How much does an M159/M178 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M159/M178 typically costs £10,000–£18,000 supply only [ESTIMATED], varying by variant and whether ancillaries are included. Fitting adds £1,100–£2,300 depending on labour rates, with specialist AMG workshops essential.

Is the M159/M178 a reliable engine?

The M159/M178 rate 4.5★ out of 5 based on specialist feedback [MB-INTERVIEW]. They are robust at their core, but their high performance and exotic nature mean maintenance costs are substantial.

What is the most common M159/M178 failure?

Oil leaks (valve cover gaskets and cam covers) are most common. M178 turbocharger failures and coolant leaks are also reported, especially on tracked or tuned examples.

Which Mercedes models use the M159/M178?

The M159 powers the SLS AMG, and the M178 powers the AMG GT (Coupe, Roadster, Black Series) and the AMG GT 4-Door (M177 variant) — flagship sports cars and supercars.

How long does the M159/M178 last?

With meticulous maintenance and limited track abuse, the M159/M178 can exceed 100,000 miles. However, many are low-mileage garage queens — and high-mileage examples are rare and require specialist inspection.

Mercedes-BenzM159/M178 GTPetrolV8 6.2L NA / 4.0L TT2010–present

Mercedes-Benz M159/M178 GT Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The Mercedes M159/M178 are AMG's ultimate V8s – hand-built, sonorous, and immensely powerful, but expensive to maintain and repair. Backed by UK specialist insight [MB-INTERVIEW].

Compare M159/M178 Engine Prices

Mercedes-Benz M159/M178 GT Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

Compare M159/M178 Engine Prices

Specialist Verified
5+
AMG
Models
/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

Jaguar M159 / M178 GT Engine Overview

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

Engine Family

M159 / M178 GT

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

571–631 hp (M159), 469–730 hp (M178)

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

6.2L V8 NA (M159) / 4.0L V8 twin-turbo (M178)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

2010–2014 (M159), 2014–present (M178)

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

M159 / M178 GT

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

6.2L V8 NA (M159) / 4.0L V8 twin-turbo (M178)

Power Range

571–631 hp (M159), 469–730 hp (M178)

Years Produced

2010–2014 (M159), 2014–present (M178)

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

4.5

out of 5

85% confidence – based on specialist feedback and enthusiast data; these are lower-volume, high-performance engines.

The M159/M178 are sensational, sonorous V8s – but they're AMG exotica: expensive to maintain and repair – buy with a warranty and a healthy budget for running costs.

Best for:

Enthusiasts wanting a flagship AMG V8 experience.

Avoid if:

You're on a tight budget for maintenance and repairs.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.5★) × 4 = 18

18 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned midpoint: £12,500+ → £10,000+ bracket = 4

4 /20

Repairability

Some manageable repairs (oil leaks), but many failures are all-or-nothing events

12 /20

Parts Supply

Available but with wait times; AMG-specific parts can be dealer-only or import-dependent

12 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost is under 30% of high-value host vehicles (£40k+)

20 /20

Total Engine Score

66 / 100

Rating:

4.5

out of 5

85% confidence – based on specialist feedback and enthusiast data; these are lower-volume, high-performance engines.

The M159/M178 are sensational, sonorous V8s – but they're AMG exotica: expensive to maintain and repair – buy with a warranty and a healthy budget for running costs.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.5★) × 4 = 18

18 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned midpoint: £12,500+ → £10,000+ bracket = 4

4 /20

Repairability

Some manageable repairs (oil leaks), but many failures are all-or-nothing events

12 /20

Parts Supply

Available but with wait times; AMG-specific parts can be dealer-only or import-dependent

12 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost is under 30% of high-value host vehicles (£40k+)

20 /20

Total Engine Score

66 / 100

Best for:

Enthusiasts wanting a flagship AMG V8 experience.

Avoid if:

You're on a tight budget for maintenance and repairs.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 3+ models from 2010–2023.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

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

2010

13 Years of Production

2023

SLS

AMG

C197 (Coupe) · R197 (Roadster) · –

SLS AMG · SLS AMG GT · SLS AMG Black Series

2010–20143 Variants →

AMG

C190 (Coupe) · R190 (Roadster) · –

GT · GT S · GT C · GT R · GT Black Series · GT Track Series

2014–20236 Variants →

AMG

GT 4-Door

X290

GT 63 · GT 63 S (M177)

2019–20192 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]

SLS

AMG

Generation

C197 (Coupe)

Variant/Badge

SLS AMG, SLS AMG GT

Years

2010–2014

SLS

AMG

Generation

R197 (Roadster)

Variant/Badge

SLS AMG, SLS AMG GT

Years

2011–2014

SLS

AMG

Generation

–

Variant/Badge

SLS AMG Black Series

Years

2013–2014

AMG

Generation

C190 (Coupe)

Variant/Badge

GT, GT S, GT C, GT R

Years

2014–2023

AMG

Generation

R190 (Roadster)

Variant/Badge

GT, GT C, GT R

Years

2016–2023

AMG

Generation

–

Variant/Badge

GT Black Series, GT Track Series

Years

2021–2023

AMG

GT 4-Door

Generation

X290

Variant/Badge

GT 63, GT 63 S (M177)

Years

2019–present

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 [ESTIMATED]

Fitting an M159/M178 typically takes 16–24 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

USED

Supply Only

£8,000–£15,000

[ESTIMATED]

Fitted (Indie)

£9,050–£16,300

3–6 months

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[ESTIMATED]

USED

Supply Only

£8,000–£15,000

[ESTIMATED]

Fitted (Indie)

£9,050–£16,300

Warranty

3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW Engine engine questions.

Why Owners Trust Us

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

Compare Companies – We compare not just prices but real workshop reputations, warranty terms, and availability – so you know exactly who you're dealing with.

UK Coverage – Our specialist partners span the entire UK, ensuring you can find a trusted local fitter for your SLS or AMG GT.

Find the best Mercedes M159/M178 engine replacement UK drivers trust. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your AMG halo car back on the road with confidence.

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

Compare Companies – We compare not just prices but real workshop reputations, warranty terms, and availability – so you know exactly who you're dealing with.

UK Coverage – Our specialist partners span the entire UK, ensuring you can find a trusted local fitter for your SLS or AMG GT.

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

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

Compare Mercedes M159/M178 Engine Prices Now