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

Mercedes GLS500Engine Rebuild— From £3,200

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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 GLS500 Engine

Mercedes AMG GT 53 TwinPower Turbo engine

Vehicle

Mercedes GLS500

Model

GLS

Variant

GLS500

Fuel

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Engine

M278

Capacity

4.7L

Generation

X166 (2015–2019)

Rebuild From

£6,500

?

Not sure which engine you have?

The GLS500 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.

GB

DVLA & VIN verified

100% secure & private

No obligation quote

Mercedes GLS500Engine Rebuild Price

Starting From £6,500

M256 engine

Engine Code

M256

Rebuild From

£3,200

R190 (2023–present)

Generation

R190 (2023–present)

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

Get Your Fixed-Price Quote

Mercedes GLS500 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 GLS500 uses a completely different engine family from the V8 M178 fitted to the GLS 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 GLS500ENGINE OPTIONS

Every GLS500 is different. That's why we offer the right solution for your engine, your car and your budget.

01MOST POPULAR

REBUILDING YOUR GLS500 ENGINE

We rebuild the engine your GLS500 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 GLS500 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 GLS500 ENGINES

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

Learn more
04

REMANUFACTURED GLS500 ENGINES

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

Learn more
05

REPLACEMENT GLS500 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 GLS500 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 GLS500, 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 GLS500 rebuild looks like.

Mercedes GLS500 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 GLS500.

10Road Test

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

WHAT MERCEDES GLS500 OWNERS SAY

Daniel R.

Brilliant service from start to finish. My GLS500 runs smoother than ever. Honest advice, clear pricing and the team know their stuff.

Mercedes GLS500 Engine Rebuild

Mark T.

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

Mercedes GLS500 Engine Rebuild

Ryan P.

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

Mercedes GLS Engine Rebuild

Steve B.

Saved me thousands compared to a dealer quote. Fantastic workmanship and my GLS500 is running perfectly.

Mercedes GLS500 Engine Rebuild

Tom H.

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

Mercedes GLS Engine Rebuild

James K.

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

Mercedes GLS500 Engine Rebuild

WE COVER YOUREXACT VEHICLE

Enter your registration below and we'll confirm your GLS500 has the M256, along with an exact rebuild price.

GB
FastAccurateNo Guesswork

WHY MERCEDES GLS500 OWNERS CHOOSE US

Engine matched using VIN or registration number — confirms 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 *No widely‑reported engine issue for this variant — we still recommend a full inspection before any long journey.*

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 GLS500

Mercedes GLS500

RECOVERY

Mercedes GLS 63

Mercedes GLS 63

DIAGNOSTICS

Mercedes GLS

Mercedes GLS

STRIPPED ENGINE

Mercedes GLS S

Mercedes GLS S

TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT

Mercedes GLS500

Mercedes GLS500

IN FOR REBUILD

Mercedes GLS C

Mercedes GLS C

REBUILD IN PROGRESS

HOW IT WORKS

1

SEND YOURREGISTRATION

2

RECEIVE YOURFIXED-PRICE QUOTE

3

WE RECOVERYOUR CAR

4

REBUILD &REFIT

Most GLS 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 GLS500 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 GLS500 ENGINE

Mercedes AMG GT 53 engine and sedan

The GLS500 uses the M278 — a 4.7‑litre V8 twin‑turbo petrol engine. It was fitted from 2015 to 2019 across the X166 generation, serving as the flagship non‑AMG V8 option in the GLS range at that time. The GLS500 is no longer in production, but we continue to rebuild and replace engines for every one still on the road.

We continue to rebuild and replace M256 engines for every GLS500 on the road.

MERCEDES GLS500 ENGINE CODES

M256

M256 (R190, 2023–present)

A 3.0-litre inline-six petrol mild-hybrid engine fitted to the GLS500 from 2023 to present. The M256 features an integrated starter-generator (ISG) and electric auxiliary compressor, making it 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.

Check Your M256 GLS500

MERCEDES GLS500 ENGINE COMPATIBILITY

Mercedes touring in workshop

Because the GLS500 uses a single engine family across its entire production run — the M278 V8 — there is no confusion about which engine code applies. All X166‑generation GLS500 models share the same 4.7‑litre twin‑turbo unit, so compatibility is straightforward. We still confirm your registration before quoting, mainly to verify ancillary specifications and ensure we match the correct parts for your exact build.

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 GLS quote — it protects you from paying for parts that don't fit your actual car.

MERCEDES GLS500 APPLICATIONS BY GENERATION

Generation

Chassis

Years

Engine Code

Fuel

X166

X166

X166

2015–2019

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

MERCEDES GLS500 ENGINES BY YEAR

From the R190's launch in 2023, the GLS500 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

2015

X166

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Rebuild / Replacement

2016

X166

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Rebuild / Replacement

2017

X166

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Rebuild / Replacement

2018

X166

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Rebuild / Replacement

2019

X166

M278

Petrol Twin‑Turbo V8

Rebuild / Replacement

i

The M256 has been fitted to every GLS500 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 GLS500 MODEL YEAR:

Mercedes GLS500
2015 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes GLS500
2016 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes GLS500
2017 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes GLS500
2018 Engine Rebuild

Mercedes GLS500
2019 Engine Rebuild

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

MERCEDES GLS500 ENGINE COSTS

A Mercedes GLS500 engine rebuild starts from

£6,500

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 GLS500 ENGINE SIZES

Mercedes GLS500 3.0 Litre Engine (M256, I6)

MERCEDES GLS500 FUEL TYPES

Mercedes GLS500 Petrol Mild Hybrid Engine Rebuilds

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

Nationwide recovery and collection available for all GLS models.

Mercedes AMG GT recovery and collection

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Mercedes AMG GT in a dark showroom

Mercedes-BenzGET YOUR FREE MERCEDES GLS500 FIXED-PRICE QUOTE

Most quotes returned within 30 minutes during working hours.