C63 head bolt issue

[fordgt40]

Does anyone know if the C63 performance plus version suffers from the head bolt problem?

 

[The _Don]

Does anyone know if the C63 performance plus version suffers from the head bolt problem?

No only affected a few early production c63s.

 

[Lee C63]

According to the USA forums it can effect up to early 2011 cars.
Out of all the M156 engines that have been built there are only a handful that have failed supposedly.
There is a online VIN tracker that tells you if your engine is in the "effected" range.

 

[fordgt40]

I've had my C63 for almost 3 years and I have to say it's one of the best cars I've ever owned, 34,000 miles, reg. Nov. 2008 so it's in the 'at risk' catagory, I don't know what to swap it for other than another, the performance pack plus would probably be top of my list, has to be an estate, I prefer the looks but it's finding one that's proving difficult in my area (Lancashire)

I had a drive in my son's GTR last year, 600HP, (made the Merc.feel like a Morris Minor) I can buy it off him now as he's taken delivery of his new Porsche GT3, but it's not the car for me, getting a bit old for being fired out of a canon every time you press the throttle so it's going to be another C63 I think, either that or hang on to mine and hope it doesn't go pop.

 

[Lee C63]

I've had my C63 for almost 3 years and I have to say it's one of the best cars I've ever owned, 34,000 miles, reg. Nov. 2008 so it's in the 'at risk' catagory, I don't know what to swap it for other than another, the performance pack plus would probably be top of my list, has to be an estate, I prefer the looks but it's finding one that's proving difficult in my area (Lancashire)

I had a drive in my son's GTR last year, 600HP, (made the Merc.feel like a Morris Minor) I can buy it off him now as he's taken delivery of his new Porsche GT3, but it's not the car for me, getting a bit old for being fired out of a canon every time you press the throttle so it's going to be another C63 I think, either that or hang on to mine and hope it doesn't go pop.

If you are worried you can get the head bolts replaced (Weistec) which will remove that concern.
The tuning potential on the C63 is massive if you want to add a bit power.

 

[STUR32]

If the rocker covers are black your ok, grey and you could be in the "at risk"catagory.

 

[Felstmiester]

At what sort of mileage have the head bolts been failing or is it a mixed bag?? Seems bizzar that merc (amg) produced so many engines with inferior head bolts.

 

[fordgt40]

Are they bolts or studs?

 

[Lee C63]

Are they bolts or studs?

The originals are bolts the upgrade (Weistec) are studs.

Not sure if you can go by the rocker cover for confirmation. As far as i am aware its only the engine number that can confirm this.

 

[scottishblue]

Hi Lee, how do I find this on-line VIN number tracker to see if my engine number could be a risk from head bolt failure? Many thanks (Hope you're car is doing ok )

 

[Lee C63]

From doing some searching The affected engines are any engine serial number less than 569xx 60 060658.

Best bet might be to check with the Dealer just take your engine number and they can tell you.
It was on the MBworld site that there was a link for the on line checker, just had a look and cant find the link now......sorry not much help.

(the car is sat wrapped up in the garage...due home tomorrow)

 

[scottishblue]

Hi Le,, thanks for the info, spoke to MB Edinburgh re possible head bolt problem as my engine number is less than the one you've shown....their reply "never knew their was a possible issue!....but if you want them replaced, we'll do it!" err....no thanks, so my car is booked into Acid (LTH's! & remap) for March so I've asked Acid to investigate & come back to me. Again, many thanks

 

[Lee C63]

Hi Le,, thanks for the info, spoke to MB Edinburgh re possible head bolt problem as my engine number is less than the one you've shown....their reply "never knew their was a possible issue!....but if you want them replaced, we'll do it!" err....no thanks, so my car is booked into Acid (LTH's! & remap) for March so I've asked Acid to investigate & come back to me. Again, many thanks

The whole head bolt issue thing is big in the states.....but what isn't. So not something i dare say is too much to worry about.

I am planning on having mine changed for the Weistec ones with the SLS valve buckets just as a precautionary thing as i have every intention of keeping the car for some time.....
LTH's and a re map will certainly make it more lively and make it sound like a beast

 

[scottishblue]

I was thinking of keeping mine for quite some time, but had 2 tentative offers of other cars put to me to replace mine, so I'll keep my options open re the head bolts