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Need advice before I move forward. My 2007 CLK63 convertible had a heater hose leak that when fixed and system re-pressurized, infiltrated my engine due to 3 broken head bolts (problem with 2007 156 engines). Result, blown head gasket, coolant in oil and three bent rods and an insane repair estimate from my local benz specialist. My beloved car is junk without an engine. Looking for a good running donor from another 63 AMG but not sure if other models like C or CLS would work as plug and play. Do I need to find another 2007 engine or can I substitute a 2008 or 2009 without issues? What do I need to look for? Help, please! I can't afford to make a costly mistake here. Thanks.
Sorry to hear, this really sucks. Don’t mean to pile on, but didn’t you know about the weak bolts?
Yes, all CLK63 year engines are plug n play. I see there are a lot of used C63 M156’s available on the internet; should be relatively plug n play for a qualified indy. One good thing, the stronger bolts will be on the later cars, but make sure. It’s still gonna set ya back at least $10k with labor. Keep us posted.
Yeah, I knew and I stupidly thought it wouldn't happen....hard lesson. I found a good working 2008 CLS 63 engine locally that appears identical.=C2=A0=
You're pretty close on your total cost estimate but I love my car. I'm also seeing the general value of CLK cabrios ticking upward at least here in Florida and there were only 243 total 63's imported. What are your thoughts on possible future collectability?
Sorry to hear that.
I would suggest that you get an engine from 2011 and later (serial number after 60658), as it has the updated headbolts and valvetrain parts.
If you buy a non-CLK engine you might need to swap the oil pan from your old one.
Thanks for the advice Solo. I'm devastated but determined to get my baby back on the road. What year did AMG fix the headbolt issue? 2011+ engines are running big $$ but I found an affordable '09 CLS63 with less mileage. Between that and about $4k labor to remove what's left of my engine and replace I'm already up there in $$. Despite their rarity I'm not sure they'll hold their value...certainly not like the Black Series. Will post when it's all sorted out. Any other tips always appreciated.
It's worth some time calling the various lawyers listed in a search of internet dealing with this engine and class actions...I hope you have some luck with this terrible situation!
Last edited by cindyclk; Aug 19, 2020 at 10:23 PM.
Thanks for these links...I agree completely! It's very disappointing that AMG's first ground up engine design would be a disaster because of a poorly imagined head bolt....a $150 set of bolts destroying a $40,000 engine! I will investigate and post.
2005 Mercedes Benz C55 AMG..1967 Lotus Europa..1987 Lotus Turbo Esprit HCI..2020 Mercedes Benz E350
Originally Posted by bungydiver
Thanks for these links...I agree completely! It's very disappointing that AMG's first ground up engine design would be a disaster because of a poorly imagined head bolt....a $150 set of bolts destroying a $40,000 engine! I will investigate and post.
Bungydiver....
A $150 for the revised headbolt set? Don't think so......Try $900 plus tax, wholesale, excluding labor!
Thanks for the compliment! Love your car! I would do the same and repair it, keep it. I came very close a few years back to getting a 63, but couldn’t find a decent lower mileage one for less than $25K. In hindsight, I’ve dropped about $10K on my 55 in the last couple of years so...
Used M156 are available for around $7,000 +/- $1,000 depending on miles and negotiating skills, engine swap labor cost its about $800 +/- $200, salvage parts out of your broken motor $2,500 +/- $400, alternator, starter, intake manifold, valve train assemblies, air boxes etc, for a 481h.p. Convertible, low production car to me its a “lets fix that baby up” case.
Sorry to hear that.
I would suggest that you get an engine from 2011 and later (serial number after 60658), as it has the updated headbolts and valvetrain parts.
If you buy a non-CLK engine you might need to swap the oil pan from your old one.
Good luck with your car.
I 100% agree. You may have to swap oil pans. Also I would reseal the upper oil pan/deck plate seal with the engine out. I would not buy a pre-updated motor unless it was updated. Ive seen two 140,000 mile 2007 e63s on stock headbolts no issues making 500whp. This isnt going to be cheap buy any means, and this isnt something i would do cheaply.
Used M156 are available for around $7,000 +/- $1,000 depending on miles and negotiating skills, engine swap labor cost its about $800 +/- $200, salvage parts out of your broken motor $2,500 +/- $400, alternator, starter, intake manifold, valve train assemblies, air boxes etc, for a 481h.p. Convertible, low production car to me its a “lets fix that baby up” case.
I found an updated M156 from a C63 donor (RIP) with 80k miles...mine had 120k...and its been swapped! Being road tested and sorted out now. Thanks for your encouragement. I love my car and can't wait to pick it up! Will post some pics of the "operation" later.
I found an updated M156 from a C63 donor (RIP) with 80k miles...mine had 120k...and its been swapped! Being road tested and sorted out now. Thanks for your encouragement. I love my car and can't wait to pick it up! Will post some pics of the "operation" later.
Please let me know if you do front brakes soon or have any used clk63 rotors. I need the center hats
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Help! Need To Replace my CLK63 Engine
