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Engine comparison

Mercedes M157
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Mercedes M157
Verdict
RISKY · 44/100
Est. cost /3yr
€9,000-18,000 over 3 years including routine maintenance, consumables and provision for known high-risk components (timing chain, cylinder scoring, wiring harness)
Oil interval
8,000 km
Recalls
0
Worst issue
Timing Chain and Balance Shaft Failure
CRITICAL
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
Timing Chain and Balance Shaft Failure
€3,000-8,000
CRITICAL
Cylinder Scoring
€5,000-15,000
CRITICAL
Cam Solenoid (Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid) Failure
€300-900
HIGH
Valve Timing Cover Oil Leak
€400-1,200
HIGH
Wiring Harness Deterioration
€800-2,500
HIGH
Thermostat Failure
€200-600
MODERATE
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
•Commission a leak-down and compression test on all 8 cylinders to check for cylinder scoring before purchase
•Start the engine cold and listen carefully for timing chain rattle during the first 10-15 seconds
•Remove air intake ducting and visually inspect the front timing cover for oil leaks
•Run a full OBD-II diagnostic scan to check for camshaft solenoid, timing, and wiring fault codes
•Verify full documented service history with oil changes no longer than 8,000 km intervals using approved spec oil
•Inspect the engine wiring harness visually for cracked or brittle insulation, especially near heat sources
•Ask whether the car has the AMG Performance Package fitted (higher output tune), and check for any documented ECU or turbo work
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
Timing chain and balance shaft sprockets
Inspect and replace proactively, do not ignore cold start rattles
80,000 km
Valve timing cover gasket/seal
Inspect for leaks at every service, reseal before oil contamination worsens
60,000 km
Cam solenoids (x4)
Replace if fault codes present, consider preventative replacement on high-mileage examples
80,000 km
Engine wiring harness
Full visual inspection and electrical diagnostic before purchase
100,000 km
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
No recalls on record
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
✓Enormous performance potential from the 5.5L biturbo V8
✓Well-documented issues mean informed buyers can prepare and budget appropriately
✓Strong AMG community support with detailed DIY resources available
✓When maintained correctly with strict oil discipline, reported to run reliably well past 150,000 km by multiple owners
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
Real consumption
14.7 L/100km
Official consumption
Not available
Oil interval
8,000 km
Oil spec
Mercedes-Benz 229.5 or 229.51 approved 0W-40 or 5W-40 fully synthetic
Est. cost /3yr
€9,000-18,000 over 3 years including routine maintenance, consumables and provision for known high-risk components (timing chain, cylinder scoring, wiring harness)
Mercedes M157
C216 · C216
544 hp · 800 Nm
2010-2014
557 hp · 900 Nm
2011-2014
The power difference between the standard CL63 and the Performance Package version comes from an ECU and boost tune, not from stronger internals, so it does not change the underlying risk of timing chain, cylinder scoring or harness failure. Do not choose based on the hp figure. Choose based on documented oil change history, a clean cold start (no rattle), and a passed compression/leak-down test, since these tell you far more about the individual car's condition than which tune it left the factory with.