How much does an M276/M278 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned M276/M278 typically costs £3,500–£6,500 supply only [ESTIMATED], varying by V6 or V8 spec and whether turbos are included. Fitting adds £780–£1,300 depending on labour rates and model.

Is the M276/M278 a reliable engine?

The M276/M278 rate 4.0★ out of 5 based on specialist feedback and UK owner data [MB-INTERVIEW]. They are refined and generally robust, but timing chain wear and oil leaks are the main areas to monitor.

What is the most common M276/M278 failure?

Timing chain stretch is the most common reported issue, particularly on higher-mileage M276 V6s. Oil leaks from the V‑engine valley and valve cover gaskets are also frequent as the engines age.

Which Mercedes models use the M276/M278?

The M276/M278 powers E‑Class, S‑Class, CLS, ML/GLE, GLS, GL, SL, G‑Class, and some C‑Class and AMG models — covering a wide range from the early 2010s to around 2020.

How long does the M276/M278 last?

With regular oil changes and proactive timing chain inspection, the M276/M278 routinely exceeds 150,000 miles. Many specialists report V8 M278 examples at 200,000+ with proper maintenance [MB-INTERVIEW].

Mercedes-BenzM276/M278PetrolV6/V8 Biturbo2010–2020

Mercedes-Benz M276/M278 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The Mercedes M276 is a 3.5L V6 (or 4.7L V8 twin-turbo M278) – silky smooth with strong torque, but timing chain wear and oil leaks are notable. Backed by real UK enquiries in 2025 [MB-INTERVIEW].

Compare M276/M278 Engine Prices

Mercedes-Benz M276/M278 Engine – Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

Compare M276/M278 Engine Prices

Real Enquiries
Models Fitted
/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

Jaguar M276 (V6) / M278 (V8 Biturbo) Engine Overview

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

Engine Family

M276 (V6) / M278 (V8 Biturbo)

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

302–455 hp (M276), 402–577 hp (M278)

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

3.5L V6 / 4.7L V8 twin-turbo

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

2010–2020 (M276), 2011–2020 (M278)

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

M276 (V6) / M278 (V8 Biturbo)

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

3.5L V6 / 4.7L V8 twin-turbo

Power Range

302–455 hp (M276), 402–577 hp (M278)

Years Produced

2010–2020 (M276), 2011–2020 (M278)

Models Fitted (BMW only)

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to Mercedes-Benz

Overall Engine Score

TBC/100/

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

out of 5

88% confidence – based on UK specialist feedback and owner-reported data across a broad range of models.

The M276/M278 are refined, torquey V6/V8s – timing chain stretch and oil leaks are the main watch-points – buy with full service history and inspect chain health.

Best for:

Buyers wanting a smooth, powerful petrol Mercedes with modern features.

Avoid if:

You're not prepared for potential timing chain or V-engine oil leak costs.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.0★) × 4 = 16

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned midpoint: £6,250 → £5,000–£6,999 bracket = 12

12 /20

Repairability

Mix of well-understood repairs (timing chain, oil leaks) and V-engine complexity

12 /20

Parts Supply

Good parts availability from Mercedes and aftermarket; 4.7L V8 has strong support

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost 30–44% of lowest host vehicle value

16 /20

Total Engine Score

72 / 100

Rating:

out of 5

88% confidence – based on UK specialist feedback and owner-reported data across a broad range of models.

The M276/M278 are refined, torquey V6/V8s – timing chain stretch and oil leaks are the main watch-points – buy with full service history and inspect chain health.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Star rating (4.0★) × 4 = 16

16 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned midpoint: £6,250 → £5,000–£6,999 bracket = 12

12 /20

Repairability

Mix of well-understood repairs (timing chain, oil leaks) and V-engine complexity

12 /20

Parts Supply

Good parts availability from Mercedes and aftermarket; 4.7L V8 has strong support

16 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost 30–44% of lowest host vehicle value

16 /20

Total Engine Score

72 / 100

Best for:

Buyers wanting a smooth, powerful petrol Mercedes with modern features.

Avoid if:

You're not prepared for potential timing chain or V-engine oil leak costs.

Compatible Jaguar Models

Jaguar Engine engines are fitted across 12+ models from 2010–2020.

Jaguar Exclusive Engine

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

2010

10 Years of Production

2020

E-Class

W212 (facelift) · W213

E350 · E400 · E500 · E450

2011–20204 Variants →

S-Class

W221 (facelift) · W222

S400 · S450 · S500 · S550

2010–20204 Variants →

CLS

C218 · C257

CLS350 · CLS400 · CLS500 · CLS550 · CLS450 · CLS53

2011–20206 Variants →

ML-Class

W166

ML350 · ML400 · ML500 · ML550

2011–20154 Variants →

GLE

W166 (facelift)

GLE350 · GLE400 · GLE450 · GLE500

2015–20194 Variants →

GLS

X166

GLS450 · GLS550

2016–20192 Variants →

GL-Class

X166

GL450 · GL500

2012–20152 Variants →

R231

SL350 · SL400 · SL500 · SL550

2012–20204 Variants →

G-Class

W463

G400 · G500

2010–20182 Variants →

GLC

X253

GLC43 AMG (M276-derived)

2016–20191 Variants →

C-Class

W205

C400 · C450 AMG Sport

2014–20182 Variants →

E-Class

AMG

W213

E43 AMG (M276-derived)

2016–20191 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]

E-Class

Generation

W212 (facelift)

Variant/Badge

E350, E400, E500

Years

2011–2016

E-Class

Generation

W213

Variant/Badge

E400, E450, E500

Years

2016–2020

S-Class

Generation

W221 (facelift)

Variant/Badge

S400, S450, S500

Years

2010–2013

S-Class

Generation

W222

Variant/Badge

S400, S450, S500, S550

Years

2013–2020

CLS

Generation

C218

Variant/Badge

CLS350, CLS400, CLS500, CLS550

Years

2011–2018

CLS

Generation

C257

Variant/Badge

CLS400, CLS450, CLS53

Years

2018–2020

ML-Class

Generation

W166

Variant/Badge

ML350, ML400, ML500, ML550

Years

2011–2015

GLE

Generation

W166 (facelift)

Variant/Badge

GLE350, GLE400, GLE450, GLE500

Years

2015–2019

GLS

Generation

X166

Variant/Badge

GLS450, GLS550

Years

2016–2019

GL-Class

Generation

X166

Variant/Badge

GL450, GL500

Years

2012–2015

Generation

R231

Variant/Badge

SL350, SL400, SL500, SL550

Years

2012–2020

G-Class

Generation

W463

Variant/Badge

G400, G500

Years

2010–2018

GLC

Generation

X253

Variant/Badge

GLC43 AMG (M276-derived)

Years

2016–2019

C-Class

Generation

W205

Variant/Badge

C400, C450 AMG Sport

Years

2014–2018

E-Class

AMG

Generation

W213

Variant/Badge

E43 AMG (M276-derived)

Years

2016–2019

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 M276/M278 typically takes 12–16 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [ESTIMATED].

(Exclusive mode – no cross-link)

USED

Supply Only

£1,500–£3,500

[ESTIMATED]

Fitted (Indie)

£2,350–£4,600

3–6 months

Jaguar Engine Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[ESTIMATED]

USED

Supply Only

£1,500–£3,500

[ESTIMATED]

Fitted (Indie)

£2,350–£4,600

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 M276/M278 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 V6 or V8 Mercedes.

Find the best Mercedes M276/M278 engine replacement UK drivers trust. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your V6 or V8 back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes M276/M278 Engine Prices Now →

Trusted Suppliers – Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real M276/M278 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 V6 or V8 Mercedes.

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

Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get your V6 or V8 back on the road with confidence.

Compare Mercedes M276/M278 Engine Prices Now