Petrol Pete
Hardcore MB Enthusiast
Hi
You will notice I have titled this post 'C55' Crank sensor replacement and THEN put M113 V8 after it.
I wish I had done that when searching the web for hints on 'how to change the crank sensor on a M113 engine fitted to a 2006 C55' and not just an 'M113 engine.'
History: I have had the car as my daily drive for over 2 years and more than 30K miles so I know it well. When it refused to (hot) start/turn over twice in one day and then once the next day after some 'spirited' driving I immediately suspected the crank sensor. These are typical tell tales that its on its way out and having exactly the same thing happen years ago on a V6 Omega I owned (very underrated cars those..) I bought a Bosh crank sensor for around £25 heavily discounted (£56 otherwise ?) from Eurocarparts.
Now here's where things get tricky. As I only searched the repair stating 'on an M113' engine all of the video's and advice shows this job to be a doddle for the average DIY mechanic, a bit fiddly but no sweat......unless of course all of the videos seen and all of the advice taken shows that big lump of an engine in a MUCH bigger engine bays than the C class has. The M113 V8 was never intended to fit into the S/W203 chassis , hence the C55 having longer front wings , a Clk front end and a saddle sump to allow it to sit low enough in a space where you would normally find a 4 cyl diesel lump.
Needless to say it was a BA$$TARD! of a job and I almost gave up, but the thought of the car not starting from hot or indeed cutting out at the most inopportune moment spurred me on.
I can swear in 4 languages (but am only really fluent in one) but even I taught my neighbors cat new words that day...did I say day ? Yes, what should have been an hour or so's work turned into the best part of the day. Partly down to the fact that half way through (remember me telling you I nearly gave up ?) I slammed the bonnet down and walked to my local pub for a lunchtime pint(s).
Suitable 'enriched' I got stuck back in. Glad I did really, the sensor I removed had no markings on it (not OEM) and had obviously been replaced before (car has 138K mile on it). Now here is the bit where you smug buggers expect me to list step by step guides on how to do this job...thats not going to happen.
All I am going to say I you have the patience of Job and the hands of a very small child or a concert pianist P.M me and I will tell you all you need to know...Better still pin your Indi down to do the job for 2 or 3 hours labour then make him sign a contract to that effect in blood, Pay him to do it and go down the pub instead.
You won't regret it
P.S a few hundred miles later and no starting 'issues'......yet.
You will notice I have titled this post 'C55' Crank sensor replacement and THEN put M113 V8 after it.
I wish I had done that when searching the web for hints on 'how to change the crank sensor on a M113 engine fitted to a 2006 C55' and not just an 'M113 engine.'
History: I have had the car as my daily drive for over 2 years and more than 30K miles so I know it well. When it refused to (hot) start/turn over twice in one day and then once the next day after some 'spirited' driving I immediately suspected the crank sensor. These are typical tell tales that its on its way out and having exactly the same thing happen years ago on a V6 Omega I owned (very underrated cars those..) I bought a Bosh crank sensor for around £25 heavily discounted (£56 otherwise ?) from Eurocarparts.
Now here's where things get tricky. As I only searched the repair stating 'on an M113' engine all of the video's and advice shows this job to be a doddle for the average DIY mechanic, a bit fiddly but no sweat......unless of course all of the videos seen and all of the advice taken shows that big lump of an engine in a MUCH bigger engine bays than the C class has. The M113 V8 was never intended to fit into the S/W203 chassis , hence the C55 having longer front wings , a Clk front end and a saddle sump to allow it to sit low enough in a space where you would normally find a 4 cyl diesel lump.
Needless to say it was a BA$$TARD! of a job and I almost gave up, but the thought of the car not starting from hot or indeed cutting out at the most inopportune moment spurred me on.
I can swear in 4 languages (but am only really fluent in one) but even I taught my neighbors cat new words that day...did I say day ? Yes, what should have been an hour or so's work turned into the best part of the day. Partly down to the fact that half way through (remember me telling you I nearly gave up ?) I slammed the bonnet down and walked to my local pub for a lunchtime pint(s).
Suitable 'enriched' I got stuck back in. Glad I did really, the sensor I removed had no markings on it (not OEM) and had obviously been replaced before (car has 138K mile on it). Now here is the bit where you smug buggers expect me to list step by step guides on how to do this job...thats not going to happen.
All I am going to say I you have the patience of Job and the hands of a very small child or a concert pianist P.M me and I will tell you all you need to know...Better still pin your Indi down to do the job for 2 or 3 hours labour then make him sign a contract to that effect in blood, Pay him to do it and go down the pub instead.
You won't regret it
P.S a few hundred miles later and no starting 'issues'......yet.
