SL/R230: SL600 needs new engine mounts
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
Likes: 83
From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
SL600 needs new engine mounts
My 2007 SL600 with 27,000 miles, bought new, has a collapsed engine mount on the drivers side with the oil leaked out. I took the car to the new MB dealership in Bonita Springs, FL. and they will have to remove the engine to replace the 3 mounts. The V12 is a heavy engine and 10 years life on the engine mounts is not unusual. The labor cost is $5,000 as all of the lines connected to the engine must be disconnected, they cannot pull the mounts without lifting the engine. Anyone else had this problem on a V12? I know the cost with the V8 is a lot less.
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Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Tucson, AZ
'20 X5 M50i; '17 Ram 3500; Golf Cart; Bikes; Scooters
I've heard that about the V12, but don't know, and will let 600 owners tell their story.
The V8 just requires dropping the exhaust, unbolting the mounts, jacking the motor up a few inches, then R&R the mounts. Nothing else needs to be removed.
Note that a dealer will go "all in" for cost, but a local independent (and any experienced mechanic) will know a few shortcuts, and may not need to unhook everything. Ask around, or search for a DIY.
The V8 just requires dropping the exhaust, unbolting the mounts, jacking the motor up a few inches, then R&R the mounts. Nothing else needs to be removed.
Note that a dealer will go "all in" for cost, but a local independent (and any experienced mechanic) will know a few shortcuts, and may not need to unhook everything. Ask around, or search for a DIY.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
the v12s do indeed require 20-25 hours of labor to remove and replace the engine to change out the mounts and many (especially 65 owners) have had to do this. Some are even having to do it multiple times, especially with tuned cars, due to the high level of torque generated by the engine. I would suggest going to an indy where the hourly cost is much lower vs the dealer.
The coil packs are the other big ticket item on the v12.
You will also find out the ABC lines are routed differently in the v12 vs the v8 and while the engine is out I would replace the ones that are in the engine compartment at that time to save on labor. ABC lines life expectancy are a function of heat and age. The v12 generates a lot of heat and although you don't have many miles you likely will soon have (if not already) ABC lines begin weeping near the crimp ends.
You're also due for a spark plug change (10 years or 100k) and that would be a lot cheaper with the motor already out of the car.
The coil packs are the other big ticket item on the v12.
You will also find out the ABC lines are routed differently in the v12 vs the v8 and while the engine is out I would replace the ones that are in the engine compartment at that time to save on labor. ABC lines life expectancy are a function of heat and age. The v12 generates a lot of heat and although you don't have many miles you likely will soon have (if not already) ABC lines begin weeping near the crimp ends.
You're also due for a spark plug change (10 years or 100k) and that would be a lot cheaper with the motor already out of the car.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 353
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From: Bonita Springs, FL
2021 Cirrus Silver S580 AMG, 2020 Polar White GLE350
Thanks carguysh. I had the plugs replaced a year ago and the dealer will replace any bad ABC lines. They found one with condensation and are replacing it. I will have the dealer do the work as I am concerned that an independent shop could run into a problem with this sophisticated engine and ABC system. Unfortunately, the indy shops in my area don't work on biturbo V12's that often. I'll stay with MB service and chalk it up to the cost of owning a unique car!
