Looking for a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale usually means one of two things. Either an S 600 or Maybach has lost its V12 and the dealer’s quote for a new one made you sit down, or you’re working on a build and you want 830 Nm of smooth, quiet torque. We deal with both kinds of buyer every week.
The M277 is a big, complicated engine. Twelve cylinders, two turbos, twenty-four spark plugs, a separate cooling circuit for the charge air and a lot of electronics. Buying a good one is very doable. Buying a bad one is very expensive. The difference is mostly in the questions you ask before you pay.
We’re NJ Global Auto Parts, and we sell and ship these V12s to buyers all over the world. Below you’ll find the specifications, the cars it fits, the checks we make on every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale, the common problems, and how shipping and fitting work. Take your time with it.
What You’re Buying With a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale
The M277 is Mercedes-Benz’s 6.0 litre twin-turbo V12, built for the top of the range S-Class and Maybach models from 2014. It grew out of the older M275, but Mercedes changed enough that it got a new name: bigger displacement, forged pistons, a forged crankshaft, new camshafts, a new ignition system, a new engine computer and sodium-filled exhaust valves.
It’s a single overhead cam engine with three valves and two spark plugs per cylinder. That layout goes back to earlier Mercedes V12s, and it’s one reason the engine is so smooth and so quiet at cruising speed. It isn’t designed to scream. It’s designed to move a heavy luxury car without any fuss at all.
The M277 shares its basic architecture with the AMG M279. The M277 and M279 engine page explains how the two relate. For a buyer, the key point is simple: the M277 is the non-AMG version, tuned for comfort, and it is not interchangeable with the AMG engine without a lot of work.
So when you look at a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale, check the engine code, not just the words “V12 biturbo”. Plenty of sellers mix them up.
Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale: Full Specifications
These are the figures most buyers ask for.
| Engine code | M277 (M277 E60 LA) |
| 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 | Two spark plugs per cylinder (24 in total) |
| Fuel system | Port fuel injection |
| Charge cooling | Intercooled, with a separate low-temperature coolant circuit |
| Internals | Forged pistons, forged steel crankshaft, sodium-filled exhaust valves |
| Power | 390 kW (530 PS / 523 hp) at 4,900 to 5,300 rpm |
| Torque | 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) from 1,900 to 4,000 rpm |
| Transmission pairing | 7G-TRONIC automatic |
| Production | 2014 to 2019 |
| Predecessor | M275 5.5 L twin-turbo V12 |
Look at that torque curve for a moment. Full torque from 1,900 rpm and it stays flat until 4,000. That’s why an S 600 feels like it’s being pushed by a big hand rather than revving hard. It’s also why these engines get used in custom builds, heavy armoured cars and restomods.
Every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale we quote comes with its engine number and the car it came from, so you can check the details against your own vehicle.
Which Cars Use the M277
The M277 went into a small, exclusive group of cars:
- Mercedes-Benz S 600 (W222) long wheelbase sedan. You can read about the car on the S-Class W222 page.
- Mercedes-Maybach S 600 (X222).
- Mercedes-Maybach Pullman.
- S 600 Guard armoured sedan.
The AMG S 65, SL 65 and G 65 use the M279, not the M277, even though the two look very similar. So do the later Maybach S 650 models. If you own one of those, see our separate guide on the M279.
The fastest way to avoid mistakes is to send us your VIN. We’ll check it against the Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale we have, and we’ll tell you if anything from your old engine needs to move over, such as sensors, brackets or the wiring connectors.
M277 vs M275 vs M279: How They Differ
These three engine codes cause more confusion than anything else we deal with on Mercedes V12s, so here’s the plain version.
M275 is the older 5.5 litre twin-turbo V12 used in the previous S 600, CL 600, SL 600 and Maybach 57 and 62. It has the same basic layout as the M277 but a smaller displacement and older electronics.
M277 is the 6.0 litre non-AMG engine from 2014. Forged internals, new ignition, new computer and tuning aimed at smoothness and economy. It makes 390 kW and 830 Nm.
M279 is the AMG version of the same 6.0 litre engine, with bigger turbos, different manifolds and heads, and up to 463 kW and 1,000 Nm. It goes in the S 65, SL 65, G 65 and Maybach S 650.
They look alike in photos, and some sellers list them interchangeably. They are not. A car built for one expects that engine’s wiring, computer, cooling and exhaust layout. When you look at a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale, the engine code on the block is the thing to confirm, not the badge on the cover.
Could you fit an M277 in place of an M275, or the other way round? In a custom project, with enough time and budget, people have done stranger things. For a normal repair, buy the same code your car left the factory with.
Using an M277 in a Swap or Custom Build
We do sell to people building something unusual: restomods, custom limousines, boats, even a few off-road projects. The M277 appeals because it makes huge torque low down and runs quietly, and the forged bottom end handles more power than Mercedes asked of it.
If that’s your plan, think about a few things before you buy a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale for a project car:
- Electronics. You’ll need the engine computer, the wiring and a way to get past the car’s security system, or a standalone management setup.
- Cooling. Two cooling circuits need space for two radiators and the charge air pump.
- Transmission. The 830 Nm of torque needs a gearbox that can take it.
- Size and weight. A V12 with two turbos is long, wide and heavy. Measure twice.
Tell us about the project when you ask for a quote. We’ll tell you what comes with the engine and what you’ll have to source separately, so the budget doesn’t surprise you halfway through.
Looking After the V12 Once It’s Running
A good engine lasts longer with simple care. After you fit a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale from us or anyone else, these habits make a real difference:
Change the oil on time with the approved grade. Turbo bearings and the timing chain like clean oil.
Keep an eye on both cooling circuits. Check the main coolant and the low-temperature circuit. A failing charge air pump shows up as lost power on warm days.
Replace spark plugs on schedule. With twenty-four of them, it’s tempting to put it off. Don’t. Worn plugs strain the coils.
Warm it up gently before using full boost, and let it idle briefly after a hard drive.
Deal with small leaks early. A small oil weep near the turbos is a lot cheaper to fix now than later.
Treat it that way and a healthy M277 will keep doing what it does best, which is moving a heavy car very quietly and very quickly.
7 Checks We Make on Every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale
A twin-turbo V12 has more places to hide trouble than a simple four cylinder. These are the checks we do, and the ones you should expect from any seller.
1. Engine Number and Donor Car
We photograph the engine number and record the donor car. That confirms it’s an M277 and not an M279 or an older M275, and tells us the model year. It’s the single most useful thing you can have when you’re buying from far away.
2. Compression on All Twelve Cylinders
We test every cylinder of a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale and compare the readings. Twelve cylinders means twelve chances for a problem, and one weak cylinder on a V12 is easy to miss when the engine is running because the other eleven cover for it. The numbers don’t lie.
3. Ignition System
Twenty-four spark plugs and the coils that fire them are a known service item on Mercedes V12s. Misfires, especially under load, often come from here. We check the condition of the plugs and coils we can see, and tell you what we find. On any Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale, ask when the plugs were last changed.
4. Turbochargers and Boost Plumbing
On every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale we check both turbos for shaft play and oil leaks, and look at the charge pipes and couplers for cracks or oil. Boost leaks are common on older twin-turbo Mercedes engines, and they cause low power and fault codes that can be hard to trace.
5. The Low-Temperature Cooling Circuit
The M277 cools its charge air with a separate low-temperature coolant loop and its own pump. If that system stops working, the engine loses power because the computer pulls timing to protect itself. We look at the intercooler circuit components that come with the engine and note any leaks or damage.
6. Oil Leaks and Engine Condition
On each Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale we look for leaks from the valve covers, the turbo oil lines and the timing cover, and check the oil condition. A little seepage on an older engine isn’t unusual. Heavy leaks or milky oil are a different story, and we won’t list that as a good Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale.
7. What’s Included
This is where prices vary most. A complete engine with turbos, manifolds, wiring, starter and alternator is worth a lot more than a long block. We list exactly what’s attached and show it in photos. You’ll know what you’re paying for before you pay.
Common M277 Problems You Should Know About
The M277 is strong at its core. The bottom end is forged and it doesn’t have to work hard in an S-Class. Most problems are around the engine rather than inside it.
Ignition coils and spark plugs. With twenty-four plugs, a worn set or a failing coil causes rough running and misfire codes. Replacing them is normal maintenance, not a disaster.
Boost leaks. Cracked couplers and loose charge pipes let boost escape. You’ll feel it as lazy power and see fault codes.
Charge air cooling pump. When the low-temperature pump fails, the engine gets hot intake air and cuts power. It’s a known weak point in this family of V12s.
Oil and coolant leaks. Age and heat harden seals and hoses, especially around the back of the engine where it’s tight.
Engine mounts. A heavy V12 is hard on mounts, and they’re worth replacing when you fit a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale. Worn mounts cause vibration at idle that people mistake for an engine problem.
Electronics and coding. The engine computer is tied into the car’s security system. A replacement engine may need coding or the right computer to run with your car. This isn’t really an engine fault, but it catches people out.
None of these should scare you off. They’re just the things a good seller checks and tells you about when offering a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale.
Used, Rebuilt or Long Block?
We offer different options because buyers have different jobs to do.
Used. A tested engine from a donor car, sold as described. For most S 600 or Maybach owners who want the car running again, a used Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale is the sensible choice.
Rebuilt. Opened up, measured and reassembled with new wear parts where needed. It costs more but it’s a fresh start, which some owners and restorers prefer.
Long block. The core engine without some of the external parts. Good if your turbos, manifolds and accessories are healthy and you only need the block and heads.
Our listings say which type each engine is. See the current Mercedes-Benz M277 engine product page for what’s available now, or read our guides on buying a rebuilt M277 online and low mileage M277 replacements.
What Affects the Price of a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale
Everyone wants a number first. Here’s what moves it.
- Completeness. Turbos, manifolds, wiring and accessories on a V12 are worth serious money.
- Mileage and condition. Even compression and a clean history push the value up.
- Used or rebuilt. A rebuild includes parts and a lot of labour.
- Donor car. A Maybach or Guard Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale sometimes comes from a very low mileage car, and those engines are priced to match.
- Freight. A V12 is heavy. Where it’s going makes a difference, so we quote shipping up front.
A dealer-supplied new engine for an S 600 costs a fortune. A good used Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale costs far less, which is why most owners and independent shops go that way. But a price that looks too good usually has a story behind it. Ask for the story.
Shipping a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale Worldwide
We ship every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale worldwide. A V12 needs careful packing, so every engine goes out drained, with openings sealed, strapped to a pallet or crated, and protected at the corners where the turbos and manifolds stick out.
Sea freight is the usual choice for an engine this heavy, and it’s how most of our Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale orders travel. Air freight is available when time matters more than cost. We quote freight before you commit and confirm the port or airport of arrival.
You’ll get the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading or airway bill. Your customs broker handles duty and taxes locally. Engines are classified under the HS system run by the World Customs Organization, so the paperwork will look familiar to your broker.
Full details are in our shipping policy, and our refund and returns policy covers what happens if anything arrives damaged.
Signs Your Current V12 Needs Replacing
Not every sick M277 needs a whole new engine. Before you buy, it’s worth being sure. These are the signs that usually point to a replacement rather than a repair:
- Low compression on one or more cylinders that doesn’t improve after plugs and coils are sorted.
- Knocking from the bottom end, especially under load.
- 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.
On the other hand, misfires, lost power and warning lights are often caused by coils, boost leaks or the charge air pump. Those are fixable without swapping engines. A good independent Mercedes specialist can tell you which camp you’re in.
If the diagnosis says the engine is finished, that’s when a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale makes sense. Send us the diagnosis if you have it. It helps us suggest the right engine and the parts worth swapping over from your old one.
We’d much rather you spend money on the right repair than on an engine you didn’t need. That’s not good business for a week, but it’s good business for years, and it’s how we like to deal with people. Plenty of our customers first contacted us about a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale and ended up with a cheaper fix, then came back later when they really did need an engine.
Fitting Tips for a Replacement M277
Installing a V12 in an S-Class is a job for someone who has done it before. These are the things good shops do when they fit a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale:
Find out why the old one failed. If it overheated, fix the cooling system first. If it lost a turbo, clean the charge pipes and intercoolers before the new engine goes in.
Replace the service parts while it’s out. Spark plugs, coils if they’re doubtful, engine mounts, hoses and the charge air cooling pump are all easier to reach with the engine out.
Sort out the electronics. Make sure the engine computer and coding match your car. Budget for a visit to someone with the right diagnostic equipment if needed.
Fresh fluids and filters. New oil and filter, coolant, and an air filter. It’s cheap protection for an expensive Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale.
First start carefully. Prime the oil system, check for leaks, clear codes and scan again after a short drive. Change the oil early.
Questions to Ask Before You Pay for a Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for Sale
Wherever you buy, these questions tell you a lot about the engine and the seller:
- Is it definitely an M277, and what car did it come from?
- Can I see the engine number?
- What were the compression readings on all twelve cylinders?
- 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 cover?
- What happens if it arrives damaged?
A seller who knows V12s will answer quickly. We answer all of these for every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale on our site, and if there’s something we don’t know, we say so rather than guess.
Other Mercedes Engines We Supply
If the M277 isn’t quite what you need, we carry other Mercedes engines too. The AMG version is on our Mercedes-Benz M279 engine page. For V8 S-Class and E-Class models, look at the Mercedes M278 engine or the Mercedes-Benz M157 engine. You can see the full range under Mercedes engines and used engines.
For official information on your car, the Mercedes-Benz website is the place to check model details.
Why Buy From NJ Global Auto Parts
We match each Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale to your VIN before you pay. You get photos of the actual engine, a written summary and a clear list of what’s included. We point out the small flaws along with the good points. And we quote freight up front, wherever you are.
If we don’t have the right engine for your car, we tell you. We’d rather lose the order than send you a V12 that won’t work. Read more about us or visit the shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much power does the M277 make?
390 kW (523 hp) and 830 Nm of torque, with full torque from 1,900 rpm.
Is the M277 the same as the AMG M279?
They share the basic design, but the M279 has different turbos, manifolds, heads and tuning. They aren’t a simple swap.
Is your Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale used or rebuilt?
We offer both. Each listing and each quote states which.
Will I need to code the engine to my car?
Often, yes. The engine computer works with the car’s security system, so plan for coding by someone with the right equipment.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. We ship every Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale by sea or air, with freight quoted before you pay.
What if it arrives damaged?
Contact us right away with photos. We’ll compare it with our inspection record and the terms in your quote.
A Mercedes-Benz M277 Engine for sale should come with real photos, honest notes and someone who understands V12s. That’s what we try to give every customer. Send us your VIN through the contact page and tell us about your car. We’ll tell you what we have, what it costs and how long it takes to reach you.