S 600 (W220) and CL 600 (C215) between 1998 and 2002. It was replaced by the M275 bi-turbo V12.

How long does the M137 last?

With meticulous maintenance, the M137 can reach 100,000–150,000 miles. However, specialists note that complex V12 repairs — particularly ignition system failures — are common in this mileage range, and parts availability is becoming an increasing concern.

Mercedes-BenzM137PetrolV121998–2002

Mercedes-Benz M137 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The Mercedes M137 is a 5.8-litre V12 – a lighter, more advanced flagship engine than its predecessor, but its complex ignition system and oil leaks are well-documented. Backed by real UK enquiries from EnginesMarket.co.uk.

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Mercedes-Benz M137 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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Enquiry Data Available
4
Models
Fitted
60/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

Jaguar Mercedes-Benz M137 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

Mercedes-Benz M137

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

362–367 hp

Overall Engine Score

60/100

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

V12, 5.8L (5,786 cc)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

1998–2002

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

Mercedes-Benz M137

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

V12, 5.8L (5,786 cc)

Power Range

362–367 hp

Years Produced

1998–2002

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

60/100

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

2.5

out of 5

80% confidence – based on verified specialist rebuild reports and UK workshop consensus.

The M137 is a smooth, exclusive V12 – but its complex ignition system and oil leaks are common, and parts are increasingly scarce – buy only with full service history and a specialist inspection.

Best for:

Collectors and enthusiasts wanting a V12 Mercedes flagship experience.

Avoid if:

You're on a tight maintenance budget or looking for a daily driver.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

2.5★ × 4

10 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £10,000+

4 /20

Repairability

Complex V12 design; specialist-only work; many failures require full strip

8 /20

Parts Supply

Available but dealer/specialist-order only; some parts scarce

10 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost 45–59% of lowest host-vehicle value

28 /20

Total Engine Score

60 / 100

Rating:

2.5

out of 5

80% confidence – based on verified specialist rebuild reports and UK workshop consensus.

The M137 is a smooth, exclusive V12 – but its complex ignition system and oil leaks are common, and parts are increasingly scarce – buy only with full service history and a specialist inspection.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

2.5★ × 4

10 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £10,000+

4 /20

Repairability

Complex V12 design; specialist-only work; many failures require full strip

8 /20

Parts Supply

Available but dealer/specialist-order only; some parts scarce

10 /20

Replacement Economics

Recon cost 45–59% of lowest host-vehicle value

28 /20

Total Engine Score

60 / 100

Best for:

Collectors and enthusiasts wanting a V12 Mercedes flagship experience.

Avoid if:

You're on a tight maintenance budget or looking for a daily driver.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 2+ models from 1998–2002.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive Jaguar engine. No cross-platform sharing.

1998

4 Years of Production

2002

S-Class

W220

S 600 (M137.970)

1998–20021 Variants →

CL-Class

C215

CL 600 (M137.970)

1999–20021 Variants →

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details →

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

S-Class

Generation

W220

Variant/Badge

S 600 (M137.970)

Years

1998–2002

CL-Class

Generation

C215

Variant/Badge

CL 600 (M137.970)

Years

1999–2002

Other Jaguar Models

Engine also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from Jaguar parts catalogues and specialist databases. [JAGUAR-VERIFIED]

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [JAGUAR-QUOTE]

Fitting an M137 typically takes 14–20 hours at £75–£110/hr (independent) or £130–£180/hr (London/SE dealer).

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

USED

Supply Only

£3,000–£6,000

Fitted (Indie)

£4,500–£8,000

3–6 months

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

USED

Supply Only

£3,000–£6,000

Fitted (Indie)

£4,500–£8,000

Warranty

3–6 months

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