If you’ve been hunting for a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale, you already know this isn’t an ordinary engine. It’s the hand-built AMG 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12 from the S 65, SL 65, G 65 and Maybach S 650, and it makes 1,000 Nm of torque while sounding almost bored about it. When one fails, the car around it is usually worth saving, which is exactly why people come looking for a replacement.
The problem is that there aren’t many of these engines about, the prices vary wildly and a lot of sellers don’t really know what they’re holding. Some list an M277 as an M279. Some can’t tell you if both turbos are included. Some won’t show you the engine number at all.
We’re NJ Global Auto Parts. We sell and ship engines like this to buyers around the world, and this guide is everything we’d tell you on the phone. Specifications, which cars use it, how it differs from the M277, what we check on every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale, the common problems, price, shipping and fitting. Grab a coffee.
What a Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale Really Is
The M279 is the AMG version of Mercedes-Benz’s modern 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12. It first appeared in the SL 65 AMG in 2012 and went on to power the S 65 sedan, coupé and cabriolet, the G 65 and the Maybach S 650 models. It’s based on the older M275 but was reworked so heavily that it earned a new name.
Mercedes and AMG gave it forged pistons, a forged steel crankshaft, new camshafts, sodium-filled exhaust valves, a new engine computer and a new multi-spark ignition with twelve double coils. AMG then added bigger turbochargers, new exhaust manifolds and cylinder heads with better flow. The result is 630 PS in most versions and a flat wall of torque from low revs.
Like other AMG engines of the time, each M279 was built by one technician at Affalterbach, who signed a plaque on the engine. That plaque is a nice detail, and on a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale it’s also a handy way to confirm you’re looking at a genuine AMG unit. The M279 engine page has a good summary of the engine’s history, and the Mercedes-AMG page covers the company behind it.
Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale: Full Specifications
These are the numbers buyers ask for most. Output varies a little by model and year.
| Engine code | M279 (M279 E60 LA), AMG |
| Layout | 60-degree V12, twin turbo |
| Displacement | 5,980 cc (6.0 L) |
| Bore x stroke | 82.6 mm x 93.0 mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.0:1 |
| Block and heads | Aluminium alloy |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder (36 valves), variable valve timing |
| Ignition | Multi-spark, two plugs per cylinder, twelve double ignition coils |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection |
| Internals | Forged pistons, forged steel crankshaft, sodium-filled exhaust valves |
| Charge cooling | Intercooled, with a separate low-temperature coolant circuit |
| Power | 463 kW (630 PS / 621 hp) at 4,800 to 5,400 rpm; early versions 450 kW (612 PS) |
| Torque | 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) from 2,300 to 4,300 rpm |
| Dry weight | Around 246 kg (542 lb) |
| Transmission pairing | AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-speed automatic (varies by model) |
| Production | 2012 to 2020 in AMG and Maybach 650 models |
A thousand newton metres is a lot. The transmissions Mercedes paired with this engine were actually torque-limited in some models, which tells you how much the V12 has in reserve. That strength is one reason a healthy Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale attracts both owners and builders.
When we quote an engine, we give you the engine number, the donor car and the model year, so you can check it against your own vehicle before any money moves.
Which Cars Use the M279
The M279 went into a short list of very expensive cars:
- Mercedes-AMG SL 65 (R231), 2012 to 2019.
- Mercedes-AMG S 65 sedan (W222), 2014 to 2020.
- Mercedes-AMG S 65 Coupé and Cabriolet (C217 / A217), 2015 to 2019.
- Mercedes-AMG G 65 (W463), 2015 to 2018.
- Mercedes-Maybach S 650 sedan and S 650 Cabriolet.
- Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet.
The same family later continued in the Maybach S 680 of the W223 generation. Each car has its own wiring, cooling layout, exhaust routing and mounting, so a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale from a G 65 isn’t automatically ready to drop into an SL 65. Parts often need moving across, and sometimes the computer and coding need attention too.
The easy answer is to send us your VIN. We’ll match the engine to the car and tell you what can be reused from your old engine.
M279 or M277: Don’t Mix Them Up
The M277 is the non-AMG version of the same 6.0 litre V12, used in the S 600 and Maybach S 600. From the outside they look very similar. Inside and around them, they aren’t the same.
The M279 has larger turbochargers, different exhaust manifolds, different cylinder heads, AMG tuning and more power: 463 kW against 390 kW, and 1,000 Nm against 830 Nm. The wiring, software and in some cases the exhaust and cooling connections differ too.
We’ve seen buyers pay AMG money for an M277, and we’ve seen people try to fit an M279 in an S 600 without planning for the differences. Neither ends well. On any Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale, confirm the code stamped on the block and look for the AMG builder’s plaque.
If you actually need the non-AMG engine, our Mercedes-Benz M277 buying guide covers it in detail.
7 Facts We Check on Every Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale
These are the seven things we look at before we quote. They’re also the questions to put to any other seller.
1. Engine Code, Number and AMG Plaque
We photograph the engine number and the builder’s plaque and record the donor car. That confirms it’s an M279 and tells us the model and year. If a seller won’t send these photos, walk away. A Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale without a verifiable number is a gamble you don’t need to take.
2. Compression on All Twelve Cylinders
We test each cylinder of every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale and compare the readings. On a V12, one weak cylinder can hide behind the other eleven when the car is driven gently. The test shows it plainly. We share the readings with you.
3. Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs
The M279 has twenty-four plugs and twelve double coils. Misfires on these engines very often come from this area. We look at what we can see and tell you what we find. Ask any seller when the plugs were last changed on a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale. If nobody knows, budget for a set.
4. Both Turbochargers and the Charge Pipes
On a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale we check both turbos for shaft play, oil on the compressor side and damage to the wheels. We also look at the couplers and charge pipes for cracks and oil. Boost leaks on big twin-turbo Mercedes engines cause low power and fault codes that are easy to misread as something worse.
5. The Charge Air Cooling Circuit
Like the M277, the M279 cools its intake charge through a separate low-temperature coolant circuit with its own pump. When that circuit struggles, the engine computer pulls power to protect the engine. We look over the parts of that system that come with the engine and note any leaks or damage.
6. Leaks, Oil Condition and Signs of Heat
We check for oil leaks around the valve covers, turbo oil lines and timing cover, look at the oil itself and look for signs of overheating. Some seepage on an older V12 is normal. Heavy leaks, milky oil or heat damage are not, and we won’t list a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale as good if we find them.
7. What’s Attached
Turbos, manifolds, wiring, alternator, starter and the other ancillaries make a massive difference to value and to your install. We list them all with photos. You’ll know exactly what’s in the crate before you pay for it.
Common M279 Problems to Know About
The core of the M279 is tough. Forged internals and a lot of spare strength mean bottom end failures are uncommon unless the engine has lost oil or been badly overheated. Most issues come from the parts around it.
Ignition coils and plugs. The number one cause of rough running and misfire codes. Normal maintenance, but it adds up on a V12.
Boost leaks. Couplers and charge pipes age and crack with heat. The car feels flat and throws codes.
Charge air cooling pump. A failing pump leads to hot intake air and reduced power, often worse on warm days.
Oil and coolant leaks. Heat in a tight engine bay ages seals and hoses. The G 65 in particular packs a lot of engine into a small space.
Engine mounts. Heavy engine, huge torque. Worn mounts cause vibration and clunks.
Electronics and coding. The engine computer ties into the car’s security system. A replacement Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale may need coding or the matching computer to start and run correctly.
Knowing these points helps you judge any engine you’re offered, and helps you plan the fitting job properly.
Used, Rebuilt or Long Block?
Used. A tested engine from a donor car, sold as described. For most owners who just want the car back, a used Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale is the obvious choice. It costs a fraction of a new factory engine.
Rebuilt. Opened, measured and reassembled with new wear parts where needed. It costs more, but it suits collectors, restorers and people who plan to keep the car for a long time.
Long block. The core engine without some of the ancillaries. It makes sense if your turbos and accessories are healthy.
Each listing on our Mercedes-Benz M279 engine product page says which type it is, and your quote will confirm it in writing. We’ve also covered the engine in our earlier guide to buying an M279 engine.
What Affects the Price of a Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale
We’re always asked for the price first. These are the things that move it:
- Completeness. Twin turbos, manifolds, wiring and ancillaries on an AMG V12 are worth a lot.
- Mileage and condition. Low miles and even compression push the value up.
- Donor model. Some buyers want an engine from the same model as their car, and some models are rarer than others.
- Used or rebuilt. A rebuild includes parts and many hours of labour.
- Freight. A heavy V12 costs more to move, so we quote shipping up front.
A very low price on a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale usually has a reason. It might be missing turbos, it might be an M277 with the wrong label, or it might have a problem nobody mentioned. Ask for photos and the engine number before anything else.
Shipping Your Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale Worldwide
We ship every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale worldwide. Each V12 goes out drained, with openings sealed, strapped to a pallet or crated, and with extra protection around the turbos and manifolds, which are the parts most likely to get knocked in transit.
Most customers choose sea freight for a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale because it costs much less. Air freight is there for urgent jobs. We confirm the cost and the arrival port or airport before you commit.
You’ll receive the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill. Your customs broker handles the import duty and taxes. Engines are classified under the HS system run by the World Customs Organization, so the paperwork is standard for any broker.
Read our shipping policy for the details, and our refund and returns policy for what happens if anything arrives damaged.
Does Your Car Really Need a Mercedes-Benz M279 for Sale?
Before you spend big money, make sure the engine is actually finished. A lot of sick M279s are suffering from problems around the engine, not inside it, and those can be fixed for far less than a replacement.
These signs usually mean the engine itself has a serious problem:
- Low compression on one or more cylinders that stays low after plugs and coils are sorted.
- A knock from the bottom end, getting louder with load or revs.
- Coolant in the oil, or oil in the coolant.
- Metal in the oil filter or on the drain plug.
- A seized engine after oil loss or severe overheating.
By contrast, misfires, flat performance and warning lights are very often caused by coils, boost leaks or the charge air pump. A good AMG specialist can tell you which it is. If the verdict is that the engine is done, that’s when a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale is the right call.
Send us the diagnosis if you have one. It helps us recommend the right engine and tell you which parts from your old engine are worth keeping. And if it turns out you don’t need an engine at all, we’ll tell you that too. We’d rather you come back to us when you really need a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale than sell you one you didn’t.
Looking After the V12 After It’s Fitted
An AMG V12 rewards a bit of care. After you install a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale, these habits help it last:
Change the oil on time with the approved specification. The turbos and timing chain depend on it.
Watch both cooling circuits. Check the main coolant and the low-temperature circuit. Lost power on a hot day is often the charge air pump.
Keep up with plugs and coils. It’s tempting to delay with twenty-four plugs. Worn plugs work the coils harder and lead to misfires.
Warm it up before using full boost, and give it a short idle after hard driving so the turbos can cool.
Fix small leaks early. Oil near hot turbos and exhausts is never something to ignore.
Do that, and the engine you buy should give you the same effortless shove it was built for. That’s what you’re paying for when you choose a good Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale.
What Arrives in the Crate
People are often curious about what actually turns up. Every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale we ship arrives with a copy of the inspection summary, the photos we took before packing and a list of what’s fitted. Oil and coolant are drained. Intake, exhaust and coolant openings are capped or taped so nothing gets in. Loose wiring is tied back and fragile sensors are protected.
The engine is strapped down on a pallet or boxed in a crate, depending on the route and your preference. Heavy freight gets handled by forklifts and cranes along the way, so the turbos and manifolds get extra padding. It sounds like a small thing, but a cracked manifold flange from careless packing can hold up a job for weeks.
When the crate arrives, check it before you sign for it if you can. Take photos of the outside and the engine as you unpack. If anything looks wrong, tell us straight away and we’ll deal with it with you. That’s how we handle every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale, big order or small.
Fitting Tips for an AMG V12
This isn’t a weekend job. These are the things good specialists do when they fit a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale:
Know why the old one died. If it overheated, fix the cause first. If a turbo failed, clean the intercoolers and pipes so no debris reaches the new engine.
Do the service parts while it’s out. Plugs, coils if doubtful, engine mounts, hoses and the charge air pump are far easier to reach with the engine on a stand.
Plan the electronics. Make sure the computer and coding suit your car. A visit to someone with dealer-level diagnostics is often needed.
New fluids and filters. Oil, filter, coolant in both circuits, and an air filter. Cheap parts protecting an expensive Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale.
Start it carefully. Prime the oil, check for leaks, clear codes, scan again after a short drive and change the oil early.
Using an M279 in a Custom Project
Some buyers don’t have an AMG at all. They want the M279 for a restomod, a special build or a boat, because it’s one of the most torquey petrol engines you can buy. That’s fine, and we’re happy to help, but go in with your eyes open.
You’ll need a way to run it: either the original computer and wiring with the security side sorted, or a standalone engine management system. You’ll need room for two cooling circuits. You’ll need a gearbox that can take 1,000 Nm. And you’ll need space, because a twin-turbo V12 is big.
Tell us about your project when you ask about a Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale. We’ll tell you what comes with the engine and what you’ll need to find elsewhere.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay
- Is it definitely an M279? Can I see the engine number and the AMG plaque?
- What car did it come from, and what year?
- What were the compression readings?
- Was it running before removal? Any misfires or warning lights?
- Are both turbos, the manifolds and the wiring included?
- Is it used, rebuilt or a long block?
- What does the freight quote include?
- What happens if it arrives damaged?
We answer all of these for each Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale we list. If there’s something we don’t know, we say so.
Other Engines You Might Need
If you’re working on another AMG, take a look at our Mercedes-Benz M159 guide, the M159 and M156 engines, or the M178, M176 and M177 engines. The non-AMG V12 is on our M277 product page. Everything else is under Mercedes engines and our full used engines range.
For official model information, visit Mercedes-Benz.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We match each Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale to your VIN before you pay. You get real photos, a written summary and a list of what’s included. We tell you about the small flaws as well as the good news. And we quote freight up front, wherever you are in the world.
If we don’t have the right engine for your car, we’ll say so. We’d rather lose an order than ship the wrong V12. Read more about us or visit the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the M279 make?
Most versions make 463 kW (630 PS) and 1,000 Nm. Early versions made 450 kW (612 PS).
Which cars use it?
The AMG SL 65, S 65 sedan, coupé and cabriolet, G 65, and the Maybach S 650 and G 650 Landaulet.
Can I use an M279 in an S 600?
The S 600 was built with the M277. Fitting an M279 is possible but it’s a conversion, with differences in turbos, manifolds, heads, wiring and software.
Is your Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale used or rebuilt?
We offer both. Each listing and quote says which.
Do you ship to my country?
Yes. We ship every Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale worldwide by sea or air, with freight quoted before you pay.
What if it arrives damaged?
Contact us straight away with photos, and we’ll work through it with you against the inspection record and your quote.
A Mercedes-Benz M279 for sale should come with real photos, honest notes and people who know what makes an AMG V12 tick. That’s what we try to give every buyer. Send us your VIN through the contact page, tell us about your car or project, and we’ll tell you what we have and what it’ll cost to get it to you.