M156 W204 Camshaft adjuster issue, need help!

[C63AMG09]

Hi,

first post here but have been lurking for a significant while.

I was considering purchasing a C63 w204 for over a year and finally took the plunge two weeks ago. I purchased a 2009 c63 with 82k miles on it but have discovered a cam adjuster noise on start up (rattling noise after start up for 1-2 seconds that goes away thereafter) the next day i purchased it... I suspect they knew and ran a short heat cycle but it was a private sale so I have to move on. I did get it checked at a garage but they did not pick up on this o the day.

I took it to a local independent dealer and they agreed it was a camshaft adjuster issue, i asked if they would fit the motorsport c63 upgraded camshaft adjuster plates but they refused since they only fit parts they supply (they did not want to be liable for any problems for using aftermarket parts in their words). I offered to sign a document that would remove the liability on their side since i do not want to pay 800+ pounds for ONE entire OEM camshaft adjuster just so that it fails again in 50-100k miles let alone having to open up the car again to replace the other cam adjusters in the future.

I have called several independent garages in my area (Southampton and surrounding area) and very few garages even want to get involved and those that do say they have to review the situation and will get back to me next week. I ended up phoning MSL Birmingham for an estimate also out of desperation and even called a local mb dealer who refused to give me an estimate and wanted 192 pounds to inspect the car (politely turned this down since i dont want to burn 192 pounds to be told what I already know since they would not be removing valve covers etc).

Can anyone recommend a garage in particular for my issue (camshaft adjuster) that will also be open to fitting an aftermarket cam adjuster plate instead of just replacing the whole adjuster with a new OEM one? I might also consider changing the head bolts since its a 2009

I would be happy to pay somebody who's done this before from the forum tbh (provided you are experienced and can back that up with evidence), i've seen a couple of stories here that have turned out well and there are some accomplished individuals here! I just want to get this sorted out asap and avoid using OEM cam adjusters that will fail again.

 

[Oleks1992]

Hi,

first post here but have been lurking for a significant while.

I was considering purchasing a C63 w204 for over a year and finally took the plunge two weeks ago. I purchased a 2009 c63 with 82k miles on it but have discovered a cam adjuster noise on start up (rattling noise after start up for 1-2 seconds that goes away thereafter) the next day i purchased it... I suspect they knew and ran a short heat cycle but it was a private sale so I have to move on. I did get it checked at a garage but they did not pick up on this o the day.

I took it to a local independent dealer and they agreed it was a camshaft adjuster issue, i asked if they would fit the motorsport c63 upgraded camshaft adjuster plates but they refused since they only fit parts they supply (they did not want to be liable for any problems for using aftermarket parts in their words). I offered to sign a document that would remove the liability on their side since i do not want to pay 800+ pounds for ONE entire OEM camshaft adjuster just so that it fails again in 50-100k miles let alone having to open up the car again to replace the other cam adjusters in the future.

I have called several independent garages in my area (Southampton and surrounding area) and very few garages even want to get involved and those that do say they have to review the situation and will get back to me next week. I ended up phoning MSL Birmingham for an estimate also out of desperation and even called a local mb dealer who refused to give me an estimate and wanted 192 pounds to inspect the car (politely turned this down since i dont want to burn 192 pounds to be told what I already know since they would not be removing valve covers etc).

Can anyone recommend a garage in particular for my issue (camshaft adjuster) that will also be open to fitting an aftermarket cam adjuster plate instead of just replacing the whole adjuster with a new OEM one? I might also consider changing the head bolts since its a 2009

I would be happy to pay somebody who's done this before from the forum tbh (provided you are experienced and can back that up with evidence), i've seen a couple of stories here that have turned out well and there are some accomplished individuals here! I just want to get this sorted out asap and avoid using OEM cam adjusters that will fail again.

I've done the backplates and head bolts previously on m156 and it's not hard to do yourself, just need locking tools for the cams and torque wrench

 

[Skd884]

Speak to olly -

Mercedes Benz & Smart Specialists | Prestige Car Service | Horndean, Hampshire

www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

 

[alexanderfoti]

+1 for above, we would also do this without issues.

 

[C63AMG09]

Thank you for the suggestions so far.

Unfortunately I do not have any tools at my disposal and every video I have seen does not have a breakdown of everything i need since they rely on the fact that one must have somewhat of a mechanical background (which I do not have). Oleks1992 has mentioned some tools but how about the device used to get the engine to be at 40 degrees? Surely more tools are needed right??

Furthermore the fact that so many local mechanics have told me that they would not want to do the job themselves has deterred me further.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Thank you for the suggestions so far.

Unfortunately I do not have any tools at my disposal and every video I have seen does not have a breakdown of everything i need since they rely on the fact that one must have somewhat of a mechanical background (which I do not have). Oleks1992 has mentioned some tools but how about the device used to get the engine to be at 40 degrees? Surely more tools are needed right??

Furthermore the fact that so many local mechanics have told me that they would not want to do the job themselves has deterred me further.

It needs a specialist really. A local garage without experience will always turn this type of job down, as its not worth them taking 3-4 days and the money to invest in the timi g tools.

 

[StuartE60]

I have just ordered the new plates & spring from 63 Motorsports in Canada for a fraction of the cost of original or even second hand camshaft adjusters. I then went onto this site and saw a block video of the removal/refit of these items. The camshaft lock down tool comes in a kit I have just purchased on Amazon for under $100 Australian including delivery to my door.