63 AMG engine differences

[Jobsworth]

It’s usually 1 and 4 that suffer on the m157, because of the proximity to the turbos. Looking at the part number comparisons you have made, and having your existing engine on hand to use for any large parts that need to swap I think you are pretty safe to go for one of the non matching engines and swap over parts to suit. Bear in mind that with a different sump you may well need to use the pick up and remote possibility of needing to swap the oil pump over too. I had a big concern about the block, but your part number checks prove it’s the same. The M113 I know has two different blocks. They differ where the oil pump bolts on, and that can make it impossible to fit, for example, am M113k from an e55 or sl55 into a C55. The sump is different, ans so is the oil pump. Don’t be fooled into thinking it’s an easy oil pump swap though, the bolt holes are different!
The research you have done on the m157 leads me to believe you can do this swap without too much trouble. Don’t hold me to it though, I haven’t done one myself

 

[Jobsworth]

If considering any secondhand engines, at the very least check it has the updated timing chain. A look inside the oil cap is all you need

 

[Jobsworth]

Also, just to say, these engines have the softest bore coating I’ve ever seen. They run low friction piston rings because it’s so soft. It might be way beyond your budget, but Darton sleeves, upgrade pistons and rods will see a bombproof bottom end and potentially big numbers. Probably not what you are looking for with a G wagen tho

 

[badgx]

Quick question please, does anyone know if the M278 has any reported problems such as scoring or bent conrods. Does it have turbo, just wondering

 

[badgx]

Also, just to say, these engines have the softest bore coating I’ve ever seen. They run low friction piston rings because it’s so soft. It might be way beyond your budget, but Darton sleeves, upgrade pistons and rods will see a bombproof bottom end and potentially big numbers. Probably not what you are looking for with a G wagen tho

Hi buddy

Have you got any more information or links to parts on these, would love to read up

 

[ToeKnee]

Quick question please, does anyone know if the M278 has any reported problems such as scoring or bent conrods. Does it have turbo, just wondering

The m278 has two turbos, no idea on the bore score but I haven't heard of any yet.

 

[Gilbertd]

Thanks for the heads up on the oil pump. Just checked and the oil pump is A 278 180 09 01 which supersedes to A 278 180 10 01 and is the exact same part number for the .982 engine. The oil pickup is built into a baffle and that is different between the two versions of the engine but if the sumps are different that is only to be expected.

What would I be looking for inside the oil filer cap? How would I know if the chain has been updated or not?

It isn't a coating on the bores, but the block material itself. It is an alloy of aluminium and a very high (30%) silicone content. The bores are treated with a compound that removes the aluminium and just leaves the silicone for the rings to run in.

 

[badgx]

Found some useful information in the link below and some reference to parts. Useful to know for any potential useful future project Wondering how the Darton sleeve can help other than changing from open to closed deck? Actually looks more like semi closed deck.

Block with Darton MID Sleeves
- Connecting Rods Golden Line by ItalianRP (Connecting Rod Bolts L19 by ARP)
(Material: 35NCD16, 10% stronger than 300M, Material Strength 1.900Mpa, Hardness 52HRC)
- Pistons Golden Line by ItalianRP
(Material: 2618Al, Double Bridge Design, Galvanic Hardening Process on Top Surface and First Ring)

M157 Engine Upgrade by BlackBoost - MBWorld.org Forums

W212 AMG - M157 Engine Upgrade by BlackBoost - Hello to all members, We thought this might be interesting for you. Most of you might not know, but one of our main business is building engines/transmissions. Our team member and head of engines and transmission is Tasos Moschatos, known through...

mbworld.org

 

[Jobsworth]

Thanks for the heads up on the oil pump. Just checked and the oil pump is A 278 180 09 01 which supersedes to A 278 180 10 01 and is the exact same part number for the .982 engine. The oil pickup is built into a baffle and that is different between the two versions of the engine but if the sumps are different that is only to be expected.

What would I be looking for inside the oil filer cap? How would I know if the chain has been updated or not?

It isn't a coating on the bores, but the block material itself. It is an alloy of aluminium and a very high (30%) silicone content. The bores are treated with a compound that removes the aluminium and just leaves the silicone for the rings to run in.

The central link of the chain is two pieces on the earlier chain which is prone to stretching. The updated chain has a thicker single piece central link, and is not prone to the stretching issue.

 

[Gilbertd]

Despite only having 72,000 kms, so less than 50,000 miles, on the clock I suspect that is another problem the existing engine has. The report that showed the low compression and scratched bores also noted that the exhaust camshaft timing on bank 1 was implausible......

But, it is looking more and more like the difference between a .982 and a .984 is down to the sump, oil pickup and almost certainly the engine mounts. As the .984 appears to have only been fitted to the G63, while the .982 was fitted to E63, S63, CL63 and GLS63 so there's a lot more of them about.

 

[badgx]

Bit of info here on the split chain. If the timing cover is off, worth replacing the check valve

M157 old style cam chain life. | AMG Lounge

As all you experts will know there were issues with the early cam/timing chain on the engines up to number 022333 (this seems to vary depending on source so Id like to knows the engine number if anyone knows for definite). And we know that a check valve, different tensioners as well as a new...

forums.mbclub.co.uk

 

[rOckyAMG]

The 984 is the longitudinal engine with a different bore 98.0 x 90.5 mm I think. I will double check the VIN once I get in to the office!

 

[E55BOF]

The two cylinders which are most susceptible to overheating and misfiring are no. 1 and no. 5, which are nearest to the turbochargers. The damaged pot which required linering on mine was no. 5, as was the most bent conrod, and the damage was due to an intermittent problem with the intercooler coolant pump.

 

[rOckyAMG]

I think you need to look for parts for a M157 DE 55 LA engine which can be found in GL/ML/GLE/G

 

[E55BOF]

The 984 is the longitudinal engine with a different bore 98.0 x 90.5 mm I think. I will double check the VIN once I get in to the office!

? They're all longitudinal engines. If you can find me a model with a transverse M157, I'll eat my own underwear...

M157 engines all have the same bore and stroke.

MB engines are always designated M XXX.XXX, with the first three digits being the basic engine type and the last three the sub-model. I've never heard of a DE 55 LA engine; it's not a Mercedes designation.

 

[Gilbertd]

I think you need to look for parts for a M157 DE 55 LA engine which can be found in GL/ML/GLE/G

That is what I have been looking at using the VIN quoted in this ad Mercedes-Benz GLS GLE 63 AMG C292 5.5 Petrol Engine 5461cc 430kw 585hp M157.982 | eBay where the engine is the .982 version. Without the VIN for an S63, C63, E63, etc, also fitted with the .982, I can't compare part numbers. The Mercedes EPC needs a VIN, unlike similar Microcat based systems used by some manufacturers which will accept a registration number and translate that into a VIN, otherwise I could pick any number of different cars from random ads on Autotrader to identify the exact engine they are fitted with.

 

[E55BOF]

OP, you might like to take a chance on this one: Mercedes E63 AMG Performance 5.5 Litre Engine | eBay

but I suspect you'd have more chance of a good outcome if you sent the same money to one of those Nigerian princes that used to send you emails...

 

[rOckyAMG]

? They're all longitudinal engines. If you can find me a model with a transverse M157, I'll eat my own underwear...

M157 engines all have the same bore and stroke.

MB engines are always designated M XXX.XXX, with the first three digits being the basic engine type and the last three the sub-model. I've never heard of a DE 55 LA engine; it's not a Mercedes designation.

DE 55 LA is a variant of the m157 for
The SUVs this the 984 code the OP posted.

DE55 LA is found on the decoder under a option code MC8

 

[badgx]

The advert says 'or free collection from London', might be worth the visit. Again a real risk without knowing whether that engine has any problems of itself. Looking back at all the posts, I think safest option would be to have it repaired after having it properly inspected.

 

[Gilbertd]

MB engines are always designated M XXX.XXX, with the first three digits being the basic engine type and the last three the sub-model. I've never heard of a DE 55 LA engine; it's not a Mercedes designation.

The engine is designated DE 55LA as well as the .984 and .982 (amongst others). This is from the EPC for the very poorly engine in the G63 from the VIN


and this is the same details from the GLE engine on eBay that quotes the VIN of the car it has come from, a .982 engine but still DE 55 LA



I've also seen the one at £3,220 where the text of the ad says it's £7k plus the old engine posted by someone with a feedback score of 4 (from things he's bought rather than sold). I did consider doing a Buy-It-Now at that price but saying I'd pay by bank transfer on collection but figured it would probably be a waste of fuel to go to collect something that either isn't as described or doesn't even exist. Especially as it seems to be using the same photo as this one...... 2015 Mercedes Benz C218 X218 CLS63 AMG 5.5 Engine Enigne M157 157,981 | eBay