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OK folks, I am sharing this here for future reference (how to replace a leaking oil filter housing and/or cam magnet in an M157). Parts are very inexpensive, but due to how tight the engine bay is, its VERY labor intensive.
Skid plate, driver's side airbox, intake pipe, charge pipe, coolant hard lines, power steering fluid line, idler pulley, belt, thermostat housing, radiator fan all have to be removed. I read somewhere that the dealer quoted $2700 for this job, and I can totally see why.
Good news is that I found an EXCELLENT youtube video of a gentleman doing this on a W463 AMG. He shows everything you need to know. Linking here:
(youtube is from "vipermike" so not sure if we already have vipermike on the forum? @vipermike@vipermike007 )
Here is how it all started. I noticed a small leak by my engine pan after an oil change and traced it back up to oil filter housing (I'm at 87k miles FYI). I did a bit of Internet research and that's what led me to vipermike's youtube video.
While I was there, I also noticed one of my cam magnets was seeping just a tiny bit.
Some general lessons and tips:
You will be removing a TON of bolts. Careful cataloging and bagging would prevent nightmares when re-installing. Take a TON of photos, and most importantly, write-down the order of how you take apart things. When re-installing, if you are out of order, you will most likely not be able to reach/access some bolts. Room is EXTREMELY tight in the engine bay.
I got both the parts - OEM replacements - on Amazon. $140 for the oil filter housing (comes with a brand new oil filter) and about $40 for the cam magnet.
Plug all the holes with rags while you are working, you don't want to drop a nut or bolt down into an engine cavity!
There is a vacuum line to the wastegate that is dangling and precariously routed. When re-installing I didn't secure it propertly, and I think it rubbed on the belt and snapped. This threw a check engine light (P0299 underboost code). I subsequently patched the vac line and routed/secured correctly.
A 90-degree cordless ratchet and wobble tip extension set are a must.
When refilling the radiator, I filled the radiator inlet hose first, then radiator outlet hose to motor, and the burp tank last. Seemed to go smoothly and I didn't have any airpockets in the system.
Thanks again to Vipermike.
Last edited by xxaarraa; Dec 18, 2023 at 11:51 AM.
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.
