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
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.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.