ML63AMG Engine mountings, other jobs to do, and recommend a good specialist

[drummerboy999]

Hallo all, I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations for knowledgeable specialists for some jobs I may need doing on my 2010 ML63AMG W164. I’m based in Berkshire but happy to travel so distance from me not a huge issue.

1. Engine mountings, my Mercedes main dealer recommended charging the engine mountings so we ordered them in then when they went to do the job they reported that the bolts to drop the exhaust were corroded and they feared snapping them, and were concerned that if they snapped a bolt there wasn’t enough room to get in and drill it out meaning an engine removal. Has anyone experience of doing this job please or recommend a specialist familiar with ML63’s?
2. Well I’ve started getting the oft reported camshaft adjuster noise on startup. Intermittent at the moment but another job that will need looking at soon. My local main dealer can fit new cam adjusters at several hundred pound a pop but I’ve seen on this forum and YouTube etc people replacing just the problem plate and other work arounds if anyone can recommend a specialist in the UK able to help ?
3. Front suspension arm bush worn. Main dealer says the bush only comes as complete unit in a new suspension arm at several hundred pounds.
4. Noise from rear … sounds like a wheel bearing to me
5. Possibly replace head bolts ( my engine number is pre the upgraded bolts)

So, thats my immediate to do list for now As I’ve said, if anyone can give advice or recommend a good specialist familiar with the ML63 W164 that would be much appreciated!

 

[AMGeed]

Star Motors in Caversham is very well regarded along with Terry at Wayne Gates in Harrow NW London.
A little further afield is Olly at PCS in Horndean down the A31.
All are familiar with the M156 engine.

Mercedes Garage | Reading | Star Motor Service

Keep your vehicle running smoothly, get in touch with Star Motor Service today. For the highest quality repairs in Reading, contact our Mercedes garage.

www.starmotorservices.co.uk

Wayne Gates Specializing in Mercedes-Benz Servicing & Repairs

The Independent Merc Specialist you can trust. Based in Harrow, Middlesex servicing the surrounding areas and Hertfordshire. Call now to book

www.mercservicing.co.uk

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

www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

 

[Skd884]

Hallo all, I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations for knowledgeable specialists for some jobs I may need doing on my 2010 ML63AMG W164. I’m based in Berkshire but happy to travel so distance from me not a huge issue.

1. Engine mountings, my Mercedes main dealer recommended charging the engine mountings so we ordered them in then when they went to do the job they reported that the bolts to drop the exhaust were corroded and they feared snapping them, and were concerned that if they snapped a bolt there wasn’t enough room to get in and drill it out meaning an engine removal. Has anyone experience of doing this job please or recommend a specialist familiar with ML63’s?
2. Well I’ve started getting the oft reported camshaft adjuster noise on startup. Intermittent at the moment but another job that will need looking at soon. My local main dealer can fit new cam adjusters at several hundred pound a pop but I’ve seen on this forum and YouTube etc people replacing just the problem plate and other work arounds if anyone can recommend a specialist in the UK able to help ?
3. Front suspension arm bush worn. Main dealer says the bush only comes as complete unit in a new suspension arm at several hundred pounds.
4. Noise from rear … sounds like a wheel bearing to me
5. Possibly replace head bolts ( my engine number is pre the upgraded bolts)

So, thats my immediate to do list for now As I’ve said, if anyone can give advice or recommend a good specialist familiar with the ML63 W164 that would be much appreciated!

As above wayne gates for your location.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Access to the mounts can be a monkey to get to, and there’s a risk that they’re rounded even if they don’t shear because access is difficult. A special tool is available which helps, I believe.

Mercland in Nuneaton relaxed my engine mounts. Whilst you’re at it, I would replace the gearbox mount too. Make sure you can get them all before starting the job, that was a problem pre-pandemic.

I wouldn’t say that someone experienced with you specific mode is required, just someone who you can trust to wait to get the right part go ease access rather than budge it.

I’d ask a main dealer or specialist to have a listen to the camshaft adjuster noise, as there can be false alarms. Owners are iften over sensitive, so a neutral experienced war can really help in this respect.

Suspension arm, can’t comment. No doubt an old school engineer can replace the bush but finding one may be a challenge. Genuine part fitted by a specialist might be a good compromise.

Noise from rear, sounds like you have diagnosed already.

Head bolts are down to leave of mind. Some specialists say if they’ve lasted all this time then leave them alone. Only the fullness of time will determine whether that’s right or not.

Finally, a while back the original rear air struts were on long back order with no date so I temporarily had an independent Mercedes specialist temporarily replace with aftermarket parts.

The fitting charge was slightly more than the main dealer who later replaced with the genuine struts when they finally came into stock. My reason for mentioning it is that some main dealers can be competitive.

I can’t recommend a specialist in your area - although I hear Wayne Gates enjoys an excellent reputation - but I can tell you that I have driven much further to visit PCS in Horndean.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Yes, there is a special tool, we have made one up for the top bolts.

Otherwise bread and butter for all specialists.

We are in Tonbridge, not that close but very familiar with M156w and MLs!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Yes, there is a special tool, we have made one up for the top bolts.

Otherwise bread and butter for all specialists.

We are in Tonbridge, not that close but very familiar with M156w and MLs!

^^ Sounds perfect ^^

 

[drummerboy999]

Star Motors in Caversham is very well regarded along with Terry at Wayne Gates in Harrow NW London.
A little further afield is Olly at PCS in Horndean down the A31.
All are familiar with the M156 engine.

Mercedes Garage | Reading | Star Motor Service

Keep your vehicle running smoothly, get in touch with Star Motor Service today. For the highest quality repairs in Reading, contact our Mercedes garage.

www.starmotorservices.co.uk

Wayne Gates Specializing in Mercedes-Benz Servicing & Repairs

The Independent Merc Specialist you can trust. Based in Harrow, Middlesex servicing the surrounding areas and Hertfordshire. Call now to book

www.mercservicing.co.uk

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

www.prestigecarservice.co.uk

Many thanks , your recommendations much appreciated !

 

[drummerboy999]

Access to the mounts can be a monkey to get to, and there’s a risk that they’re rounded even if they don’t shear because access is difficult. A special tool is available which helps, I believe.

Mercland in Nuneaton relaxed my engine mounts. Whilst you’re at it, I would replace the gearbox mount too. Make sure you can get them all before starting the job, that was a problem pre-pandemic.

I wouldn’t say that someone experienced with you specific mode is required, just someone who you can trust to wait to get the right part go ease access rather than budge it.

I’d ask a main dealer or specialist to have a listen to the camshaft adjuster noise, as there can be false alarms. Owners are iften over sensitive, so a neutral experienced war can really help in this respect.

Suspension arm, can’t comment. No doubt an old school engineer can replace the bush but finding one may be a challenge. Genuine part fitted by a specialist might be a good compromise.

Noise from rear, sounds like you have diagnosed already.

Head bolts are down to leave of mind. Some specialists say if they’ve lasted all this time then leave them alone. Only the fullness of time will determine whether that’s right or not.

Finally, a while back the original rear air struts were on long back order with no date so I temporarily had an independent Mercedes specialist temporarily replace with aftermarket parts.

The fitting charge was slightly more than the main dealer who later replaced with the genuine struts when they finally came into stock. My reason for mentioning it is that some main dealers can be competitive.

I can’t recommend a specialist in your area - although I hear Wayne Gates enjoys an excellent reputation - but I can tell you that I have driven much further to visit PCS in Horndean.

Many thanks Bobby for all your advice, very much appreciated! I would have hoped that my main dealer did have the special tool for the bolts to drop the exhaust but they feared shearing the bolts off hence were concerned to proceed and put the fear of God into me because they said if they sheared they would have to take the engine out to drill them out …16 hours labour! I’ll maybe check with them again about the tool or maybe move straight on to one of the specialists you recommend. I’ve actually got the engine mountings which were preordered in for the job so it’s a case of seeing if someone can fit them. Ps we did the gearbox mounting at the time so that’s all good.

take your point on the cam adjusters, there is definitely a noise, loud rattle for a second or two sometimes on start up. I’ve had the car for 5 years and done some 50,000 miles in that time so fairly attuned to new noises, started noticing it in the past few months and it’s definitely got louder but it’s not every time, roughly every fifth or sixth start although there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to it.

thanks for your thoughts re the head bolts too, I’m in two minds as well, and just saw a video where someone did them for piece of mind but the old ones were absolutely fine.

Cheers again
Mark

 

[drummerboy999]

Yes, there is a special tool, we have made one up for the top bolts.

Otherwise bread and butter for all specialists.

We are in Tonbridge, not that close but very familiar with M156w and MLs!

Thanks Alexander, you might be getting a call from me shortly!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Many thanks Bobby for all your advice, very much appreciated! I would have hoped that my main dealer did have the special tool for the bolts to drop the exhaust but they feared shearing the bolts off hence were concerned to proceed and put the fear of God into me because they said if they sheared they would have to take the engine out to drill them out …16 hours labour! I’ll maybe check with them again about the tool or maybe move straight on to one of the specialists you recommend. I’ve actually got the engine mountings which were preordered in for the job so it’s a case of seeing if someone can fit them. Ps we did the gearbox mounting at the time so that’s all good.

take your point on the cam adjusters, there is definitely a noise, loud rattle for a second or two sometimes on start up. I’ve had the car for 5 years and done some 50,000 miles in that time so fairly attuned to new noises, started noticing it in the past few months and it’s definitely got louder but it’s not every time, roughly every fifth or sixth start although there doesn’t seem to be a pattern to it.

thanks for your thoughts re the head bolts too, I’m in two minds as well, and just saw a video where someone did them for piece of mind but the old ones were absolutely fine.

Cheers again
Mark

If you already have the mounts and if you decide to go with the main dealer, then double check that they are happy to fit parts you provide. If you have a good relationship with them then they might, but don’t take it as a given.

 

[alexanderfoti]

I struggle to identify which bolts they are worried about breaking? Exhaust manifolds do not need to come off. If they are talking about the exhaust bolts themselves, they are 2 minutes to cut in half with an angle grinder?

 

[drummerboy999]

If you already have the mounts and if you decide to go with the main dealer, then double check that they are happy to fit parts you provide. If you have a good relationship with them then they might, but don’t take it as a given.

Thanks Bobby it was actually my main dealer who were concerned to do the job in case the bolts sheared off so I said let’s leave it for now as the mounts weren’t too bad, however that was two years ago and they really need doing now.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Thanks Bobby it was actually my main dealer who were concerned to do the job in case the bolts sheared off so I said let’s leave it for now as the mounts weren’t too bad, however that was two years ago and they really need doing now.

I would imagine any mechanic will warn you that there’s a risk that the bolts will shear, to avoid disappointment if it happens. Untouched since the factory and difficult access is increases the likelihood of shearing or rounding a bolt.

I had the mounts all replaced in 2018/9 on a 2007 car so I’d say that they’re ready for replacement on your car now. The engine came out just afterwards on mine albeit for a different reason.

 

[W1ghty]

I struggle to identify which bolts they are worried about breaking? Exhaust manifolds do not need to come off. If they are talking about the exhaust bolts themselves, they are 2 minutes to cut in half with an angle grinder?

If you do it your way then you can’t charge for the other 15 hours 58 minutes that the main dealer might

 

[colinallcars]

Thanks Bobby it was actually my main dealer who were concerned to do the job in case the bolts sheared off so I said let’s leave it for now as the mounts weren’t too bad, however that was two years ago and they really need doing now.

If it’s nuts and bolts and the bolts shear can’t you just fit new ones? Different matter if it’s studs obviously.

 

[SnowBear57]

Hallo all, I’d appreciate any advice or recommendations for knowledgeable specialists for some jobs I may need doing on my 2010 ML63AMG W164. I’m based in Berkshire but happy to travel so distance from me not a huge issue.

1. Engine mountings, my Mercedes main dealer recommended charging the engine mountings so we ordered them in then when they went to do the job they reported that the bolts to drop the exhaust were corroded and they feared snapping them, and were concerned that if they snapped a bolt there wasn’t enough room to get in and drill it out meaning an engine removal. Has anyone experience of doing this job please or recommend a specialist familiar with ML63’s?
2. Well I’ve started getting the oft reported camshaft adjuster noise on startup. Intermittent at the moment but another job that will need looking at soon. My local main dealer can fit new cam adjusters at several hundred pound a pop but I’ve seen on this forum and YouTube etc people replacing just the problem plate and other work arounds if anyone can recommend a specialist in the UK able to help ?
3. Front suspension arm bush worn. Main dealer says the bush only comes as complete unit in a new suspension arm at several hundred pounds.
4. Noise from rear … sounds like a wheel bearing to me
5. Possibly replace head bolts ( my engine number is pre the upgraded bolts)

So, thats my immediate to do list for now As I’ve said, if anyone can give advice or recommend a good specialist familiar with the ML63 W164 that would be much appreciated!

It depends where you are I know an excellent independent in Surrey

 

[alexanderfoti]

If you do it your way then you can’t charge for the other 15 hours 58 minutes that the main dealer might

The main dealer was concerned with the exhaust downpipe bolts, that were made of rust.

The funny thing is:

a) They don't need to come off to do the mounts
b) Its quite common that they are too corroded to remove, and in that case, we die grind them off. Yes, not as quick as just unbolting, but not an engine out job either.

 

[drummerboy999]

Hello again everyone, just to give you all an update on this …

Alex at AMF in Tonbridge has sorted it all out for me. Absolutely brilliant service from Alex, he did the engine mountings, did the rear noise which as hoped was a wheel bearing (and I had hoped was not the diff) , advised on the suspension bush which can wait. Advised on the occasional startup rattle which again is a monitor scenario. Also I asked Alex to do a service plus spark plugs and an airmatic pipe whilst with him and I am absolutely delighted, the car now drives superbly again. Also on collection Alex gave me a detailed report on what we will need to keep an eye on and what will probably be coming down the line that will need doing expense wise should I keep the car for the next year or two.

So if any of you reading this are wondering who to use I advise you contact Alex at AMF Automotive Tonbridge and have a chat, Great guy and massively knowledgeable. Thanks again Alex if you see this!

 

[alexanderfoti]

Hello again everyone, just to give you all an update on this …

Alex at AMF in Tonbridge has sorted it all out for me. Absolutely brilliant service from Alex, he did the engine mountings, did the rear noise which as hoped was a wheel bearing (and I had hoped was not the diff) , advised on the suspension bush which can wait. Advised on the occasional startup rattle which again is a monitor scenario. Also I asked Alex to do a service plus spark plugs whilst with him and I am absolutely delighted, the car now drives superbly again. Also on collection Alex gave me a detailed report on what we will need to keep an eye on and what will probably be coming down the line that will need doing expense wise should I keep the car for the next year or two.

So if any of you reading this are wondering who to use I advise you contact Alex at AMF Automotive Tonbridge and have a chat, Great guy and massively knowledgeable. Thanks again Alex if you see this!

Always a pleasure and you are welcome back any time! I will have the kettle on