M278
Mercedes-Benz · M278 4.7 V8 Biturbo
2010–2018
"W222 S500, W166 GLE500, W212 E550. Hot-V twin-turbo. Timing chain guides. Turbo oil line leaks. Expensive timing chain job (engine-out in some models). Powerful but costly to own."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 2
Timing chain guide failure
▸Rattle, timing codes
Hot-V chain guides degrade from heat. Engine-out job on some models.
Αλυσίδα Hot-V — €2,000-8,000. ΣΟΒΑΡΟ.
Turbo oil line leak
▸Oil leak, smoke, fire risk
Oil feed lines to turbos leak.
Σωλήνες λαδιού turbo — €500-1,500.
Models with M278 2
Other Mercedes-Benz Engines
Tuning Potential
550hp Stage 1
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz M278 reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz M278 scores 62/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 2 documented issues with total repair costs between €2,500 and €9,500.
What are the common problems with the M278?
The most common issues are:
- Timing chain guide failure — critical, repair cost €2,000–€8,000, 80,000 km–150,000 km
- Turbo oil line leak — high, repair cost €500–€1,500, 60,000 km–120,000 km
How much does it cost to repair the M278?
Total potential repair costs for all 2 known issues range from €2,500 to €9,500. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the M278 produced?
The Mercedes-Benz M278 was produced from 2010 to 2018. It is a 4663cc V8 petrol turbo engine.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.