Change Car Turbo Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Change Car Turbo

Very technical 5h00–38h00 ~500–3800£
Estimated time 5h00–38h00
Estimated labour cost ~500–3800£
Difficulty Very technical
Vehicles
S-Class 1999-2006 6
  • 320 CDI Diesel (613.960)
  • 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960)
  • 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960)
  • 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960)
  • 600 L, -Pullman Petrol (275.950)
  • 65 AMG L Petrol (275.980)
S-Class 2005-2013 10
  • 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961)
  • 320 CDI Diesel (642.930)
  • 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868)
  • 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862)
  • 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932)
  • 350 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (642.930)
  • 420 CDI Diesel (629.911)
  • 500, -4MATIC Petrol (278.932)
  • 63 AMG Petrol (157.980)
S-Class 2013-2020 16
  • 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921)
  • 320 Petrol (276.824)
  • 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867)
  • 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861)
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.824)
  • 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 450 EQ Boost, - 4MATIC Petrol (256.930)
  • 450, -4MATIC Petrol (276.824)
  • 500 EQ Boost, -4MATIC Petrol (256.930)
  • 500/550, -4MATIC Petrol (278.929)
  • 560, -4MATIC Petrol (176.980)
  • 600, -Maybach Petrol (277.980)
  • 63 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (177.980)
  • 63 AMG, -4MATIC Petrol (157.985)
  • 65 AMG Petrol (279.980)
S-Class 2021-2025 2
  • 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929)
  • 500 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930)
S-Class Coupe/Cabrio 2014-2020 3
  • 400/450 4MATIC Petrol (276.824)
  • 500/550, -4MATIC Petrol (278.929)
  • 63 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (177.980)

What is the role of the Mercedes-Benz S-Class turbo?

The turbocharger increases engine power by compressing the intake air, allowing more air (and therefore more fuel) into the combustion chambers. It is driven by exhaust gases spinning a turbine at speeds up to 250,000 rpm. The compressed intake air passes through an intercooler to reduce its temperature before entering the engine.

What are the symptoms of a failing Mercedes-Benz S-Class turbo?

Common symptoms include: loss of engine power or boost, excessive exhaust smoke (blue/white for oil burning, black for over-fuelling), whining or whistling noise from the turbo area, engine warning light or turbo fault codes, oil leaks at the turbo housing, increased oil consumption.

What causes Mercedes-Benz S-Class turbo failure?

The main causes are: oil starvation (blocked or restricted oil feed lines, low oil level, poor oil quality), foreign object ingestion, excessive exhaust temperature, worn bearings due to high mileage, and contaminated oil. Always investigate and fix the root cause before fitting a replacement turbo.

Can a Mercedes-Benz S-Class turbo be reconditioned?

Yes, turbo reconditioning is a common and cost-effective alternative to buying new. A reputable service will disassemble, inspect, replace worn parts, rebalance, and test the unit. Expect to pay 30–60% of the new price.

Is it difficult to change a Mercedes-Benz S-Class turbo?

Difficulty level 5/5: very technical. The turbo is connected to both the intake and exhaust systems, requiring numerous disassembly steps. Approximately 5 hours on average for a professional mechanic. Key precautions after fitting: change the engine oil and filter, prime the turbo with oil before starting, allow the turbo to cool down after hard driving by idling for 30 seconds before switching off.

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View your S-Class maintenance plan (keep the S-Class token) →

5 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
S-Class 1999-2006 1999-2006 280, -L Petrol (112.922), 320 CDI Diesel (613.960), 320 CDI, -L Diesel (648.960), 320, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.944), 350 4MATIC, -L Petrol (112.975), 350, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (112.972), 400 CDI, -L Diesel (628.960), 400 CDI, L Diesel (628.960), 430 4MATIC, -L, -LPG LPG,Petrol (… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2005-2013 2005-2013 250 CDI BlueEFF Diesel (651.961), 300 Petrol (272.946), 320 CDI Diesel (642.930), 320/350 CDI 4MATIC Diesel (642.932), 350 4MATIC, -LPG LPG,Petrol (272.975), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.868), 350 BlueTEC Diesel (642.862), 350 CDI 4MATIC BlueEFF Diesel (642.932), 350 CDI BlueE… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
S-Class 2013-2020 2013-2020 300 BlueTEC Hybrid Diesel,Electricity (651.921), 320 Petrol (276.824), 350 BlueTEC 4MATIC Diesel (642.867), 350 BlueTEC, -4MATIC Diesel (642.861), 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 400 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 400 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 450 EQ Boost, - 4MATIC Petrol (256.93… Diesel, Electricity, Petrol
S-Class 2021-2025 2021-2025 350 d, -4MATIC Diesel (656.929), 500 4MATIC 48V (MHEV),Petrol (256.930) 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Petrol
S-Class Coupe/Cabrio 2014-2020 2014-2020 400/450 4MATIC Petrol (276.824), 500/550, -4MATIC Petrol (278.929), 63 AMG 4MATIC Petrol (177.980), 63 AMG, -4MATIC Petrol (157.985), 65 AMG Petrol (279.980) Petrol

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View the service schedule for your S-Class →