How much does an M157 or M178 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M157/M178 typically costs £6,500–£10,000 supply only, with fitting adding £1,300–£2,000 depending on labour rates [ESTIMATED]. AMG-specific parts and specialist labour drive costs significantly above standard Mercedes engines.

Is the M157/M178 a reliable engine?

The M157/M178 rates 3.5★ out of 5 — powerful and rewarding when maintained, but known for bore scoring, timing chain wear on early M157s, and oil leaks. Regular servicing by an AMG specialist is non-negotiable.

What is the most common M157/M178 failure?

Cylinder bore scoring is the most catastrophic, particularly on poorly maintained or overheated examples. Early M157s also suffer timing chain stretch and oil wicking into wiring harnesses.

Which Mercedes models use the M157/M178?

The M157 powers the S 63, CL 63, E 63, CLS 63, G 63, GL 63, ML 63 (2011–2015+). The M178 replaced it from 2014 onward, powering the AMG GT range, W213 E 63, and newer G 63 / GT 4-Door.

How long does the M157/M178 last?

With meticulous maintenance, 100,000–150,000 miles is achievable. However, bore scoring can appear as early as 40,000–60,000 miles on neglected examples, and timing chain issues typically emerge around 60,000–100,000 miles.

Mercedes-BenzM157/M178Petrol4.0–5.5L V8 Twin-Turbo2011–present

Mercedes-Benz M157/M178 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The Mercedes-AMG M157 and M178 are hand-built twin-turbo V8s – brutal performance but serious running costs. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025.

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Mercedes-Benz M157/M178 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

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Jaguar M157 / M178 Engine Overview

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

Engine Family

M157 / M178

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

510–630 hp (M157); 462–639+ hp (M178)

Overall Engine Score

TBC/

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

V8 Twin-Turbo – 5.5L (M157) / 4.0L (M178)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

2011–present

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

M157 / M178

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

V8 Twin-Turbo – 5.5L (M157) / 4.0L (M178)

Power Range

510–630 hp (M157); 462–639+ hp (M178)

Years Produced

2011–present

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

3.5

out of 5

78% confidence – based on available specialist and owner reporting, pending proprietary enquiry data.

The M157/M178 delivers breathtaking AMG performance – but bore scoring, timing chain wear, and oil leaks demand deep pockets – buy only with full service history and a PPI.

Best for:

Enthusiasts who prioritise performance and can absorb £5k–£10k+ maintenance bills.

Avoid if:

Budget-conscious buyers or anyone unwilling to commit to rigorous, specialist-only maintenance.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

3.5★ × 4 = 14

14 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £7,250+ (estimated) – threshold £7,000–£9,999 → 8

8 /20

Repairability

Mixed failures: some are routine (injectors, coils, coolant lines), others are catastrophic (cylinder bore scoring, timing chain issues)

8 /20

Parts Supply

Well-supported via Mercedes-AMG dealer network and specialist suppliers, though AMG-specific parts carry a premium

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost as % of lowest typical host value – AMG models retain higher values but replacement costs are substantial

4 /20

Total Engine Score

50 / 100

Rating:

3.5

out of 5

78% confidence – based on available specialist and owner reporting, pending proprietary enquiry data.

The M157/M178 delivers breathtaking AMG performance – but bore scoring, timing chain wear, and oil leaks demand deep pockets – buy only with full service history and a PPI.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

3.5★ × 4 = 14

14 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned supply midpoint £7,250+ (estimated) – threshold £7,000–£9,999 → 8

8 /20

Repairability

Mixed failures: some are routine (injectors, coils, coolant lines), others are catastrophic (cylinder bore scoring, timing chain issues)

8 /20

Parts Supply

Well-supported via Mercedes-AMG dealer network and specialist suppliers, though AMG-specific parts carry a premium

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost as % of lowest typical host value – AMG models retain higher values but replacement costs are substantial

4 /20

Total Engine Score

50 / 100

Best for:

Enthusiasts who prioritise performance and can absorb £5k–£10k+ maintenance bills.

Avoid if:

Budget-conscious buyers or anyone unwilling to commit to rigorous, specialist-only maintenance.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 13+ models from 2011–2021.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

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

2011

10 Years of Production

2021

S-Class

W222 · W221

S 63 AMG

2011–20201 Variants →

CL-Class

C216

CL 63 AMG

2011–20141 Variants →

E-Class

W212 · W213

E 63 AMG · E 63 AMG / E 63 S

2011–20162 Variants →

CLS-Class

C218 · C257

CLS 63 AMG · CLS 53 (M178)

2011–20182 Variants →

G-Class

W463

G 63 AMG

2013–20131 Variants →

GL-Class

X166

GL 63 AMG

2013–20161 Variants →

GLE-Class

W166

GLE 63 / GLE 63 S

2015–20191 Variants →

GLS-Class

X166

GLS 63 AMG

2016–20191 Variants →

ML-Class

W166

ML 63 AMG

2012–20151 Variants →

AMG

C190

GT / GT S / GT C / GT R / Black Series

2014–20141 Variants →

AMG

GT 4-Door

X290

GT 63 / GT 63 S

2018–20181 Variants →

SL-Class

R231

SL 63 AMG

2012–20211 Variants →

SLC-Class

R172

SLC 43 (M178 detuned)

2016–20201 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

W222

Variant/Badge

S 63 AMG

Years

2013–2020

S-Class

Generation

W221

Variant/Badge

S 63 AMG

Years

2011–2013

CL-Class

Generation

C216

Variant/Badge

CL 63 AMG

Years

2011–2014

E-Class

Generation

W212

Variant/Badge

E 63 AMG

Years

2011–2016

E-Class

Generation

W213

Variant/Badge

E 63 AMG / E 63 S

Years

2016–present

CLS-Class

Generation

C218

Variant/Badge

CLS 63 AMG

Years

2011–2018

CLS-Class

Generation

C257

Variant/Badge

CLS 53 (M178)

Years

2018–present

G-Class

Generation

W463

Variant/Badge

G 63 AMG

Years

2013–present

GL-Class

Generation

X166

Variant/Badge

GL 63 AMG

Years

2013–2016

GLE-Class

Generation

W166

Variant/Badge

GLE 63 / GLE 63 S

Years

2015–2019

GLS-Class

Generation

X166

Variant/Badge

GLS 63 AMG

Years

2016–2019

ML-Class

Generation

W166

Variant/Badge

ML 63 AMG

Years

2012–2015

AMG

Generation

C190

Variant/Badge

GT / GT S / GT C / GT R / Black Series

Years

2014–present

AMG

GT 4-Door

Generation

X290

Variant/Badge

GT 63 / GT 63 S

Years

2018–present

SL-Class

Generation

R231

Variant/Badge

SL 63 AMG

Years

2012–2021

SLC-Class

Generation

R172

Variant/Badge

SLC 43 (M178 detuned)

Years

2016–2020

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 M157/M178 typically takes 14–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent AMG specialist) or £120–£180/hr (main dealer) [ESTIMATED].

N/A – exclusive to Mercedes-Benz.

USED

Supply Only

£4,000–£8,000

Fitted (Indie)

£5,200–£9,500

3–6 months

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[JAGUAR-QUOTE]

USED

Supply Only

£4,000–£8,000

Fitted (Indie)

£5,200–£9,500

Warranty

3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

Why Owners Trust Us

Trusted Suppliers – Every AMG specialist and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real M157/M178 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies – We compare genuine AMG engine specialists, not just any garage – so you get the right expertise for your high-performance V8.

UK Coverage – From London to Edinburgh, our network of pre-vetted AMG specialists means you're never far from trusted M157/M178 expertise.

Find the best Mercedes-AMG M157 or M178 engine replacement UK drivers trust. Compare real prices from trusted AMG specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

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Trusted Suppliers – Every AMG specialist and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real M157/M178 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies – We compare genuine AMG engine specialists, not just any garage – so you get the right expertise for your high-performance V8.

UK Coverage – From London to Edinburgh, our network of pre-vetted AMG specialists means you're never far from trusted M157/M178 expertise.

Find the best BMW Engine engine replacement UK drivers rely on.

Compare real prices from trusted AMG specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes M157/M178 Engine Prices Now