Mercedes SL500 SL550Engine Rebuild— From £4,500
Specialist Mercedes SL500/SL550 engine rebuilds and replacements, with registration-based engine matching, nationwide recovery and a 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty
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
Your Mercedes SL500 SL550 Engine
Vehicle
Mercedes SL500 SL550
Model
SL
Variant
SL500 SL550
Fuel
Petrol V8
Engine
M113, M273 or M278
Capacity
5.0L – 5.5L
Generation
R129 (1989–2002) · R230 (2001–2012) · R231 (2012–2021)
Rebuild From
£4,500
Not sure which engine you have?
The SL500 SL550 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.
DVLA & VIN verified
100% secure & private
No obligation quote
Mercedes SL500 SL550Engine Rebuild Price
Starting From £4,500
Engine Code
M113Rebuild From
£4,500
Generation
R129 (1989–2002)
Engine Code
M113Rebuild From
£4,500
Generation
R230 (2001–2012)
Engine Code
M273Rebuild From
£4,500
Generation
R230 (2001–2012)
Engine Code
M278Rebuild From
£4,500
Generation
R231 (2012–2021)
Exact price depends on condition and parts required — submit your reg for a fixed-price quote.
Mercedes SL500/SL550 V8 Valve Seal & Coolant Wear
SL500/SL550 engines — M113, M273 and M278, across every SL generation — commonly show valve seal and coolant system wear at higher mileage. This is a well-documented pattern on these V8s, confirmed by established Mercedes specialist sources. We replace valve seals, coolant system components, timing chain components and bearings as standard on every rebuild.
Source: established Mercedes specialist pattern, per VRF-mercedes-sl.md. Applies to M113, M273 and M278 across all generations.
Source: Established M256 specialist pattern — timing chain, bearing and gasket wear across integrated-starter-generator inline-six units.
Mercedes SL500 SL550ENGINE OPTIONS
Every SL500 SL550 is different. That's why we offer the right solution for your engine, your car and your budget.
REBUILDING YOUR SL500 SL550 ENGINE
We rebuild the engine your SL500 SL550 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 £3,200RECONDITIONED SL500 SL550 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 moreREFURBISHED SL500 SL550 ENGINES
Restoring your existing engine to full working condition rather than replacing it outright. Our rebuild service covers this.
Learn moreREMANUFACTURED SL500 SL550 ENGINES
Built to original specification with updated components. That's consistent with what our rebuild service delivers on the M256.
Learn moreREPLACEMENT SL500 SL550 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 moreUSED SL500 SL550 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 moreNOT 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 SL500 SL550, honestly.
Ask About Your Options
OUR WORKSHOP
01RECOVERY COLLECTION
02M256 ENGINE STRIPPED FOR REBUILD INSPECTION
03VALVE COVERS & COOLANT COMPONENT WORK
04TECHNICIANS AT WORK
05ENGINE TESTING (RIG)
06COMPLETED & READY FOR REFIT
Real photos from our workshop — not stock imagery. This is what a genuine Mercedes SL500 SL550 rebuild looks like.
Mercedes SL500 SL550 ENGINE REBUILD PROCESS
WHAT MERCEDES SL500 SL550 OWNERS SAY
WE COVER YOUREXACT VEHICLE
Enter your registration below and we'll confirm your SL500 SL550 has the M256, along with an exact rebuild price.
WHY MERCEDES SL500 SL550 OWNERS CHOOSE US
Engine matched using VIN or registration number — confirms M113 vs 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 SL500 SL550
RECOVERY
Mercedes SL 63
DIAGNOSTICS
Mercedes SL
STRIPPED ENGINE
Mercedes SL S
TIMING CHAIN REPLACEMENT
Mercedes SL500 SL550
IN FOR REBUILD
Mercedes SL C
REBUILD IN PROGRESS
HOW IT WORKS
SEND YOURREGISTRATION
RECEIVE YOURFIXED-PRICE QUOTE
WE RECOVERYOUR CAR
REBUILD &REFIT
Most SL 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.
LOOKING FOR A USED ORREPLACEMENT ENGINEINSTEAD?
We supply low-mileage, VIN-matched used units too, and offer full replacement and fitting. However, most SL500 SL550 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.
ABOUT THE MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINE
The SL500 (and its later SL550 badging) has been a cornerstone of the Mercedes SL range since 1989. Across its four generations, the SL500 has used three different V8 engines: the M113 (5.0L) on earlier cars, the M273 (5.5L) on the R230 facelift period, and the M278 (4.7L twin-turbo) on the R231. Each is a robust V8 in its own right, though all share the same well-documented wear pattern on valve seals and coolant components at higher mileage — which is why we replace both as standard on every SL500/SL550 rebuild, regardless of which engine code your car has.
We continue to rebuild and replace M256 engines for every SL500 SL550 on the road.
MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINE CODES
M113 (R129, R230)
A 5.0-litre V8 fitted to the SL500 from 1989 to the early R230 years. Known for valve seal wear and coolant system deterioration at higher mileage — see the callout above. We replace valve seals, coolant components, timing chain and bearings as standard on every M113 rebuild.
Check Your M113 SL500 SL550M273 (R230)
A 5.5-litre V8 introduced during the R230 generation. Shares the same V8 pattern as the M113 on valve seal and coolant wear. We replace the same components as standard.
Check Your M273 SL500 SL550M278 (R231)
A 4.7-litre twin-turbo V8 fitted to the R231 SL500/SL550. While a newer, more advanced design, the M278 still shows the same V8 valve seal and coolant wear pattern over time. We replace valve seals, coolant components, timing chain and bearings as standard on every M278 rebuild.
Check Your M278 SL500 SL550MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINE COMPATIBILITY
The SL500/SL550 spans three different V8 engines across four 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 SL quote — it protects you from paying for parts that don't fit your actual car.
MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINES BY YEAR
From the R190's launch in 2023, the SL500 SL550 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.
The M256 has been fitted to every SL500 SL550 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 SL500 SL550 MODEL YEAR:
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1989 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1990 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1991 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1992 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1993 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1994 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1995 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1996 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1997 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1998 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
1999 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2000 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2001 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2002 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2003 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2004 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2005 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2006 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2007 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2008 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2009 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2010 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2011 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2012 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2013 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2014 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2015 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2016 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2017 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2018 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2019 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2020 Engine Rebuild
Mercedes SL500 SL550
2021 Engine Rebuild
If your registration year isn't listed above, get in touch — we'll confirm availability directly against your reg.
MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINE COSTS
A Mercedes SL500 SL550 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.
12 MONTH
UNLIMITED-MILEAGE
WARRANTY
MERCEDES SL500 SL550 ENGINE SIZES
• Mercedes SL500 SL550 3.0 Litre Engine (M256, I6)
MERCEDES SL500 SL550 FUEL TYPES
• Mercedes SL500 SL550 Petrol Mild Hybrid Engine Rebuilds
RELATED MERCEDES SL VARIANTS
Most Mercedes SL engine rebuilds are completed within 3-5 working days.
Nationwide recovery and collection available for all SL models.