Back in what I like to refer to as "the day," Ray Catena, while under warranty, replaced the hydraulic motor mounts on my 2010 S550. They were supposedly replaced with new solid lifetime mounts, but it seems they weren't. I was just informed that I need two engine mounts and a transmission mount. I'm not surprised about the transmission mount since it is the original one. My mechanic told me that one of the engine mounts has completely collapsed and has no fluid left in it. They recommended replacing them with the same liquid-filled dealer mounts rather than aftermarket ones to maintain the smoothness. Which I agreed to do. Earlier this year, I noticed a creaking noise when I hit the brakes while leaning into a turn. This past fall, I heard the distinct squeak of a control arm. I had the control arms, ball joints, and axles replaced, but the creaking noise persisted. It wasn't until I experienced violent vibrations with the AC on Max Cool that I realized I probably needed a transmission mount. Now I understand that all these issues are likely connected to the mounts. Interestingly, aside from a slight vibration at wide open throttle, I didn't feel any other symptoms. Additionally, my radiator is leaking, so I will need a new radiator along with new upper and lower radiator hoses. Since January 2025, Onyx has cost me quite a bit.

Alternator
3 belts (1 replaced under warranty)
2 belt tensioners (One replaced under warranty)
Idler
Left and right lower and upper control arms
Left and right ball joints
2 front axles
Oil cooler
3 oil changes
A full set of new tires
Back brakes
Trans service
Brake fluid service
power steering fluid service
All air filters.
Spark plugs and coil packs (in my driveway)
Radiator
Thermostat
Upper and Lower hoses

I'm all in for $9,000 over 16 months.
Approximtly $562 per month over 16 months.

I fully expect my Benz to be near perfect after all these repairs are made.I really can't complain because I really haven't laid much out. If I break down every dollar spent since the extended service contract expired 5 years ago, I'm ahead of the game

Still cheaper than a new car.

 

Motor and Transmission mounts are maintenance items according to Mercedes. Typically every 55K - 75K miles depending on the driver. I replaced mine at 55K miles and just had them checked now with 115K miles and mine are getting to the point where they should be replaced again soon.

 

The cake is a lie

 

The first set wre done at 67,000 miles. I'm right about 125,000 now. I can't complain. This car owes me nothing. On July 8th I will have owned it for 10 years. It has been virtually trouble-free for 8 1/2 years. I'm looking forward to it being close to 100% and taking it on a nice, long drive.

 

I got to do engine mounts and all four lower arms annually in my 221 S-65.

Practice made them easy to do.

 

So, bored? Want to play with an "easy" M157?

 

Definitely would rather have an older, proper, rear wheel drive, well-sorted, V8 Sonderklasse than just about anything new.

Got any recent pics or yours? What's the interior look like?

 

I've never heard of lifetime engine mounts on a Mercedes. There must be a reason.

 

People always confuse 'Lifetime' with a human lifetime.

In automotive terms it has always meant the expected service life of the vehicle. More recently that has been dumbed down to the day after the factory warranty runs out/end of lease.

 

The pic in my signature is from last June/July when I picked up the SLC. The interior is PERFECT. I still have the original carpet mats that have never been used. They have been protected by the orginal rubber mats. None of my armrests have any stretch, none of the buttons and switches are faded.I gummy flenge the rubber moldings yearly, I clean and treat the leather seats regularly.

 

Long trip to do mounts!

I’ve got time now.