all the reading made me miss read the numbers that were posted. 
M156 head bolt problems
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Scooter
Hey guys...just wanted to point something out, as this has NOT been discussed yet.
The understanding has been that all 08-09 C63s have the old headbolts, and that a significant number of 2010s do as well, but that the 2011 models are safe. The engine number cutoff is 60658.
I previously mentioned that I had not found a 2010 with the new headbolts, and I just found something a bit uglier:
I ran the VIN of a 2011 C63, reflecting a delivery date of 07/06/2010 in EPC. This car has been identified as a 2011 model in both autocheck and carfax. Anyone want to guess which side of 60658 it sits on? I'll give you a hint, it's below 60500.
In conclusion, ALL 08-10 C63s have the old headbolts, INCLUDING very early 2011 models.
The understanding has been that all 08-09 C63s have the old headbolts, and that a significant number of 2010s do as well, but that the 2011 models are safe. The engine number cutoff is 60658.
I previously mentioned that I had not found a 2010 with the new headbolts, and I just found something a bit uglier:
I ran the VIN of a 2011 C63, reflecting a delivery date of 07/06/2010 in EPC. This car has been identified as a 2011 model in both autocheck and carfax. Anyone want to guess which side of 60658 it sits on? I'll give you a hint, it's below 60500.
In conclusion, ALL 08-10 C63s have the old headbolts, INCLUDING very early 2011 models.
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From: Vegas and Vancouver, BC
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
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FF. W212 E63 M156 non-pano 18" P2 ParkT NightV (gone but will be missed).
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From: Fla. Snowbird.
Porsche 911 Turbo S 2014! E63S 14, Audi S8 13, CLS63 12, E550 12, C63 09, all tuned
I just replaced my head bolts. It is BS that you have to remove the whole head and replace the gasket. I just bought new head bolts and swapped, TQ each bolt out one at a time.
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From: Canada
07 E63 + 07 CLK63CAB
Good Job,
Did you have issues or was this preventative maintenance,
Looks like you got a few to do, which car did you a test run on.
Were any bolts broke or did you see any offset washers surfaces?
Any old style bolts that were or seemed to be torqued more than the others?
Any issues with holding cam timing?
Did you apply any sealant to the lower thread area on the new bolts and lastly was there any sealant seen on the old bolts that you removed.
Did you do replacement in any particular order, ie torque sequence.
Must have been a good feeling when you buttoned her up.
Again congrats.
Did you have issues or was this preventative maintenance,
Looks like you got a few to do, which car did you a test run on.
Were any bolts broke or did you see any offset washers surfaces?
Any old style bolts that were or seemed to be torqued more than the others?
Any issues with holding cam timing?
Did you apply any sealant to the lower thread area on the new bolts and lastly was there any sealant seen on the old bolts that you removed.
Did you do replacement in any particular order, ie torque sequence.
Must have been a good feeling when you buttoned her up.
Again congrats.
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Audi A5 6MT, C63 AMG
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From: Battle Ground WA
C63AMG, NIssan NX2000, Pontiac Fiero GT
Karl, We have heard this before , but no one has produced a DIY, even in text with out pics would help. Are you up for it? motoman
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Porsche 911 Turbo S 2014! E63S 14, Audi S8 13, CLS63 12, E550 12, C63 09, all tuned
I had stock MB OE bolts installed.
I did it for preventive maitance .
Renntech talk with AMG and did the work.
The next question is how much did cost?
I will have to get back to you on that.
I did it for preventive maitance .
Renntech talk with AMG and did the work.
The next question is how much did cost?
I will have to get back to you on that.
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From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
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C63 AMG
Moto, it's too much to write on here. If you don't have a very very good grasp of mechanics and supply of tools I would leave it to the pros.
The cams have to be removed. You need a special mb tool that holds the cams in place to put them back. Also one cam needs another special tool to hold it with the adjuster, the other cams you can use a bolt that threads into both gears.
Once you remove the cams and put them back in, it's quite simple. It's just getting over that first hurdle.
It took us 2 days to replace all the bolts with studs. No way would I use the new mb bolts.m if your going that far use the studs and do it right.
The cams have to be removed. You need a special mb tool that holds the cams in place to put them back. Also one cam needs another special tool to hold it with the adjuster, the other cams you can use a bolt that threads into both gears.
Once you remove the cams and put them back in, it's quite simple. It's just getting over that first hurdle.
It took us 2 days to replace all the bolts with studs. No way would I use the new mb bolts.m if your going that far use the studs and do it right.
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From: Battle Ground WA
C63AMG, NIssan NX2000, Pontiac Fiero GT
Merc, Whoa! You previously suggested the "newer" oem headbolts for daily drivers. What changed your mind? Also can the ARP studs be done properly without removing the head? Do you just goop up new thread sealer on the replacements and lower away?
What's your take on the "discovery" that 2010-2011 years also have the weak headbolts. motoman
What's your take on the "discovery" that 2010-2011 years also have the weak headbolts. motoman
Last edited by motoman; May 20, 2013 at 11:52 AM. Reason: block thread sealing
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From: Battle Ground WA
C63AMG, NIssan NX2000, Pontiac Fiero GT
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C63 AMG
Ya daily driver oem should be fine... But if your doing that much work and you might as well throw studs in.
The oem bolts are a one time use only. Studs can be used numerous times and have more clamping force.
The oem bolts are a one time use only. Studs can be used numerous times and have more clamping force.
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V
Can someone please check a bunch of VINs from random 2010/2011's so we can try to find out if they are all affected? Here is sampling pulled from cars for sale online:
2010:
WDDGF7HBXAF440386
WDDGF7HB6AF494364
WDDGF7HBXAF440386
WDDGF7HB5AF446287
WDDGF7HB8AF483933
WDDGF7HB1AF374732
WDDGF7HB1AF431737
WDDGF7HB6AF471070
2011:
WDDGF7HB7BF588559
WDDGF7HB6BF539448
WDDGF7HB4BF585313
WDDGF7HB5BF553387
WDDGF7HB5BF656647
WDDGF7HB9BF528816
2010:
WDDGF7HBXAF440386
WDDGF7HB6AF494364
WDDGF7HBXAF440386
WDDGF7HB5AF446287
WDDGF7HB8AF483933
WDDGF7HB1AF374732
WDDGF7HB1AF431737
WDDGF7HB6AF471070
2011:
WDDGF7HB7BF588559
WDDGF7HB6BF539448
WDDGF7HB4BF585313
WDDGF7HB5BF553387
WDDGF7HB5BF656647
WDDGF7HB9BF528816
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From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
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10 C six trizzle
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C63 AMG
You don't need to pull the head to switch bolts/studs.
It has nothing to do with building an engine. Your simply switching fastners.
