SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: SL55 engine mount replacement DIY
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
SL55 engine mount replacement DIY
Working my way through a list of preventative maintenance items on my SL and I'm now up to replacing my engine & trans mounts.
I haven't noticed any vibrations etc however it was noted on my PPI by a Mercedes dealer that they were in need of replacement.
While there seems to be some articles on the V12 models, the search came up blank for a DIY on the SL55.
Concensus seems to be that it can be done as a DIY, can anyone point me to a blow by blow account of changing out the engine mounts?
Reckon I'm OK with the trans mount, just need some tips on the engine.
I haven't noticed any vibrations etc however it was noted on my PPI by a Mercedes dealer that they were in need of replacement.
While there seems to be some articles on the V12 models, the search came up blank for a DIY on the SL55.
Concensus seems to be that it can be done as a DIY, can anyone point me to a blow by blow account of changing out the engine mounts?
Reckon I'm OK with the trans mount, just need some tips on the engine.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 276
Likes: 33
SL500, Miata
I did this replacement on a 500 several years ago, and it was not difficult. Here's what I remember about it:
- The passenger-side mount was easy.
- The driver-side mount was difficult to get leverage on the bolt securing the engine arm to the mount. The bolt requires a 16mm wrench. I purchased a ratcheting wrench with a flexible head for the sole purpose of removing this bolt.
- It's necessary to remove a coupling that connects the steering column to the steering rack.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 7
From: South Australia
2004 (MY05) SL55
Thanks Rod_84.
Did you use a hoist or is it doable with jacks and stands?
What about the exhaust, does that need to come off?
What jacking point did you use to lift the engine?
Cheers
Did you use a hoist or is it doable with jacks and stands?
What about the exhaust, does that need to come off?
What jacking point did you use to lift the engine?
Cheers
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Joined: Feb 2014
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SL500, Miata
I jacked-up the engine by the oil pan. I used a 2x4 piece of wood between the cradle of the jack and the pan in order to broadly distribute the load across the width of the pan.
I don't believe so.
I don't believe so.
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Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 172
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--sold Sl55--
Guys does anyone have any thoughts on alternate methods of lifting the engine up? I’d like to use either a support brace or hoist of some sort because it seems safer/more stable than jacking the engine up from the bottom...
Both of my BMWs have a place to simply screw a tow hook into the cylinder head. Is there a convenient lifting point for the M113k?
Both of my BMWs have a place to simply screw a tow hook into the cylinder head. Is there a convenient lifting point for the M113k?
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 271
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From: Rocky Mountains, Colorado
Just sold my '11 Porsche TurboS cab for an '03 SL55!
I lifted the engine from the oil pan using a 4x4" block to span the width of the pan and also to pick up one of either the front or rear faces (I can't recall which). You don't want the weight of the engine on the soft center of the pan. But it would be a bit easier if that jack weren't there and the engine was lifted from the top.
Below is a link to a special 16mm wrench to get at the nut on top of the drivers side mount........I could not have done the job without it although the offset ratchet mentioned above must be ok too. Even with this tool the drivers side mount is a real b........h the even get it out of the cavity once the fasteners are removed. I ended up decoupling the steering shaft from the rack and dropping the front of the exhaust that also required disconnecting it from the mounts farther back as I recall. I've been at this kind of work for 50+ years and i found this to be a tough job, however I was at a second home without my main tools at hand and I suspect I just wasn't getting the engine high enough. Have fun..........
Below is a link to a special 16mm wrench to get at the nut on top of the drivers side mount........I could not have done the job without it although the offset ratchet mentioned above must be ok too. Even with this tool the drivers side mount is a real b........h the even get it out of the cavity once the fasteners are removed. I ended up decoupling the steering shaft from the rack and dropping the front of the exhaust that also required disconnecting it from the mounts farther back as I recall. I've been at this kind of work for 50+ years and i found this to be a tough job, however I was at a second home without my main tools at hand and I suspect I just wasn't getting the engine high enough. Have fun..........
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2022
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2004 sl500 roadster
im trying to find out what has to be removed to lift engine on a 2004 sl500 roadster so i can replace motor mounts. i know to put wood under the oil pan to lift it but what all do you have to unbolt to lift it.
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Joined: Sep 2007
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95 SL600
Unbolt motor mounts and possibly shifter linkage, and possibly a power steering hose bracket and move it out of the way. That’s what I did. It can be done without removing much, but I would suggest you have it done at a repair shop.
