Hey guys so I sold my 05 E55 not long ago and want to get back into another amg. I'm looking at the na 63 M156 engine cars but am being put off by all the posts regarding engine problems related to head bolts, cam lifters, etc. I've searched and read through other posts but many are several years old now. Are these issues still common enough to the point where I should shop for other models? Are there ways to perform preventative maintenance to alleviate these problems? Will extended/aftermarket warranties cover these problems?

Thanks.

 

2012 or newer you will be fine and yes warranties should cover it if not modded.

 

Or for peace of mind, it's around $3,500 to fix preventatively. That should include new lifters. I am planning to have mine done in April at HG motorsports in San Diego. They are removing the heads. I'm also doing Weistec billet pulleys. Total for my quote for headbolts, lifters, and billet pulleys is $4,200.

 

Just run the vin and make sure you're not getting one with the old head bolts. 12+ and I think some 11's are good to go. Do NOT ask MB if it has the revised head bolts if it's a model in question because MB USA denies a revision.

 

For best peace of mind buy a 12+. By doing so you basically avoid the major problems that plagued the 08-11 crowd. Warranty is a +1 just in case something weird was to fail. Otherwise it's probably the most rock solid AMG for the money.

 

If you're having these off you going done the port and polish seems logical as the removal and replace will be covered?

 

Port and Polish?
There isn't much, if ANY, room left in our heads to improve flow....they really are THAT good out of the box and most people will tell you that it is a true waste of money

 

I had been searching for places to do the one by one method but no one wants to. They all want to remove the heads and the prices seem about the same as those quoted for one by one. I completely forgot about the possibility of polish and port. I know peak numbers are higher. Will the powerband shift higher up? I like the low end I have now.

 

M156 is a very solid engine. Just make sure you get a later model which has the newer head bolts.

 

I like my 2011. Most 2011's have the good head bolts, including mine, but to make sure, there is a thread where you can post the VIN and see if the 2011 is OK. Secondly, the 2012 face lift cars have a tendency to run hotter and being in Phoenix, that concerened me. My 2011 has been flawless, never gotten hot. Personally, I think the 2011 is the sweet spot.

 

thanks for the input guys