nagasawa

http://www.carfax.com/VehicleHistory...GF77X19F243258

I was thinking of buying this car and since turning on my interest I have become particularly worried about the head bolt issue. If anyone with a more mechanical knowledge could chime in here what scares me is that the camshaft was "replaced/repaired" and the valve cover gasket was replaced...could this possibly mean a future head bolt failure?



08/17/2012 37,358 Fletcher Jones Motorcars
Newport Beach, CA
949-718-3060
fjmercedes.com Oil and filter changed
Camshaft(s) replaced/repaired
Washed/detailed
Fuel injection system flushed/serviced
Recommended maintenance performed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Transmission serviced
Valve cover gasket(s) replaced

Input is appreciated!

bhamg

It's more likely related to issues addressed in the "premature camshaft wear" class action suit.

Paculdo

if its a CPO then negotiate to get the MB extended warranty for peace of mind ;-)

nagasawa

the warranty just ended yesterday =(

I'm curious because if there was a oil leak the mechanic may have thought it was the valve gasket hence replacing it when it actually could be the head gasket leaking from the head bolts failing...i'm not great with mechanics though so anyone with some more knowledge let me know if this doesn't make sense.

Paculdo

if its a CPO they will add 1 more yr on top of the factory warranty (which was 4 yrs/40k miles?).. if the dealer will do the CPO then negotiate for the MB extended warranty

m a x i m u s

is it a CPO?

nagasawa

I'll have to ask but based off the carfax I believe it may be?

2009 MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG
VIN: WDDGF77X19F243258
Body Style: SEDAN 4 DR
Engine Size: 6.2L V8 SFI DOHC 32V
Drivetrain: REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Certified on 04/27/2011

Point2Point

If it's being sold by a Mercedes dealer or an individual, the CPO warranty should be transferable. I think the CPO warranty goes away if the car is sold through a non-Mercedes dealer.

nagasawa

correct, I just got off the phone with my local mercedes dealership (fletcher jones, newport beach) and they said it voids the certification because its coming from an XYZ non dealer.

The warranty manager however sent me over a coverage spreadsheet by Zurich. It seems this may be the way to go for everyone who is in my situation and is worried about the headbolt failure. The most basic powertrain warranty by Zurich looks to cover all the issues that come about when headbolts do fail. If anyone is interested in this I have a PDF showing what they cover in their powertrain coverage, pm me and I can email it over.

Other than that if anyone has any other opinions please share =)

Point2Point

Assuming reasonable pricing, powertrain warranty seems like the way to go for peace of mind. I do think the forum (especially C63 section) is overly worried about the headbolt issue, though.

Paculdo

for the price of the car (i just looked it up in the net), i honestly believe you can get a less mileage CPO car with some good negotiation.

when i was researching for the c63 to purchase, i read about the headbolt thingy. as point2point have 'pointed', this issue might be overly blown out of proportion.. but for some, like me - i'm on a budget and i don't want this thing happening and end up with a messed up car. the mods on the car (with the carbon fiber thingy, etc) can be done.

maybe i got lucky on my deal, maybe not - maybe i got a lemon car, maybe not. but atleast i got a CPO and extended warranty to boot so i can have peace of mind.

in the end, its your own satisfaction that you got the car you wanted

just my .02 cents

Paculdo

maybe someone from this forum have previously owned this car? this might help to give you an idea on the car's condition.

i've had bad experiences with 3rd party warranty companies (twice burned) so i only go for CPO and when possible, get a extended warranty from the manufacturer.

If one issue shows up and the dealer ends up fixing it, that cost may cover the entire amount you've paid for the warranty

anways, good luck

DuaneC63

The headbolt failure issue and camshaft wear issue are unrelated but covered under the same service advisory. If you have a failed head bolt/gasket leak issue, they need to pull the heads with the cams and lifters out to fix it. At that time they will replace the lifters and if the cams if they show abnormal wear. However the defect is not the cams but the lifters. They replace the M156 lifters with the M159 lifters.