ML6.3V8 or 5.5TT V8

[Mr Fixit]

I'm looking for an ML V8, I really like the 164 with the V8 but may go up to the 6.3 and that leads me into the 5.5TT territory. what the feeling on the 6.3 vs the 5.5tt, happy with the ML side of this but would like some thoughts on the different engines

Head bolts on the 6.3 I hear about!

Ta

 

[Neiltodd]

Headbolts are a very rare issue and even more so in the UK compared to USA. Look for one well maintained and you will be unlikely to have issues with that.

 

[AMGeed]

Drive both and decide which you prefer. They are very different in the way the power is produced.
You'll get opinions on both engines, but in the end its down to which one you want to live with.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

With the M156 6.w I wouldn’t let the head bolts put you off - it does affect some cars, and there are some other known watch-points - but find a well maintained car, ideally one which has had some preventative maintenance done and be blown away by one of the most underrated AMG models.

By properly maintained, I mean serviced in line with the schedule with the additional items performed when they’re due, and done by a main dealer or well regarded specialist - it’s very difficult to find one which has, but it will be worth the search. Similar find a car which has had a top end rebuild done already so that you can get on and enjoy.

The M157 5.5 is a fantastic car too. It shouts rather than sings (the M156 has a glorious singing voice), and is marginally less engaging to drive, but as a package it probably has the edge over the. It’s more refined, nicer inside, and if tuning is your thing then it’s much more tuneable - bigger gains, less money.

If you have any specific questions then just ask. You won my be disappointed with either.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

With the M156 6.2 I wouldn’t let the head bolts put you off - it does affect some cars, and there are some other known watch-points - but find a well maintained car, ideally one which has had some preventative maintenance done and be blown away by one of the most underrated AMG models.

By properly maintained, I mean serviced in line with the schedule with the additional items performed when they’re due, and done by a main dealer or well regarded specialist - it’s very difficult to find one which has, but it will be worth the search. Similarly find a car which has had a top end rebuild done already so that you can get on and enjoy.

The M157 5.5 is a fantastic car too. It shouts rather than sings (the M156 has a glorious singing voice), and is marginally less engaging to drive, but as a package it has the edge over the previous generation. It’s more refined, nicer inside, and if tuning is your thing then it’s much more tuneable - bigger gains, less money.

If you have any specific questions then just ask. You wonbe disappointed with either.

My word, my post was riddled with typos, now corrected in the above quote.

PS We have a pair of (his & hers) ML 63 AMG, one of each generation. They’re our every-day every-thing cars. I’ve driven around 150k miles in them so I know them quite well

 

[Skd884]

If you want to enjoy the thrill of driving with one of the all time great v8 go for the m156

If you fancy a more bland experience but easier to tune etc ( i would leave both engines oem ) then go for the m157

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Do not waste your time looking for m157 awards it won none :0)

 

[E55BOF]

Do not waste your time looking for m157 awards it won none :0)

Do not waste your time looking at silly surveys or awards of the 'Most Beautiful Woman In The World' type, or taking as gospel posts from forum members, M156 owners to a man, who think theirs is the greatest engine ever made...

The M156's only real advantage over the later engine is that, like its owners, it makes more noise; in reality, though they drive differently, neither will disappoint.

 

[Crispian22]

I've had my w166 Ml63 for just over a month now.
Its absolutely glorious

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

The M156 is a truly wonderful engine, and it’s charismatic charm does seem to make some owners evangelical, and for good reason, it’s that good.

The thing that I find strange with some evangelical views is the explicit or implied references to other later AMG engines like the M157 and M177/8 being inferior.

When something really is genuinely better than the rest then there should be no need to criticise the others, because the difference should speak for itself.

I’m a fairly balanced person, and I’m fortunate to have examples of each generation. They are all equally appealing, each with their own character.

I adore the M156 engine, but it’s strongest suit is the vocal range rather than the sound per se, it’s higher rev limit means that it rumbles low down and screams up top.

The nature of the sound itself though is completely down to personal taste, and when it comes to taste there is no better, just different, and according to preference.

The M156 sounds different depending upon the application, it sounds different in the ML than it does in the C for example, and the M159 in the SLS sounds different again.

 

[E55BOF]

I've had my w166 Ml63 for just over a month now.
Its absolutely glorious

Of course it is, but it's an M157, so don't tell the M156 boys...

 

[AngryDog]

If you want to enjoy the thrill of driving with one of the all time great v8 go for the m156

If you fancy a more bland experience but easier to tune etc ( i would leave both engines oem ) then go for the m157

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View attachment 111531

Do not waste your time looking for m157 awards it won none :0)

The BMW s85b50 won engine of the year twice. 2005 and 2006. If we are posting about irrelevant facts then the BMW V10 is twice as good as the M156. I'm not saying it is it, but your fact is meaningless in 2021, just like mine.

 

[Gbrowncls55]

I think i read on here an engine number from which the N/A 156 headbolts were amended by MB?

 

[350cls]

Test both engine versions and go with what you prefer. You won't beat the sound of that m156 I can promise you that much

 

[AMGeed]

I think i read on here an engine number from which the N/A 156 headbolts were amended by MB?

060658 and above were amended head bolts.

 

[Rich764089]

Just catching up with ANOTHER M156/7 debate. Always makes me chuckle.

I've never heard the M157 called bland before. Anyone who thinks it is is very welcome to come and experience mine...I certainly wouldn't call it bland!

Horses for courses I guess. But I know which horse would win all the races

 

[350cls]

Oh crumbs my car falls into the headbolt blown out of the water territory.

Drive the god damn thing and get smiles for miles I say. And hear the thunder

Obviously it's the 156 that provides the thunder

 

[AngryDog]

Having read various posts on here, it does seem that the owners with the m156 in their car have some kind of inferiority complex, and have to justify why they bought a car with the m156 engine in. It's a bit, well, odd.

 

[clk320x]

It’s just a bit tiring to read through.

 

[Steve84N]

Having read various posts on here, it does seem that the owners with the m156 in their car have some kind of inferiority complex, and have to justify why they bought a car with the m156 engine in. It's a bit, well, odd.

No need to tar everyone with the 350cls brush...

I have an M156 which I enjoy but also just as much appreciation for many of the other AMG engines.

 

[350cls]

Justify nothing. The 156 speaks for itself. It gets negative feedback on here and is blown way out with this headbolt Bollox!!!!

Steve a big kiss for you, you champ