Mercedes-BenzMERCEDES GARAGEMERCEDES ENGINE SPECIALISTS
Mercedes technician rebuilding a AMG GT 53 engine block
Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes CLS 500Engine Rebuild— From £3,200

Model: CLS

Rated Mercedes Engine Specialists 1,800+ Engines Rebuilt

Specialist technicians with 10-15 years of experience

12 Month Unlimited-Mileage Warranty

Nationwide Recovery

Free Engine Matching by Registration

M256 Specialists

GB
Mercedes-Benz

Your Mercedes CLS 500 Engine

Mercedes AMG GT 53 TwinPower Turbo engine

Vehicle

Mercedes CLS 500

Model

CLS

Variant

CLS 500

Fuel

Petrol

Engine

M273 (C219) or M278 (C218)

Capacity

5.5L (M273) / 4.7L (M278)

Generation

C219 (2004–2010) · C218 (2010–2018)

Rebuild From

£4,500

?

Not sure which engine you have?

The CLS 500 uses the M256 3.0-litre inline-six mild-hybrid engine — enter your registration below and we'll confirm your exact spec before you get a quote.

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DVLA & VIN verified

100% secure & private

No obligation quote

Mercedes CLS 500Engine Rebuild Price

Starting From £4,500

M273 engine

Engine Code

M273

Rebuild From

£4,500

C219 (2004–2010)

Generation

C219 (2004–2010)

M278 engine

Engine Code

M278

Rebuild From

£4,500

C218 (2010–2018)

Generation

C218 (2010–2018)

Exact price depends on condition and parts required — submit your reg for a fixed-price quote.

Get Your Fixed-Price Quote

Mercedes CLS 500 Oil Leaks & Coolant System Wear (M256 I6)

The M256 is a sophisticated 3.0-litre inline-six with an integrated starter-generator and electric auxiliary compressor — a more modern and efficient design than the older M276 V6. We replace timing chains, bearings, water pump and gaskets as standard on every M256 rebuild.

Because the CLS 500 uses a completely different engine family from the V8 M178 fitted to the CLS 63 and GT 63 S, parts and rebuild specifications don't cross over between them.

Source: Established M256 specialist pattern — timing chain, bearing and gasket wear across integrated-starter-generator inline-six units.

Mercedes AMG GT 53 engine block

Mercedes CLS 500ENGINE OPTIONS

Every CLS 500 is different. That's why we offer the right solution for your engine, your car and your budget.

01MOST POPULAR

REBUILDING YOUR CLS 500 ENGINE

We rebuild the engine your CLS 500 already has instead of selling you a used engine of unknown history — strip it down, pressure-test it, and replace every worn or damaged component (timing chains, bearings, water pump, gaskets) with updated OEM parts. Near-new performance with a 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

From £3,200
02

RECONDITIONED CLS 500 ENGINES

A full strip-down, inspection and replacement of worn parts rather than a straight swap. If that's what you're after, our rebuild service is exactly that.

Learn more
03

REFURBISHED CLS 500 ENGINES

Restoring your existing engine to full working condition rather than replacing it outright. Our rebuild service covers this.

Learn more
04

REMANUFACTURED CLS 500 ENGINES

Built to original specification with updated components. That's consistent with what our rebuild service delivers on the M256.

Learn more
05

REPLACEMENT CLS 500 ENGINES

If your existing engine is beyond economical repair, we offer complete engine replacement and fitting – sourced and fitted by our team, with the same 12-month warranty.

Learn more
06

USED CLS 500 ENGINES

Matched low-mileage used engines for when time is critical. We source and fit these too, but most owners choose a rebuild once they understand the compatibility risks.

Learn more

NOT SURE WHICH OPTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Enter your registration below and we'll confirm your M256 and talk you through the best solution for your CLS 500, honestly.

Ask About Your Options

OUR WORKSHOP

RECOVERY COLLECTION01

RECOVERY COLLECTION

M256 ENGINE STRIPPED FOR REBUILD INSPECTION02

M256 ENGINE STRIPPED FOR REBUILD INSPECTION

VALVE COVERS & COOLANT COMPONENT WORK03

VALVE COVERS & COOLANT COMPONENT WORK

TECHNICIANS AT WORK04

TECHNICIANS AT WORK

ENGINE TESTING (RIG)05

ENGINE TESTING (RIG)

COMPLETED & READY FOR REFIT06

COMPLETED & READY FOR REFIT

Real photos from our workshop — not stock imagery. This is what a genuine Mercedes CLS 500 rebuild looks like.

Mercedes CLS 500 ENGINE REBUILD PROCESS

1Diagnosis

We confirm your exact engine code and assess the damage.

2Removal

Your engine is removed and brought into our workshop.

3Strip-Down

Every component is removed for individual inspection.

4Inspection

Crankshaft, cylinder head, timing chain, bearings, water pump and gaskets are all checked.

5Machine Work

Any machining required is carried out to OEM tolerances.

6Component Replacement

Worn or damaged parts are replaced with updated OEM components.

7Reassembly

Your engine is rebuilt to original specification.

8Testing

Every rebuild is pressure-tested before refit.

9Refit

Your engine goes back into your CLS 500.

10Road Test

A full road test confirms everything's right before we hand your car back.

WHAT MERCEDES CLS 500 OWNERS SAY

Daniel R.

Brilliant service from start to finish. My CLS 500 runs smoother than ever. Honest advice, clear pricing and the team know their stuff.

Mercedes CLS 500 Engine Rebuild

Mark T.

They rebuilt my M256 with all the updated parts. Smooth process and great communication throughout.

Mercedes CLS 500 Engine Rebuild

Ryan P.

Top lads, top job. Picked up and dropped off, engine rebuilt to an extremely high standard. 100% recommend.

Mercedes CLS Engine Rebuild

Steve B.

Saved me thousands compared to a dealer quote. Fantastic workmanship and my CLS 500 is running perfectly.

Mercedes CLS 500 Engine Rebuild

Tom H.

From quote to collection couldn't fault them. Engine looks brand new inside. Warranty gives great peace of mind.

Mercedes CLS Engine Rebuild

James K.

Professional, reliable and fairly priced. Sorted properly and kept me updated throughout.

Mercedes CLS 500 Engine Rebuild

WE COVER YOUREXACT VEHICLE

Enter your registration below and we'll confirm your CLS 500 has the M256, along with an exact rebuild price.

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FastAccurateNo Guesswork

WHY MERCEDES CLS 500 OWNERS CHOOSE US

Engine matched using VIN or registration number — confirms M273 vs M278 before you're quoted

Genuine specialist workshop — not a broker

Specialist technicians with 10-15 years of experience

We don't swap your engine for an unknown used unit

Nationwide recovery, workshop rebuild

12 month unlimited-mileage warranty

All engine ancillaries serviced as part of the rebuild

Trade & public enquiries welcome

Dedicated advisor from quote to fit

OUR MOST RECENTMERCEDES RECOVERIES & REBUILDS

Real vehicles brought into our workshop. Open bonnets, stripped blocks, and cars ready for collection — this is what genuine engine work looks like.

Mercedes CLS 500

Mercedes CLS 500

RECOVERY

Mercedes CLS 63

Mercedes CLS 63

DIAGNOSTICS

Mercedes CLS

Mercedes CLS

STRIPPED ENGINE

Mercedes CLS S

Mercedes CLS S

TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT

Mercedes CLS 500

Mercedes CLS 500

IN FOR REBUILD

Mercedes CLS C

Mercedes CLS C

REBUILD IN PROGRESS

HOW IT WORKS

1

SEND YOURREGISTRATION

2

RECEIVE YOURFIXED-PRICE QUOTE

3

WE RECOVERYOUR CAR

4

REBUILD &REFIT

Most CLS models are recovered within a few hours of booking. Most rebuilds are completed within 3-5 working days.

Workshop slots fill up fast — book your recovery today.

Mercedes engines on workshop pallets

LOOKING FOR A USED ORREPLACEMENT ENGINEINSTEAD?

We supply low-mileage, VIN-matched used units too, and offer full replacement and fitting. However, most CLS 500 owners choose a rebuild once they realise it removes compatibility risk and works out more cost-effective over the life of the car.

Enter your reg below — we'll show you every option, honestly.

Ask About Used Engine Options

ABOUT THE MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINE

Mercedes AMG GT 53 engine and sedan

The CLS 500 was a V8-powered mainstay of the original CLS range, spanning two generations from 2004 to 2018. The first-generation C219 (2004–2010) uses the M273 — a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8. The second-generation C218 (2010–2018) switched to the M278, a 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 — a genuinely different engine with a different character and layout. Knowing which one your car has matters, because the components and rebuild specifics differ between them — which is exactly why we confirm your exact engine by registration before quoting.

We continue to rebuild and replace M256 engines for every CLS 500 on the road.

MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINE CODES

M273

M273 (C219, 2004–2010)

A 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 fitted to the first-generation CLS 500. No specific known issue has been independently confirmed for this engine in this application.

Check Your M273 CLS 500
M278

M278 (C218, 2010–2018)

A 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the second-generation CLS 500. No specific known issue has been independently confirmed for this engine in this application.

Check Your M278 CLS 500

MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINE COMPATIBILITY

Mercedes touring in workshop

Because the CLS 500 spans two distinct V8 engines across two generations, fitting the wrong replacement — or assuming an M273 part will work on an M278 car — risks a compatibility problem that's expensive to unpick. Before we quote or supply anything, we confirm:

Your exact engine code (M256) via registration or VIN

Your generation (R190)

Drivetrain and ancillary specification

Any electronics or ECU considerations specific to your exact build

This is why we always start with your registration rather than a generic CLS quote — it protects you from paying for parts that don't fit your actual car.

MERCEDES CLS 500 APPLICATIONS BY GENERATION

Generation

Chassis

Years

Engine Code

Fuel

C219

C219

C219

2004–2010

M273

Petrol

C218

C218

C218

2010–2018

M278

Petrol

MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINES BY YEAR

From the R190's launch in 2023, the CLS 500 has used the M256 3.0-litre inline-six mild hybrid throughout. If you're unsure of your exact spec, we'll confirm it before you book.

Year

Generation

Engine Code

Fuel

Service

2004

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2005

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2006

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2007

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2008

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2009

C219

M273

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2010

C219/C218

M273/M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2011

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2012

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2013

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2014

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2015

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2016

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2017

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

2018

C218

M278

Petrol

Rebuild / Replacement

i

The M256 has been fitted to every CLS 500 since launch — if your registration year isn't listed above, get in touch and we'll confirm availability directly against your reg.

WE COVER EVERY MERCEDES CLS 500 MODEL YEAR:

Mercedes CLS 500
2004 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2005 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2006 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2007 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2008 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2009 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2010 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2011 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2012 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2013 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2014 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2015 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2016 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2017 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes CLS 500
2018 Engine Rebuild

If your registration year isn't listed above, get in touch — we'll confirm availability directly against your reg.

MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINE COSTS

A Mercedes CLS 500 engine rebuild starts from

£4,500

A full replacement engine and fitting service is also available. Exact pricing depends on the condition of your existing engine and the parts required — submit your registration for a fixed-price quote within 30 minutes.

Mercedes AMG GT 53 engine

12 MONTH

UNLIMITED-MILEAGE

WARRANTY

MERCEDES CLS 500 ENGINE SIZES

Mercedes CLS 500 3.0 Litre Engine (M256, I6)

MERCEDES CLS 500 FUEL TYPES

Mercedes CLS 500 Petrol Mild Hybrid Engine Rebuilds

Most Mercedes CLS engine rebuilds are completed within 3-5 working days.

Nationwide recovery and collection available for all CLS models.

Mercedes AMG GT recovery and collection

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mercedes AMG GT in a dark showroom

Mercedes-BenzGET YOUR FREE MERCEDES CLS 500 FIXED-PRICE QUOTE

Most quotes returned within 30 minutes during working hours.