$20k engine repair
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
Posts: 1
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G550 2016
$20k engine repair
Hey All,
Bought a used 2016 G550 a few months ago. Engine light came on and I took it to the Mercedes for service. They charged around $1k to diagnose (pressure test to see where a suspected leak is coming from). They then tell me I need to replace the right cylinder head for $20k. (“The valve guides are worn. cylinder 3 exhaust valve, 65% leakage. This is the main reason for the recommendation of the cylinder head replacement”).
I asked what they think the cause was. They said it could have been because the previous owner removed the resonators. But maybe not. I’ve asked multiple times and they avoid the question as to what else could be the cause.
They’re also quoting 10k to put resonators back in.
I don’t want to fix it until I know the cause, because I imagine it could happen again.
Car is no longer covered by a warranty.
Am I just out of luck here and have to cough up the $30k to fix this. Any ideas for recourse?
We had the car inspected by Mercedes a few months back days after purchase and they didn’t notice the missing resonators, so I’m thinking there’s some negligence there, especially since they first suggested that was the cause (in writing). Another option is that the dealer may be liable because the car wouldn’t have passed a smog check without the resonators.
Dealer gave word that it was inspected but stupidly I don’t have a copy of the report.
If a 5 year old Mercedes engine breaks down are you just out of luck?
Should I screw the Mercedes service techs and find a non Mercedes tech?
Thoughts?
Bought a used 2016 G550 a few months ago. Engine light came on and I took it to the Mercedes for service. They charged around $1k to diagnose (pressure test to see where a suspected leak is coming from). They then tell me I need to replace the right cylinder head for $20k. (“The valve guides are worn. cylinder 3 exhaust valve, 65% leakage. This is the main reason for the recommendation of the cylinder head replacement”).
I asked what they think the cause was. They said it could have been because the previous owner removed the resonators. But maybe not. I’ve asked multiple times and they avoid the question as to what else could be the cause.
They’re also quoting 10k to put resonators back in.
I don’t want to fix it until I know the cause, because I imagine it could happen again.
Car is no longer covered by a warranty.
Am I just out of luck here and have to cough up the $30k to fix this. Any ideas for recourse?
We had the car inspected by Mercedes a few months back days after purchase and they didn’t notice the missing resonators, so I’m thinking there’s some negligence there, especially since they first suggested that was the cause (in writing). Another option is that the dealer may be liable because the car wouldn’t have passed a smog check without the resonators.
Dealer gave word that it was inspected but stupidly I don’t have a copy of the report.
If a 5 year old Mercedes engine breaks down are you just out of luck?
Should I screw the Mercedes service techs and find a non Mercedes tech?
Thoughts?
Last edited by Bart Sloan; Jan 27, 2022 at 09:09 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 259
1991 964 Turbo, 2002 Black E55, 2002 Black E55 " The Beast"- 2014 E63s
So sorry to hear your new purchase has the engine problem this early in the ownership.
Definitely find out from other members if there's an Independent Mercedes repair facility who can give you a second opinion.
Also regrading the resonators, I'd say look up the eBay and I am sure you find a used one off the internet.
Definitely find out from other members if there's an Independent Mercedes repair facility who can give you a second opinion.
Also regrading the resonators, I'd say look up the eBay and I am sure you find a used one off the internet.
Member
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 164
Likes: 39
From: NV, UT
2012 Land Rover LR4 5.0L V8 LUX HD
The valve guide wear is not from missing resonators. The resonator increases back pressure (when present) and reduces back pressure when it isn't there as well as changing the sound. None of that will cause abnormal valve-train wear on one cylinder.
The guide wear could be from many things. Like the seller putting a bad head on it and took the good one. Or it could be a defect from the manufacturer. Typically the guides wear more evenly and have close tolerances. What you could do is find a shop to replace the valve guides on #3 and you don't need a new head for that. It is a $5 part with lots of labor hours. Possibly a new valve too, but still cheap comparatively ($50?).
The recommendation for the cylinder head replacement could be because they don't know how to do valve work so they replace the part the valve guide is attached to and that is a massive unnecessary expense. They may also believe the head is machined wrong and for that reason you would need a new head. But don't suggest the head was machined wrong because they'll just say yes, that is it.
The guide wear could be from many things. Like the seller putting a bad head on it and took the good one. Or it could be a defect from the manufacturer. Typically the guides wear more evenly and have close tolerances. What you could do is find a shop to replace the valve guides on #3 and you don't need a new head for that. It is a $5 part with lots of labor hours. Possibly a new valve too, but still cheap comparatively ($50?).
The recommendation for the cylinder head replacement could be because they don't know how to do valve work so they replace the part the valve guide is attached to and that is a massive unnecessary expense. They may also believe the head is machined wrong and for that reason you would need a new head. But don't suggest the head was machined wrong because they'll just say yes, that is it.
Last edited by hard top; Jan 27, 2022 at 09:51 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2002
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Likes: 133
From: Massachusetts
2018 GLE350, 2014 G550, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8, 1995 E320 Cabriolet
I think the dealer sticking it to you right up the bum with an extremely large jar of Vaseline. Find a really good Indy mechanic who has access to a good engine machine shop and save yourself a boatload of cash.
As for the resonators being the cause, higher the normal exhaust rates/temperatures can burn valves, but it seems to me that removing the resonators should not push things to that point, but it may be a weak design. Find a used set somewhere or find a good aftermarket alternative exhaust.
As for smog, in general, it depends on what state. In general, for Federal emissions, anything from the second O2 sensor back is usually okay, but for California and like states, it may be an issue.
As for the resonators being the cause, higher the normal exhaust rates/temperatures can burn valves, but it seems to me that removing the resonators should not push things to that point, but it may be a weak design. Find a used set somewhere or find a good aftermarket alternative exhaust.
As for smog, in general, it depends on what state. In general, for Federal emissions, anything from the second O2 sensor back is usually okay, but for California and like states, it may be an issue.
Last edited by Floobydust; Jan 28, 2022 at 06:22 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 781
Likes: 266
G63, G65
Hey All,
Bought a used 2016 G550 a few months ago. Engine light came on and I took it to the Mercedes for service. They charged around $1k to diagnose (pressure test to see where a suspected leak is coming from). They then tell me I need to replace the right cylinder head for $20k. (“The valve guides are worn. cylinder 3 exhaust valve, 65% leakage. This is the main reason for the recommendation of the cylinder head replacement”).
I asked what they think the cause was. They said it could have been because the previous owner removed the resonators. But maybe not. I’ve asked multiple times and they avoid the question as to what else could be the cause.
They’re also quoting 10k to put resonators back in.
I don’t want to fix it until I know the cause, because I imagine it could happen again.
Car is no longer covered by a warranty.
Am I just out of luck here and have to cough up the $30k to fix this. Any ideas for recourse?
We had the car inspected by Mercedes a few months back days after purchase and they didn’t notice the missing resonators, so I’m thinking there’s some negligence there, especially since they first suggested that was the cause (in writing). Another option is that the dealer may be liable because the car wouldn’t have passed a smog check without the resonators.
Dealer gave word that it was inspected but stupidly I don’t have a copy of the report.
If a 5 year old Mercedes engine breaks down are you just out of luck?
Should I screw the Mercedes service techs and find a non Mercedes tech?
Thoughts?
Bought a used 2016 G550 a few months ago. Engine light came on and I took it to the Mercedes for service. They charged around $1k to diagnose (pressure test to see where a suspected leak is coming from). They then tell me I need to replace the right cylinder head for $20k. (“The valve guides are worn. cylinder 3 exhaust valve, 65% leakage. This is the main reason for the recommendation of the cylinder head replacement”).
I asked what they think the cause was. They said it could have been because the previous owner removed the resonators. But maybe not. I’ve asked multiple times and they avoid the question as to what else could be the cause.
They’re also quoting 10k to put resonators back in.
I don’t want to fix it until I know the cause, because I imagine it could happen again.
Car is no longer covered by a warranty.
Am I just out of luck here and have to cough up the $30k to fix this. Any ideas for recourse?
We had the car inspected by Mercedes a few months back days after purchase and they didn’t notice the missing resonators, so I’m thinking there’s some negligence there, especially since they first suggested that was the cause (in writing). Another option is that the dealer may be liable because the car wouldn’t have passed a smog check without the resonators.
Dealer gave word that it was inspected but stupidly I don’t have a copy of the report.
If a 5 year old Mercedes engine breaks down are you just out of luck?
Should I screw the Mercedes service techs and find a non Mercedes tech?
Thoughts?
Find an independent shop that can do motor work and have them do a valve job. How many miles are on the truck?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,666
Likes: 4,568
From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Sorry to hear.
Resonators have nothing to do with this. It’s an MB design defect, one of many on the M157/M278 engine.
Search the 166 sections of the site and you will find many posts on valve guides and cylinder scuffing.
Resonators have nothing to do with this. It’s an MB design defect, one of many on the M157/M278 engine.
Search the 166 sections of the site and you will find many posts on valve guides and cylinder scuffing.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 848
Likes: 504
From: NJ/NYC
2005 G55K
Not exactly the same situation in terms of engine issues, but maybe a guide in how to proceed.
https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=19250
https://clubgwagen.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=34&t=19250
Last edited by shiann; Jan 31, 2022 at 01:25 PM.
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