Is the Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series engine reliable?

The M159 is rated ★★★★☆ — it's one of the greatest naturally aspirated V8s ever built. However, it has known issues: oil starvation under high-G cornering (addressed by AMG Technical Bulletin TSB-AMG-11-03), valvetrain wear (largely resolved on the Black Series with DLC-coated tappets but camshaft adjusters can still fail), and DCT transmission issues under aggressive use. Proper maintenance is essential.

What are the common problems with the Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series?

M159 oil starvation during aggressive cornering (requires upgraded dry-sump scavenge pump), valvetrain wear (camshaft adjuster failure and tappet wear), DCT transmission issues under high-rpm shifting, head bolt issues on pre-April 2011 engines, and a driver's airbag recall. The oil starvation issue is the most critical — it can cause catastrophic bearing failure.

Is it worth replacing a Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value. Against a well‑kept SLS AMG Black Series worth £250,000–£400,000, a £10,000–£18,000 recon is a manageable 2.5–7% of the vehicle's value — absolutely worth it. Given the Black Series's status as one of the greatest modern Mercedes-AMG supercars and its strong investment-grade value, replacement is almost always viable.

How do I find my Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. The Black Series uses the M159.980 6.2‑litre naturally aspirated V8. Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I repair the M159's oil starvation issue, or does it need a new engine?

Yes — if caught early. Upgrading the dry-sump scavenge pump with reinforced scavenge circuits and revised windage trays per AMG Technical Bulletin TSB-AMG-11-03 costs £2,500–£5,000. This is essential preventative maintenance for any Black Series that sees track use. If oil starvation has already caused bearing failure, a full engine replacement is usually required — far more expensive than the preventative upgrade.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series2013–2014M159 6.2 V8

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

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Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Engines — from £8,000 to £18,000Code: M159.980

Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series Engines — from £8,000 to £18,000· Code: M159.980

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The SLS AMG BLACK SERIES THROUGH TIME — Era Map

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

Era Note

The ultimate M159 — 631 bhp, 8,000 rpm redline; oil starvation under high-G cornering and valvetrain wear are the main watchpoints.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

C197 (Black Series) BMW 320d C197 (Black Series)

2013–2014M159.980 (6.2 V8)★★★★☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED — see Data Note]£8,000–£16,000 [MB‑QUOTE]The ultimate M159 — 631 bhp, 8,000 rpm redline; oil starvation under high-G cornering and valvetrain wear are the main watchpoints.

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£10,000–£15,000

Fitted (Indie)£11,100–£16,500

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£8,000–£12,000£9,000–£13,5003–6 monthsBudget priority; vehicle under £40,000

Reconditioned Engine£10,000–£15,000£11,100–£16,50012–24 monthsMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£12,000–£18,000£13,200–£19,50012–24 monthsLong‑term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£25,000–£35,000+£27,500–£38,000+24–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims; dealer costs can exceed £35,000

Labour estimate: Fitting an SLS AMG Black Series engine typically takes 16–20 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). Engine Finders reports savings of up to £3,500 versus dealer on common M159 oil pump and timing guide repairs. Rebuilt M159 units typically come with a 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common Problems

Weighing Your Options?

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series — 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 SLS AMG Black Series — 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 SenseM159 oil starvation (Black Series)✅ Yes£2,500–£5,000Upgrade dry-sump scavenge pump per TSB-AMG-11-03; essential for track useM159 valvetrain wear — tappets✅ Yes£1,500–£3,000Replace with upgraded DLC-coated tappets if not already fittedM159 camshaft adjuster failure✅ Yes£1,500–£4,000Replace adjusters; catch it before timing issuesM159 head bolt failure (pre‑2011)✅ Yes£2,000–£5,000Replace with updated head bolts; affects early M156/M159 enginesDCT transmission issues✅ Yes£1,500–£5,000Regular fluid changes prevent many issuesAirbag recall (driver's side)✅ YesFreeCheck recall status — dealer will replace free of charge

Buying This SLS AMG Black Series? Check These First

Buy If

Full Mercedes-AMG service history with documented oil changes
Evidence of dry-sump scavenge pump upgrade (TSB-AMG-11-03 completed)
DLC-coated valve tappets (standard on Black Series from factory)
Post-April 2011 build (head bolt issue resolved)
No history of track use without oiling system upgrades

Avoid If

Oil pressure warnings under cornering with no oiling system history
Loud tapping on cold start — potential valvetrain or camshaft adjuster issues
Harsh shifting or hesitation — DCT issues
Any evidence of bearing failure or oil starvation
Poor service history — the M159 is unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The SLS AMG Black Series is one of the greatest naturally aspirated V8 supercars ever built — 631 bhp, an 8,000 rpm redline, and a soundtrack to die for. The M159 is a masterpiece of engineering, but it has known weaknesses: oil starvation under high-G cornering (addressed by AMG TSB-AMG-11-03), valvetrain wear (largely resolved on the Black Series with DLC-coated tappets but camshaft adjusters can still fail), and DCT transmission issues under aggressive use. Buy on documented service history and proof of oiling system upgrades. If you're replacing, a reconditioned unit with upgraded oil pump gears and revised crankcase ventilation is essential.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Oil Pressure — Any history of oil pressure warnings? Oil starvation is the most critical issue

Cold Start — Listen for tapping or clattering on startup (valvetrain or camshaft adjuster warning)

Service History — Including which engine era (M159.980 is the only Black Series engine — verify this before purchase) and evidence of TSB-AMG-11-03 work

Track Use — Has the car been tracked? If so, has the oiling system been upgraded?

Transmission — Any harsh shifting or hesitation? DCT issues are common under aggressive use

Head Bolt Recall — For earlier engines, check if head bolts have been updated

Airbag Recall — Has the driver's airbag recall been completed?

Engine Warning Light — Have codes been read? Any unresolved timing, valvetrain, or oil pressure issues?

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

M159.980

Years2013–2014

Power631 bhp / 635 Nm

2025 Enquiries— (pattern data)

Avg. Recon Cost£8,000–£16,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

M159.9802013–2014631 bhp / 635 Nm— (pattern data)£8,000–£16,000 [MB‑QUOTE]

Technical Specs

M159.980

Displacement6,208cc

Cylinders8‑cylinder V (90°)

Bore × Stroke102.2 × 94.6 mm

Compression Ratio11.3:1

Rated Power464 kW / 631 bhp at 7,400 rpm

Nominal Torque635 Nm at 5,500 rpm

Redline8,000 rpm

Fuel SystemHFM-Motronic (multi-point fuel injection)

ValvetrainDOHC, 32‑valve, variable camshaft adjustment

LubricationDry sump (9.5 litres with filter)

InductionNaturally aspirated

Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

M159 oil starvation under cornering and valvetrain wear — approximately 50% of M159 enquiries

Average Enquiry Mileage

25,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£12,000

reconditioned, supply only

[MB‑QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

M159.980

[MB‑VERIFIED]

Peak Enquiry Season

Summer — track day season exposes oiling and cooling issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

London25%

South East22%

South West15%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

25%London

22%South East

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.

Find the best Mercedes‑Benz SLS AMG Black Series engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and keep this legendary gullwing on the road.

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No hidden fees

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Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available