Mercedes-Benz M278 · 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8

Mercedes-Benz M278 Tuning & Dyno Results

Explore real SL550 examples from our in-house AWD Dynojet, then get a tuning quote for your M278-powered Mercedes-Benz.

Tuning & Pricing

ECU tuning starting at $1,250

We tailor the calibration to your vehicle, fuel and goals. Send us your year, model and current modifications so we can confirm compatibility and provide a written quote.

Dyno testing is quoted separately. Transmission tuning is $400 where available; support is confirmed for your specific vehicle.

Check My Vehicle & Get Pricing

The M278 twin-turbo V8 family

The M278 is the 4,663 cc twin-turbo V8 used in the SL550 and other Mercedes-Benz models below. Depending on the model and brochure, it is described as either 4.6 or 4.7 liters.

ECU calibration is available for supported applications, with in-house dyno testing to measure the results. We confirm your engine, ECU and software before recommending a tuning path.

Have an existing warning light, leak or drivability issue? Our Mercedes-Benz service and diagnostics can help address it before tuning.

Common M278 Applications

Is your Mercedes-Benz on the list?

These U.S.-market models use the M278 twin-turbo V8. Years refer to model years, not the date the car was built.

Mercedes-Benz M278 vehicle examples
ModelU.S. model yearsChassis
SL550 Roadster2013–2020R231
E550 Sedan2012–2014W212
E550 Coupe / Cabriolet2012–2017C207 / A207
CLS550 / CLS550 4MATIC2012–2018C218
S550 / S550 4MATIC Sedan2012–2017W221 / W222 family
S550 4MATIC Coupe2015–2017C217
S550 Cabriolet2017A217
CL550 4MATIC2011–2014C216
ML550 4MATIC2012–2014W166
GL550 4MATIC2013–2016X166

This is an engine-family guide, not a guarantee of tuning compatibility. VIN, ECU identification and software version are checked before quoting. Older naturally aspirated 550 models, S550e hybrids and AMG 63 models use different engines and are not included here.

Not sure which engine you have? Send your year, model and VIN.

On the dyno

Watch an M278-powered SL550 on our dyno.

Video examples and measured graphs are separate libraries. A video does not identify the vehicle or setup in a particular graph.

Verified Vehicle Video

Mercedes-Benz SL550 — M278 V8 Dyno Run

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Mercedes-Benz SL550 — M278 V8 Dyno Run

Measured Example

2016 Mercedes-Benz SL550

Wheel horsepower and torque measured across two dyno pulls.

Stock

436.3 WHP511.6 lb-ft

Tuned

493.9 WHP578.0 lb-ft

Difference in peaks

+57.7 WHP+66.5 lb-ft

2016 SL550 dyno comparison: Stock vs Tuned Both runs plotted from 2,200 to 5,900 RPM on a shared vertical scale from 100 to 600. Solid lines show wheel horsepower and dashed lines show torque in pound-feet. Stock peaks at 436.3 WHP and 511.6 lb-ft; tuned at 493.9 WHP and 578.0 lb-ft. 2016 Mercedes-Benz SL550 · M278 V8 Wheel horsepower (WHP) / torque (lb-ft) 100150200250300350400450500550600 2,2002,5003,0003,5004,0004,5005,0005,5005,900 Engine speed (RPM) StockTunedSolid: WHPDashed: lb-ft

Both curves use the same 2,200–5,900 RPM range and a shared vertical scale of 100–600 (not zero-based). Peak differences compare each run’s individual maximum, not gains at one shared RPM. Correction settings are not included in these exports.

What can we do for your Mercedes-Benz?

Send your vehicle details, current modifications and goals. We will confirm ECU and transmission support and quote the tuning and dyno options for your car.

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