techt0nix

34,500 miles.
Ran out of warranty in March 2013, no extended warranty.

I'm assuming this is the infamous headbolt issue. I'll take it to an indy shop on Monday 12/9/13.

Unfortunately, I've only read 6 pages of the headbolt sticky thread. I wish it had an FAQ section in the beginning.
Questions:
1. Can I drive it safely about 20-30 miles/day for 3 days if I maintain coolant level, or will it induce more damage than necessary?
2. Still no recall, just a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB)?
3. About $5,000 repair at an indy shop, correct?

Thanks in advance!

C63-AMG

Oh man, hope it's not that. I have a 2009 with 71K miles on it.. so far no issues. For 5K, you might as well send the head out to be ported while everything is off.

CPD SLK

Sorry to hear it man. I don't know anything about the issue really, but best of luck. Maybe just have Weistec or MHP do some modding to engine while it's apart

Cavu

You know, sometimes it IS just low coolant.

roadtalontsi

how is that even possible? Everyone tops their coolant off at the yearly service they do themselves or take to some crappy mechanic that does everything for way cheaper(for a reason), just like power steering fluid. 5k$ at an independent? wow for that kind of price might as well go to the dealer since they were actually trained to work on the cars.

avery.whss

not true....i haven't even ever checked my coolant..it's been in for a few oil changes so i figure they do it then..i mean to check it but i just get busy..you'd be surprised how many people don't even change their oil in regular cars..working @ a lube shop for 3 years im surprised most people get as good of gas mileage as they do..but yeah if the dealer only charges 5-7k..take it there

abcut973

So you have white smoke coming out of your exhaust? Which would mean the coolant is leaking in the cylinders.
If so well answer to question 1 is no. Get your car towed immediately for no further damaged (hydrolock)

Merc63

I wouldn't drive the car. If you get too much coolant in a cylinder you can hydro lock it.

Also if a head bolt pops off while running the cams will table hockey it everywhere.

That sensor is picky. Top it up. Take an oil sample and have it tested for coolant.

techt0nix

Agreed. I'll find out what the problem is on Monday and the cost to repair.

Sounds expensive hahah. Slight financial problems at the moment. I like where your mind's at though

I’m praying that’s the case. I’ll fill it tomorrow.

I know the dealership charges $158/hr just for diagnoses. It may not even be the headbolt. Plus, the independent shop I have in mind is Benz-certified and repaired my cracked fog lens for a minute fraction of the cost that MB dealership quoted me. If headbolt labor is 5k at the independent, imagine what the dealership would charge. I'm a little biased.

I’ll get a quote from the dealership on Monday or Tuesday, if it really is the headbolt issue

Great advice. There is white smoke. Didn't give it a second thought due to cold weather. I haven’t driven it since the lights came on. I’ll fill the coolant tomorrow and drive it to the shop on Monday (only 3 miles away from home). Maybe I should tow it to the shop.

Good lookin’ out. I like the table hockey metaphor. I’ll top it off and take it to the shop on Monday

callmiro

Is that the first time you are seeing that message?


It could actually just be low coolant. Some shops do mix water with their coolant to stretch out the bottle, when they refill you. The water can evaporate and then on a cold morning, you coolant level could be lower.


Top it up and see if it drops. if it drops, then you take it to the shop.


If, after top-up, it doesn't drop, then delete the post and enjoy your ride.

Clark Kent

About 2-3 months ago I got the same warning - sans the white smoke. I followed the instructions in the owners manual about adding coolant and haven't seen the warning since. I have a 2010 that is in the affected engine group.

benyl

This.

I've done this twice. I have 2010. I brought it to the dealer anyway for them to check out. First time it happened was before the headbolt issue was even common knowledge.

techt0nix

Sorry for the late update. You guys are right, false alarm. The headbolt sticky made me paranoid. The CEL was because of an intake manifold gasket leak ($900 repair). The coolant light coincidentally came on at the same time. Just added some coolant. Not sure why it was low. Pressure tested it cold and hot, showed no signs of leakage. I'll delete this thread tomorrow. I just wanted to say thanks for all of the input. Still loving the beast, even more now compared to the loaner cars I drove.

abcut973

Glad it was just a false alarm. But 900$ for an intake manifold gasket is expensive!! I got mine replaced for 400$ under my extended warranty. So i hope you didn't actually pay that price

callmiro

You don't have to delete your post....if anything it shows how valuable the forum is when it comes to some armchair diagnostics....


Glad to hear it was minor....

BiturboSF

Glad it wasn't a headbolt. Don't delete the thread, its a good resource.

Valvestud

Mine is a 2010 with 33K on clock. Just got my first low coolant warning. Topped it off and OK now. To your point, no system is perfectly sealed and wil need to have coolant added. My 2010 ML63 had same issue, took to dealer and had it checked and documented. That was months ago and no issues since.

Regards,

Joe

builthatch

agreed.

Mort

Had to add 2 cups of coolant to my 2010 after 3 1/2 years and 21500 kms as well.

CoolBDPhenom03

That was one hell of a coincidence. Glad it was a false alarm. At least you know what you need to look out for in case that issue really rears it's ugly head.