The group’s most expensive models, including the CL-Class, S-Class, and SL-Class, were equipped with the 5.5-liter 12-cylinder Mercedes M275 E55 engine, which was manufactured between 2002 and 2013. The 6.0-liter AMG engine and the M285 engine for Maybach limousines were developed based on this unit.
M120, M137, M275, and M279 are members of the V12 family.
Specifications
| Production years | 2002-2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 5513 (M 275 E 55 AL) 5980 (M 275 E 60 AL) |
| Fuel system | distributed injection |
| Power output, hp | 500 – 517 (M 275 E 55 AL) 612 – 670 (M 275 E 60 AL) |
| Torque output, Nm | 800 – 830 (M 275 E 55 AL) 1000 (M 275 E 60 AL) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum V12 |
| Block head | aluminum 36v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82 (M 275 E 55 AL) 82.6 (M 275 E 60 AL) |
| Piston stroke, mm | 87 (M 275 E 55 AL) 93 (M 275 E 60 AL) |
| Compression ratio | 9.0 |
| Features | no |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | no |
| Turbocharging | Biturbo |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 9.5 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for Mercedes S600 2010) — city — highway — combined |
21.7 10.1 14.3 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~280 000 |
| Weight, kg | 270 |
The engine was installed on:
- Mercedes CL-Class C215 in 2002 – 2006; CL-Class C216 in 2006 – 2013;
- Mercedes S-Class W220 in 2002 – 2005; S-Class W221 in 2006 – 2013;
- Mercedes SL-Class R230 in 2002 – 2011.
Disadvantages of the M275 E55 engine
The engine’s remarkable oil consumption is its most well-known issue.
The oil burner’s cause is typically badass, and the cylinder block is made of aluminum.
Additionally, the grease will begin to climb out of all the cracks if the motor is overheated a few times.
Additionally, there are pricey and somewhat unreliable blocks of ignition coils for 24 candles.
The double-row chain, which is frequently extended to 200,000 km, has a short resource.