C63 Head Bolt Issues

C63 Head Bolt Issues

Author
Discussion

Nickellese

Original Poster:

65 posts

191 months

Friday 31st October 2014
quotequote all
Hi Gents,

I've got the dealer stripping and investigating the head on my c63 following significant unexplained coolant loss. I'm Expecting the worst and waiting for a big bill but in the mean time, has anyone here had similar problems and experience dealing with MB regarding good will gestures towards the repair?

These things happen, but suffice to say I'm quite disappointed especially as It's just ticked over 40k.

Thanks all

lee c63

157 posts

123 months

Friday 31st October 2014
quotequote all
Nickellese said:
Hi Gents,

I've got the dealer stripping and investigating the head on my c63 following significant unexplained coolant loss. I'm Expecting the worst and waiting for a big bill but in the mean time, has anyone here had similar problems and experience dealing with MB regarding good will gestures towards the repair?

These things happen, but suffice to say I'm quite disappointed especially as It's just ticked over 40k.

Thanks all
It's known by MB that pre 2011 cars have the suspect head bolts.....so I would like to think there is a good will gesture, if the dealer is having none of it try getting in touch with MB UK (head office) and see if they can assist.

JimmyR1

108 posts

132 months

Saturday 1st November 2014
quotequote all
I know of one case in Australia where the dealer "good willed" all but the cost of the parts from memory. The car was maybe 6 months out of warranty but the car had only been serviced at MB.

Nickellese

Original Poster:

65 posts

191 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
quotequote all
An update for anybody interested or any poor unfortunates who have the same issues.

After investigation it was found that 3 bolts had snapped explaining the rapid coolant loss. There were otherwise no outward symptoms of the oil and water mixing.

Mercedes have agreed to a significant good will gesture, despite a specialist service history and the car not having been purchased from a dealer. Thank goodness for that as the rebuild cost is massive!


It seems the advice should be, any pre 2010 folk should if worried have their car checked before the damage has a chance to occur.

BHML

307 posts

169 months

Wednesday 5th November 2014
quotequote all
Is it pre-2010 cars or pre-2011 cars that are affected? I have a 2010 estate (pre-facelift)

lee c63

157 posts

123 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
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BHML said:
Is it pre-2010 cars or pre-2011 cars that are affected? I have a 2010 estate (pre-facelift)
Yours will be in the effected range....remember the M156 engine was in many cars so probably only a handful in the uk that will fail. If you have the warranty then don't worry. If you have let the warranty lapse like I did you can change out the bolts for either new style bold or fit ARP studs ( like I am)

Loads of info about this on the MBWorld forum

developer

265 posts

156 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
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The head bolts were modified at M156 engine number ending in 60658. The bolts went from female torx fitting to male torx fitting.

The correct procedure is to remove the heads and replace the head gaskets. Replacing the bolts one at a time isn't recommended, due to the potential for the head gasket to fail.

If you were to opt for Weistec studs, as Lee has done, I understand they can be fitted one out, one in, but I doubt an MB dealer will be interested in that.

jackwood

2,607 posts

207 months

Thursday 6th November 2014
quotequote all
BHML said:
Is it pre-2010 cars or pre-2011 cars that are affected? I have a 2010 estate (pre-facelift)
Hi!
How is the Black Beast going? I hope it's treating you well. I still miss that car. The E63 isn't a patch on it for character and fun.
Jack

daveenty

2,357 posts

209 months

Friday 7th November 2014
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jackwood said:
The E63 isn't a patch on it for character and fun.
Jack
Bit of selective quoting there, but it can certainly be made to be. smile

jackwood

2,607 posts

207 months

Friday 7th November 2014
quotequote all
It's nice if you like going really fast in a straight line, and don't do standing starts (it's one wheel drive most of the time). But it's just too big and heavy to be fun on the kind of roads I drive.

daveenty

2,357 posts

209 months

Friday 7th November 2014
quotequote all
Quaife LSD was the first mod I did to it. It really does make a difference.