Mercedes-AMG M157 5.5L BiTurbo Tuning Guide — E63, CLS63, S63 & G63 | Stage 1–3 (2026)
The M157: AMG's 5.5-Liter BiTurbo V8
The Mercedes-AMG M157 is a 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that powered AMG's entire performance lineup from 2011 to 2017. Found in the W212 E63, CLS63, S63 (W221/W222), SL63 R231, G63 W463, ML63, and GL63. Two output levels: standard 525–537 HP and S-model 577–585 HP. The hardware is identical across both — the difference is entirely software, meaning the non-S has even more headroom to gain.
Stage 1 — ECU Calibration Only
M157 S-model (585 HP stock): Stage 1: 650–680 HP / 700–750 lb-ft TQ. Gain: +70–100 HP.
M157 non-S (537 HP stock): Stage 1: 620–650 HP / 680–720 lb-ft TQ. Gain: +90–120 HP.
Available tunes: E63 AMG M157, CLS63 AMG M157. All delivered via YPG Flash — remote OBD2, no ECU removal.
Stage 2 — ECU + Downpipes
The W212 E63 catless downpipes replace the factory cats. M157 Stage 2 output (S-model): approximately 700–750 HP / 780–850 lb-ft TQ. Gain over stock: +120–170 HP. The 5.5L V8 with catless downpipes develops a deep, distinctive tone — bigger and more authoritative than the M177.
Stage 3+ — Forged Internals
For builds targeting 750+ HP, the YPG M157 forged internals kit (forged 4340 rods, forged pistons, ARP hardware) provides the foundation for reliable high-power operation. Same caliber as our M177 and M178 kits.
M157 vs M177
The M177 (4.0L) has a higher ultimate power ceiling. The M157 (5.5L) makes more low-end and mid-range torque per unit of boost. For street builds to Stage 2, both are exceptional. Read our M156 vs M177 vs M178 engine comparison guide.
GCC Notes
98 RON standard across the GCC. The M157 was produced 2011–2017 — many GCC examples have low mileage and are excellent tuning candidates. The air-to-water intercoolers handle GCC heat well at Stage 1 and Stage 2. See guides for Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and UAE.