Tyler Helton

Hi. I’m new to this forum and was wondering if someone could look up my VIN to see if my 2011 C63 is affected. VIN: WDDGF7HB9BF640838
Thank you.

Valvestud

Not affected.

Delver

Update: Got my C63 back from the dealer yesterday. They replaced the head bolts, head gaskets and other bits and pieces. "White residual" was found sitting on top of piston in cylinder #3. Apparently coolant leak. Mercedes Benz covered 50% of the repair cost, as a good will gesture. My half of the cost was $2588.36, not including tax.

I have mixed feeling about this issue. I know how most auto manufacturers treat issues for repairs past warranty. While I am grateful to MB for paying half of the repair cost, I am a bit miffed that their design/manufacturing error cost me money. Not something one would expect on an engine with only 22,466 miles of operation. None of which involved participating in any racing activities. Oh, well. Life goes on.

gmore

Anyone aware of when new-head bolt replacements at dealerships may have begun and how they may have been documented - specifically related to carfax?
Have looked at quite a few pre-11 c63 carfax reports, some with a good amount of detail but nothing mentioning head-bolt or even head-gasket.
Am currently looking at a 2010 w/report of 'camshaft repair/replacement' at 3K miles(prior to dealer sale) and again at 5K on 7/23/10( shortly after new-bolt builds) with the following...
.Valve cover(s) replaced
Camshaft(s) replaced/repaired
Vehicle washed/detailed
Engine checked
Oil and filter changed
Electrical system checked
Drive belt tensioner pulley replaced
Four tires balanced
Engine/powertrain computer/module checked
Valve cover gasket(s) replaced

My understanding is dealers did not use the 1-bolt method so I would think at least a mention of head gasket replacement would be listed as well given the detail?

W/o confirmation of bolt replacement I'll open up anything that has the potential of being old, but trying to increase my odds and narrow my travels so any info here appreciated.

Mort

It doesn't look to me like that car had the head bolts changed and least not during that service. If it doesn't explicitly say head bolts changed then don't assume it. If the date for the service order is not well after the date of the new head bolts, and we don't know exactly when that was, don't assume they have been used even if mentioned in the service detail.

gmore

Thx and agreed - I will always assume the worst on any used car.

Am hoping someone has seen 'head-bolt' posted in a carfax note and/or is aware of when some of the 1st new ones were done.
Even though an issue had to present itself before most dealers would fix, I assume some of the early M156 with issues were repaired with the same old bolts until sometime around 6/10, or were the newer bolts available for repair much earlier?

gmore

Hello again,

Headbolt and LSD info for 2011 WDDGF7HB6BF600510 greatly appreciated.

Getting conflicting info on CARInfo.
Shows engine code as 064075(not affected) but delivery date as 4/11/10 (before 06/10 newer delivery)
Also states has P30(plus LSD...a given if p30) but dealer states car has p31 plus LSD and the car has: gray intakes; alcantara st.wheel; 18" wheels; and red calipers.
I have to strongly assume the car has p31 (would seem crazy trouble/expense to make it look like it does) and CARInfo has the p30 wrong, but can't tell if engine code and lsd are correct.

Valvestud

Not affected.

gmore

Went back to check with more pics posted and door sticker shows build date 11/10. CARInfo Kiev has been a great resource but guess its not perfect.

Thanks again

LARSLEMANS

Due to a "Check coolant" message in the display, I finally got my head bolts replaced with the new type of head bolts with outward thread (one bolt at a time replacement).

My mechanic found out that the reason for the check coolant message was a leak in the radiator, and not head bolts degrading.

At the same time I changed the valve lifters - another known M156 problem as I understand (due to lack of oil during start up).

Despite the expensive repair (also due to a new radiator), approximately 4.300 USD in all, I now do not have to worry about future engine troubles (I hope - the engine has 95.000 miles on the clock) for a while, so I strongly recommend owners of affected VIN numbers to just get the head bolts fixed

Jasonoff

Pics of old bolts?

LARSLEMANS

Hi Jasonoff,

Unfortunately no pictures, but I saw the replaced head bolts at the mechanic (the ones with inner thread) and they looked fine with no signs of the collar beginning to stretch. My mechanic had no problems (other than having to use a lot of torque) removing them, so there must have been no metal fatique either. My valve lifters though were turning slightly blue on the top - a sign of heat due to lack of oil at startup, so nice to get them changed before they wear down the cams or lock up as I have heard about in some cases.

Tehvine

I mean, take the engine serial with a grain of salt. I have an 8/20/10 shipping/release date on my 2011 with a 62xxx engine that has the "bad" headbolts. I've posted on it before here. Just going to change the bolts soon and go on with my life for the $500 or so it's going to cost me to do it. Chances are if you're buying a 2011 used at this point it probably needs valve cover gaskets soon anyway. You'll be able to see your bolt design once you're in there. I think the only way to be "safe" is to chase a 2012 or newer.

1stamg

Valvestud

Not affected.

Regards,

Joe

zeus_luis

Hi I am thinking about buing a merc c63 2010 with 35,500 miles, can someone please tell me if this car base on the vin number is affected with the head bold issue vin# WDDGF7HB5AF489138.
many Thanks in advance

Valvestud

The title of the thread gives you your answer.

Regards,

Joe

LoFox

Hi,

Would you mind checking the following VIN:

• WDDGF7HBXAF486798

Valvestud

The title of the thread gives you your answer.

Regards,

Joe

r230sl

hello Joe, 2011's M156 VIN check please:
WDBSK7AA7BF162211

Valvestud

MrVu

Hey Valve, the VIN i have is: WDDGF77X39F229796

the engine # is: 156985 60 036594
is it affected? thanks

BLKROKT

Jasonoff

Also read the 1st post again. I checked three times just to be sure and have confirmed 36594 is less than 60658.

How TF is this so complicated? Blows my mind...

MrVu

google showed me the latest page, apologies.