Supercharged 55 Engines ?
Discussion
Are the reliable ?
I see CLS 55's and E55's with that engine going for fairly good prices, V10 M5's look to be a bit fragile in the engine department, are the Merc engines tough as old boots, never seem to hear of catastrophic failures, but they seem to suffer with things like the supercharger pulley bearing which doesnt seem that hard to do diy having watched a video, then there is the supercharger coolant pump, another known weak spot but otherwise are they pretty reliable
It seems like its the M113 engine that got used in pretty much everything with a Merc V8 for years, built by hand (not sure how the rest are built ?) and uprated internally, with a Supercharger installed.
Has anyone managed to blow one up/wear one out or are issues typically limited to ancillaries ?
Do they need any special maintenance other than 16 plugs, oil, filter changes and the oil in the charger changing ?
I think what I am saying, is it a world of pain more than the normal Merc V8's, which seem like (with the exception of M273 cam chains) pretty much indestructible, I hacent read anythign about them being fragile, that seems to be more what they are plonked in.
I see CLS 55's and E55's with that engine going for fairly good prices, V10 M5's look to be a bit fragile in the engine department, are the Merc engines tough as old boots, never seem to hear of catastrophic failures, but they seem to suffer with things like the supercharger pulley bearing which doesnt seem that hard to do diy having watched a video, then there is the supercharger coolant pump, another known weak spot but otherwise are they pretty reliable
It seems like its the M113 engine that got used in pretty much everything with a Merc V8 for years, built by hand (not sure how the rest are built ?) and uprated internally, with a Supercharger installed.
Has anyone managed to blow one up/wear one out or are issues typically limited to ancillaries ?
Do they need any special maintenance other than 16 plugs, oil, filter changes and the oil in the charger changing ?
I think what I am saying, is it a world of pain more than the normal Merc V8's, which seem like (with the exception of M273 cam chains) pretty much indestructible, I hacent read anythign about them being fragile, that seems to be more what they are plonked in.
I think the engine is pretty solid (I hope so as I've got one!). Certainly there are plenty out there on 120+k miles and I haven't heard of major issues. The sc pump can fail but mostly people are concerned about the air suspension and brakes. Check the mbclub forum for more info. These cars are all about the engine really and we like ours a lot.
The Supercharger pump looks a piece of piss to change to be honest, £150 for the pump, the bearing doesn't look too bad to do either at £50/60.
I suppose its then down to getting ones that had all its oil changes on time.
Do the chargers themselves give much trouble ? they look very expensive !
Brakes look like they can be done for £300 odd all round.
Airmatic can be problematic, £400 a corner for struts, £200 for a pump, valve blocks, can get expensive but worst case, coilovers get fitted.
5 speed gearbox looks like its pretty strong.
I suppose its then down to getting ones that had all its oil changes on time.
Do the chargers themselves give much trouble ? they look very expensive !
Brakes look like they can be done for £300 odd all round.
Airmatic can be problematic, £400 a corner for struts, £200 for a pump, valve blocks, can get expensive but worst case, coilovers get fitted.
5 speed gearbox looks like its pretty strong.
I have done 50k miles (now at 60k miles) in 55K (CLS) .. no issues at all apart from leaking rocker cover gasket and off side camshaft gasket and breather seal.
folks who mod their cars to increase power put more strain on their drivetrain and probably suffer more issues.
my near 10 year old is completely rust free, does not leak and has no electrical issues.
solid as a rock, just like MBs of old.
folks who mod their cars to increase power put more strain on their drivetrain and probably suffer more issues.
my near 10 year old is completely rust free, does not leak and has no electrical issues.
solid as a rock, just like MBs of old.
R171 SLK55 owner here so not supercharged but the engines are bomb proof except cam cover leaks (cheap and easy DIY).
The motors are good for 550+ BHP with a Kleeman S/C kit and associated Cams and Exhaust additions.
in the SLK55 the M113 V8 is seriously under stressed as it's only pushing around a tiny car. probably would run forever on the redline !
Would imagine S/C one via Kleeman or Weistec would be insane given short wheelbase and light-ish weight. That yellow triangle would be on alot.
The motors are good for 550+ BHP with a Kleeman S/C kit and associated Cams and Exhaust additions.
in the SLK55 the M113 V8 is seriously under stressed as it's only pushing around a tiny car. probably would run forever on the redline !
Would imagine S/C one via Kleeman or Weistec would be insane given short wheelbase and light-ish weight. That yellow triangle would be on alot.
The air matic and SBC are the most expensive things that seem to fail with age or mileage with these M113K cars, the rest of the expense is what I personally would expect on owning a great big V8 engined car, and more so with the MB sticker attached, but you get to have that big car power to have fun in, and it takes money. After 04 the rust and electrical issue's seems to have been addressed with by MB. I know of only 4 no. engine failures in my ownership time of my car (9 years), but not to say there weren't others, an Sl55 in Brighton, A E55 saloon in Warrington, a E55 estate in Birmingham, and my own engine at 23K miles. One of the cars was highly modified, not sure on why two of the others let go, but my own started to eat oil, way before my modding started I might add, turned out 3 of the barrels had scratches down them, and engine was replaced by MB under warranty. This said these engines are generally considered over engineered, and as such are lasting well, and have allowed numerous owners to modify their cars, my own included. The general consensus from the MB guys I speak with, is, if your buying, make sure its got a good service history, either all MB for kudos, or at minimum a good recognised Mercedes independent, which to my mind, not only saves a little, but they are far more on the ball that the tick the box MB mechanics, who will only do what their charts tell them in my experience.
Best of luck with your purchase, fun cars!
Best of luck with your purchase, fun cars!
Superb engines! I just part exchanged my much loved E55 for a bi turbo '63 and driving both back to back I have to say in some ways the supercharged lump is better!
I had zero problems in 40k miles despite driving it hard on occasion. It used very little oil between services and the only real annoyance was the slight hesitation/squeak at 1500rpm - but they all do that!
the later E55s are better screwed together but the air suspension is pricey to sort - but personally I'd rather have to replace a strut at £800 than an engine!!
I had zero problems in 40k miles despite driving it hard on occasion. It used very little oil between services and the only real annoyance was the slight hesitation/squeak at 1500rpm - but they all do that!
the later E55s are better screwed together but the air suspension is pricey to sort - but personally I'd rather have to replace a strut at £800 than an engine!!
I've had my e55k for just over 2 years now and knock on wood it has been amazing.
Maintenance is less than it was for either of my old m3 or my m5.
It just had its 60k service at Mercedes Benz and it cost 350. And you can't argue with that.
Only this afternoon I was held up by a Lamborghini gallardo who was busy listening to his v10. When he finally decided to floor it he got a surprise. This German taxi stayed behind him very easily. He moved out of the way quickly. And was somewhat surprised. I'm not saying it's as fast as a gallardo but it's not as big a gap as you think. And that's because of the torque fro PM the supercharger.
You should choose carefully and do your research. A great engine - genuinely.
Only the 5 speed slushbox takes a little getting used to. The chirp at 1500rpm is an interesting thing too. It makes me smile but annoys others.
Enjoy the search, enjoy the car you choose. They are great things.
Maintenance is less than it was for either of my old m3 or my m5.
It just had its 60k service at Mercedes Benz and it cost 350. And you can't argue with that.
Only this afternoon I was held up by a Lamborghini gallardo who was busy listening to his v10. When he finally decided to floor it he got a surprise. This German taxi stayed behind him very easily. He moved out of the way quickly. And was somewhat surprised. I'm not saying it's as fast as a gallardo but it's not as big a gap as you think. And that's because of the torque fro PM the supercharger.
You should choose carefully and do your research. A great engine - genuinely.
Only the 5 speed slushbox takes a little getting used to. The chirp at 1500rpm is an interesting thing too. It makes me smile but annoys others.
Enjoy the search, enjoy the car you choose. They are great things.
Anyone know where I can get a complete M113K engine and transmission (5spd auto) from?
Any good uk breakers, any spares or repairs Mercs out there etc...
I'm looking to take the engine and shoehorn it into my 03' Crossfire. Hear me out, it's an SLK chassis and the 55 V8 DOES fit, and it CAN fit the kompressor as the SRT6 had a blower on its V6. So I have zero concerns about it fitting.... Only issue is I need a computer genius to make it all listen to each other.
Any good uk breakers, any spares or repairs Mercs out there etc...
I'm looking to take the engine and shoehorn it into my 03' Crossfire. Hear me out, it's an SLK chassis and the 55 V8 DOES fit, and it CAN fit the kompressor as the SRT6 had a blower on its V6. So I have zero concerns about it fitting.... Only issue is I need a computer genius to make it all listen to each other.
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