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I'll post some pictures later but I wanted to say that I learned a ton reading up on this site about what to look for.
So thanks!!
It's got 103K on the clock, so its been well used.
So... headbolts... LOL. You knew I had to go there...
I checked with MB service using the VIN and they do not have any info on headbolt replacement on their records. Is there a specific way they would describe the procedure in the service records because there is no mention of "headbolt replacement".
At 103K miles, I'm almost sure that it would have failed by now if they hadn't been replaced by now. Right?
Also, is there a way to determine if they have been replaced? I'm not afraid to take off some valve covers and check, but I don't know what I'm looking for and I've searched on "how to tell headbolt replace" and can't find anything specific...
There doesnt seem to be any correlation with mileage.
Guys that are low mileage are optimistic that failure "must be a ways down the road, so Im good for now".
Guys that are high mileage are optimistic that failure "would have happened by now if it was gonna".
I personally am of the belief that it doesn't happen nearly as often as you would grow to think when hanging around here, but I do firmly believe that mileage is not a telling indicator. Personally, I would do the pre-emptive replacement. The cost and hassle sucks, but failure is catastrophic on a few levels, so its just not worth the risk. I traded out of my 09 to avoid it.
No matter how you decide to handle it, congratulations on buying one of the coolest cars ever Welcome.
Congrats on the car OP. Just enjoy it and don't worry about the headbolts for now. I also think the failure rate is not as high as we're led to believe reading these forums. Just be diligent with your check engine lights and prepare to shyt bricks when the coolant light comes on.
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
Originally Posted by NotABaller
Congrats on the car OP. Just enjoy it and don't worry about the headbolts for now. I also think the failure rate is not as high as we're led to believe reading these forums. Just be diligent with your check engine lights and prepare to shyt bricks when the coolant light comes on.
Curious how much you paid?
I find it funny that someone who just recently started looking at C63's and doesn't even have one yet, is giving advice like "don't worry about the headbolts for now".
What you "think" has no bearing on the facts. Keep reading junior.
I find it funny that someone who just recently started looking at C63's and doesn't even have one yet, is giving advice like "don't worry about the headbolts for now".
What you "think" has no bearing on the facts. Keep reading junior.
Yeah, asking questions is one thing, but a couple weeks of reading a forum may be a little premature for giving advice, especially on something as big and expensive as headbolts.
NotABaller, you seem like a decent enough guy, but its like giving parenting advice when you have no kids. Everybody has an opinion, but those opinions sure change in a hurry when the tater-tots arrive and you are fully invested and responsible.
Really impossible to tell without opening her up to check condition. Service record is one thing, but you never know if previous owner DIY or took to Indy. Did you buy it direct from previous owner? Might be worth reaching out and just asking if they did or not?
Last edited by AZN Optics; May 16, 2017 at 10:41 AM.
Yeah, asking questions is one thing, but a couple weeks of reading a forum may be a little premature for giving advice, especially on something as big and expensive as headbolts.
NotABaller, you seem like a decent enough guy, but its like giving parenting advice when you have no kids. Everybody has an opinion, but those opinions sure change in a hurry when the tater-tots arrive and you are fully invested and responsible.
Thanks for the replies everyone!
Yeah, I'm definitely enjoying it a little bit.
OK, a lot. My previous car was a 2002 WRX wagon which was quick and great in the snow that ONE time (North Georgia) but I couldn't stand to turn on the AC because I'd lose half the power... lol
I've saved that picture of the headbolts on my phone so when I get the valve cover gaskets replaced I can check them out. Thanks!
And don't worry, I'm not worried, I'm just a planner.
I paid $20K for it. It's in great cosmetic shape and runs really good. I did get the "check oil next time you fill up" light and had to top it off. I'm planning on changing the oil completely to make sure I've got the right type in it - never know what a used car dealership will put in it...
The valve covers are coming off in a week or two, so I'll know about the headbolts then.
Sadly, I was so excited about the car I didn't even check the headlights and found out that night I've only got one working low beam... So that's getting fixed ASAP. On my 1.5 hour commute today I kept an eye on the temp and I'm running a max temp of 224F in oil and 199F on coolant so its not running hot but today was only about 82F ambient temp with a good bit of stop and go. I'm not going to commute regular in this though, I've got my wifes R350 for that. She wil be happy to scoot around in a C63. Herr previous cars (with ex-husband) were a E55 (non supercharged), ML55, and a S600 - so she will be right at home. Everything else works though, so I'm pretty damn happy with it.
Part of buying the car was having the valve cover gaskets replaced by their service department for free as they were leaking oil onto the manifolds (not bad, just enough to see and occasionally smoke).
As part of that process I requested that they inspect the headbolts. they said they look great and not to mess with them... yeah, about that. Those are definitely the stock headbolts.
So... highest mileage with the stock headbolts? I've got 104K
Congrats on the buy, probably too late now but did they happen to inspect the cam lobes and lifters? That's probably the next most common issue with these motors. And don't delay oil service! I'm not a pro but I've experienced most of the common failures.
W213 E63S Wagon, W204 C63 P30(RIP), WK1 Grand Cherokee SRT8(RIP)
130k on mine when the headbolts went.....
and i would like to know the answer to this question....How in the 8th layer of Chinese hell could any tech tell you that the headbolts looked "great" and not to mess with them? I mean there is nothing, zero, NADA visible from the top of the bolt that would give any indicator of the condition of the neck, which is where the corrosion takes place!!!! i mean the bolt heads are in a constant oil bath and by proxy should look as new as the day the engine was built, mine did. I would not only kick that tech in the nuts but also whatever service advisor allowed him to open his ignorant mouth.
and not sure of other's issues with the lifters and lobes but at 130k mine literally looked brand spanking new, as in polished mirror finish on every single one of them(pics are in my headbolt thread)
at that mileage and knowing that you have not had one let loose yet i would order the bolts myself and have an Indy shop go ahead and swap them one at a time, that way you wont spend your time driving with that worry in the back of your mind.
and i would like to know the answer to this question....How in the 8th layer of Chinese hell could any tech tell you that the headbolts looked "great" and not to mess with them? I mean there is nothing, zero, NADA visible from the top of the bolt that would give any indicator of the condition of the neck, which is where the corrosion takes place!!!! i mean the bolt heads are in a constant oil bath and by proxy should look as new as the day the engine was built, mine did. I would not only kick that tech in the nuts but also whatever service advisor allowed him to open his ignorant mouth.
and not sure of other's issues with the lifters and lobes but at 130k mine literally looked brand spanking new, as in polished mirror finish on every single one of them(pics are in my headbolt thread)
at that mileage and knowing that you have not had one let loose yet i would order the bolts myself and have an Indy shop go ahead and swap them one at a time, that way you wont spend your time driving with that worry in the back of your mind.
You are 100% right, but this was a local dealer service area. They were NOT a MB service department or even know what the headbolt problem is. I only wanted to get a free headbolt inspection with the valve cover gasket replacement.
Yes, I am definitely going to order the bolts ASAP and start looking for a local shop that will do it.
You are 100% right, but this was a local dealer service area. They were NOT a MB service department or even know what the headbolt problem is. I only wanted to get a free headbolt inspection with the valve cover gasket replacement.
Yes, I am definitely going to order the bolts ASAP and start looking for a local shop that will do it.
That's the right move. You're buying yourself something other than protection from failure - peace of mind.
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