How much does a Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine costs £4,500–£8,500 supply only, varying by generation: M119/M113 £3,000–£5,500, M273 £4,000–£7,000, M278 £5,000–£8,500, M176 £6,500–£11,000. Fitting adds £1,200–£2,000. A timing chain job costs £2,000–£4,500. Check the Era Map above for your engine code.

Is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 reliable?

That depends on which generation. The M119 and M113 are robust, well-developed V8s. The M273 (W221) has well-documented timing chain and balance shaft issues. The M278 (W222) is a powerful twin-turbo but has turbo cooling pipe and timing chain concerns. The M176 (W223) with EQ Boost is more robust but the 48V system adds complexity. Buy the newest you can afford.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8?

M273: timing chain and balance shaft issues (cold-start rattle, £2,000–£4,500). M278: turbo cooling pipe failure (coolant loss, £800–£2,000) and timing chain tensioner issues (£2,000–£4,500). M176: 48V EQ Boost system issues (£800–£2,500). All: engine mount wear (vibration, £600–£1,500).

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine, or should I scrap the car?

S-Class V8 values range from £5,000–£80,000+ depending on generation, condition and mileage. A £4,500–£8,500 reconditioned engine represents 10–80% of vehicle value — our 70% Mercedes-Benz scrap threshold means careful evaluation is required. For a well-maintained W222 or W223, replacement is often justified. For an ageing W140/W220 with other issues, assess scrap value first.

How do I find my Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine code?

The S-Class V8 has used five engine families: M119 (W140, 1991–1998, 4.2L), M113 (W140/W220, 1991–2005, 4.3L/5.0L), M273 (W221, 2005–2013, 4.7L/5.5L), M278 (W222, 2013–2020, 4.7L twin-turbo), and M176 (W223, 2020+, 4.0L twin-turbo with EQ Boost). Check your VIN or registration year. The code is stamped on the engine block.

Can I repair the M273 timing chain issue, or does it need replacement?

Yes — if caught early. Timing chain and balance shaft replacement costs £2,000–£4,500 and is significantly cheaper than a full engine replacement (£4,000–£7,000). At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately — ignored chain wear can lead to catastrophic engine failure.

Mercedes-Benz S430 / S500 / S560 / S5801991–presentV8 Petrol Flagships

Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: MercedesEngine.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK Mercedes-Benz V8 specialists. The S-Class V8 flagships span the M119, M113, M273, M278 and M176 — compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines with supply & fit available nationwide.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 Engines — from £2,000 to £15,000Codes: M119, M113, M273, M278, M176

Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 Engines — from £2,000 to £15,000· Codes: M119, M113, M273, M278, M176

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 — Which Engine Does Your Car Actually Have?

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

Era Note

282–326 bhp — robust, chain-driven, well-developed

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

W140 S430/S500 BMW 320d W140 S430/S500

1991–1998M119 (4.2L V8) / M113 (5.0L V8)★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]282–326 bhp — robust, chain-driven, well-developed

W220 S430/S500 BMW 320d W220 S430/S500

1998–2005M113 (4.3L/5.0L V8)★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]279–302 bhp — reliable, chain-driven, SBC brake pump is a separate concern

W221 S450/S500 BMW 320d W221 S450/S500

2005–2013M273 (4.7L/5.5L V8)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£4,000–£7,000 [PLACEHOLDER]382–388 bhp — timing chain and balance shaft are key risks

W222 S500/S560 BMW 320d W222 S500/S560

2013–2020M278 (4.7L twin-turbo V8)★★★½☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£5,000–£8,500 [PLACEHOLDER]455–469 bhp — hot-vee V8, turbo cooling pipes are key watchpoint

W223 S580

2020–presentM176 (4.0L twin-turbo V8 + EQ Boost)★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£6,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]496 bhp with EQ Boost — most advanced S-Class V8, 48V complexity

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 S-Class V8 Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£4,500–£8,500

Fitted (Indie)£5,700–£10,000

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£2,000–£5,000£3,200–£6,5001–6 monthsBudget priority; older W140/W220 donors

Reconditioned Engine£4,500–£8,500£5,700–£10,00012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£6,500–£12,000£7,700–£13,50012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 5+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£10,000–£18,000£11,500–£19,50024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect current market ranges across all S-Class V8 generations. Older M119/M113 engines are more affordable; the M176 with EQ Boost commands the highest premium. A typical S-Class engine replacement in the UK can range from £3,000 to £7,000 or more. See the Era Map above for generation-specific pricing.

Labour estimate: Fitting an S-Class V8 engine typically takes 10–16 hours at £80–£120/hr (independent Mercedes specialist) or £140–£190/hr (London/SE dealer). The S-Class engine bay is spacious but the hot-vee design adds complexity on later models.

→ Compare Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems

1. Timing Chain and Balance Shaft Issues (M273 — W221 S450/S500)

2. M278 Timing Chain Tensioner Issues (W222 S500/S560)

3. M278 Turbo Cooling Pipe Failure (W222 S500/S560)

4. M176 48V EQ Boost System Issues (W223 S580)

5. M113 and M119 Intake Manifold / Idle Issues

6. Engine Mount Failure (All Generations)

Weighing Your Options?

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25+ vetted Mercedes-Benz specialists, covering M119, M113, M273, M278 and M176 S-Class V8 engines, with a 12-month warranty as standard.

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Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 — 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.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 — 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 SenseM273 timing chain/balance shaft✅ Yes£2,000–£4,500Preventative — cheaper than engine replacementM278 timing chain tensioner✅ Yes£2,000–£4,500Preventative — cheaper than engine replacementM278 turbo cooling pipe failure✅ Yes£800–£2,000Essential repair — coolant loss is seriousM176 48V EQ Boost issues✅ Yes£800–£2,500Viable on any well-maintained S580Intake manifold issues (M119/M113)✅ Yes£300–£800Simple repair — always worth doingEngine mount failure✅ Yes£600–£1,500Restores smoothness — worth it on any S-ClassMajor internal failure❌ Usually NoEngine replacement requiredAssess vehicle value carefully

Buying This Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8? Check These First

Buy If

W140/W220 with M119/M113 — robust, proven V8s with good reliability
Post-2012 M278 with documented timing chain and turbo cooling pipe history
W223 S580 with full service history and 48V system health check
Full service history with regular oil changes and Mercedes-approved oil
Low-mileage (under 60,000) with documented history

Avoid If

M273 (W221) with any cold-start rattle — timing chain/balance shaft risk is serious
M278 with any evidence of coolant loss — turbo cooling pipe failure risk
M278 with cold-start rattle — timing chain tensioner risk
Any S-Class V8 with poor service history

Closing Verdict

The S-Class V8 is the flagship of the Mercedes range — the engine that defines luxury motoring. The M119 and M113 are robust, well-developed V8s. The M273 has well-documented timing chain and balance shaft issues. The M278 is a powerful twin-turbo but has turbo cooling pipe and timing chain concerns. The M176 with EQ Boost is the most advanced and more robust, but the 48V system adds complexity. Buy the newest you can afford, maintain the timing chain and cooling systems, and the S-Class V8 will reward you.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

→ Compare Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start — Listen for any rattle on startup (timing chain/balance shaft warning)

Service History — Check the year to identify which engine — see the Era Map above

Timing Chain History — M273/M278: chains and tensioners inspected or replaced?

Coolant Level — M278: check for any loss — turbo cooling pipe failure risk

48V System (M176) — Any battery warnings? EQ Boost system health check

Engine Vibration — Any shaking at idle? Engine mount wear is common

Oil Leaks — Check around valve covers and oil cooler

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Resolve before buying

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Engine Codes

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

M119 (4.2L V8) — S430

Years1991–1998

Power282 bhp

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data — heritage)

Avg. Recon Cost£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M119 (4.2L V8) — S4301991–1998282 bhp— (pattern data — heritage)£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

M113 (5.0L V8) — S5001991–2005326–302 bhp— (pattern data — heritage)£3,000–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

M273 (4.7L/5.5L V8) — S5002005–2013382–388 bhp— (pattern data — premium petrol)£4,000–£7,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

M278 (4.7L twin-turbo V8) — S500/S5602013–2020455–469 bhp— (pattern data — premium petrol)£5,000–£8,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

M176 (4.0L twin-turbo V8 + EQ Boost)2020–present496 bhp— (pattern data — premium petrol)£6,500–£11,000 [PLACEHOLDER]

→ Compare Mercedes-Benz S-Class V8 engine prices for your Mercedes

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

M273: timing chain/balance shaft (~40% of M273 enquiries) / M278: turbo cooling pipes (~35% of M278 enquiries) / M278: timing chain tensioner (~30% of M278 enquiries)【PATTERN DATA — specialist workshop consensus】

Average Enquiry Mileage

65,000

miles【PATTERN DATA】

Average Replacement Cost

£6,500

reconditioned (M176 era), supply only【PLACEHOLDER — confirm vs cost sheet】

Most Requested Engine Code

M278 (W222 S500 is a high-volume UK V8 variant)【PATTERN DATA】

Peak Enquiry Season

Spring/Summer — luxury car owners prepare for summer driving【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand

South East25%

London20%

South West (15%)【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

25%South East

20%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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see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with transparent pricing for every S-Class V8 generation from W140 to W223.
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