bobblehead

My scope of work on rms are:

labor
10 screws + 8 capscrews
13 bolts
crankcase cover 177-010-37-08
sealant 003-989-98-20-10
elastomer molded seal 177-201-03-00-64 + 177-201-09-00

there is a nov 2022 tsb on this issue. Citing crankcase pressure vacuum is too high.

HBerman

Can you post the TSB?

bobblehead

Dealer made a note only on the invoice. No specific tsb # given.

HBerman

So, short of a preventive procedure for the oil separators to address the clogging, does it seem that all of our vehicles will eventually suffer the RMS failure? Is the issue unique to the E63S? This engine is used in other product lines, but I haven't seen any mention of RMS failures on those vehicles.

SilverE5588

I've vaguely browsed the gt63 4 door listings & found a handfull with rms replacement in the carfaxes

Scttq

There is a replacement part number - 177 010 3708. I had a long conversation with my local dealer parts dept short while back. The replacement part requires removal of 2 dowel pins on the block for fitment so there is something different about it. The parts department can look the notes up on the replacement.

LMinn

Is there any chance you can find out what the TSB # is if you asked them? If not, I completely understand. I know you'd be going out of your way. I'd like to possibly do some preventative maintenance.

bobblehead

I can text my Service Advisor this week and see if he replies me back. 😊

bobblehead

if you are still under warranty and has no sign of leaks, doing this as preventative measure may mean you are paying this out of own pocket. I am not sure if this is a good move ??

LMinn

You're right. I guess I was just thinking out loud. I won't touch it. But it would be beneficial for others and in the future in case it happens out of warranty. I appreciate that though, because it kind of slipped my mind.

bobblehead

If this were to cost < $1000, then it could be a good move 😉

chassis

I think someone has posted parts costs for vapor separator replacement, it was far less than $1,000. There might be other clips or brackets that are broken during the separator replacement project, but I don't see this costing anywhere near $1,000 for a DIY job.

bobblehead

if diy on separators, then parts are like $300 at most. Otherwise, the labor is the killer.

chassis

Agree. If paying a shop, the cost would be high. If DIY it sounds like a nice Saturday or weekend project.

To make the vehicle downtime even shorter, one separator at a time could be replaced. I did this with spark plugs - replaced 3 out 6 in the first step, then replaced the second three when I had more time available.

Sunbeltgolfer11

My 2021 sedan has 9700 miles on it. No signs of oil on the garage floor and it was in last week for service B and no sign of a leak. However, being OCD and **** retentive the potential concerns me. Any suggestions on when one should consider having the separators and vent lines changed to prevent an RMS being damaged?

Rover338

I got a quote from Mercedes dewler of $2200 and chsnge to replace JUST the separators, including the cost of the separatorw which I believe were $305 per side. This did not include the vent lines which when I got this quote a week ago were not available. Also got a quote at the same time for the whole assembly including the vent lines, separators and v belt was slightly over $1000 and on backorder....

JohnLane

Question for MB techs.... Does the transmission come out of 177 powered cars without pulling the engine and transmission as a set?

If so... why not pull the box and replace the rear main seal as we have done with every other car since the advent of lip seals?

chassis

Good question. If someone has EPC they could see the part number revision history. If MB has made a series of changes on the part, it's a potential (and likely) sign they know there is a problem and they are trying to address it with modified parts. This is the case with cam position sensors and cam magnets on the M274/M276/M278/M157 engines, and with pistons on the M274/M264 engines.

If there is no new part number, it's anyone's guess when to change the separators preemptively. If the vehicle is under warranty, it's not so much a financial issue as a time/hassle/inconvenience issue.

If there is a new part number available, I would think about changing the parts to the latest level.

Whether or not there is a new part number available, I would change them once the car is out of warranty.

HBerman

I haven't seen any posts for 2020 or 2021 production. Was the part updated for them?

Sunbeltgolfer11

Thanks for the reply. I can't rely on the dealership I bought the car from to clarify the status of a parts update. Hell, they can't even get me a windshield wiper arm assembly for a GL450, or fix the clicking driver seat.. The thought of them pulling the engine and transmission to replace a RMS makes me sick to my stomach. If redesigned parts are available I'd buy them and pay the independent shop that has been doing work on our three other MB's to replace the separators and vent lines. Just not sure how to verify the parts issue.

chassis

EPC is the answer. If you post your VIN and if @konigstiger is willing to check, more light could be shed on the question.

Sunbeltgolfer11

Thanks. I'll have to uncover it to get to the VIN. It's a garage queen.

TugboatBill

For all of you that are looking at replacing your separators - You do realize this doesn't fix the root cause and you will have to replace the separators again?

Rover338

What is the root cause?

Sunbeltgolfer11

Than possibly you'd be willing to share with us what the root cause actually is.