6.2L V8 E63 AMG SURGERY: Fixing All The Common M156 Issues!

Follow me on Instagram! @chris_sullyvan
Everybody loves the 6.2L M156, but almost everyone knows about the common issues that plague them. My 2010 E63 was no exception, so I decided to tackle them all!
Tools in the Video:
3/8" Drive: amzn.to/3OS4U09
1/4" Drive: amzn.to/3HmfF9p
TimingTool Kit: amzn.to/3EYXGmw
Music:
Song: LAKEY INSPIRED - Island (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Video Link: • LAKEY INSPIRED - Islan...

[@towmannc3152]

You have one of the best channels on KZbin in my opinion

[@nonameisthename138]

That ain't NO LIE!! 💯👍

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks man! Appreciate the support

[@TruckinWitGizmo]

I second that!!

[@towmannc3152]

@@ChrisSullivan69 💪🏽‼️Love how you actually finish the cars you start and the cars come out great

[@davidwatts5863]

I 3rd that!

[@BoSS-dw1on]

My OCD really appreciates the way you clean the engine before working on it as well as wrapping the bumper/fenders to protect them from scratches. Also, keeping your parts organized when off the vehicle is amazing. So many other KZbinrs don’t do any of this and it makes me anxious when they work on their cars in filthy conditions.

[@jamest5149]

Agreed… its not just nicer to work on clean ‘stuff’ it helps stop damage. Its good practice.

[@highdefp-rm7zg]

I did a ton of research to see how many head bolts fail on the early engines by asking dealer techs and independents . The results were common in that failure was rare, like 1 in 100! Also, If a bolt snaps when you try to remove it , it becomes a major major job . For these two reasons I have chosen not to change my head bolts and keep a close eye on coolant level.

[@rmonbee]

Knocking like a door to door bible salesman...best one I've heard in a long time.

[@Xxiv47]

Came for the TT c6 Z06 stayed for the quality of these videos keep going bro you’ll be in the big leagues soon 💯

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks man!

[@davesnothereman81]

So many videos of this procedure on the tube, and this is by far one of the best! Appreciate the content...

[@thomasmoore2695]

I love to say you do a great job. I,like a lot of us have been reading, watching everything about car's/trucks my whole life so I can see real quick if a person has a good way to explain. You do a great job and I love what your working on.

[@leomeatte8719]

these videos are incredibly great. you’re insanely talented man!

[@patrickbauer5358]

Just did mine, 09 E63. Your video was excellent reference. Bolts, adjuster plates from 63 motorsports and new lifters. Thanks for posting.

[@jacektyski5370]

I really enjoyed every minute of this video. Very educational and interesting. I am so glad I have found this channel. You pay attention to every detail. This makes you so unique, compared to many other mechanics and shops. Great job Chris.

[@MrTokicha1]

Just bought 2008 CL 63 same 156 engine, was little worried about it’s condition, this is where I found this video, great job man! Great filming and editing! Smooth af! Thank you for your time.

[@amanu8590]

Excellent video. I've been procrastinating doing the headbolts and adjusters on an 09 M156. You make it look easy.

[@jys8569]

Awesome content. Super clean shop/garage and mad props for being so thorough. I’m a e90 m3 owner and was researching some stuff to potentially switch to the m156 e63. Glad I found your channel and feel leaps better of switching now.

[@5ShotProductions]

Finally, a new episode of your beautiful W212 🤩 Thanks in advance and kind regards from Germany 🇩🇪, Philipp 👋

[@prestigecarservice3713]

Great and clean job. Just one thing I would add. After cam sprocket work always set them up with your chosen diag equipment. With the official Mercedes diagnosis kit there is a option to do this in the adaptation menu. 😊

[@OGYELLOW]

Amazing. Thanks for documenting this. Gonna help alot of people do this job.

[@davidwatts5863]

Man it's relaxing when watching this engine work videos. Man you are a great mechanic with your attention to detail. Great job!👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿

[@imsodank1]

I wish I knew 5% of what this man knows about cars. Im amazed more and more with every video.

[@claus1678]

Well done big fella .....great camera work and your explanations of what your doing is fantastic.

[@garymills684]

You do some awesome work, thanks for showing all of the details !

[@TheT1r1]

Dude you are awesome. You have so much attention to detail for everything. I hope to one day own a garage like yours with a lift and all those awesome cars you have

[@russellr.9005]

Great video Chris! I did this exact same job a year ago on my C63, even did the same marks on the phasers. I was wondering why you didn't change the lifters in the first part of the video, but then saw you changed your mind at the end. Thanks for some great content.

[@joea1746]

As we say in the military attention to detail! And that my friend you absolutely have! There is no greater satisfaction then doing the work yourself. Knowing it’s your car and you want it done right. A job well done. 👍

[@SimbaBeezFN]

I’ve been watching you since that V1 CTS V and man I love your work, then as a person, you’re a cool dude, very humble, and calm personality. Looking forward to your progress and achievements

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks brotha

[@gearsandrpm4776]

You never disappoint!!! great video!!! 🔥🔥🔥

[@jamesmoore1743]

Real informative Channel on all your projects you giving out Vital Information

[@brian2359]

Nothing better than a job well done!! It sounds better now even at idle, great job Chris!

[@realisrealite5554]

A job that doesn't have to be done is the best.Built in obsoletion the Germans are the best.

[@automotivechaos]

Really enjoy watching your channel. There’s a little bit of everything, nice work!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@eldontsoi]

was on the market for a 09’ SL63, amazing video! very detailed about the head bolt issue. keep it up!

[@Pauleyjh]

Thanks for that, awesome job - you're a brave man Chris !

[@Alex-ui9fb]

I’m proud of your attention to this legend. The same approach I use. Respect! Nice drive!

[@sickerthanyouraverage9483]

so knowledgeable chris, thank you for the videos brotha

[@danresciniti]

I learn a lot watching your channel. Thanks for the videos!

[@ANDERZENAMG]

Also took care of this job on my channel for my ML63 AMG along with head bolts and cam buckets using upgraded OEM parts and the 63 Motorsports adjuster plates and hardware. Nice work and great video, cheers to many more smiles in the M156! Subscribed!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

I watched your video before tackling the job. Great video!

[@simkinsfrank4169]

Really enjoying your channel. You are so real.

[@AndrewJerman]

I can't thank you enough for this video! It was incredibly helpful. I've just completed this work on my 2009 C63, finally. I did the passenger side and got kind of frustrated with some things, so I ended up taking a couple of weeks before I got to the driver's side, which was a piece of cake after all my lessons from the passenger side. I still haven't gotten the cam position relearn yet, so I've only done two gentle test drives, but everything seems good so far. Of course only minutes after I filled it back up and declared the job done except a "minor" coolant leak, the breather snapped off my thermostat and the minor leak turned into half the coolant on the floor again! Now back to the Cobra content! Without question, out of all my past cars, the one I regret selling the most was my 2003 Zinc Yellow Cobra.

[@mikenelson9245]

Chris you and Tony Angelo are killing it!! My 2 favorite channels by far!!

[@brysonsteele3289]

Your so down-to-earth and cool to watch work on your own stuff subbed!! 👏🏾

[@Mikea6972]

Fantastic video my guy! You're my new go to channel.

[@alegrasbow]

You love this car... Nice work man! Sound is amazing 😍

[@iJava91]

I did this work (just the cam adjuster rebuild though) on my C63 few months ago and a relearn was necessary. After about a month of driving I started getting misfires and cam out of position codes. After clearing the codes using a normal scanner they came back a few clicks later. Since the relearn I've had no codes but I also have not driven it much (stored for winter). I hope you bought new cam shaft bolts since the original ones are one time use only. Great video! Keep us posted.

[@2nsane2005]

Bigly underrated channel. You’re the v8 king!

[@TheLooper0]

Hi, I started watching your channel when you started your 69 Camaro since I am doing a 68, but I wanted to let you know I find your work on everything is top notch and usually way beyond my capabilities, but there is something we can all take from them like how neat and organized and thorough you are. Your music taste could use some work 😄, but other than that very impressed.

[@TheLooper0]

@@Official_ChrisSullivan Hi , thanks for the gift offer, totally not necessary, and I don’t even know if this is where I send the response but curious and based on you videos it could be something cool.

[@jermainorr2688]

Awesome video. You are the best teacher in mechanics hands down. You make me want to buy a lemon just so I can take it apart then fix it.🔥

[@WRAP_itude]

Such a quality vid, I’ll be watching it at least 10 times!

[@christopherdean5709]

Chris just came across your channel. Great stuff man. Love a the content. I love that you your not afraid of any project, German, ford, and GM of course. I am a BMW, GM guy and have a built E90 I use for tracks and general rippin around Cape Cod my daily is a 2018 340i Xdrive and a 2006 GMC Sierra 4.8 L both of those are stock except the 340Xi has a Burger JB4 tuner which took the stock B58 322 HP to 400 HP on pumped gas. Fun car. Anyway man love your stuff. Keep the video's comin, love your Channel. Happy Holidays. Chris D.

[@gary5199]

Wish I could do half of what you do, Chris. Good video, I’m learning.

[@mike.unlimited]

What a beast of a car. Good job man!

[@nageebtarek7580]

Man you did it like knife in butter amusing job i love the way you marked three marks to make sure you are doing well great job man 😃

[@fcampojr]

That is such an awesome looking ride!

[@mohamedbhamjee1856]

Thanks for the great details on this video learned a lot many thanks 🙏

[@cshevlin]

KZbin algorithm hooked me up! New here. Loving the car!

[@zaknefain100]

As a mechanical engineer... softer plate or softer pin.. I'm going with a softer pin if it means the assembly can still function in the event that the plate wears out. Seems to function fine, minus the annoying rattle at start-up. Amazing what is charged for aftermarket plates but this is a 100K+ car new, so.. maybe not so much; everything comes at a premium $ with these cars. Nice video detailing the replacement process, thanks!

[@victoryroadperformance3131]

Great video! Thanks for showing people how to do the phaser plates!

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Appreciate it guys!

[@russclewley6945]

I can't even imagine what that would have cost at the dealership! Great job, great documentation of your work.

[@ea2225]

What do you think this would’ve cost to get done

[@GFIJERIKOSOSA]

Absolutely best video in some time. 🎉🎉🎉

[@heinrichgerhardt6119]

Did all of that to my 2009 E63 two years ago when it had 50k miles on it. Initial complaint was high idle speed with no codes. Removed intake to find corroded throttle support plate which I replaced with the aftermarket aluminum one. While in there, bead blasted bottom cover and painted with aircraft primer. Next, noticed oil leakage (tiny bit) from the valve covers, so removed those plus the front adjuster covers to replace those seals. Again while in there, did the head bolts which looked exactly like yours, and wondered why I bothered. Noticed some distress to a few of the lifters, so replaced all those too. Cams looked fine. Adjusters had a bit of locking pin hole wear on the intakes; exhausts looked perfect, so reassembled those and reused. Also replaced PCV valve. One note of caution: washing the engine lets water get under the intake manifold and causes corrosion of the uncoated magnesium. There are foam pads between the manifold and valley which trap the water.

[@jamest5149]

I like how you start with cleaning… so frustrating to watch people working on dirty cars and engine bays… its not just bad practice, the damage from dirt is real both to bodywork and engine internals is real. Also its just nicer wot work on clean stuff.

[@norrisjones3472]

Outstanding work. I really like your videos. Very hands on. Lots of useful info. Please paint that intake on the C7. Red

[@abovetheaverage9962]

One of the few channels that have my attention the whole video. The content is thorough, your knowledge seems endless, and the cars are clean. Have you ever discussed what you do for work? Interested to know.

[@davidwatts5863]

Man I said the same thing. Some video you just want to fast forward but not his. He's a great teacher.

[@jaayflipsto100k3]

You have an AMG. Which means you’re cool. Which means i’m subscribing.

[@eduardoglowacki8403]

Really cool job done by You and cool video done aswell so bravo Man !!

[@nicholasfoley7105]

A the old while your in there.. gets me everytime. Always happens to me go to change one thing end up doing 5 or 6. Makes sense in most cases.

[@HLinHD]

Great work man.

[@thierrycollard1974]

Thanks for sharing mate🙌🏾

[@Feledwards]

Great video. Getting ready to pick up a 507, just under 80K miles. Wanting to learn more about maintenance on M156. Hopefully I’m not getting over my head with the car. Great video! Thanks for sharing.

[@TolandTheShattered]

In my opinion as a MB tech the M156 is definitely one of the more approachable engines for enthusiasts to work on. Good luck on the sale for that 507, I still remember the first time I drove a 507 C63. It was badass and roudy!

[@RoyalTube1Abid]

How’s the m156 treating u

[@chrispy104k]

Thanks for sharing this comprehensive guide. I'm considering buying a 2014 model so hopefully not too many of those issues exist on it but I now have all the necessary info to do the work if required. 47:00 Great sense of satisfaction having that purr like a kitten.

[@walzgry]

I'll be tackling cam adjusters on my '11 soon. Always appreciate how thorough you are. How about some affiliate links to the items used in each job like timing tools, plastic wrap, fluids etc? Interested in supporting future content.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Good idea! I'll add those links. Reach out if you have any questions.

[@lennard_28]

@@ChrisSullivan69do you have the links for the parts I really need those. 👍🏼

[@davidj7998]

How is she holding

[@tylercarter1746]

Dawg my motivation is through the roof after seeing this video.

[@ingegneriafacile]

Great Video Chris, i'm waiting to receive your plates and i will do the complete job

[@JustinSmithPYRO]

Good to know about the cam adjuster plates. I have a 2014 C63 almost 100k on it now. So I'll have to start lookin into that place in Canada. Thanks for the info 🤘🤘

[@williammoreno1134]

Thanks for awesome video! 👍👍

[@ianleach1869]

Nicely done!

[@patreilly4293]

Great video. I own a 2011 W212 and wish I had that engine!

[@nineninesixteensixteen2386]

Man it’s crazy you know ur way around any car it seems like

[@repro7780]

Great job, and a beautiful car.

[@tonychavez2083]

Nice visuals on the failure point of cam adjuster backing plate.

[@twilson1973]

Nice video. Nice E63. Nice job. Just saying that that you have to do the head bolts, lifters, and cam adjusters sounds very complicated but your process simplified the project.

[@scaryamg]

Congrats on your now bulletproof m156 🎉

[@jamest5149]

Great work and video. A bit of constructive criticism… The only thing I would have done differently of this was mine is replaced the oil prior to start up once you knew you were changing the lifters, then do another change once the engine has heat cycled a couple of times as the flush. Reason is the cam lobes and lifters have very high contact pressures, the most extreme in the engine, the new oil should contain high levels of ZDDP, would help save the cam and lifter surface of wear at this critical bed in time, also fresh oil helps the lifters pump up quicker which again can be a cause of damage due to the large clearances hammering the cams and lifters.

[@vincentgreen5166]

Bro if you live near me or I live near you, you would be my main mechanic you're real good! 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@A4nKar]

Great Job!!! Enjoyed the video even though I don't have a M156.

[@A4nKar]

done

[@transam1242]

Absolutely loving the channel!! Curious what brand and model lift is that?

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks! It's a universalift 2

[@GeoffInfield]

My brother did his pre-emptively on a CL63 after a long trip consumed a small amount of coolant. One bolt came out with NO resistance cos the head was coming away from the bolt. I'd already traded my C63 on a B7 RS4 to a dealer (telling him about the bolt problem) cos in NZ every M156 auction pre 2012 had "done the head bolts yet mate?" questions by people on a public service campaign or something. I'd disclose it anyway but nobody would buy it. *The Mercedes dealer said we have to wait til they fail (they fixed one that hydrauliced and bent a rod) cos they made our cars WORTHLESS.*

[@johnlucala1532]

Great video,keepup the good job.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks!

[@petetofani4896]

I like how you take pride in your work. Did you consider upgrading the lifters to the "Black Series" lifters while you were there?

[@petetofani4896]

Sorry, I made the comment before I finished your video.

[@davejohnson3860]

Originally I had a lot of praise , however at 46:50 said it all! Speechless!!

[@leriksenbendigo]

I use ceratec with every oil change on my 63, with the M157 engine, the valve train noise is significantly reduced. Beautiful job BTW.

[@swift__]

Nice work 🤜🏻🤛🏻🤘🏻

[@LoKiFee]

The wizard of cars!!

[@blazing7s]

Hey, great video.. I do work like this all the time.. I always worry when I’m taking a head bolt out one doesn’t snap Cuz if it does what do you do pull the motor smh. Your car is very clean Chris what year and how many miles ,it looks like new… great content 👏

[@drifter2090]

Great work! I just did the same job on my 07 CLS63, M156 is a pretty easy engine to work on.

[@maxmiller3719]

i’m considering buying a 60k mile s63 2010 and the only worry i have on it is this. I’ve done my timing belt on my current lexus but this seems pretty straightforward. Any input on the car and the engine project.

[@drifter2090]

@@maxmiller3719 everything went smooth, if you have any other experience with working on a cars engine you should be okay. Just be patient and do lots of research.

[@miltongenovez4315]

Love it very informative, thank you

[@jdxtube68]

Outstanding! Thank you!

[@jrome187]

Great video. I had a C63 at one point in my life. I miss it very much. I am wondering why you didnt put in the black series tappets?

[@willh.3703]

Great video selection, are you joining the Hot Rod Power Tour this year?

[@FirearmTutorials]

Amazing how quiet it is after that work! Next items you may want to do are new injectors, PCV valve, and pulleys. They factory plastic pulleys seize around 60-80k. I replaced my PCV at 70k and it wasn't broken, but felt soft compared to the new one.

[@ChrisSullivan69]

You can actually here an idler pulley making a bit of noise in the video. Already have a new one on the way! other than that its running smoooooth

[@OGYELLOW]

@ChrisSullivan69 injectors have been know to kill m156 engines. I put new injectors on as my first mod 2 days into ownership. Dont wait.

[@OGYELLOW]

Great call on injectors. My 09 has 68k and it was the first thing I did 2 days into ownership

[@FirearmTutorials]

@@OGYELLOW I think I replaced mine around 70k as well with the BOSCH ones. I was surprised how dirty the old ones were and I've used nothing but 93 octane in mine.

[@OGYELLOW]

@FirearmTutorials me too! Mine were filthy although no idea how it was treated before me. I pulled 100k injectors from a vq35hr and they were spotless. Granted a couple hundred less hp

[@Mad_Rass.mk6gli]

Great vid!! Next time throw the lifters into a tray of oil and make sure they are all submerged for about an hour. Self bleed any air in them that would cause it to clatter.

[@1995RangeRover]

Nice work!!

[@Devstatham]

You have my upmost respect 🫡 the detail and care of your workmanship is superb. Harbor freight has definitely come a long way with their tool selection . I know cause I have a few that I use professionally , their icon tools are top notch . Quin makes a tourqe wrech similar to your half inch drive . They make a 3/8 drive as well . I would look into it and it’s great quality . I was thinking about an e63 but was wondering about the timing , common engine issues and came across this video . Glad I watched …! Thanks again !

[@ChrisSullivan69]

Thanks forwatching! !