What is the difference between the M159 and M156?

The M159 is the SLS-specific variant of the 6.2L V8. It adds a dry-sump oiling system, longer intake runners, factory forged internals, and a revised calibration producing 563 HP vs the M156's 451–487 HP.

Can the SLS AMG be supercharged?

Yes. With YPG forged internals rated to 1,500HP+, the M159 handles supercharger and turbo kits reliably. The front-mid engine layout provides good access for forced-induction installation.

How much horsepower does the SLS Black Series make?

The SLS AMG Black Series produces 622 HP from the factory — the most powerful M159 variant, with revised camshafts, intake, and exhaust.

Is the SLS a good platform for tuning?

The SLS combines a lightweight aluminium spaceframe, dry-sump oiling, rear transaxle, and the proven 6.2L V8 architecture. It is one of the best AMG platforms for forced-induction builds.

Where can I buy SLS AMG performance parts?

YPG Motorsport carries ECU tunes, forged internals, M156 crate engines, and exhaust systems for the SLS. All parts ship free worldwide from Kuwait.

Mercedes-AMG SLS — M159 6.2L V8 Performance Guide

The Mercedes-AMG SLS (C197, 2010–2014) is AMG's gullwing supercar — a front-mid-engine, rear-transaxle GT powered by the M159, a hand-built 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. The M159 is derived from the M156 found in the C63 W204 and E63, but features a dry-sump oiling system, revised intake manifold with longer runners, lightweight forged internals from the factory, and a higher 11.3:1 compression ratio producing 563 HP at 6,800 RPM and 479 lb-ft at 4,750 RPM.

The SLS was produced as a Coupe (2010–2014), Roadster (2012–2014), GT3 race car, GT (571 HP, 2013), Black Series (622 HP, 2013–2014), and the SLS AMG Electric Drive. The aluminium spaceframe chassis weighs just 241 kg, contributing to a kerb weight of 1,620 kg (coupe) — exceptionally light for a front-engine grand tourer of its era.

Factory Specifications

Engine Code	M159 (M159.980)
Displacement	6,208 cc (6.2L)
Configuration	90° V8, naturally aspirated, dry-sump
Bore × Stroke	102.2 mm × 94.6 mm
Factory Power	563 HP (SLS) / 571 HP (GT) / 622 HP (Black Series)
Factory Torque	479 lb-ft @ 4,750 RPM
Compression Ratio	11.3:1
Oiling System	Dry-sump
Transmission	AMG Speedshift DCT 7-speed (rear transaxle)
Drivetrain	RWD with mechanical LSD
Curb Weight	1,620 kg (coupe)
0–100 km/h	3.8 seconds
Production Years	2010–2014

M159 vs M156

The M159 shares its 6.2L displacement, bore, stroke, and basic block architecture with the M156, but is a distinct engine. Key differences: dry-sump oiling system (no conventional oil pan — oil is stored in an external reservoir and scavenged from the sump by dedicated pumps), longer intake runners for improved high-RPM breathing, factory forged pistons and connecting rods, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a revised ECU calibration targeting 563 HP vs the M156's 451–487 HP. The M159's dry-sump system allows the engine to sit lower in the chassis, contributing to the SLS's 467mm centre of gravity height.

ECU Tuning & Forced Induction

Naturally aspirated ECU calibration delivers 25–40 WHP with revised ignition timing, intake runner tuning, and raised rev limit. The real performance potential of the M159, like the M156, is unlocked with forced induction. Supercharger kits are the most popular route for SLS builds — the front-mid engine layout provides good access for installation, and the dry-sump oiling system handles sustained boost loads reliably. With YPG forged internals (rated to 1,500HP+), supercharged and turbocharged SLS builds reach 800–1,200+ WHP.

Complete M156 crate engines from YPG Motorsport are compatible with the SLS with appropriate ancillary modifications for the dry-sump system. For SLS-specific engine builds, contact sales@ypgmotorsport.com.

Available Parts at YPG Motorsport

Browse SLS AMG parts: ECU tuning, M156/M159 forged internals, M156 engine builds, and exhaust systems. All parts ship free worldwide via FedEx International Priority from Kuwait.