M279
Mercedes-Benz · M279 6.0 V12 Biturbo
2013–2020
"S65/SL65/G65 AMG. Twin-turbo V12. Turbo failure. ABC suspension fluid leaks contaminate engine bay. Timing chain. Catastrophically expensive to repair. Ultimate AMG but specialist only."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 2
Turbo failure
▸Smoke, boost loss, codes
V12 twin-turbo failure. Catastrophic cost.
Turbo V12 — €3,000-10,000.
ABC suspension fluid contamination
▸ABC warning, handling issues
ABC hydraulic fluid leaks contaminate engine bay.
ABC υδραυλικό — €1,000-5,000.
Models with M279 1
Related Guides
Other Mercedes-Benz Engines
Tuning Potential
700hp+ Stage 1 (already near limit)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz M279 reliable?
The Mercedes-Benz M279 scores 55/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 2 documented issues with total repair costs between €4,000 and €15,000.
What are the common problems with the M279?
The most common issues are:
- Turbo failure — critical, repair cost €3,000–€10,000, 60,000 km–120,000 km
- ABC suspension fluid contamination — high, repair cost €1,000–€5,000, 40,000 km–100,000 km
What cars use the Mercedes-Benz M279?
The M279 is found in:
- S-Class (2014–2020)
How much does it cost to repair the M279?
Total potential repair costs for all 2 known issues range from €4,000 to €15,000. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the M279 produced?
The Mercedes-Benz M279 was produced from 2013 to 2020. It is a 5980cc V12 petrol turbo engine.
Scores are calculated from documented issues, repair costs, and failure patterns across thousands of owner reports and technical sources. Learn about our methodology. Always inspect before you buy.