Dreaded M156 tappet tick??
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Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Dreaded M156 tappet tick??
Hey guys,
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
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Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Houston, TX
2014 E63 AMGs, 2015 F-150 Lariat, 2010 Porsche C4S
Hey guys,
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
W211 E63 M156 engine tick - YouTube
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
W211 E63 M156 engine tick - YouTube
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
Does it go away once warmed up, and what oil are you using?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
I took that video with it at operating temp, 81 degrees C.
I've always used Mobil 1 0w-40. Thats the right stuff? I know Merc says to now use a 5w-40 but that only changes the winter viscosity...
I've always used Mobil 1 0w-40. Thats the right stuff? I know Merc says to now use a 5w-40 but that only changes the winter viscosity...
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Joined: May 2009
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'18 C63A Cabriolet
Hey guys,
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
W211 E63 M156 engine tick - YouTube
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
My M156 is in a W211 but I figured the W204 forums get more action so I'd post it here. Anyway, I think I may have the dreaded tappet tick issue that has turned up on a lot of these engines. I believe its only on the right cylinder bank. Here's the link to the youtube video if you wouldn't mind listening to it and letting me know your opinion:
W211 E63 M156 engine tick - YouTube
Let me know how bad you think it is and how urgently I need to replace the tappets and cam. I really don't want it to bust a whole in the tappet and ruin this engine...its spectacular!
Anybody get MBUSA to cover the work??
If not, at a minimum, I'd bring it to the dealer and complain about it so that you have it on record. Not sure where you are but in CA, if a defect manifests itself during the warranty period, the warranty does not expire until the defect is fixed. That language is on the reverse side of every repair invoice the dealer gives you.
Edit: You are on LI (I'm a Smithtown native!) and NY likely has the same basic warranty law.
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2012 c63 AMG, 2011 GLK 350, 2019 GLS 450
If it's constant for extended time period I'm going with cam adjusters. What year is your car? Google cam adjusters there are a couple videos but sound always comes from the drivers side for some reason. Do you have a rattle sound from that area on startup?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Nice! I'm in Dix Hills.
I'm out of warranty at this point (probably a mistake) but I called MBUSA earlier today so at least its documented. Apparently they haven't settled the lawsuit over the issue (?) If its settled, at least I'm documented and could have something re-reimbursed.
I'm out of warranty at this point (probably a mistake) but I called MBUSA earlier today so at least its documented. Apparently they haven't settled the lawsuit over the issue (?) If its settled, at least I'm documented and could have something re-reimbursed.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
The sound is constant even after warm up. Whats the story with the cam adjusters? It is only on the drivers side. Are they defective and often need replacing? or are they just typically noisy and theres nothing to worry about?
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From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
I work at a dealer and we had an E63 come in with a very similar noise. There is a bulletin out that calls for replacement of camshafts and tappets. $6,000+ in parts alone. After this was done the noise was gone. If it was my car I would do lifters alone. I'm assuming they want the cams and tappets to wear to each other, but at that cost I would take my chances.
There was no noticeable wear on the cams or tappets. The test to see if they need to be replaced is to push on the lifter and see if they feel "soft". In my opinion it was not the best wording. Using a brass punch and arm pressure you could feel some of the tappets give under pressure.
There was no noticeable wear on the cams or tappets. The test to see if they need to be replaced is to push on the lifter and see if they feel "soft". In my opinion it was not the best wording. Using a brass punch and arm pressure you could feel some of the tappets give under pressure.
Last edited by layzie12g; Jun 2, 2015 at 12:05 AM.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Yeah I guess I'll pull the valve covers off and try this test, I'm not sure exactly what "soft" means but maybe I'll notice it on only certain tappets. I just hope to god the cams are fine!
This really blows my mind that Mercedes isn't fixing this. Its a pretty incredibly devastating issue for the engine considering it only has 58K on it!! @layzie12G Did that owner of the E63 you worked on get his cams and tappets replaced at cost? or did Mercedes pick up some of the costs?
This really blows my mind that Mercedes isn't fixing this. Its a pretty incredibly devastating issue for the engine considering it only has 58K on it!! @layzie12G Did that owner of the E63 you worked on get his cams and tappets replaced at cost? or did Mercedes pick up some of the costs?
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From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
Actually Benz did pick up all of the cost. I guess the car has had various engine issues since it was new. That is the only reason. If you car has been healthy up until now, I would assume your on your own.
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2017 Mini Cooper S Clubman ALL4 - British Racing Green
The lawsuit you are referring to was dismissed, no settlement, I cannot remember the details.
My car also has the ticking, and a slight high pitched rattling has developed which is a little worrying, but I am at 110k miles and almost a year out of warranty. Not sure what I am going to do.
My car also has the ticking, and a slight high pitched rattling has developed which is a little worrying, but I am at 110k miles and almost a year out of warranty. Not sure what I am going to do.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 330
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
Yeah I'm getting out of this thing. Its a shame, such an incredible engine. It just doesn't make much sense to spend $6k on a car thats worth $28k, I'll just trade it in at $23k and consider myself lucky!
Thread Starter
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From: Long Island, NY
2012 C63 AMG edition 1
I think that's a different issue. Apparently when they sit for awhile they just need oil to circulate, apparently the engine has drainage issues or something. My problem is persistent whether it sits for awhile or not
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Joined: Feb 2014
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From: HSV
2011 C63 P31, 2012 ML350, 2007 335i E93
My 2011 had the nasty ticking. It was under warranty as a CPO. The dealer tried twice with the lifters, cam shaft etc, no luck still ticked. I ended up with a new M156 freshly shipped from Afalterbach.
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W202 (1999 C240) and W204 (2008 C63)
If it has been sitting, does it and then goes away after warming up I would not worry, but if it is a regular and persistent problem then would suggest having it diagnosed and repaired. Need good techs to do this.
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A V8
I work at a dealer and we had an E63 come in with a very similar noise. There is a bulletin out that calls for replacement of camshafts and tappets. $6,000+ in parts alone. After this was done the noise was gone. If it was my car I would do lifters alone. I'm assuming they want the cams and tappets to wear to each other, but at that cost I would take my chances.
There was no noticeable wear on the cams or tappets. The test to see if they need to be replaced is to push on the lifter and see if they feel "soft". In my opinion it was not the best wording. Using a brass punch and arm pressure you could feel some of the tappets give under pressure.
There was no noticeable wear on the cams or tappets. The test to see if they need to be replaced is to push on the lifter and see if they feel "soft". In my opinion it was not the best wording. Using a brass punch and arm pressure you could feel some of the tappets give under pressure.
mine makes an intermittent tamping... it's totally random. dealer checked it, said it was fine.
do you have the SB for this?
