C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

M156 head bolt problems

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rating: Thread Rating: 3 votes, 5.00 average.
 
Old Jun 6, 2017 | 01:49 PM
  #1076  
m a x i m u s's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 3,165
Likes: 59
C63 AMG P30 *EuroCharged*| Porsche Cayenne | Buell XB9SX
Same here. I had a tiny hole in my rad.
Reply
Old Jun 6, 2017 | 06:16 PM
  #1077  
mdotk's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 7
2014 ML63s
Originally Posted by izzyz
your problem doesn't necessarily have to be head bolts, I had a leaking water pump and never knew about it because it never drained onto the floor. When we removed the plastic undercarriage covers we discovered it was pooling up in there and draining off when I drove. Haven't had low coolant since the pump was changed. I kept topping up with a water/coolant mixture and eventually we changed the headbolts for safe measure anyway
Thanks, getting it pressure tested tonight for a start. We couldn't find any sources of a leak today.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2017 | 12:41 AM
  #1078  
mdotk's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 56
Likes: 7
2014 ML63s
Pressure test passed. Ending up being a faulty radiator header tank.
Reply
Old Jun 8, 2017 | 12:45 AM
  #1079  
604 C63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
Originally Posted by mdotk
Pressure test passed. Ending up being a faulty radiator header tank.
Bullet dodged!
Reply
Old Jun 15, 2017 | 07:36 PM
  #1080  
Euler's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 157
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C63, 2008 ML550, 2014 KTM 500 XC W, John Deere 990
Originally Posted by Vladds
I counted recently 13 failures on this forum, meaning only on the C.
They seem chronologic, at first there are only 2009 and in fact, I only found 2-3 2010.
Then there's a guy posting on the Private lounge that 2010 bolt problems are a myth, meaning there was some sort of other revision, prior to the bolts being changed, maybe corrosion related.
I tried to correlate that to the people that did bolt by bolt, to where some pulled pristine bolts while others pulled rusted bolts.
.
Reply
Old Jun 17, 2017 | 11:48 AM
  #1081  
Joao Raimundo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E 63 AMG
E 63 amg

Thanks in advance
i am a portuguese citizen that have an e63 with this vin ,
it's possible for you to see european cars?
vin number is : WDD2122771A323091

thanks
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2017 | 04:12 AM
  #1082  
blacksquid's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Joao Raimundo
Thanks in advance
i am a portuguese citizen that have an e63 with this vin ,
it's possible for you to see european cars?
vin number is : WDD2122771A323091

thanks
I used a different decoder and it pulled up the VIN you posted:

https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/check...2122771A323091
Reply
Old Jun 19, 2017 | 04:15 AM
  #1083  
Valvestud's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 399
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
Originally Posted by Joao Raimundo
Thanks in advance
i am a portuguese citizen that have an e63 with this vin ,
it's possible for you to see european cars?
vin number is : WDD2122771A323091

thanks
Your's is not affected.

Regards,

Joe
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jun 19, 2017 | 09:51 AM
  #1084  
Joao Raimundo's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
E 63 AMG
Originally Posted by Valvestud
Your's is not affected.

Regards,

Joe
thank you so much
the figure of the car does not correspond , mine is a combi also the year and millenage is not the same but
the extra information is total correct.
😥
jhrraimundo
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 05:50 AM
  #1085  
Valvestud's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 399
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
Originally Posted by Joao Raimundo
thank you so much
the figure of the car does not correspond , mine is a combi also the year and millenage is not the same but
the extra information is total correct.
😥
jhrraimundo
Not sure I understand what you are saying about "correspond", but hopefully you got the info you needed.

Regards,

Joe
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 02:15 PM
  #1086  
DrSkywalker's Avatar
Junior Member
10 Year Member
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 52
Likes: 23
2020 E63s AMG Wagon, 2014 SL63 AMG, 2019 Audi Q8
2009 SL63 Cylinder Head Bolt Replacement

Same thing happened to me in 2014. Coolant levels dropped. After much fussing, it was revealed that the cylinder head bolts had to be replaced. Had to pull out the engine and measure cylinders for damage - turned out OK. Car was out of warranty, but MB Canada ponied up for the full $6300 charge (after initially refusing a couple of times).
I suspect this should have been a recall issue, but the bad press and cost scared them off. Internal decision just to pony up and cover it when the issues arose????
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 02:35 PM
  #1087  
VII's Avatar
VII
Super Member
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 975
Likes: 270
From: Fort Worth TX
2020 S560, 2014 SLK55 (Prev. 2016 S65, 2013 SLK350, 2008 CLS63, 2006 E350, 2006 CLS500, 2005 C230K)
It's the math, a recall for MB would mean dealerships charging them the $4k in labor for each car sold with an m156 for 4 years and that is a lot of cars.
They also had the extended warranty option (like on the fuel tanks from that generation) but I guess either liability or just financials (crated engines for most failures) means they decided to not even do that.
And so they go for goodwill for good customers at their sole discretion. (If you'd needed an engine you might have found them less cooperative)
In reality failure rates are low enough that they are getting by without too much bad publicity so the giant corporation wins again.
​​​​​​
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 03:44 PM
  #1088  
604 C63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
Originally Posted by DrSkywalker
Car was out of warranty, but MB Canada ponied up for the full $6300 charge (after initially refusing a couple of times).
I suspect this should have been a recall issue, but the bad press and cost scared them off. Internal decision just to pony up and cover it when the issues arose????

SAY HEY WHAAAAAAT?

Thats a new one on me. Don't know that I have ever heard of that before.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 04:50 PM
  #1089  
BadCompany's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 148
Likes: 23
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
2014 C63 AMG Edition 507 coupe
Honestly, they might have treated him differently because he was driving an SL63.
Reply
Old Jun 20, 2017 | 05:08 PM
  #1090  
604 C63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,818
Likes: 395
2012 E550 Cabrio
Thats probably a pretty good point. From MBs standpoint there are lower numbers and likely higher net worth owners with longer MB history. Based on this if this hit me I think I would be on the look out for SL/G/S 63 owners that had this take care of, and that I could point to as precedent.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2017 | 01:39 AM
  #1091  
wiseass's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
confirmed internal leak with a pressure test.
so lets say the MB pre-owned warranty covers the repairs on my 2009 c63, what else can I try to get them to replace that typically wears prematurely? lifters? valve buckets? camshafts?
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2017 | 11:31 AM
  #1092  
builthatch's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 2
From: southern NJ
C63
Originally Posted by wiseass
confirmed internal leak with a pressure test.
so lets say the MB pre-owned warranty covers the repairs on my 2009 c63, what else can I try to get them to replace that typically wears prematurely? lifters? valve buckets? camshafts?
off topic but how do you still have a MB CPO warranty on an '09? i had the max three years (1+2) on my '09 and it ended in '16.
Reply
Old Sep 18, 2017 | 11:30 PM
  #1093  
wiseass's Avatar
Junior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 18
Likes: 2
I recently bought the car used from a MB dealership (Australia). If its been serviced my MB its whole life, MB can sometimes offer an extra 12-24 month warranty on it.
Reply
Old Sep 19, 2017 | 12:51 AM
  #1094  
builthatch's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 230
Likes: 2
From: southern NJ
C63
Originally Posted by wiseass
(Australia).
ha! that explains it.

welp, good luck and keep us updated.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 10:04 AM
  #1095  
dnktexas's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
C63
Lightbulb

Long time lurker here. Felt the need to create an account to possibly alleviate some fears some posters may be having about coolant levels.

I have an '09 c63 @ 79k miles and like many, got the dreaded "Check coolant level see operator's manual". This happened at cold start when I got in my car for work in the morning. First time this has ever popped up. Driving a few minutes down the road, the message disappears. BUT a few minutes after that, I also got the "Check engine oil at next refueling".

Knowing that my motor (#042672) falls on the oh sh*t list, I of course freaked! The pairing of the coolant AND oil light already had me thinking I sheared a head bolt and my motor was moments away from hydro locking.

Luckily, I was able to make it the remaining half mile to work. The car was not shuttering, idle was normal, no performance loss, no tail pipe smoke, and temperatures were normal.

I let the engine cool and went to check the levels a few hours later. Coolant was ~1cm down from the fill line and (cold) oil level was to the top of the first red indicator. Very strange, as I was expecting oil level to be overfull and contaminated with coolant. However, oil and coolant did not appear contaminated.

I did a quick check of the reservoir and hoses leading from the radiator to see there was an integrity compromise. Everything appeared normal and no sign of dripping, or burnt coolant.

Long story short, I drove it (very, very cautiously!) a few miles down the road to my indy as I needed my service B anyways.

My mechanic kept the car overnight to run a coolant pressure test. Needless to say, I was expecting the absolute worst as my 3rd party extended warranty expired earlier this year F**k!!!!!!!

My level of concern was to the point where I was even contacting local dealers to test drive some 2014's. I was 100% certain this was going to be the death of my car.

Got the results yesterday afternoon that the coolant system has zero leaks . Coolant and drained oil did not appear to be contaminated (visually, no oil analysis sent off). Low oil level was due to a small leak in the pan gasket, which I was already aware of.

Just picked up the car on my way to work and I will be closely monitoring coolant level for the next few weeks, but all in all, I'm thinking I dodged a major kick to the nuts!!!

My indy has done a few head bolt jobs on the M156 and noted that it's pretty common for our cars to need a small coolant (and oil) top off from time to time. He also stated that it's really not as common as I would believe.

Anyways...Apologies for the diatribe on my first post. Just hoping to calm some fears for owners that see that dreaded coolant message...It's not always going to be bad news. Regardless, I think it's time to invest in some Weistec head studs and SLS lifters in the very near future.

Cheers, guys.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 11:24 AM
  #1096  
j-mo's Avatar
Senior Member
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 12
From: Chicago, IL.
2006 E55 AMG, 2019 BMW M240I xdrive coupe, 1969 Mach 1 Mustang
Check VIN

Hello Joe,

Can you please check this VIN for the head bolt issue. It's a 2011 so I am crossing my fingers.

WDDGF7HB7BF648159

thank you!
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 11:31 AM
  #1097  
chrisridebike8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 419
'10 C63
Originally Posted by dnktexas
Long time lurker here. Felt the need to create an account to possibly alleviate some fears some posters may be having about coolant levels.

I have an '09 c63 @ 79k miles and like many, got the dreaded "Check coolant level see operator's manual". This happened at cold start when I got in my car for work in the morning. First time this has ever popped up. Driving a few minutes down the road, the message disappears. BUT a few minutes after that, I also got the "Check engine oil at next refueling".

Knowing that my motor (#042672) falls on the oh sh*t list, I of course freaked! The pairing of the coolant AND oil light already had me thinking I sheared a head bolt and my motor was moments away from hydro locking.

Luckily, I was able to make it the remaining half mile to work. The car was not shuttering, idle was normal, no performance loss, no tail pipe smoke, and temperatures were normal.

I let the engine cool and went to check the levels a few hours later. Coolant was ~1cm down from the fill line and (cold) oil level was to the top of the first red indicator. Very strange, as I was expecting oil level to be overfull and contaminated with coolant. However, oil and coolant did not appear contaminated.

I did a quick check of the reservoir and hoses leading from the radiator to see there was an integrity compromise. Everything appeared normal and no sign of dripping, or burnt coolant.

Long story short, I drove it (very, very cautiously!) a few miles down the road to my indy as I needed my service B anyways.

My mechanic kept the car overnight to run a coolant pressure test. Needless to say, I was expecting the absolute worst as my 3rd party extended warranty expired earlier this year F**k!!!!!!!

My level of concern was to the point where I was even contacting local dealers to test drive some 2014's. I was 100% certain this was going to be the death of my car.

Got the results yesterday afternoon that the coolant system has zero leaks . Coolant and drained oil did not appear to be contaminated (visually, no oil analysis sent off). Low oil level was due to a small leak in the pan gasket, which I was already aware of.

Just picked up the car on my way to work and I will be closely monitoring coolant level for the next few weeks, but all in all, I'm thinking I dodged a major kick to the nuts!!!

My indy has done a few head bolt jobs on the M156 and noted that it's pretty common for our cars to need a small coolant (and oil) top off from time to time. He also stated that it's really not as common as I would believe.

Anyways...Apologies for the diatribe on my first post. Just hoping to calm some fears for owners that see that dreaded coolant message...It's not always going to be bad news. Regardless, I think it's time to invest in some Weistec head studs and SLS lifters in the very near future.

Cheers, guys.
You definitely got lucky. Definitely get those studs and lifters in. If you don't plant to add a supercharger later, just get the updated stock bolts. Cheaper and they are pretty stout.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 12:30 PM
  #1098  
Bundles's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Denver
2009 C63
Long time lurker here...
There is a nice 09 C63 67k miles at the local MB dealership here and it seems to be a good deal. Obviously, the headbolt issue is in the back of my mind. Is there a test the dealership can perform on the bolts? Should I ask them to replace prior to buying the car?

The SA mentioned they have a warranty but has not given me pricing yet. He noted saying the warranty folks are not MB but all service items will be taken care of at a MB dealership. Not knowing too much about 3rd party warranties, which warranty should I go with to cover the headbolt issue?

TIA

Last edited by Bundles; Sep 22, 2017 at 11:52 PM.
Reply
Old Sep 22, 2017 | 11:30 PM
  #1099  
rnorthen's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
2010 C63
My 2010 C63 with 33k miles just had headbolt failure - was still under the MB extended warranty (by a few days), so MB picked up the tab for new headbolts, lifters, etc. total was around $8k
Reply
Old Sep 23, 2017 | 07:19 AM
  #1100  
Vladds's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
5 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,175
Likes: 130
From: NY
2010 C63 2019 GLA45
Originally Posted by rnorthen
My 2010 C63 with 33k miles just had headbolt failure - was still under the MB extended warranty (by a few days), so MB picked up the tab for new headbolts, lifters, etc. total was around $8k
I just wanted to know if the bolts they pulled were rusted or not really.


Also, were you on Mercedes antifreeze, are you the first owner?
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 3 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:55 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE