The Mercedes-BenzM275 (and similar M285) engine is a twin-turbocharged and intercooled, all-aluminium, 60° V12automobilepiston engine family used in the 2000s to the 2010s. It is loosely based on the M137naturally aspirated V12 sold between 1998 and 2002, and retains its SOHC, 3 valves per cylinder, twin-spark ignition layout, but differs with the addition of structural reinforcements to the engine block for improved rigidity which in turn yields greater reliability. The M275 V12 Bi-Turbo engine was modified with the addition of larger turbochargers.[1] Several variations of the M275 V12 Bi-turbo engine have powered many top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz and Maybach models since 2003.
M275
Bore and stroke is 82 mm × 87 mm (3.23 in × 3.43 in) giving a displacement of 5,513 cc (5.5 L). Power output ranges from 368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) to 380 kW (517 PS; 510 hp) at 5000 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) to 830 N⋅m (612 lb⋅ft) of torque at 1800–3500 rpm.[2][3]
The first V12 from AMG was dubbed M275 AMG[4] - a 6.0 L (5,980 cc) version,[5] with boost pressure reaching 22.1 psi (1.52 bar) at maximum, and uses air-to-liquid intercoolers. Bore and stroke are increased to 82.6 mm × 93 mm (3.25 in × 3.66 in). Output is 450 kW (612 PS; 603 hp) or later 463 kW (630 PS; 621 hp) at 4800–5100 rpm with 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2000–4000 rpm. It uses an ECI ignition system for the two spark plugs per cylinder, which helps with combustion and to support Ionic current measurement function sequence. The top of the range variant fitted in the SL 65 AMG Black Series, which is equipped with 12% larger turbochargers, generates 670 PS (493 kW; 661 hp) at 4800–5400 rpm and 1,200 N⋅m (885 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2200–4200 rpm.[6] However, due to the torque abundance to power the rear wheels, the SL65 Black is still limited to 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft).[3]
The M285 and its AMG version of this 5.5 L (5,513 cc) engine built in Stuttgart, Germany specifically for Maybach badged products. Bore and stroke is 82 mm × 87 mm (3.23 in × 3.43 in). Output is from 410 kW (557 PS; 550 hp) at 5250 rpm with 900 N⋅m (664 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2300-3000 rpm to 463 kW (630 PS; 621 hp) at 5250 rpm with 1000 N·m (764 lb·ft). The cylinders are lined with silicon/aluminium, and uses fracture-split forged steelconnecting rods.
Spanish supercar manufacturer Tramontana uses a 5.5-liter, twin-turbocharged M285 AMG engine in its cars. On the top model Tramontana XTR, it produces 653 kW (888 PS; 881 hp) and 1,100 N·m (809 lb·ft). In 2015, the public will be presented a deforced model Tramontana S with a capacity of 580 hp.
The M158 is a 6.0 L (5,980 cc) version based on the M275. The engine uses smaller twin scroll type turbos (for reduced turbo-lag), a bespoke BoschECU, a modified intercooler configuration, and dry sump lubrication. It produces 730 PS (537 kW; 720 hp) at 5800 rpm[7] and 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft) of torque at 2250-4500 rpm.[7] AMG builds this engine specifically for Pagani Automobili for use in the Huayrasupercar. Later in BC model, M158 makes 764 PS (562 kW; 754 hp) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lb⋅ft).[8] The Imola variant of the Huayra uses a version of the M158 producing 838 PS (616 kW; 827 hp) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lb⋅ft).[9] The engine is mated to a new 7-speed electrohydraulic automated manual gearbox designed and built by XTrac.
In 2012, Mercedes-Benz delivered all the rights of V12 engine development to AMG for future V12-model vehicles.[10] Starting the 2014 model year, M279 has been extensively redesigned and updated their top-of-the-range V12 engine to better conform to increasing emission standards in Europe and the United States. Despite the basic design being more than 16 years old (M137), the new engine has enough modifications and sporting character that the engineers felt it warranted a new engine designation. According to Mercedes-Benz, the most important features of the new engine are:
- Increased displacement to 6.0 L (5,980 cc) - New forged pistons and forged crankshaft in high-grade quenched, tempered steel - New Engine Control Unit - New Ignition system - New Camshafts - Hollow-stem sodium outlet valves - Low-temperature cooling-water circulation system with separate expansion reservoir.[11]
With these modifications and the addition of Mercedes-Benz's 7G-Tronic transmission on the V12 models, it is estimated that fuel economy will rise about 21% on the European cycle for the large-bodied Mercedes vehicles. Power is now at 530 PS (390 kW; 523 hp) and torque figures stay the same as the predecessor at 830 N⋅m (612 lb⋅ft).
The M279 AMG is based on the new and comprehensively revised M279 engine series, specially tuned for AMG 65 and Maybach 650 models. In addition to that engine's updates from the previous M275, M279 utilizes new turbochargers with an increased spiral cross-section, new exhaust manifolds, new wastegate ducts, and new cylinder heads with optimized flow characteristics to increase the engine output to 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) and still 1,000 N⋅m (738 lb⋅ft) of torque. The multi-spark ignition with twelve double ignition coils and a new higher performing engine management system not only results in smoother running, but also enables even more effective combustion. The effects of this is a reduction of exhaust emissions, which is also due in large extent to the optimized catalytic converter system. The newly developed AMG sports exhaust system, which has a pipe layout with enhanced flow characteristics and only equipped in the AMG models, is 3.2 kg (7.1 lb) lighter as a result of a reduction in the wall thickness. For the first time in a Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle, the V12 is mated to a 4MATICall-wheel-drive system in the 2021 Maybach S 680.
