Used Mercedes Engines for Sale Worldwide – Specs, Testing & Warranty

If you’re shopping for used Mercedes engines, you already know what a new one costs — enough to make a used W204 or W212 not worth fixing in a lot of shops’ eyes. We disagree, and we sell used Mercedes engines specifically for owners who want to keep a car that’s otherwise solid, without paying Mercedes-Benz retail parts pricing to do it. Every engine we list has been pulled, inspected, and tested, and this page covers what we stock, the actual specs, and what to check before you order.

Mercedes engines, especially the AMG-badged V8s, carry a reputation for being complicated and expensive to work on. That’s mostly true of parts and labor rates at the dealer — it’s not really true of the engines themselves once you’re dealing with a good used unit outside the dealer network. A used Mercedes engine with reasonable mileage and a documented history is a completely different proposition than a neglected one, and that’s the distinction we build our whole inspection process around.

Why Choose a Used Mercedes Engine Over New or Rebuilt

New Mercedes engines, where available at all, are usually a special-order dealer item with a price tag that rivals the value of an older car outright. A full internal rebuild on a Mercedes V8, particularly the twin-turbo M157/M278/M276 family, isn’t cheap either once you factor machine work and labor. A tested used Mercedes engine sits at a fraction of either cost, and if it’s pulled from a low-mileage donor — an accident car, a lease return, a fleet vehicle — you’re getting factory reliability without the factory invoice.

Used Mercedes Engines We Stock

Mercedes-Benz OM656 – 3.0L Turbo Diesel Inline-6

Displacement	2,925cc
Configuration	Inline-6 diesel, single turbo, common rail direct injection
Horsepower	282–330 hp
Torque	442–516 lb-ft
Common vehicles	E350d, GLE 350d, S350d, Sprinter (commercial variants)

We currently have a used Mercedes OM656 engine in stock. This replaced the older OM642 V6 diesel and is generally considered a step up in both efficiency and refinement.

Mercedes-Benz M157 – 5.5L Twin-Turbo V8

Displacement	5,461cc
Configuration	V8, twin-turbo, direct injection
Horsepower	518–577 hp
Torque	516–590 lb-ft
Common vehicles	S63 AMG, CL63 AMG, E63 AMG, GL63 AMG, ML63 AMG

The M157 is one of the more requested used Mercedes engines we carry because it’s the AMG performance V8 across an entire generation of large sedans and SUVs. We have a used Mercedes M157 engine available now.

Mercedes-Benz M277 – 3.0L Twin-Turbo V6

Displacement	2,996cc
Configuration	V6, twin-turbo, direct injection
Horsepower	362–429 hp
Torque	384–384 lb-ft (base), higher on AMG 43 tune
Common vehicles	C43 AMG, E43 AMG, GLE 43 AMG, GLC 43 AMG

The M277 is the smaller-displacement AMG V6 used across the “43” performance trims. We stock a used Mercedes M277 engine currently.

Mercedes-Benz M279 – 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 (AMG GT)

Displacement	3,982cc
Configuration	V8, hot-vee twin-turbo layout, dry-sump lubrication
Horsepower	456–630 hp depending on variant
Torque	516–630 lb-ft
Common vehicles	AMG GT, AMG GT R, GT 63 4-Door

The M279 is a genuinely different animal from the other AMG V8s — hand-assembled at AMG’s Affalterbach facility with the turbos mounted inside the vee of the block. A used Mercedes M279 engine, like the one currently listed, is a specialist item and pricing reflects that.

Mercedes-Benz M156 / M159 – 6.2L Naturally Aspirated V8

Displacement	6,208cc
Configuration	V8, naturally aspirated, dry-sump on M159 variant
Horsepower	451–571 hp
Torque	443–479 lb-ft
Common vehicles	C63 AMG, E63 AMG, SLS AMG, CLK63 AMG Black Series

This is the last of the naturally aspirated AMG V8s before Mercedes moved to forced induction across the lineup, and it’s become something of a modern classic. We carry used M156 and M159 engines when available — stock moves quickly on this one.

How We Test Every Used Mercedes Engine

• Compression testing across all cylinders, compared to factory specification
• Inspection of the timing chain and balance shaft components on M156/M157/M278 engines, a known area of concern on higher-mileage units
• Turbo inspection on twin-turbo variants — shaft play, boost leaks, oil residue in the charge pipes
• Coolant system check, since aluminum head corrosion and cracked plastic components are common on aging Mercedes V8s
• Oil pan inspection for metal contamination
• Mileage verification from the donor vehicle’s odometer

A used Mercedes engine that doesn’t pass these checks cleanly gets parted out rather than sold as a complete unit. On engines this expensive to begin with, we’d rather lose the sale than sell something that’s going to let a customer down.

Specs and Compatibility: Matching the Right Engine Code

Mercedes uses a letter-and-number code (M156, M157, OM656, and so on) that identifies the engine family regardless of what badge is on the trunk. The same M276 V6, for example, shows up across C-Class, E-Class, and GLE models with different tunes. Before ordering a used Mercedes engine, confirm your exact engine code either from your VIN or the code stamped on the block — Mercedes revised several engine families mid-cycle, and a mismatched engine causes real problems with the wiring harness and ECU pairing. We ask for VIN or engine code on every order for this reason.

Mileage and Pricing Tiers

• Under 50,000 miles — premium pricing, typically from accident donors or lease returns
• 50,000–100,000 miles — the range most buyers land in, strong value across most Mercedes engine families
• 100,000+ miles — budget option, still compression-tested and functional, priced accordingly

Shipping Used Mercedes Engines Worldwide

We ship used Mercedes engines internationally, which makes sense given how global the Mercedes-Benz ownership base is. Engines are drained of fluids and secured on pallets or in crates depending on size and weight — the M157 and M279 V8s are heavy enough that freight quotes vary quite a bit by destination. We handle export documentation and coordinate with your freight forwarder if you already have one lined up. Ask for a shipping quote before you commit to an order so there are no surprises on cost or timeline.

Warranty on Used Mercedes Engines

Every used Mercedes engine we sell comes with a limited warranty covering internal mechanical failure — a failed rod bearing, a cracked block, that category of problem. It doesn’t cover wear items like gaskets, hoses, or sensors that weren’t included in the original sale. Warranty length and terms are listed directly on each product page so you know what you’re getting before you pay, and we’re upfront if a particular engine (like a rare M279) carries different terms than our standard coverage.

Installing a Used Mercedes Engine — Notes for Your Shop

• Replace the timing chain tensioner and balance shaft components proactively on M156/M157/M278 engines even if the used unit tested clean — these are known wear points regardless of donor mileage
• Use new gaskets and seals throughout rather than reusing old ones, particularly on the cylinder head and oil pan
• Flush the cooling system fully before installation — residual contamination from a failed original engine is a common cause of early overheating on a freshly swapped Mercedes engine
• Have the ECU matched or flashed to the replacement engine, especially if the VIN or production date differs from your original vehicle
• On twin-turbo variants, inspect and if necessary replace the charge pipes and intercooler, since these often show wear consistent with the original failed engine rather than the replacement

Comparing Used Mercedes Engines Across the Lineup

The OM656 diesel is the choice for owners prioritizing torque and fuel economy over outright power, mostly in E-Class and GLE diesel variants. The M276 and M277 V6 engines sit in the middle for C43/E43/GLE43 owners wanting AMG performance without full V8 running costs. The M157 and M278 V8 family covers the larger AMG performance sedans and SUVs — S63, E63, GL63 — where towing and daily performance both matter. The M156/M159 naturally aspirated V8 is the enthusiast’s choice, prized specifically because it isn’t turbocharged. And the M279 sits above all of it as the specialist AMG GT engine, priced and sourced accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Used Mercedes Engines

Are used Mercedes AMG engines reliable after a swap?
Yes, provided the donor engine tested clean and the installing shop follows proper procedure on gaskets, cooling system flush, and ECU matching. The engines themselves are well-engineered; most failures trace back to skipped maintenance rather than a fundamental design flaw.

Do used Mercedes engines include the turbo units?
Yes, on turbocharged applications the turbos stay with the engine unless the listing says otherwise.

Can I get a used Mercedes engine with the wiring harness included?
Some listings include the harness and ECU, others are long block only. This is noted on each product page, and we can confirm before you order.

How much does it cost to ship a used Mercedes V8 engine internationally?
It varies by weight, destination, and whether it’s shipped alone or with a transmission. We provide a specific freight quote once we know your destination rather than a generic estimate.

Do you warranty used Mercedes engines the same as new parts?
Not the same as new — used engine warranties cover internal mechanical failure for a defined period, not the comprehensive coverage of a factory-new part. Terms are listed clearly on each listing.

Signs Your Mercedes Actually Needs an Engine Replacement

Before committing to a used Mercedes engine, it’s worth confirming the original is actually done rather than in need of a smaller repair:

• Rod knock or deep mechanical knocking under load, especially on M156/M157 V8s, usually indicates bearing failure that a repair won’t resolve
• Coolant mixing with oil points to head gasket failure or a cracked component, common after prolonged overheating
• Multiple cylinders with low or no compression rather than a single weak cylinder
• Persistent overheating even after cooling system repairs, which can indicate internal head or block damage
• Metal debris in the oil filter or pan during a routine oil change, a clear sign of internal wear beyond what a top-end repair can fix

If you’re seeing two or more of these together, a used Mercedes engine swap is usually faster and more cost-effective than chasing repairs on a tired original.

Used Mercedes Engines by Model

C-Class (W204/W205): Base models ran various four-cylinder and V6 options, while C63 AMG variants used the M156 (early W204) or M177/M178 (W205 generation). A used Mercedes engine for a C-Class buyer depends heavily on trim, so confirming the exact code matters here more than on most model lines.

E-Class (W212/W213): E43 AMG uses the M276/M277 V6, E63 AMG uses the M157 or later M177 twin-turbo V8, and diesel E350d models use the OM642 or OM656 depending on year. This is one of our more frequently requested used Mercedes engine categories simply because so many E-Class variants exist.

GLE and ML-Class SUVs: GLE43 runs the M276/M277 V6, GLE63 AMG runs the M157 or M178 V8, and diesel GLE350d variants use the OM642/OM656. SUV donor engines tend to have more towing-related wear, so we’re particular about compression testing on anything sold for these applications.

S-Class (W221/W222): S63 AMG is M157 territory, while S350d and S400d diesel variants use the OM642 or OM656 six-cylinder diesels. S-Class owners tend to be the most detail-oriented buyers we deal with, understandably, given what these cars cost new.

AMG GT and GT 4-Door: M279 exclusively. This is a low-volume, high-value engine, and used units come up for sale infrequently. If you need one, reach out directly rather than waiting for it to show up on the general listings page.

Used vs Remanufactured vs New Mercedes Engines

Option	Typical Cost Range	Trade-offs
Used Mercedes engine	Lowest cost	Mileage varies by donor; compression-tested but not internally rebuilt
Remanufactured Mercedes engine	Mid to high range	Internal wear parts replaced; longer lead time, higher upfront cost
New Mercedes engine (where available)	Highest cost	Special-order only in most cases, long wait, dealer-only pricing

For owners planning to keep a Mercedes another 5+ years, a used engine at 50,000–90,000 miles with a documented inspection is generally the most sensible middle ground between cost and remaining service life.

What to Watch for When Buying a Used Mercedes Engine From Any Seller

Whether you buy from us or elsewhere, a legitimate seller of used Mercedes engines should be able to:

• Confirm the exact engine code from your VIN, not just a generic “V8” or “diesel six” description
• Provide documented mileage pulled from the donor vehicle
• Explain the testing process — compression numbers, turbo inspection, cooling system check
• Put warranty terms in writing before you pay
• Confirm whether the turbo, harness, and accessories are included in the price

Given how expensive Mercedes parts run even used, it’s worth the extra questions before wiring money to an unfamiliar seller.

Inspection Notes on Every Listing

Every used Mercedes engine we list includes a short write-up of what we found during inspection: compression numbers per cylinder, turbo shaft condition on twin-turbo variants, and any cosmetic notes on the block or accessories. Mercedes buyers tend to ask detailed technical questions before committing, especially on the AMG V8 engines, and we’d rather have that information visible on the listing than repeat the same explanation over the phone dozens of times a week.

We also flag donor context where it matters — whether an M156 came out of a car with any documented track history, for instance, since that’s relevant information for a performance buyer in a way it wouldn’t be for someone swapping an OM656 into a daily-driven E-Class. It’s a small thing, but it cuts down on disputes after the sale, which works out better for everyone involved.

Ready to Order a Used Mercedes Engine?

Browse our current Mercedes engine listings, or send your VIN and we’ll confirm exact fitment before you order. Stock rotates across OM656, M157, M277, M279, and M156/M159 engines regularly, so ask even if what you need isn’t listed today. Our guide on M278 vs M157 differences is worth a read if you’re deciding between AMG V8 options, and our piece on rebuilt vs used Mercedes engines covers the cost trade-offs in more detail. For general background on Mercedes-AMG’s engine engineering, Wikipedia’s overview of Mercedes-AMG is a reasonable starting point, and the EPA’s emissions testing page is useful if you’re importing a used diesel engine into a market with strict rules.

A used Mercedes engine, properly tested and matched to your VIN, is one of the more sensible ways to keep a well-built car on the road once the original engine is past saving.