The 6.0-liter 12-cylinder Mercedes M279 engine was first introduced in 2012 and is installed on top versions of CL, G, S and SL models, including the G65, S65 or SL65. There are two modifications of this power unit: stock for 530 hp and AMG for 630 hp.
Mercedes V12 family: M120, M137, M275, M279.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2012 |
| Displacement, cc | 5980 |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 530 (M 279 E 60 AL) 612 – 630 (AMG M 279 E 60 AL) |
| Torque output, Nm | 830 (M 279 E 60 AL) 1000 (AMG M 279 E 60 AL) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V12 |
| Block head | aluminum 36v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82.6 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 93 |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | Biturbo |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 10.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 5/6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes AMG S65 2017) — city — highway — combined |
19.9 10.9 14.2 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~270 000 |
| Weight, kg | 280 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes CL-Class C217 in 2014 – 2019;
- Mercedes G-Class W463 in 2012 – 2018;
- Mercedes S-Class W222 since 2014;
- Mercedes SL-Class R231 in 2012 – 2018.
Disadvantages of the Mercedes M279 engine
- Finally expensive ignition blocks are a thing of the past and now there are dual coils.
- Thanks to the distributed fuel injection, the engine has no problems with coking.
- There are already reports on the specialized forums about the sleeve of such a unit after scuffing.
- There are also complaints from owners about stretching the timing chain even up to 150,000 km.
Frequently asked questions about the Mercedes M279 E60
How much power does the Mercedes M279 E60 make?
Power output of the Mercedes M279 E60, hp: 530 (M 279 E 60 AL); 612 - 630 (AMG M 279 E 60 AL). Torque, Nm: 830 (M 279 E 60 AL); 1000 (AMG M 279 E 60 AL).
How much oil does the Mercedes M279 E60 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 10.5 liters. Recommended oil: 5W-30.
Does the Mercedes M279 E60 have a timing belt or chain?
The Mercedes M279 E60 uses a timing chain.
Is the Mercedes M279 E60 turbocharged?
Yes, the Mercedes M279 E60 is turbocharged (Biturbo).
Does the Mercedes M279 E60 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the Mercedes M279 E60 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the Mercedes M279 E60 last?
The typical lifespan of the Mercedes M279 E60 is ~270 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the Mercedes M279 E60?
Mercedes AMG S65 2017: city 19.9, highway 10.9, combined 14.2 L/100 km.
What cars was the Mercedes M279 E60 installed on?
Mercedes CL-Class C217 in 2014 - 2019; Mercedes G-Class W463 in 2012 - 2018; Mercedes S-Class W222 since 2014; Mercedes SL-Class R231 in 2012 - 2018.
What are the common problems of the Mercedes M279 E60?
Finally expensive ignition blocks are a thing of the past and now there are dual coils. Thanks to the distributed fuel injection, the engine has no problems with coking. All known problems.
