🇩🇪 Deutsch
Mercedes-Benz · Sports Car · 2015–2021

Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.6 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

476–612 PS

4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG Benzin

585 hp four-door — pure AMG without E-Class compromise

Legendary!
Problem Engine

525–585 PS

5.5L V8 BiTurbo Benzin

11 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 is available with 6 engine variants — from 367 to 630 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

AMG GT · Benziner· 462–476 PS Engine Change
2015 2017
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2017 2021
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG GT Black Series · Benziner· 730 PS
2020 2021
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG GT C · Benziner· 557 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG GT R · Benziner· 585 PS
2017 2021
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG GT R PRO · Benziner· 585 PS
2019 2020
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
AMG GT S · Benziner· 510–522 PS Engine Change
2015 2017
Be Careful 8 weaknesses
2017 2021
Be Careful 8 weaknesses

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT (Benziner, 462–476 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M178 (2015–2017, Be Careful) und M178 (2017–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the AMG GT!

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Black Series (Benziner, 730 PS) has the M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C (Benziner, 557 PS) has the M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R (Benziner, 585 PS) has the M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R PRO (Benziner, 585 PS) has the M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT) — rated: "Be Careful", 8 known weaknesses.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT S (Benziner, 510–522 PS) comes with 2 different engines: M178 (2015–2017, Be Careful) und M178 (2017–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the AMG GT S!

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
DCT gearbox early failure

The dual-clutch gearboxes on early C190 models (2015–2017) could not cope with the enormous torque and sometimes had to be replaced in under 20,000 km.

Symptoms: Jerking when pulling away, abrupt neutral engagement, uncontrolled revving
from 18,000 km
High
Premature Dual Clutch Gearbox Failure

Early C190 production vehicles showed gearbox failures sometimes before 20,000 km due to excessive torque. Synchroniser rings wear quickly; clunking when shifting from D to R is a typical symptom. Repair only possible at AMG.

Symptoms: Metallic bang when shifting from D to R, especially cold; gear judder; abrupt neutral engagement while driving
from 25,000 km
High
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
7 complaints · 2015–2021
Powertrain
4
Engine
2
Wheels
1
Brakes
1

Top Reported Issues

Powertrain (4 complaints)
Engine (2 complaints)
Wheels (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

Alternatives

Same Segment

BMW M8 G15

Sportwagen (2019–2026)

Same Segment

BMW M8 G16

Sportwagen (2019–2026)

Same Segment

Porsche 911 992

Sportwagen (2019–2024)

Same Segment

Toyota GR Supra A90

Sportwagen (2019–2025)

Same Segment

Kia ProCeed CD

Sportwagen (2018–2024)

Same Segment

Kia Stinger CK

Sportwagen (2017–2023)


Known Problems and Issues

A total of 54 weaknesses have been documented for the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 (2015–2021) — 48 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Steering, Interior, Electronics.

AMG GT (M178, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 462 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2015–2017) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 510 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 476 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 522 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 557 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2017–2021) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 585 PS.

AMG GT (M177, 2018–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 585 PS.

AMG GT (M177, 2018–2025) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 639 PS.

AMG GT (M177, 2018–2026) — Be Careful: MCT Gearbox — Clutch Wears in City Traffic, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Draws Oil into Wiring Harness, Camshaft Cover Gasket Leaking — Hot-V Area. Power: 530 PS.

AMG GT (M178, 2020–2021) — Be Careful: DCT Gearbox Early Failure — First Generation, Turbocharger Wear Under Intensive Track Use, Ignition Coil Failure — Service Campaign 2018–2019. Power: 730 PS.

AMG GT (M256, 2018–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 367 PS.

AMG GT (M256, 2018–2025) — Be Careful: 48V ISG Battery Failure, Camshaft Adjuster Solenoid Leaking — Oil in Wiring Harness, Elevated Oil Consumption at Higher Mileage. Power: 435 PS.

What to watch out for with the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 have? +
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 has 48 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG), M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT), M279 (6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG). Problem engine: M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo) — stay away!
Which Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} 639 hp, 900 Nm, 4MATIC+ — one owner after 3,000 km: wanted to never get out for the first few days. The X290 is not a pumped-up E63 but a standalone AMG model. Significantly more sporting than anything on E-Class underpinnings. Compared with the S63 Coupé and GLC63 S: beats both convincingly. Issue: hydraulic unit failures on early examples, gearbox failures documented, Burmester system doesn't deliver what the website promises.
Is the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 — 1 of 5 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190? +
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C190 is available with engine variants from 367 to 630 hp. Petrol: M256 (3.0L I6 Turbo), M157 (5.5L V8 BiTurbo), M177 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG), M178 (4.0L V8 BiTurbo AMG GT), M279 (6.0L V12 BiTurbo AMG).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee