Hey Guys,

I’m considering an ‘08 w/ 125k. Well maintained, I would be acquiring from the 3rd owner. The 1st owner kept it past 100k, but the service history is limited. The 2nd owner supplied the current owner with extensive records during his ownership.

Is it likely the OE head bolts would have been addressed at this point? I plan on getting the car inspected prior to making the deal although something along these lines would require some serious digging.

Cheers,

-Rob

 

Likely maybe but lots go pretty high miles before they let go so only way to know is to look.

 

Unless you have an invoice showing that the head bolts have been upgraded then I doubt that they have. The only way to confirm is to remove the valve covers and do an inspection.

 

I think you are less likely with 3 previous owners... a long term owner would more likely address it.

 

How hard would it be to look through the documents?

 

Not hard at all which is why I inquired about it.

 

You can try sending an email to MB corporate with the VIN and ask if the headbolts were replaced. This is what I did. Of course this only covers incidences involving a dealership.

 

Headbolt failure is not as common as the internet wants you to think. Id imagine 85% of m156 still have original head bolts. Half of the 15% probably were done from necessity. The other half being proactive maintenance. It's bound to need or have had the valve cover gaskets replaced by now.

 

Thanks. Prob wise to seek a lower mile ‘12+ to put my mind at ease. I tend to keep my cars for a while.

I did not feel comfortable about this car because the owner stated it had been done, but then could not find the record. I’m only considering at this point.

Cheers.

 

If the car is a good deal, maybe you can have the valve covers popped open and inspected. You can check that the head bolts were replaced, and check the condition of the intake cams while your're at it.

Maybe go half on it with the seller? It'd be good information for both of you regardless of if you buy it or not, and if you do buy, pop in some new valve cover gaskets for good measure.

 

Agree with asking to pull the valve covers. If the bolts are done he should have no issue with it. You might get your answer right then depending on his response.

Or if you really like the car you could lowball the guy by $5k. If he takes it, just do the bolts if needed and call it a wash. However if he’s being evasive on headbolt questions, that’s a red flag on hiding other information.

Of course, someone without knowledge of the issue will probably give the guy what he’s asking if he waits long enough. However given the current economic situation, he may not want to wait for a sucker to show up...

Personally, I’d wait until a FL falls in your range - it’s a good time to be a buyer of things.

 

I own a 2010 C63 with only 15,486 miles on it and the seller didn't have any records. I later asked the selling and
maintaining dealer and they wouldn't be cooperative. I live about 485 miles away so that is a typical 'stealer' which sucks!
No one has mentioned removing the valve covers to look AND what to look for that will show that they have been changed.
Are there any markings on replacement bolts that will convince me they are the stronger bolts VS the weaker ones??

Thanks Guys that can give me a clue for an answer to this!

 

https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...ml#post5104605