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I stopped in my local MB dealer to pick up some parts so I inquired how much they would charge me just in labor to replace one exhaust manifold gasket. I was expecting it to be simple to get a price quote, maybe they type in there computer what car it is and the work needed and it spits out the time in hours to do it. Nope, and of coarse I get the person who just started there 2 days ago so he really had no idea. I had the gasket in my hand and just said how much to install this?
After waiting around in the end I was told "ballpark estimate" 5-6hrs at $205/hr, not accounting for any broken bolts that may have to be drilled out.
It is that simple. There's a website, repairpal or something like that. I'm sure it's referencing the same data as AllData and Mitchell.
And yes that's the exact same range I've been getting quoted, and the same range software estimation tools like AllData, Mitchell and RepairPal use.
Lastly, yes, that's the most major concern.
In the 4Matic, the motor mounts and possibly the CV block access to the passenger side manifold studs/nuts so they have to be worked around.
If you manage to pull that off, yes, snapping a stud is the MAJOR potential pitfall.
I've been soaking my nuts/studs in PB blaster/WD40. I think I'm going to reapply the penetrant daily for the next couple weeks, then possibly try one of those induction coil heaters and see how difficult the nuts are to get off.
Good idea pre-soaking all the hardware. I need to develop a better way to spray them down, maybe find a longer flexible straw.
Based on the one nut/stud i can visually see it looks like the threads are nice and rusted, i'm hoping the studs come out along with the nuts especially since the original torque for the nuts is only 16nm.
The instructions I have for the M272 engine are unbelievably simple. For the passenger side it mentions removing the ground cable from the battery which im not sure why, though there is a large ground cable that runs along the side of the head that is in the way and I can see moving it. Says to disconnect the flange at the cat along with loosen the exhaust bracket. I think im going to have to remove that section altogether to even be able to reach my hands up there. With that cat removed it should be easy, to at least reach the nuts that is. I'm over thinking it most likely, even got new hardware for the bracket that looks extremely rusted on mine. I was able to find a used set of hardware on ebay for around $20, Mercedes wants $15 for each bracket and $5 each nut. And then buying a used manifold and giving it a good cleaning saved me alot from buying a new manifold.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
