Chalk up another broken Headbolt count!
#1
Chalk up another broken Headbolt count!
Didn't realise my first post would be about a broken headbolt, but thanks to this board and the wealth of knowledge before buying my car, I couldn't have been more calm and educated about this issue. My mechanic said he has never seen anyone more relaxed about a $3500 repair bill. He said most people show up with sharp metal objects when he explains how a $12 bolt can cause such catasrophic damage to their bank account.
Mine is an '09 C63 with about 80k(that's in KM, about 50k in miles). Previous owner was a friend of mine from new and my knowledge of the car history was probably the only reason why I took a leap on a used high milage, high performance German car without a warranty. We agreed that the headbolts would eventually become an issue and gave me an appropriate deal on the car.
The cost to do a headbolt job with new gaskets and cleaning was about $2.5K(in USD), my lifters were on its way as well so that added another $1K.
What was interesting was that the shop used to be a independent Merc shop but because so many cars came in for headbolts that they are now a shop that simply specializes on M156 headbolts. The number of headbolt repairs they do on a weekly basis is quite scary. He said in every engine he opened with the effected headbolts were either broken or on its way to being broken. He has seen cars go well past 100k before being broken and some that wouldn't last 20k... but he is quite adamant that it's not an issue of if, but when.
The good thing is that they have this repair perfected so the cost has come down significantly compared to the past when he charged well over $4K during the first batch of effected cars.
I bought my C63 because I knew this would be the last of its kind. It would be something I will tell my children how the world was once a great place where shoehorning a naturally aspirated 6200cc V8 into a compact family sedan with no regards to self-restraint was a good idea.
I really owe this board a load of thanks, especially to the early 'pioneers' who must've gone through hell trying to resolve this issue.
Mine is an '09 C63 with about 80k(that's in KM, about 50k in miles). Previous owner was a friend of mine from new and my knowledge of the car history was probably the only reason why I took a leap on a used high milage, high performance German car without a warranty. We agreed that the headbolts would eventually become an issue and gave me an appropriate deal on the car.
The cost to do a headbolt job with new gaskets and cleaning was about $2.5K(in USD), my lifters were on its way as well so that added another $1K.
What was interesting was that the shop used to be a independent Merc shop but because so many cars came in for headbolts that they are now a shop that simply specializes on M156 headbolts. The number of headbolt repairs they do on a weekly basis is quite scary. He said in every engine he opened with the effected headbolts were either broken or on its way to being broken. He has seen cars go well past 100k before being broken and some that wouldn't last 20k... but he is quite adamant that it's not an issue of if, but when.
The good thing is that they have this repair perfected so the cost has come down significantly compared to the past when he charged well over $4K during the first batch of effected cars.
I bought my C63 because I knew this would be the last of its kind. It would be something I will tell my children how the world was once a great place where shoehorning a naturally aspirated 6200cc V8 into a compact family sedan with no regards to self-restraint was a good idea.
I really owe this board a load of thanks, especially to the early 'pioneers' who must've gone through hell trying to resolve this issue.
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Orange County, CA
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C63 AMG - LSD
The number of headbolt repairs they do on a weekly basis is quite scary. He said in every engine he opened with the effected headbolts were either broken or on its way to being broken. He has seen cars go well past 100k before being broken and some that wouldn't last 20k... but he is quite adamant that it's not an issue of if, but when.
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Now I wish I had done headbolts earlier.
#7
Is there an easy way to see if a previous owner already repaired?
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#9
Super Member
#10
Super Member
I would take advantage of this situation and have the heads sent off to a machine shop for a pnp. This is the one thing that makes me believe it's ok if it happens. I got a quote for $1500 for the pair of heads. Shop said a claimed 20hp increase. I was also quoted $2500 for my head bolts.
#12
MBWorld Fanatic!
I would take advantage of this situation and have the heads sent off to a machine shop for a pnp. This is the one thing that makes me believe it's ok if it happens. I got a quote for $1500 for the pair of heads. Shop said a claimed 20hp increase. I was also quoted $2500 for my head bolts.
#13
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally Posted by Celicasaur
lol that's exactly what I would do too! it would add a silver lining to an otherwise dark time.
#14
MBWorld Fanatic!
well, thats a helluva first post. Lets hope we get a second, with a name/location of that shop.
And I love this.....
Yeah, thats the sweet sweet candy that got us all hooked lol.
And I love this.....
Yeah, thats the sweet sweet candy that got us all hooked lol.
#17
MBWorld Fanatic!
With the heads off, is it a good idea to do the timing chain guides as well? And if you add on cam adjusters, how much does that add? Thanks!
#18
MBWorld Fanatic!
#20
Member
Cam adjusters are $650 each. The M156 uses 4 so that $2,600 just in parts not exactly cheap, neither is PnP since everyone is throwing that around.
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
Why no exhaust manifold gaskets?
I don't think they pull the heads with the manifolds attached and separate by the front converters, hm.
Why no TTY aluminum bolts for the intake manifold?
I don't think they pull the heads with the manifolds attached and separate by the front converters, hm.
Why no TTY aluminum bolts for the intake manifold?
#22
Super Member
#24
MBWorld Fanatic!
#25
Super Member