In this video review, I will compare the Mercedes-AMG M156 6.3 engine to the M157 5.5 Biturbo engine and see which is best - All while showing two W212 E63s. I will look at technology/design, sound, performance, and reliability before concluding with which of these two engines is best in my opinion. The M156 was in cars like the C63, E63, and CLK63 while the M157 was in the E63 and S63
(4K HDR) Shot on the new Panasonic S5 with Sigma Art 24-70 2.8.
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Both phenonomenal engines. M156 best suited to C Class and sports cars, M157 best suited to E and CLS class. Both sound phenomenl to me in different ways.
Not mentioning a 221 is criminal.
@@chrisgoat6435cause a 221 should have m275
@@335is Doesn't matter with proper care.
Nope👎
As an AMG V8 nerd I recommend to preserve M156 + M113K cars as long as you can, just because of these fantastic engines.
As a M156 owner: am trying, mine is 14 years now and gets a new passenger side valve cover gasket today.
I agree.. these engines if well kept will go up in value as they get harder to find. I have a 2003 S55 im trying to preserve it to the best of my ability 😊
@@strykz63 There's no way to keep those engines well, especially if you enjoy them while you have them. Sooner or later those heat transitions will crack the aluminium block and then you're out of fun and in for a big bill if you can even get a replacement by the time it happens. Enjoy your money trap
@@Wildeheart79 listen.. you most certainly can keep them. Im a Mercedes mechanic went to school for mercedes and work on these day in day out. You most certainly can keep them
You obviously have zero clue
I do love that turbo whistle of the M157,
Its so addicting! Deep AMG V8 rumble paired with turbos whistling, how can anyone not love that? Especially after adding downpipes!
@@H.S.H.M. i know right😮💨
I've always wanted the M157 for the tunability but I'm going on 140k+ miles on my S63 M156 and no issues... original head bolts, camshaft adjusters, cams and lifters! I never get tired of the brutal sound from the N/A! It's all about the maintenance and doing oil changes frequently imo! Great video as always! Very informative and unbiased!
Nice - good to Hear a high mileage 221 👍🏼👍🏼
@@thatmatty231guy at around 100k miles I did all the fluids, suspension arms, belt, tensioner, pulleys, engine mounts, transmission mounts, fuel filter, guibo and center support bearing... hoping to get 200k+ miles out of her!
@@kaseyschutz nice, how is the ABC holding up? I have 221 s600 that I’ve rebuilt and it’s done nearly 200000km. 😁
@@thatmatty231guy I bought some Ebay lower ball joints for the front struts but never put them in and the foam on the top hat is deteriorated... I wish I could source new struts for all 4 corners from Mercedes but haven't had any luck. I did fluid change 3 times now and accumulators/pulsation damper and everything works like it should and rides fairly smooth. Every once in a while if I leave it sitting for over a week in colder weather I get a yellow abc malfunction error that goes away after restart and letting the fluid warm up. But other than that no sag, no red errors, no noises or clunks
@@kaseyschutz ahh interesting! Man I have the same issue, the top hat deteriorated. I bought supposedly remanufactured units and they also deteriorated within weeks. So annoying and bizarre Mercedes doesn’t sell them. I think you can get them rebuilt but parts like the top hat god knows how to source them
Purchased a year ago a stock 2008 c63 sedan m156 with 40000km Watched tasos channel and decided to keep stock but the make engine last as long as possible with doing the following Oil catch can a must Remove the rubber around and below intake manifold Installed black series lifters or buckets Stage one cam adjuster plates from 63 motor sports Canada New plugs and stock pulleys all round Change oil every 5000km with high zinc oil and add liqui moly ceratec oil additive Trans oil and filter Pilot sport five feet Lsd wavetrac a must So much car for the money if you can find a straight one Drives amazing So tight Love the double mash on the go pedal to hear her scream up to 7200rpm No need for tune or exhaust upgrade as 451hp plenty enough to get you over the limit Love your channel Great videos Wanted to share Next service will replace injectors to be on the safe side
Completely agree. I have a facelift W212 E63 with the M157 and I recently put a Weistec stage 2 tune on it, but the M156 (especially in the W204 C63) is just pure intoxication. Great comparison!
I'll be getting that same tune for my w166 GLE63S REAL SOOOON!!!!
M156 all day - best V8 ever made imo
It's cool to see all the AMG logos on all the M156 castings and ancillary parts (like hoses, brackets, etc.) Not cheap though. I'm really worried about the intake manifold. Mine's slowly corroding into what I think will become a sieve. Maybe AMG can design us a plastic replacement?
And I'll take the stronger bottom end so it wins the reliability contest in my opinion.
@@zf4hp24 agreed on the design and cost - though depending on your build year I think it would be important to keep in mind the age of the part. They're all about 10+ years old so I would personally just bite the bullet and get an OEM replacement both in terms of quality (ironic I know), fit and design - I wouldn't want to see a plastic part on the centre piece of the engine. Wondering if plastic is even doable considering the performance of the part and heat created under the hood, these engines do run rather hot. What which car do you have?
@@MatthewC137 100%
No, it's not, lmfao. The new Z06 has the best V8 ever.
Great video as always 👍 As a long time m156 owner with 0 issues, I am currently working on video covering how to make your m156 run forever on AccentOnCars.
Love your content… I’m considering getting a cls55 with the m113k or a cls63 with the m156!
I have an E63 with the M156 for 10 years almost now. And i would not want to replace it with the M157 or even anything they make today. Just wanted to add something: the E63 with the M156 was only ever made with rwd, the one with the M157 was (at least here in europe) available with rwd or awd. That said, the M156 E63 with it's torque characteristic is surprisingly easy to drive in snow *with good winter tires* . One additional contributing factor to that is the hydraulic steering that was praised a lot for feedback and directness. I did not know that they went to eps with the change to the M157. (which makes me even more fond of my car)
I agree with you. The M156 has a better sound which leads to an exciting driving experience despite having less power than its successor. Its certainly an AMG classic along with the M159
This channel deserves all the views when it comes to Mercedes content
I love my M157. ❤
I've had them both. A C63 (totaled) and a CLS63 (sold). The M156 (C63) was my preferred even though the M157 (CLS63) was faster.
Both are fantastic 6.2 changed the game. All the drug barons were into it. Arguably the best sounding V8, besides the F136 engine
Love these videos. My first choice of all AMG engines would be the M113K but second would have to be M156 for me.
Forever M156 engine!!! Forever V8 sound!!!❤️
I own a p31 m156 but have driven a m157 e63. No comparison imo.. the m156 just moves your soul.
Owned both. M156 is my favorite by far. Just a lot more fun and playful, also feels at home on a track day. The M157 is good, but best uses in luxury applications or high horsepower builds.
No replacement for displacement! The M156 is the winner! I'm a bias 09 C63 owner... last of the big block in a small Class that kicks Ass! Small block, small talk! Love the videos! Small block, small talk! Mopar (383) pedigree from birth in Detroit!
As someone who's had several 157, 276(na & tt) & 278 stock & tuned, I'm loving them over the 156! Though the 156 is definitely louder & prouder, reminding me of my Scat 392, it's the composure of the turbo'd engines that got me hooked! Hearing those honeywell's in the 278 is what 1st got me, then the Garrett's in the 157 sealed the deal for life! I've even had a 176 in my S560 but didn't feel as good as my 278 in my S550. & those were all stock up til I heard of Weistec!!! I took my GLE350, GLE400 & S550 all to get tuned & man oh man, were they a hoot to scoot!!! I don't have any of those anymore, but the upgrades to GLE43 with the same tune & GLE63S stock are just as fun. I'm anxious to get that 157 tune for Obi though: my Obsidian black GLE63S. Takes to 715hp/775tq
The engine “noise” from the M157 is entirely the GDI setup. Every production GDI vehicle sounds like a diesel.
I always get a weird look when I tell people I prefer my NA M156 over later model turbo cars. Thinking with my heart (and my right foot) I know that we will never again see a large displacement NA V8 from Mercedes again. And that's part of the allure.
Many thanks for your very informative video! Kindest regards, Respect!
The problem with the M157 and its M278 relative is that both are basically just turbo‘d M273s and that conversion didn’t really work. Quite bad responsiveness (especially setting off at a standstill), reluctant to rev, oil burn and leakage problems, wear of timing chain, etc. The M156 also has some issues, but it just works much better as it simply is what it was designed to be, rather than an extensive update totally changing the way an engine operates.
Have you actually driven a m157! Because you definitely do not describe it correctly. “Bad responsiveness” eh? NO! The m157 has a crazy tq and those turbos get it their quickly the transmission is much better in every way!
In before someone starts bashing on the M157 and cylinder scoring/scuffing issues - there is a mega thread on MB World that has found the culprit. It’s the 2 stage oil pump. Specifically the solenoid that controls the flow of oil depending on operation. Here’s the good news: it can be disabled by just unplugging it in like 60 seconds at the bottom of the engine. KZheadr ExoticCarDIY also made a video on this. Just another stupid design choice all for the sake of marginal fuel savings and emission reduction.
His theory, I'll stick to Mercedes-AMG's original design with my S63
I was happy to find this out awhile ago as well, the only annoying part is buying a used one with 10s of thousands of miles already with that stupid solenoid plugged in maybe have already dealt significant damage. Would have to opt for a low mileage one regardless of records
100%@@samspace81
I love when I see a new video. I wish it could be at least a weekly occurrence.
This is the best video to make up your mind
The 156 wins the exhaust note hands down. Deeper and throatier. Both sound great though.
I would clearly choose the M156, mostly because its NA engine with a big displacement, actually the biggest displacement V8 in Europe for many years, and second of all, because its becaoming more and more of a rarerity to have an NA engine, especially the likes of AMG. I am looking forward to buying the CL 63 AMG from 2009, last year of M156 engine.
I’ve had both They’re both amazing ,they put out amazing power torque on 157 is massive ,it’s a beast but 156 must be respected for its power considering it’s NA .
156 gets such a negative rap, I have seen several including my 11’ with 130K + miles with zero mechanical issues, extremely minimal intake cam lobe wear and cam adjusters still working fine. Not all 156’s have issues.
Should also add that in terms of bragging rights, the m156 is all motor and still keeps up with other v8's made these days. In fact I can't recall off the top of my head another NA v8 that makes MORE power than the almost 17 year old m156.
Love these videos!!!
I love the M156 in my w204 C63 Performance (see my little picture). I tried a CLS63 5,5 biturbo, 800 NM and RWD. It's was a powerhouse! Wheelspin in many gears. The sound did not impress me tho. Sounded cool with turbo noise but absolutely not as cool as the crazy sound from the stock M156 essentially from the outside standing behind the car.
I've got an m156 so of course that's my preference. Another issue with m157 is the oil pump solenoid starving oil to underside of pistons.
I love my m157
As much I appreciate the 5.5L BiTurbo V8 M157, I am going have to go with the natural 6.3L M156.
My choice is M156. I have great experience with him.
Dear AMG Meister, I have a 2008 (model 2009) ML63 AMG, so for me definitely the M156.
Great information 👍🏽
Another great AMG comparison where I prefer the M156 after 2011. Thanks and always look forward to your videos on these awesome cars where I own a 2006 SLK55 AMG with the M113 NA engine and a 2013 S550 4matic with the M278 engine. NA's have a much better sound over the bi-turbo's.
bro... get a tune from Weistec for the S... I did & it took it to 550hp/715tq... fun fun fun!!!
Man i love those SLK55s. Drove one about a year ago. Really wanna get one someday
@@laithellabban I've had this one for over a year and have had it tuned and other things. It is fast where most people don't know what it is especially with the V8
I love this channel I can’t wait till you do a review on the 4 L V8 biturbo
He did do a review but not a comparison
I think you rigged it to make it a draw so you could give it to the M156! And I completely agree. These cars aren’t about what is rationally “best”
I can really only base my feedback on Tasos’ channel but it seems like a non-tuned/RWD M157 is a pretty reliable motor. I still want both and leaning towards a M156 as my next motor in a C63. M157 E class thereafter. Cheers
I'd go for the M156 ❤
The M156 doesn't make any sense in my R63, and I love it!
I think you are spot on, pros and cons of each, I love my M156 especially for sound and the revs, but as turbo cars goes the M157 sounds really good and is just software away from 100+ more HP so that is super fun too!
Great looking examples.
Thank you for this, please can you do a M157 / M177 comparison too.
As always another great and informative masterpiece. Having experienced both engines it is a very tough call. What make this decision easy is depending on what car you would like. Of course the C63 is a no brainer because it only has the M156. It gets difficult if you like the pre face lift W212. If you’re looking at 12-13 w212 then go with a 13 due to the updated cooling system and timing chain. If you go with a 12 then make sure the service records are good and seek out a low mileage example. The deciding factor for me simply came down to the interior updates in the 12-13 years. The color gauge cluster. The square shifter. Red brake calipers on the p30 package and the carbon fiber package. Plus like you mentioned the tuning capabilities of the m157. With the right exhaust system, the M157 comes alive.
Really just depends on what you value. If you value easy tunability you're going to lean towards the m157. If you want to build a badasss supercharged engine, you go with the m156. The m156 is a better street car because you can rev out the motor more. Both engines are reliable enough.
This is one of great channel for mercedes fans
gotta do a video on m177 and m157
I'm all in on the M157
Love my M157 in my E63s wagon 😎✌🏻
I have 2015 E63 Biturbo. I do love turbo 😍
Can you do a video touching on the ABC hydraulic system? Would love to see your quality of work in a video on that subject. Recently acquired an 06 Cl65 AMG and this channel has been fantastic on learning stuff. Doing ignition coils, and abc fluid flush this weekend
I've owned many of both. M156 all day.
I have both engines in my staple currently, and both are 100% stock. I agree with your final verdict of these engines 100%.
I know this is going to upset the internet but the 5.5L BiTurbo... That engine is a monster. 😮 Albeit I've only driven the: M117 5.6, 560 SEC M119 6.0, E60 AMG M113 5.0, CL 500 M177 4.0, E63S And of those my favourite was the M119 in the E60 AMG for sure.
Great video!!
Fantastic video, fantastic cars ! I have a question, how many S212 Station wagon with the M156 engine where built worldwide? Thanks
I've had 2 C63's with M156 (both PFL & FL) for a combined 8 years of ownership. I've had my E63 with the M157 for 5 years. I love both but M157 suits me better being its stage 2 tuned with downpipes. The passing power is effortless. Your W212 is a gem, but please tell me you'll add a M157 to your stable lol. I would like to point out the fact that you did ride in the lowest output M157s while in the much heavier wagon configuration lol. Also to the sound comparison, E63 wagons with the M157 came with 2 sets of resonators to further quiet it down while all other E63s/CLS63s sedans only have a single resonator. Love your vids though! Watching this vid in HD is making me fall in love with my W212 all over again
Great video, I agree with you, I would have the M156
M156 always
I absolutely hate the auto stop start function in my AMG. I get out of comfort mode as soon as I leave the driveway for that reason. You're not really saving any fuel, and you will absolutely go through your starter faster. Besides, if you care about fuel econom like that, you're not really an AMG guy. Go get that carmy instead.
Just turn it off. It’s an eco mode button.
@@talkditingsdem5799 You can turn that off every time you get in the carbut I don't want to have to turn off every time I get in the car. I wish I could toggle it off permanently.
@@matthowell8985 well that's the only option you have.
I have the 156 2012 SL63 AMG love it!!
M156 all day!
Both great engines. I’m leaning towards the M156 because I prefer the visceral feeling and sound of a NA car. With that said this is with the 2012+ C63 AMG. Luv that added Tasos content. Really enjoy his stuff too.
I drove an E63S before buying my C63S and the E was just a monster with all wheel drive, first time I was really scared/impressed with the acceleration from a car (I used to race motorcycles so normally speed doesn't scare me anymore). Shame about the problems with the m157 engines because they are great cars.
Be prepared to replace engine mounts every 30k to 50k miles 👍🏻
big thanks!
m113 ftw lol had none of the problems and still most of the positives m156 sounds a bit better m113 sounds better then m157 m113 way more reliable then both combined m113k can make just as much if not more power with pulley and tune they are way cheaper less tech and more dated interior tho i still love it seats are imo the best my weapon of choice would be w220 s55 amg lighly modified and abc converted to sport coils i think thats the best of all worlds except handling m156 507 would be sweet but too much maintenance and issues imo with 7 speed and high maintenance demanding motor im sticking with m113 5 speed combo as imo besides the old v12s and w124s are the best benz
My favourite engine has to be M113K, I have the V12 M275 SL600 but for me M113K. For my W124’s all are M104’s 😇
@@BobBenz55 cant go wrong with em !!!
Nothing is better than that M157 5.5L twin turbo.
M157 all the way!
@AMGmeister, I personally own a M157 wagon with performance package. Would love to meet you for coffee if you're based in Vancouver area!
M156!
I can’t decide which I love more.
The injector pulse ticking of the M157 has always been off putting to me.
most modern cars have it, comes with direct injection. My previous car, BMW 330i (N53 engine) also made the same noise.
M156!!!
Got the m157 with the perf pkg P30. Absolute beast . Evolution in the right direction staying true to the AMG brand V8 n/a or twin turbo. Anything less is sacrificial and compromised due to emission regulations.
Really good comparison, great video. But…. Which wheels did you prefer? I have same wheels as you but have wondered about the multi spoke.
Thanks! I much prefer the '5-twin-spoke' wheels on my car compared to the '10-spoke' wheels. They are the upgraded wheel option while the 10 spoke was the standard wheel (in Canada at least).
interesting, the 5 spoke was standard here in the uk and the multispoke were put on the facelift model @@AMGmeister
If you tune M157 exhaust with no cats and muffler it will sound phenomenal. Very deep just like the roar of a tiger and turbo whistling in the end. You definitely should do that.
Please make a video about M111 Kompressor vs M112 on W202.. Thank you! 😊
Love the videos. Does anyone know what the background music is?
Two of the best engines in my opinion
Can you or have you done a video on the best mercedes engine to tune? I think its the om606 as i have one with a big turbo and hood exaust exit and that thing can move
2012 E63 (M157) base tune. After 180K km, had it dyno'd - 491 hp & 473 torque. Had MB upgrade tune done (cost $2500 Canadian).dyno'd afterwards at 550 hp and 720 torque. Car now has 197K km and has been very reliable for me(touch wood). I just wish the transmission shifted a bit sharper.
They have tunes for the transmission too.. i would definitely do it because those 722.9 in the 212 were a bit slow
Thanks for the info...I'll definitely have to look into that.
CL63 AMG M156 Gang!
I still own both engines and both engines have two totally different characteristics. It’s not which is better it’s more about preference. The m156 is derived from a race engine so it’s rev happy and high strung for a v8. It’s free flowing so it will feel more exciting to drive. The m157 is a complete different beast. If pure power is what you’re looking for and not looking for an exciting driving experience than the m157 is the engine for you. You’re looking at 680bhp with a tune. To me the sound of the two is a wash.
Have you done any videos comparing AMG to AMG-S models and differences? I cant really find too much information on it
08 s63 AMG M156 all day
If you're thinking on buying a m157 equipped Mercedes, there's only one real choice... The CLS Shooting Brake AMG 63S preferably the 4 Matic if you live in Europe, but unfortunately for myself here in the UK it was Rwd only... An utterly beautiful car to the eye, with the drama and presence equaled only by a Maserati... Plus thundering performance that matches 911 turbos and the likes... Derestricted top speed just shy of 200mph, all in total luxury... Not forgetting handling on twisty roads that totally belies it's size and weight... Owning an E63S may give you the straight line speed and decent handling, but it's not to be mentioned in the same breath as the CLS...
From information both engine are fantastic,but I prefer m156,due the valves and cylinders less issues...
Looking forward to your opinion of the M177 engine.
Fanstastic review. I just picked up a 2010 W212 E63 with 77k mi. Original owner, dealer serivced and all records :D I am soring out a few issues, as I can do most of the work myself, so no worries there. The original owner had the Burl Walnut interior replaced just after 2 years due to fading. Alas, wood trim is again faded. I don't want o pay the $$$ to replace, since it appears they never really fixed this issue. Any ideas?
M 157 would be for me because of the torque and better mileage. Both engines pale though in comparison with the M113 K. It had similar performance figures while being super low maintance and reliable for a performance engine.
next video has to be the M113k vs M157 as they are both 5.5 but one is supercharged and the other is turbocharged
M156, I LOVE IT. I HAVE A NAKED ONE ON A JIG IN MY DREAM OFFICE ONE DAY!
🏆M156🏆 in my 2006 ML 63 AMG with today 10th march 2024 227’700 miles on it with original engine and transmission gear. You simply can’t do that with a Biturbo engine. Hugs from Switzerland 🇨🇭