M156 head bolt problems
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
Low Coolant warning and extended warranty costs
Hello,
For the last couple of days my 2010 ML63 with 17K miles has been showing the top off coolant warning. Given all that's going on with the head bolt issue, I thought it prudent to take her in, plus I wanted it on record that I'm aware of the TSB. The local dealer did a complete diagnostic and of course all is well with the vehicle. There were numerous "CODE STORED" messages due to low voltage all over the vehicle. I'm assuming this was a result of the battery running down while it sat on a Dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it.
She did show me (but wouldn't give me the document) what they would do related to labor to complete the TSB if needed. The process does of course require an R&R of the heads, 2 oil changes, and new "tappets" (no reference to cams).
Labor hours total 15, which is about $1,500 plus parts if out of warranty.
I've gotten mixed signals related to extended warranties, so while there, I also got what I hope is the straight story. As long as the vehicle is still in warranty the dealer will sell the MB EW. It does not matter who the original owner is/was, or if it was CPO or not. Many of you probably already know this, but there seems to be conflicting stories on the various forums.
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
For the last couple of days my 2010 ML63 with 17K miles has been showing the top off coolant warning. Given all that's going on with the head bolt issue, I thought it prudent to take her in, plus I wanted it on record that I'm aware of the TSB. The local dealer did a complete diagnostic and of course all is well with the vehicle. There were numerous "CODE STORED" messages due to low voltage all over the vehicle. I'm assuming this was a result of the battery running down while it sat on a Dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it.
She did show me (but wouldn't give me the document) what they would do related to labor to complete the TSB if needed. The process does of course require an R&R of the heads, 2 oil changes, and new "tappets" (no reference to cams).
Labor hours total 15, which is about $1,500 plus parts if out of warranty.
I've gotten mixed signals related to extended warranties, so while there, I also got what I hope is the straight story. As long as the vehicle is still in warranty the dealer will sell the MB EW. It does not matter who the original owner is/was, or if it was CPO or not. Many of you probably already know this, but there seems to be conflicting stories on the various forums.
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,899
Likes: 93
C63 AMG
I've gotten mixed signals related to extended warranties, so while there, I also got what I hope is the straight story. As long as the vehicle is still in warranty the dealer will sell the MB EW. It does not matter who the original owner is/was, or if it was CPO or not. Many of you probably already know this, but there seems to be conflicting stories on the various forums.
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,165
Likes: 59
C63 AMG P30 *EuroCharged*| Porsche Cayenne | Buell XB9SX
It proabably will have the new headbolts on. From what I remember, the serial number range went up to as far as 2010.5 production date. You can find out where it was serviced and ask the service department for the invoice or even the part number on the bolts that were used. The extreme case would be to crack open the valve cover and look at the bolt tops themselves.
Last edited by m a x i m u s; Jun 29, 2012 at 11:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
20 head bolts, 32 lifters, 2 head gaskets, manifold gaskets, manifold bolts, and many other small fasteners. It's big expensive list of parts.
Last edited by DuaneC63; Jun 30, 2012 at 03:30 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Hello,
For the last couple of days my 2010 ML63 with 17K miles has been showing the top off coolant warning. Given all that's going on with the head bolt issue, I thought it prudent to take her in, plus I wanted it on record that I'm aware of the TSB. The local dealer did a complete diagnostic and of course all is well with the vehicle. There were numerous "CODE STORED" messages due to low voltage all over the vehicle. I'm assuming this was a result of the battery running down while it sat on a Dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it.
She did show me (but wouldn't give me the document) what they would do related to labor to complete the TSB if needed. The process does of course require an R&R of the heads, 2 oil changes, and new "tappets" (no reference to cams).
Labor hours total 15, which is about $1,500 plus parts if out of warranty.
I've gotten mixed signals related to extended warranties, so while there, I also got what I hope is the straight story. As long as the vehicle is still in warranty the dealer will sell the MB EW. It does not matter who the original owner is/was, or if it was CPO or not. Many of you probably already know this, but there seems to be conflicting stories on the various forums.
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
For the last couple of days my 2010 ML63 with 17K miles has been showing the top off coolant warning. Given all that's going on with the head bolt issue, I thought it prudent to take her in, plus I wanted it on record that I'm aware of the TSB. The local dealer did a complete diagnostic and of course all is well with the vehicle. There were numerous "CODE STORED" messages due to low voltage all over the vehicle. I'm assuming this was a result of the battery running down while it sat on a Dealer's lot for quite a while before I bought it.
She did show me (but wouldn't give me the document) what they would do related to labor to complete the TSB if needed. The process does of course require an R&R of the heads, 2 oil changes, and new "tappets" (no reference to cams).
Labor hours total 15, which is about $1,500 plus parts if out of warranty.
I've gotten mixed signals related to extended warranties, so while there, I also got what I hope is the straight story. As long as the vehicle is still in warranty the dealer will sell the MB EW. It does not matter who the original owner is/was, or if it was CPO or not. Many of you probably already know this, but there seems to be conflicting stories on the various forums.
My local Tucson dealer on the ML63 charges:
5yr., 75K = $2,609
5yr., 100K = 4,173
5yr., 125K = 5,013
6yr., 75K = 3,495
6yr., 100K = 5,139
6yr., 125K = 6,036
7yr., 75K = 4,024
7yr., 100K = 5,749
So, I'll decide what to do about the ML at some point, but will likely not extend on my C63, since I will not likely keep it long enough to go out of warranty.
Regards,
Joe
Glad you caught this in time. The lifters don't compress properly causing premature lifter wear. There doesn't seem to be an issue with the cams. Since you're going to get the head bolt issue covered under warranty, then any buyer should not be concern about this major issue. Depending on when you plan to sell, having a year left on your warranty gives the new buyer some piece of mind for all the other items that might go wrong. Of coure you can't wait to buy the extended warranty assuming prices don't go way up.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,165
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C63 AMG P30 *EuroCharged*| Porsche Cayenne | Buell XB9SX
only 10? after posting, i remembered that weistec posted a pic on page 1 of this thread showing 20 bolts (i know, you are about to ask me "then why are you asking".) just trying to understand what's up so i can get some meaningful info from the previous owner's MB dealer.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Lone Star State
06 CTT-S
maximus.. since MB replaced these under warranty.. then MB should warranty this work (and parts) done right? that'll be separate from the 'regular' warranty that your car have (or had)..if i were you, i'd be comfortable getting a car that had these updated parts already.. this is one of the big concerns i had when i bought my 09 c63. it's a CPO but ended up purchasing +2 more years (ext warranty) for peace of mind.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 795
Likes: 0
From: Lone Star State
06 CTT-S
i'm still confused on this.. i bought my car CPO and ended up getting the extended warranty (+2, 130k) for $3800. They insisted that MB will not sell the extended warranty unless your car qualify or pass certain tests/criteria. it's like trying to get the car CPO again but you pay for the 'CPO' test then pay extended warranty.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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C63 AMG
i'm still confused on this.. i bought my car CPO and ended up getting the extended warranty (+2, 130k) for $3800. They insisted that MB will not sell the extended warranty unless your car qualify or pass certain tests/criteria. it's like trying to get the car CPO again but you pay for the 'CPO' test then pay extended warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,601
Likes: 10
From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
only 10? after posting, i remembered that weistec posted a pic on page 1 of this thread showing 20 bolts (i know, you are about to ask me "then why are you asking".) just trying to understand what's up so i can get some meaningful info from the previous owner's MB dealer.
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A V8
Just so i understand, this issue is seen on all the model years?
Even 2012?
And just so I can kind of grasp an idea of how big of an issue this is, could we compare this to the SMG issues on the e46M3? (As in number of vehicles affected)
Even 2012?
And just so I can kind of grasp an idea of how big of an issue this is, could we compare this to the SMG issues on the e46M3? (As in number of vehicles affected)
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Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 5,983
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From: Vegas and Vancouver, BC
.
No idea how prevalent it is. But given the amount of active members reporting in here, it is not too comforting. But hey, I've been accused of being a "Chicken Little" over this issue.
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From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
2012s are not affected.
Regards,
Joe
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Posts: 1,601
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From: San Diego/San Francisco
AMG GLC63. Audi R8
Not so Sin. The only place you get accused of being a chicken little on this issue is over at the AMG Lounge which isn't exactly an independent forum.
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From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
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2012 C63;1971 280SE 3.5(Sold);2023 EQS 450 SUV 4 Matic (Wife's)
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From: Vegas and Vancouver, BC
.
Hope you join the family. It is not so "miniscule" if you are out of warranty and hydrolock your engine.
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A V8
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
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C63 AMG P30 *EuroCharged*| Porsche Cayenne | Buell XB9SX
It proabably will have the new headbolts on. From what I remember, the serial number range went up to as far as 2010.5 production date. You can find out where it was serviced and ask the service department for the invoice or even the part number on the bolts that were used. The extreme case would be to crack open the valve cover and look at the bolt tops themselves.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2009
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C63 AMG
ive been trying to call the former dealership for days. not surprisingly, no one is getting back to me. lol. but what you say makes sense ... since MB factory stopped using the old bolts in mid 2010, i suppose we can assume that dealerships would have also stopped using the old bolts around that time, and at least by mid 2011 (which is when the repair was done). but who really knows?
