M156 head bolt problems
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 12
From: Chicago, IL.
2006 E55 AMG, 2019 BMW M240I xdrive coupe, 1969 Mach 1 Mustang
Head bolt check 2011 C63
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!
Can you please check this VIN for the head bolt issue. It's a 2011 so I am crossing my fingers.
WDDGF7HB7BF648159
thank you!
Wondering if anyone has insight on hwo to check this? Do you use the VIN decoder to check something? Delivery date is August 2011 which is late in the year so I am hoping it is not affected.
thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 400
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
To search on your own, you can either go here:
http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check and check it
or subscribe to MB Startekinfo here:
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
MB site is $75 for a one year subscription. The Russian site while free, only allows a limited (unknown to me) number of searches per day.
Alternately, just place your request in the forum.
Regards,
Joe
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 12
From: Chicago, IL.
2006 E55 AMG, 2019 BMW M240I xdrive coupe, 1969 Mach 1 Mustang
It's not affected.
To search on your own, you can either go here:
http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check and check it
or subscribe to MB Startekinfo here:
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
MB site is $75 for a one year subscription. The Russian site while free, only allows a limited (unknown to me) number of searches per day.
Alternately, just place your request in the forum.
Regards,
Joe
To search on your own, you can either go here:
http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check and check it
or subscribe to MB Startekinfo here:
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
MB site is $75 for a one year subscription. The Russian site while free, only allows a limited (unknown to me) number of searches per day.
Alternately, just place your request in the forum.
Regards,
Joe
I'll probably need to look more up as my search continues.
thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 2,824
Likes: 400
From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...rly-2011s.html
The switchover is applicable to engine numbers with the last five digits of 60658 and above.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 286
Likes: 12
From: Chicago, IL.
2006 E55 AMG, 2019 BMW M240I xdrive coupe, 1969 Mach 1 Mustang
Go here to get a better understanding:
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...rly-2011s.html
The switchover is applicable to engine numbers with the last five digits of 60658 and above.
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...rly-2011s.html
The switchover is applicable to engine numbers with the last five digits of 60658 and above.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
2010 C63
It's an all options (lights, carbon fiber, P30, etc.) with no accidents - it's probably only worth $30k and hard to imagine finding another car I would enjoy more for anywhere near the price...
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 604
Likes: 51
LS400
The update bolt is a slight improvement. There is still alot of load on that thin flange. They should have used a large hex head with a slight flange under the hex, it would just make for a stronger bolt head. So here I am giving Mercedes some free engineering ideas. I agree with the use of ARP fasteners instead, and they probably don't cost as much either.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
The update bolt is a slight improvement. There is still alot of load on that thin flange. They should have used a large hex head with a slight flange under the hex, it would just make for a stronger bolt head. So here I am giving Mercedes some free engineering ideas. I agree with the use of ARP fasteners instead, and they probably don't cost as much either.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
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'10 C63
The update bolt is a slight improvement. There is still alot of load on that thin flange. They should have used a large hex head with a slight flange under the hex, it would just make for a stronger bolt head. So here I am giving Mercedes some free engineering ideas. I agree with the use of ARP fasteners instead, and they probably don't cost as much either.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 21
Likes: 1
2009 C63 AMG 2001 C240 1988 300 CE
I cant believe we are still discussing this :-)
I was arguing with Ingenieur (who is now banned) four years ago about the failure rate of these head bolts. He stated that it's probably 60 in 60000+ engines (ridiculous). Here we are 4 years later with probably over 60 just reported on this site - and still going! In terms of wide spread it looks like plenty have failed down here in Aus too.
I'm now at about 90K miles and just had mine done (out of pocket - $5K Aussie) by MB - I recenty had it tuned etc which wouldn't help - and i'm paranoid.
They came out pretty rusty around the head of the bolt. In fact it looks like the rust was eating a circular cutout where the metal shaft meets the head - only a matter of time IMO.
I'm now at about 90K miles and just had mine done (out of pocket - $5K Aussie) by MB - I recenty had it tuned etc which wouldn't help - and i'm paranoid.
They came out pretty rusty around the head of the bolt. In fact it looks like the rust was eating a circular cutout where the metal shaft meets the head - only a matter of time IMO.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
I was arguing with Ingenieur (who is now banned) four years ago about the failure rate of these head bolts. He stated that it's probably 60 in 60000+ engines (ridiculous). Here we are 4 years later with probably over 60 just reported on this site - and still going! In terms of wide spread it looks like plenty have failed down here in Aus too.
I'm now at about 90K miles and just had mine done (out of pocket - $5K Aussie) by MB - I recenty had it tuned etc which wouldn't help - and i'm paranoid.
They came out pretty rusty around the head of the bolt. In fact it looks like the rust was eating a circular cutout where the metal shaft meets the head - only a matter of time IMO.
I'm now at about 90K miles and just had mine done (out of pocket - $5K Aussie) by MB - I recenty had it tuned etc which wouldn't help - and i'm paranoid.
They came out pretty rusty around the head of the bolt. In fact it looks like the rust was eating a circular cutout where the metal shaft meets the head - only a matter of time IMO.
SPONSOR
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
Likes: 818
From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
no... 
I was out of town when they pulled them out. told them to hold onto them, but they tossed them. they're my buddies so i believe them. basically he told me i wasted my time and money as they, "looked brand new".
i told him i want a clear conscience so i'm ok they're changed even if they were in perfect condition.
I was out of town when they pulled them out. told them to hold onto them, but they tossed them. they're my buddies so i believe them. basically he told me i wasted my time and money as they, "looked brand new".i told him i want a clear conscience so i'm ok they're changed even if they were in perfect condition.
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 3
From: Naples, FL
W204 C63 AMG
I have an 09 C63 with 133k miles, driven hard, no issues as of yet. Am I safe? Lol. Only problem I've ever had was alternator went out. I replace anything and everything if it's going bad, such as bushing, mounts, belts etc.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
W202 (1999 C240) and W204 (2008 C63)
Nick, nice to see such a positive story of the M156, given the TSB in place and numerous (horror) stories. Enjoy! Thanks for sharing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
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C63 AMG
Its not really the corrosion, its the design of the bolt with the female torx head and limited material on the cross section of the head. Sure the corrosion doesn't help, but I think the flaw is in the design.
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
its the design, but corrosion once present can and in cases of failed engines seem to have gone deeper than surface level. some head studs folks have pulled out have major pitting which leads to the fact the bolt itself has been weakened drastically.
the headbolt design is subpar nobody is arguing that.
the headbolt design is subpar nobody is arguing that.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
is something going on these days where all these members on MBWORLD can't read 1-3 posts prior to theirs.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
its the design, but corrosion once present can and in cases of failed engines seem to have gone deeper than surface level. some head studs folks have pulled out have major pitting which leads to the fact the bolt itself has been weakened drastically.
the headbolt design is subpar nobody is arguing that.
the headbolt design is subpar nobody is arguing that.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 37
Likes: 1
From: Central Florida
W204 C63
I just experience the dreaded failure. Took it my local indie shop and the set of bolts on the left was fully intact. They went to the right side and discovered a completely broken head bolt.
They'll be doing a complete replacement tomorrow along with the gaskets, lifters and cam gears. I'm thinking of having them do the spark plugs as well. Is that worth doing since they're already there?
They'll be doing a complete replacement tomorrow along with the gaskets, lifters and cam gears. I'm thinking of having them do the spark plugs as well. Is that worth doing since they're already there?
Last edited by asaud7; Oct 31, 2017 at 11:47 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 149
Likes: 10
c63 amg PP (w204)
It's not affected.
To search on your own, you can either go here:
http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check and check it
or subscribe to MB Startekinfo here:
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
MB site is $75 for a one year subscription. The Russian site while free, only allows a limited (unknown to me) number of searches per day.
Alternately, just place your request in the forum.
Regards,
Joe
To search on your own, you can either go here:
http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check and check it
or subscribe to MB Startekinfo here:
https://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/login.jsp
MB site is $75 for a one year subscription. The Russian site while free, only allows a limited (unknown to me) number of searches per day.
Alternately, just place your request in the forum.
Regards,
Joe
That website is Ukranian, not Russian
The best tool I've found to decode the VIN in order to determine the engine number is the following:
https://www.vindecoderz.com/
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Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
sorry i meant the post prior to this and quoting your comments for him as he didn't read 1-3 post above.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 842
Likes: 63
New, old Mercedes and REAL AMG's.
Hey guys,
60,000 miles and my ML63 has run like a top in my four year ownership. Not even a hiccup; ever. Even after killing Maseratis on the Interstate or towing heavy vintage AMG's on 2K mile trips.
That said, I have a couple extra bucks in my pocket and I am considering a head bolt upgrade for my own piece of mind. My idea is to keep my beast for many more years to come.
How do I know if my engine is in the potentially affected range? VIN is 4JGBB7HB8AA620104
Thank you and please keep up this informative thread.
60,000 miles and my ML63 has run like a top in my four year ownership. Not even a hiccup; ever. Even after killing Maseratis on the Interstate or towing heavy vintage AMG's on 2K mile trips.
That said, I have a couple extra bucks in my pocket and I am considering a head bolt upgrade for my own piece of mind. My idea is to keep my beast for many more years to come.
How do I know if my engine is in the potentially affected range? VIN is 4JGBB7HB8AA620104
Thank you and please keep up this informative thread.
