R63 AMG The Unicorn of my Destruction

So, head bolts pulled from block. MB has a known field defect, and has a service kit for this known defect.

I'd buy that service kit and go full DIY on that bitch. Then I'd keep it.

That really sucks. I reached out to my neighbor who deals with what you are going through for MB NA to see if he knows/will tell me who you need to talk to.

The question is what else it takes with it. The heads? A quick internet search says MB won't 'fix' the engines that have had coolant in the block because the antifreeze compromises the main bearings. If they catch a slow leak early they can replace the studs, but if it lets go then it's gone.
A big part of me wants to back it into the Grosh, get a service manual and just tear into it (labeling everything of course) an engine hoist and a pile of time should sort it all out.
I'm upset that this is a known problem and MB just told me to go home and cry. I know they can't recall and replace them all because they're not all bad and I just got unlucky to own one that failed out of warranty. This might be the only R63 that has a bad motor. Who knows.

Rusted_Busted_Spit wrote: That really sucks. I reached out to my neighbor who deals with what you are going through for MB NA to see if he knows/will tell me who you need to talk to.

I appreciate that. The R63 is special. There are so few of them and they really epitomize the crazy that is this era of AMG cars. They are literally the pinnacle of the mini van even if Mercedes didn't want to call it one.
I'm not willing to just wash my hands of it. I really do like it. I was giving serious thought to doing One Lap in it.

I think there is an amazing build thread in your future. And you will likely build it better than MB did originally. I know you said it's outside of your comfort zone, but if anyone has the patience to do it and do it right, you do sir.

This sucks.

The studs dont pull from the block, they stretch. At least this is my understanding.

I would go at it. Look at it from a glass half full pov, its just two 4 cylinder heads

Get the Weistec head studs, new Mercedes headgaskets, some good torx sockets (Craftsman will do) in both external and internal and go at it.

My experience with MB is that while complicated, they are easy to work on.

Also if you decide to go for it, I have a lapping tool that you can use to clean the heads and make sure they are perfectly flat. I had it made for a 7M Supra engine, which needs a mirror finish surface in order to properly seal.

Mrs. Deuce just got home and we're talking about it. This will be a long thread one way or another.

I am with Slippery on this. Once your stomach stops being queasy it is just a car and like he said they are easy to work on.

Like you said, the R63 is special, at least to odd balls like us, so to me it would be worth saving.

I know you can rebuild it. The only question I have is if MB will make you a badge for the top of the engine that says Assembled by "Mazdeuce"?

jgrewe wrote: I know you can rebuild it. The only question I have is if MB will make you a badge for the top of the engine that says Assembled by "Mazdeuce"?

Lol. I have access to a laser, I'll make him one if he goes for it!

This is why TTY bolts are the devil. I ran into this all the damn time in my shop, they stretch out past spec and allow the head to "lift" off the block far enough to compromise the head gasket seal, and blammo! Done motor. Honestly, you probably caught it early enough to save the bottom end. I'd buy all the update kits and go to town, it's not that complicated of an engine.

So I have to ask, does no one have a upgrade kit for this motor? Brabus?

I mean they have to work on these things, is there not a $15k brabus motor kit? that adds a few ponies and fixes your known bad parts?

$57k for a new motor. Holy cow. That blows my mind.

Sorry to hear this. You certainly seem like the right person to undertake the rebuild yourself.

Or, you could follow this guy's lead and go with an LS 427!

BMW 5-series wagon with LS 427

Mad_Ratel wrote: So I have to ask, does no one have a upgrade kit for this motor? Brabus? I mean they have to work on these things, is there not a $15k brabus motor kit? that adds a few ponies and fixes your known bad parts?

MB themselves have the upgraded bolts. Word is you can get them from the dealer. That's the really annoying part, known problem, known fix, not their responsibility.

And yes the game changed once I got the diagnosis. I was hoping that taking the conservative route of bringing the car to the dealer could save the motor, but if MB says the motor is gone, I have a whole hell of a lot less to lose.

Slippery wrote:

jgrewe wrote: I know you can rebuild it. The only question I have is if MB will make you a badge for the top of the engine that says Assembled by "Mazdeuce"?

Lol. I have access to a laser, I'll make him one if he goes for it!

It would totally be worth it.

I can't believe they quoted fifty seven thousand DOLLARS for a new engine. Holy E36 M3.

Sorry for your pain. I eagerly look forward to the rebuild story.

I'm absolutely going to get a copy of the itemized quote tomorrow. It'll be a cool piece of paper for the stack of papers that will inevitably go with the van.

In reply to mazdeuce:

With a hand written note on page one of the quote that says "Eff that!"

Today is not the day, but maybe in a week and before you commit to any next plan, I'd look around hard for indications online whether MB has ever made or been made to make this at least partially right.

Stefan (Not Bruce) wrote:

Cotton wrote:

Ian F wrote:

chandlerGTi wrote: I had to replace brakes twice on my E55 and not only were the brakes huge; they were expensive! I believe the rotors and pads front and rear ran me $1100 for AMG parts. When I sold it I bought another Rabbit...

Looking at the price spread on RockAuto, they haven't gotten much (if any) cheaper. Makes me feel a bit better about the rotors I just bought for my mtn bikes, although the R63 rotors probably have a better $/lb ratio. It would be funny to stand one of those rotors next to the tires for my Mini - which has front rotors literally less than half the diameter. ...hell... I just realized my mtn bike has larger diameter front rotors than the Mini...

I got my crossed drilled and vented 15" s600 rotors off Rock Auto for $12 and change a piece. They were on closeout and shipping and all was under $50. We'll see how they hold up, but they look to be decent quality.

Ask JG about how well the crossdrilled rotors worked on the Project Mustang. There's a reason they were on closeout.

It came with vented and cross drilled from the factory. If you mean just because they're cheap, well I'll take my chances for no more than they're costing me. Laborwise it's an easy job, so if I have to do it over no big deal.

I would source a used engine, update the bolts, and install. Keep the original engine and keep it on a stand to deal with later. The original engine should always stay with a car like that imo even if it is just sitting on the sidelines.

In reply to Cotton:

Could always rebuild using a donor motor just to keep the numbers correct.

Such a bummer.

There are lots more of these motors in junkyards up here on car-part.com, lower mileage stuff for $6-8k. If I can help source and or ship something, let me know.

If the block is anything other than scrap it should stay with the car somehow.

This morning after I drop the kids off I'm headed to the dealer to chat and give back the loaner. I'm very impressed with it and am going to see if I can have a salesman call me if they get an AMG version in. Double the power, double the drive wheels and better seats and it might be perfect.
I'm going to collect the names and cards of my service rep and the tech that did the diagnosis and talk to the tech if they'll let me. Get any contact info they'll give me at MB USA to talk to about it. Be nice because quite frankly they've been great to me so far.
Then call the tow truck and get a ride back home.

So that's the plan for today.

Sonic wrote: Such a bummer. There are lots more of these motors in junkyards up here on car-part.com, lower mileage stuff for $6-8k. If I can help source and or ship something, let me know.

Thanks, I appreciate the help. At least I didn't sell the truck yet so I still have it to go get things if needed.