Ex-factory issue with 63 engines ?

[The Swede]

I've had my S63 AMG since 2008 (car built end 2007) and driven 107000km (approx 67000 miles). It's my 4th Mercedes, second S class and I have been happy... so far.

The car is currently immobilized at a dealer in Belgium with two problems, of which one recurring and I would like to reflect on and check whether others have experienced the same:

1. The torque converter seems to have given up. I have never heard of this item giving up so quickly. Awaiting the view of the MB inspector tomorrow to see if it will be replaced under warranty.

2. The valves of the engine make a hell of a noise (ticking). 2 years ago already (April 2010), the car was brought back in at Mercedes-Benz Ascot in UK to resolve the issue. I was told this was a known problem with this series of engine. All valves were (said to be) replaced under warranty.
When I brought my car to the dealer in Belgium last week, I was told this problem clearly has resurfaced and damage to the engine can result from this...

Also found this: Mercedes-Benz Faces Class Action Lawsuits for AMG V8 Engines - AMG Mercedes-Benz News | AMG Mercedes-Benz News

Has anyone else had similar experiences? I personally have never had a Mercedes with such reliability problems.

 

[WG M-B]

The earlier m156 engine are troublesome unfortunately. And the link you provided stands true.

 

[The Swede]

The key question will be whether MB takes its responsibilities.

At the moment, I am waiting for two days for them to call me to explain what course of action they will take.

Sure as hell, I am not going to pay for a rebuild of the heads every 30000 miles.

 

[toby1]

Sounds like MB has dropped the ball big time with this one

 

[Bolide]

5 year old car, nearly 70,000 miles... I think it's chequebook time

How long is the warranty on the car?

Nick Froome

 

[The Swede]

5 year old car, nearly 70,000 miles... I think it's chequebook time

How long is the warranty on the car?

Nick Froome

Unlike BMW's, Mercs generally don't fall apart at 70000 miles... Nor do they need to be replaced. I intend to keep this car another 100K !

Why would you buy a Merc otherwise? For its sporty handling, Italian styling, warm interior or its cheap purchasing price? :lol:

No warranty anymore on the car. The issue was however solved (officially) under warranty (April 2010). Clearly, not solved very well.

Actually just got the paperwork of that repair and whereas the link above points at the camshaft and suggests there are quite some parts to be replaced, the dealer then only swapped the hydraulic valve clearance adjusters. Hardly what I'd call a thorough repair if the known issues are correct. :evil:

 

[The Swede]

Sounds like MB has dropped the ball big time with this one

The more I root around on the web, the more issues I find with the engine.

Clearly should have a big "STAY CLEAR" sign on them. Even heard SLS's having the problem...

Merc should maybe spend some money on fixing the issue and doing a humble Toyota-style recall rather than spending it on arrogant marketing campaigns for the next problem-child with this engine under the bonnet.

 

[WG M-B]

The more I root around on the web, the more issues I find with the engine.

Clearly should have a big "STAY CLEAR" sign on them. Even heard SLS's having the problem...

Merc should maybe spend some money on fixing the issue and doing a humble Toyota-style recall rather than spending it on arrogant marketing campaigns for the next problem-child with this engine under the bonnet.

Yeah right dream on !!!!!!!!!!!!
No chance, that my friend is not the mb way. Many engines that have been brought into production in the the last seven years have defects internally.
For all of mb's flaws this was never one of them. Maybe the budget went out of engine manufacturing and back into rust proofing?

 

[The Swede]

Yeah right dream on !!!!!!!!!!!!
No chance, that my friend is not the mb way. Many engines that have been brought into production in the the last seven years have defects internally.
For all of mb's flaws this was never one of them. Maybe the budget went out of engine manufacturing and back into rust proofing?

Money sure goes out of my pockets into theirs.

Anyway, let's see what they come back with. At the moment, there is an absolute radio silence. Inspector was going to call me yesterday. Probably working on a different calendar than I do. :?

 

[wheelie]

1. The torque converter seems to have given up. I have never heard of this item giving up so quickly. Awaiting the view of the MB inspector tomorrow to see if it will be replaced under warranty.

2. The valves of the engine make a hell of a noise (ticking). 2 years ago already (April 2010), the car was brought back in at Mercedes-Benz Ascot in UK to resolve the issue. I was told this was a known problem with this series of engine. All valves were (said to be) replaced under warranty.
When I brought my car to the dealer in Belgium last week, I was told this problem clearly has resurfaced and damage to the engine can result from this...

Also found this: Mercedes-Benz Faces Class Action Lawsuits for AMG V8 Engines - AMG Mercedes-Benz News | AMG Mercedes-Benz News

I've just read that and am somewhat stunned. I looked at a few E63 and C63 models before I bought my current car and "thankfully" decided to wait as the mileage I was doing wasnt really compatible with that kind of car.

Thank god I did as the phrase "financial carnage" seems to leap to mind. Watch what happens to the price of these variants if the lawsuit is successful. Leaves quite a poison legacy in the second hard car market as well. It's like the SBC issue on steroids!

The shear volume of useful information that comes out of this forum is truly incredible!

Pete

 

[Corned]

Don't forget - "Das beste oder nichts"!

 

[wheelie]

Don't forget - "Das beste oder nichts"!

I so wish that was still the philosophy ...

 

[The Swede]

Don't forget - "Das beste oder nichts"!

I think they missed this not only when they made the engine. They also do it when they think of customer service after the event.

 

[Corned]

I so wish that was still the philosophy ...

It's still their current marketing bollocks!

 

[The Swede]

It's still their current marketing bollocks!

I think the marketing talk did not get shared with the customer service people.

Person who called me on Tuesday sounded more like she was employed by the Stasi.

 

[Corned]

That has been my (only) experience of MB 'Customer Services'.

I even received a call from World HQ in Maastricht telling me to sod off.

 

[The Swede]

That has been my (only) experience of MB 'Customer Services'.

I even received a call from World HQ in Maastricht telling me to sod off.

Does not surprise me. Absolutely useless bunch, especially the UK ones. They do not understand the technical problem, and they cannot help making decisions on whether MB will cover an issue or not... so WHAT are they there for? Get rid of the department and save on cost.

Started doing their job this afternoon by calling Affalterbach direct myself to ask who I can bring the issue forward to.
WHY can MB Customer Care not do this themselves?

I simply want to ensure the right people get the info and they get the opportunity to answer rather than to suddenly hear the discussion spiraled out of control the story got splashed all over in the press... and off course, then it's AMG's fault