m156 Head bolt replacement DIY video
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
m156 Head bolt replacement DIY video
With the recent surge in interest in R63 (thanks YouTubers) more and more people started asking about m156 head bolt replacement.
After researching a lot on this forum and YouTube (thanks Tasos Moschatos) I decided to replace head bolts on my 2007 E63 AMG. I created a video How-To for future DIYers. Hope this video will help someone. In the video, I try to capture almost every step involved in the project as well as talk about unexpected nuances encountered along the way that might not be in other resources.
My car is 2007 E63 AMG with 67K miles currently and is well maintained. But it is the same engine so I decided to post on this section of the forum as well. I expected to see much rustier bolts, but they were just fine with few of them showing some surface rust. I think I could've leave them alone and the engine would survive a long time without replacement too.
In general, I am starting a whole new YouTube automotive channel where I will talk about my own E63 as well as many other cars. Feel free to subscribe and comment. Thanks for watching.
After researching a lot on this forum and YouTube (thanks Tasos Moschatos) I decided to replace head bolts on my 2007 E63 AMG. I created a video How-To for future DIYers. Hope this video will help someone. In the video, I try to capture almost every step involved in the project as well as talk about unexpected nuances encountered along the way that might not be in other resources.
My car is 2007 E63 AMG with 67K miles currently and is well maintained. But it is the same engine so I decided to post on this section of the forum as well. I expected to see much rustier bolts, but they were just fine with few of them showing some surface rust. I think I could've leave them alone and the engine would survive a long time without replacement too.
In general, I am starting a whole new YouTube automotive channel where I will talk about my own E63 as well as many other cars. Feel free to subscribe and comment. Thanks for watching.
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Joined: May 2019
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R 63 AMG, Mercedes E320
Thanks for the two videos. They were interesting and informative. Unfortunately even though the R63 is bigger than the E63, there is a lot less room in the engine compartment. I'm not sure that it is really possible to change the head bolts in the R63 without dropping the engine, which makes it a much more complicated job for us R63 owners. I'm not sure how much time that adds to the job.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
Thanks for the two videos. They were interesting and informative. Unfortunately even though the R63 is bigger than the E63, there is a lot less room in the engine compartment. I'm not sure that it is really possible to change the head bolts in the R63 without dropping the engine, which makes it a much more complicated job for us R63 owners. I'm not sure how much time that adds to the job.
I haven’t seen under the bonnet of R63, but basically, if you can open the valve covers in R63 with the engine in the car, then you should be able to change one bolt at a time. The last bolt is hard even in E63, but with couple of swivel head wrench sockets I pulled them out.
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
The R-Class has the windshield farther over the engine than the E-Class. Not sure if removing the bulkhead under the windshield creates a situation where the head bolts can be removed. There are posts on this site indicating engine removal from below is needed.
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I haz all the dad cars - R63 AMG, a 2018 E63 Wagon, 2022 GLB 250, and a 2017 GLA 250 for the kiddo
It can be done while the engine is in the car. I just had mine replaced. the cowling below the windshield is easily removed leaving plenty of room. My MB dealer did it for a little over $2k.
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Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
@Rovel The photo appear to show all of the bolts removed, which indicates they were not replaced one at a time. Can you see the photo?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
But I won’t agree with your statement because if the bolt snaps when removing it then it was on the verge of snapping anyway and you just did yourself a favor.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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I haz all the dad cars - R63 AMG, a 2018 E63 Wagon, 2022 GLB 250, and a 2017 GLA 250 for the kiddo
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 158
Likes: 31
I haz all the dad cars - R63 AMG, a 2018 E63 Wagon, 2022 GLB 250, and a 2017 GLA 250 for the kiddo
My general opinion is that this issue hs been over exaggerated by the internet and one doesn’t need to worry about head bolts unless there are signs.
But I won’t agree with your statement because if the bolt snaps when removing it then it was on the verge of snapping anyway and you just did yourself a favor.
But I won’t agree with your statement because if the bolt snaps when removing it then it was on the verge of snapping anyway and you just did yourself a favor.
Now, where this a common and lower value E63 my feelings might be totally different. However, this is 1 of 108. I may not make all my money back, but it's also at it's lowest point of depreciation.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
I think you are correct, but with a 20k plus investment another 10% is worth the peace of mind to me. My car also had over 142k miles, so I had concerns about other known M156 issues. That concern was born out when things where opened up. several lifters had serious surface pitting and one was close to failure along with a badly worn camshaft lobe. I had all lifters, cams, and cam adjusters replaced at the same time. It wasn't cheap but I bought this car with a front end investment already penciled in.
Now, where this a common and lower value E63 my feelings might be totally different. However, this is 1 of 108. I may not make all my money back, but it's also at it's lowest point of depreciation.
Now, where this a common and lower value E63 my feelings might be totally different. However, this is 1 of 108. I may not make all my money back, but it's also at it's lowest point of depreciation.
In any case, m156 is an adorable engine and worse maintaining and fixing. Enjoy your car.
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