C63 Headbolt Issue?!?
Discussion
Ok so I am currently torn between an E92 M3 and a C63 and the only real issue with the C63 I keep coming across is the head bolt weakness - which is pretty impressive for such a powerful car!
I can't quite work out if all pre f/l cars were affected or certain VIN ranges, also is there a certain mileage that once the reaches if they haven't gone then they probably won't? If I can't be certain I may just get them done anyway - I don't imagine the removal and replacement of the requisite number of head bolts is that costly is it??
Whilst I am here has anyone moved from E92 to C63 or indeed back the other way, interested to hear your experiences??
For me the car will be something of a play thing for use on weekends and holidays only, have a Mondeo She'd for commuting duties.
Si
I can't quite work out if all pre f/l cars were affected or certain VIN ranges, also is there a certain mileage that once the reaches if they haven't gone then they probably won't? If I can't be certain I may just get them done anyway - I don't imagine the removal and replacement of the requisite number of head bolts is that costly is it??
Whilst I am here has anyone moved from E92 to C63 or indeed back the other way, interested to hear your experiences??
For me the car will be something of a play thing for use on weekends and holidays only, have a Mondeo She'd for commuting duties.
Si
Head bolts were changed at engine number 60658 iirc. Some of the later preface lifts are after that build number so will never fail. You can upgrade the earlier ones anyway, as long as they’re still intact when swapped out.
Also have a google for valve train wear - seemed to be a regular problem reported on the internet of doom when I was looking but not sure on mileages, engine numbers etc.
Stonking engines!
Also have a google for valve train wear - seemed to be a regular problem reported on the internet of doom when I was looking but not sure on mileages, engine numbers etc.
Stonking engines!
If you can get a pre face lift built towards the end of 2010 you should be okay. Check the engine number as the poster above mentioned and ensure is after the effected build numbers
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w204/493728-wha...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w204/493728-wha...
Thanks chaps that’s exactly what I was after knowing, really useful!
It’s a tough decision that’s for sure, I have read review after review, thread after thread from people in the same boat comparing E92 and C63 and still none the wiser really.
Keep you posted and will have a look at valve train wear and also link to MB thread.
Cheers
Si
It’s a tough decision that’s for sure, I have read review after review, thread after thread from people in the same boat comparing E92 and C63 and still none the wiser really.
Keep you posted and will have a look at valve train wear and also link to MB thread.
Cheers
Si
I was in the very same situation until January this year.
I had always wanted an M3. Family circumstances meant I needed a 4 door, but finding a good M3 saloon isn't easy.
At 10/10ths an M3 is meant to be better, but you can't drive at 10/10ths on public roads.
The C63 sounds better. A lot better! Plus the performance is there from the get go, and is alot more accessible .
Once the salesman started the C63 up it was a case of "take my money". Ha.
It's a nice choice to have.
I had always wanted an M3. Family circumstances meant I needed a 4 door, but finding a good M3 saloon isn't easy.
At 10/10ths an M3 is meant to be better, but you can't drive at 10/10ths on public roads.
The C63 sounds better. A lot better! Plus the performance is there from the get go, and is alot more accessible .
Once the salesman started the C63 up it was a case of "take my money". Ha.
It's a nice choice to have.
Terzo123 said:
I was in the very same situation until January this year.
I had always wanted an M3. Family circumstances meant I needed a 4 door, but finding a good M3 saloon isn't easy.
At 10/10ths an M3 is meant to be better, but you can't drive at 10/10ths on public roads.
The C63 sounds better. A lot better! Plus the performance is there from the get go, and is alot more accessible .
Once the salesman started the C63 up it was a case of "take my money". Ha.
It's a nice choice to have.
That’s really helpful thanks for that, I have read a few people saying the M3 needs to be ‘driven’ and like you say on the roads today that’s rarely possible.I had always wanted an M3. Family circumstances meant I needed a 4 door, but finding a good M3 saloon isn't easy.
At 10/10ths an M3 is meant to be better, but you can't drive at 10/10ths on public roads.
The C63 sounds better. A lot better! Plus the performance is there from the get go, and is alot more accessible .
Once the salesman started the C63 up it was a case of "take my money". Ha.
It's a nice choice to have.
The C63 does appeal on many levels I am not quite sure in which bodyshape, it’s for weekend enjoyment really but like you have a family (only 1 daughter) so guessing saloon or estate would be preferable.
Not sure my neighbours would appreciate the noise so much hahaha!
Did you look at/drive any M3 saloon whilst looking??
Si
This seems to be general consensus if I am honest, I won't be venturing anywhere near trackways and its simply to have a 'nice' car I can enjoy on my own but on the flip side if we all go somewhere we can use it also which a 2 seater (Exige/TVR etc.) would limit massively even though just a weekend toy.
Si
Si
Does anyone know approx. cost of replacing headbolts as preventative measure at Merc specialist?? Seen a car I quite like but would like to know what awaits if I plump to have them changed for peace of mind - saw a frightening post by someone who had theirs done by Mercedes in Bath!!!!!!
Si
Si
SiT said:
Does anyone know approx. cost of replacing headbolts as preventative measure at Merc specialist?? Seen a car I quite like but would like to know what awaits if I plump to have them changed for peace of mind - saw a frightening post by someone who had theirs done by Mercedes in Bath!!!!!!
Si
I think you’d be looking a shade over a grand. I think MSL replace them with studs. One bolt out at a time and stud in. No need to remove head. Once one has failed the head needs coming off. One of mine failed and I think the bill was £3.5k approximately. Fortunately covered by warranty and the buckets done under goodwill a year later. If you’re local to the southwest and want to use a main dealer then I can recommend Bristol. They’ve been nothing but good for me. They won’t short cut the head bolt job though, that will have to go to an Indy. Si
Thanks to both of you, sadly my budget won’t put me in a facelift car and the potential cost of changing headbolts at over £1k really puts me off!
I have seen a lovely estate C63 for sale with a FMBSH which is in budget along with a saloon which has the desirable ‘gangsta’ glass delete and beautiful stone leather interior, this is a saloon. Wonder how much of a risk it would be buying either, can’t face sinking £1k into headbolt replacement ‘just in case’ and before anyone says it, I realise these can’t be run on a shoe string and I don’t intend to do as such.
It will be a second car for me which makes the prospect of sinking that much money into having headbolts changed all the more daunting - however if as suggested it me very rare then perhaps I shouldn’t be overly concerned?!?
Si
I have seen a lovely estate C63 for sale with a FMBSH which is in budget along with a saloon which has the desirable ‘gangsta’ glass delete and beautiful stone leather interior, this is a saloon. Wonder how much of a risk it would be buying either, can’t face sinking £1k into headbolt replacement ‘just in case’ and before anyone says it, I realise these can’t be run on a shoe string and I don’t intend to do as such.
It will be a second car for me which makes the prospect of sinking that much money into having headbolts changed all the more daunting - however if as suggested it me very rare then perhaps I shouldn’t be overly concerned?!?
Si
What exactly are you looking for? I’m half tempted to sell mine. I’ve had it a few years now. I love it but needs must some times.
I bought my car keeping in mind the bolt issues may arise. Just as I starting looking into a preventative measure I had a bolt fail. Luckily it was under warranty.
I bought my car keeping in mind the bolt issues may arise. Just as I starting looking into a preventative measure I had a bolt fail. Luckily it was under warranty.
I was in the same issue last year..
I found a "60" plate prefacelift with awesome spec thats out of the headbolt range issue...
If you drive an M3 and then drive a C63 there is only 1 winner....... i have owned 5 "M" cars and have to say that the C63 is a steamer of a car,its an event everytime the key is turned.
Mine is mapped and has centre cat delete (pretty much the norm) and runs around 520 bhp..
Suprisingly i get around 17 mpg on on s
tty daily 12 mile commute,and can get 27-28mpg on very steady motorway runs within speed limits,
Passed MOT wthout problem,and a recent "A" service was just over £250.
Just dont ask about rear tyre wear...lol..
I found a "60" plate prefacelift with awesome spec thats out of the headbolt range issue...
If you drive an M3 and then drive a C63 there is only 1 winner....... i have owned 5 "M" cars and have to say that the C63 is a steamer of a car,its an event everytime the key is turned.
Mine is mapped and has centre cat delete (pretty much the norm) and runs around 520 bhp..
Suprisingly i get around 17 mpg on on s
tty daily 12 mile commute,and can get 27-28mpg on very steady motorway runs within speed limits,Passed MOT wthout problem,and a recent "A" service was just over £250.
Just dont ask about rear tyre wear...lol..
Jamesgt said:
What exactly are you looking for? I’m half tempted to sell mine. I’ve had it a few years now. I love it but needs must some times.
I bought my car keeping in mind the bolt issues may arise. Just as I starting looking into a preventative measure I had a bolt fail. Luckily it was under warranty.
Well my criteria isn’t hugely specific because I am conscious I don’t have a ‘huge’ budget, saloon or estate it matters not, like the look of 19” alloys but understand the 18” alloys ride a lot better. I bought my car keeping in mind the bolt issues may arise. Just as I starting looking into a preventative measure I had a bolt fail. Luckily it was under warranty.
Can’t stretch beyond £20k and £18k is more realistic.
Interested to hear what you have it’s in budget?
Si
ALPINAMAN1 said:
I was in the same issue last year..
I found a "60" plate prefacelift with awesome spec thats out of the headbolt range issue...
If you drive an M3 and then drive a C63 there is only 1 winner....... i have owned 5 "M" cars and have to say that the C63 is a steamer of a car,its an event everytime the key is turned.
Mine is mapped and has centre cat delete (pretty much the norm) and runs around 520 bhp..
Suprisingly i get around 17 mpg on on stty daily 12 mile commute,and can get 27-28mpg on very steady motorway runs within speed limits,
Passed MOT wthout problem,and a recent "A" service was just over £250.
Just dont ask about rear tyre wear...lol..
The MPG and tyre wear wasn’t a huge concern as it will be a second car for us, just want some theatre to look forward to after a week of commuting in my £600 Mondeo.I found a "60" plate prefacelift with awesome spec thats out of the headbolt range issue...
If you drive an M3 and then drive a C63 there is only 1 winner....... i have owned 5 "M" cars and have to say that the C63 is a steamer of a car,its an event everytime the key is turned.
Mine is mapped and has centre cat delete (pretty much the norm) and runs around 520 bhp..
Suprisingly i get around 17 mpg on on s
tty daily 12 mile commute,and can get 27-28mpg on very steady motorway runs within speed limits,Passed MOT wthout problem,and a recent "A" service was just over £250.
Just dont ask about rear tyre wear...lol..
I am in chats with a few people regarding a possible M3 purchase but can’t discount the C63 for all the drama and grin inducing fun it provides.
Interesting to hear your thoughts as a seasoned ‘M’ car owner.
Si
I have had M3's,M5's,Z4M and Z3M's.....
I actually looked at 6 x E92 M3's and all of them without exception was rubbish for the money(had a £24k budget). Brake discs worn out,mega chippy front ends,seat bolsters worn out etc etc... Then you get into rod bearing problems and actuator faults as well as all the other myriad of BMW foibles.
My misery was further compounded when i test drove a couple... Absolutley gutless unless your ragging the brains out of them,they are only 400bhp + at flat out,everywhere else in the rpm range they feel about 200bhp...
Have a go in a couple of M3's and C63's.... See how they feel to you.
its all personal choice of course..
I actually looked at 6 x E92 M3's and all of them without exception was rubbish for the money(had a £24k budget). Brake discs worn out,mega chippy front ends,seat bolsters worn out etc etc... Then you get into rod bearing problems and actuator faults as well as all the other myriad of BMW foibles.
My misery was further compounded when i test drove a couple... Absolutley gutless unless your ragging the brains out of them,they are only 400bhp + at flat out,everywhere else in the rpm range they feel about 200bhp...
Have a go in a couple of M3's and C63's.... See how they feel to you.
its all personal choice of course..
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