MERCEDES W204 C63, SIMPLE MISFIRE TURNS INTO SERIOUS PROBLEM. THE REBUILD! PART 2

[@sprautos]

Hope everyone’s having a good week. I know you’ve all been waiting for this one, so grab your selfs a bru and enjoy. All the best everyone.

[@qc2731]

Always love when you drop a new video. Gutted I missed out on the hoodies though!

[@mrtidy]

Great video

[@julesviolin]

Exactly how I clean gasket surfaces. You hardly see a vacuum cleaner in garages, so nice to see. Nice one

[@andrewscott6339]

Love the content. A master at work 💪🏻

[@ChrisPatrick-q6k]

You're a good man and an excellent mechanic.

[@rockonbaz]

I bet 95% of garage mechanics' in dealerships could not do this repair. Your a genius Sam!!!

[@noelconnor8539]

Cheap as Chips for that job,my god your labour charge is way below par,😮 there is no other Mechanic ,that i have seen with the exuberance & tenacity you display to your Followers & customer care in general, There is no other channels that go into such Graphic technical detail as you do in yours,& you are as Cool as a Cucumber at all times,Love the Odd SMILE AS WELL, YOU PUT MB DEALERS TO SHAME ,, FROM IRELAND ,UP LATE ALL NIGHT WATCHING CATCH UP ON YOUR VIDS, THE INTENSITY IS MIND BLOWING & ADDICTIVE IN YOUR EXPERTISE & NOT OUT TO SCREW YOUR CUSTOMERS ,.👏👏👏👏👍👍

[@speedonwheels]

The price for the work was lower than I was thinking. Nice to see somebody take care of the work and the car.

[@andrewwturner]

I never really understood the Tasos videos because they don't tell a story like yours do. That said, his content is probably more use to folks like you and less so for armchair mechanics like me. Really enjoyed this 2 part series, thanks.

[@smithyhouses100]

Couldn`t keep a smile off my face too,when she fired up first time. Good job Sam, you`re a perfectionist.

[@jedi_duck5170]

I go to work and fix cars, I get home and watch someone fix a car 😂. Awesome in depth and fun to watch video as always. Love it when you post because I always know it’s gonna be good!!

[@sprautos]

Awesome! Thank you! 🙏 and I do the same 😂

[@ThreeCoos]

Your customer got good value for his money there, great video - thanks.

[@geofffikar3417]

I'm stunned. I'm in the USA, and I thought you were going to say $10,000 at least. Outstanding work and you really didn't gouge him on labor. We need more people like you in America.

[@Owenlightowler]

Burger flippers expect 6 figures in the us. That's why half of asia is trying to move there.

[@arthurdardalis]

Clicked like before watching the video, Sam is a guarantee!

[@SoulBrother-V8]

Me too 😂

[@danielmccarthy1982]

Sam - there's only one reason a manufacturer goes from using machine screws in aluminium to self-tappers in plastic... and it's a decision made by accountants! Great content as usual mate - wish I'd known about gloopy oil sooner!

[@Conservator.]

As an excuse for the cost cutting they’ll probably say it’s to save weight. 🙄

[@FeeneyStephen]

@@Conservator. 😂😂😂

[@ageddes99]

I don't even own an AMG but this channel is great to watch and learn about the cars.

[@Conservator.]

I’m even worse, I own a BMW. 🙈

[@ageddes99]

@Conservator. I do want one with the m156 engine just can't make my mind up which one lol

[@Blondie5791]

Great work. The first fire up after a major rebuild job always gives the old tea towel holder a tingle.

[@allanmaureenmacintyre4474]

You produce some of the best videos on KZbin. No BS just good honest workmanship.

[@BigBawMcGraw]

It's good to see even the best of techs looking up youtube 😅

[@sprautos]

There is always some tips out there somewhere 😜

[@danasoroko]

I enjoyed the "Action replay" of you smiling.

[@chriswilson7493]

Glad you mentioned blowing out the block threads for the head bolts! I did a Skyline engine rebuild a bit ago and someone had previously (probably using an air gun) run the main cap bolts down when there was oil or debris in the rear main cap thread holes. They'd hydrauliced a chunk of the block out but carried on regardless leaving the main cap girdle held over the back main with about three or four active threads. Needless to say they'd not torqued it up, just nipped it up with Loctite on the bolt. One scrap block and a big bill... As you so rightly say, run bolts or studs into blind holes by HAND after cleaning, blowing out and examining each hole thoroughly. I know that smile when an engine rebuild first fires up without dramas 😅 I used to live in Gatley, right by Gatley Road / Kingsway traffic lights, it was hell, but moved to a very rural bit of north Shropshire twenty odd years ago. Heard the emergency vehicle siren on the videos's audio. A very rare sound out here! Nice to hear a Manc accent again, too. All the best, great videos well presented.

[@garybladen7218]

Money well spent in my eyes, enthusiasts like myself will somehow find the money to keep our pride and joys on the road! these are amazing cars and deserve the right care to keep on the road. Still loving my C63 and struggle to imagine what on earth am I going to replace it with one day???

[@garyedwards2474]

Hearing her start up brought a big smile to me also. Great job done by SPR both on the car and video. Well done to all.

[@erniestarkey8856]

Your busy for a reason. Top knotch mechanical repairs. The while your in there is a must in my book. great follow up. It's worth the money to me. Driving my S560 is second to none. Thanks for the video.

[@agrubera75]

Your immense knowledge of Mercedes engines is invaluable, plus your presentation speaks for itself. The price for this V8 engine rebuild was quite fair. Top channel, top garage!

[@paulteggart8538]

Were you not listening? This is not a mercedes engine 😂

[@richardnott57]

I thought the bill would be higher, particularly in light of some of your recent videos. I really enjoyed these two vids. Amazing to see the inner workings of this engine, and the care that you lavished on the vehicle. And she started first time 😀😀Great job!

[@SoulBrother-V8]

Love the meticulous attention to detail you demonstrate when working on your customers cars. One of the best garage channels along with VAG Technic. Keep em coming 😂

[@minorityofone1510]

Great job and i think not expensive for a complete top end rebuild 👍👍

[@dhdove]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video Sam, I know it must add hugely to your workload but it’s really appreciated.

[@MrTillychicken]

Superb two part video, it restores your faith that there are still true craftsmen out there that can diagnose, strip, repair and commission such fantastic motors. Based on what a dealership would charge (to sub the job out) I was expecting twice that price, I hope the owner has many happy miles motoring.

[@matthewrooke386]

As an ex-mechanic (BMW) I can’t believe how cheap the labour cost there was sooooo much work that went into that, customer got a fantastic price and has a very good vehicle that should last many more miles.

[@markbradford4569]

The black SL in the back ground is stunning.

[@paulwilson5227]

Good workmanship Fair cost

[@johnmcfall375]

What a car and what a great job. Love your honesty in everything you do. Keep up the good work.

[@keithrandell2433]

Terrific two videos Sam. Thought your price was very fair, before you told us I was guessing maybe up to 8,000! Your knowledge is amazing.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

What a job! It's great to see how much care you put into your work. The cost was more than reasonable. Just knowing tge work will be done right is worth a lot.

[@Judith-c6r]

That was a very interesting video. Shows an older bloke as me how technology has moved on. I appreciate the modern tech even involved in something as simple as a modern thermostat. Fabulous car and so worth maintaining in top condition. Thank you for your time.

[@lynjames4306]

Watching this is the Reason i walked Away in 2006, So complicated im Glad im Driving a Lorry than Spending so much time under the bonnet, It's Soul Destroying Exercises 😢 Excellent Job 😊 👍

[@jasonmcquiggan7468]

Watching this while wearing my brand new SPR hoodie😂. Thanks again Sam 👍

[@sprautos]

Hope you like it! And thanks for the purchase !

[@georgedaville4662]

Always like watching your videos Sam. Your attention to detail allied to your knowledge of particular pitfalls when stripping and rebuilding these classic Mercedes is addictive. It never ceases to amaze me the engineering that went into classic Mercedes vehicles. The availability of parts is a testament to their longevity. The look on your face as you took the rebuilt Mercedes out for its test run was one of sheer delight and pride in your work. Love to see you working on a 5 cylinder 270 diesel engine. 😎👍

[@sprautos]

Thanks George. All the best buddy. That 5 cylinder was a great engine, not seen one for ages.

[@MarkMiller-y1o]

Another great video Sam. We all smiled when the engine fired and is now running like a top. There is nothing like the feeling of accomplishment when you complete a major task, and everything works. Been there and done that t-shirt and all lol. Having to many customers and too much work is a HAPPY problem. Keep up the good work you and your team.

[@keithexum7312]

Great video as always! Clean and detailed work. I don’t smile or talk when I’m working either totally in my zone. The big smile when the engine cranked, I do the same thing! Then I look up and say, thank you, God.! It is that satisfaction of totally tearing something down, cleaning it putting it all back together and it works flawlessly.

[@sonykroket]

Another amazing video from you and your team. Sam the man, The Nath and everyone. It warms my heart to see you fix these great machines with all the love an thought that you can muster up. It is always a joy to watch.

[@yamfz6]

Don't know where the price sits against market value but every time you change vehicles new or used you enter into unknown territory. Sometimes it's worth sticking with what you know if you've done your servicing regularly and you've owned the vehicle from new or close to new. Keep the vids coming.. Cheers 👌🏻👍🏻

[@daveblack5109]

Real pro job with genuine parts and brand experience. For a job as detailed as that your labour is very reasonable and great for your apprentice to get involved. Enjoyed that thanks for posting.

[@ftffighter]

I wondered if you were going to feature this C63 again! Good to see she's getting the right care, thank you for taking us on the amazing journey inside an M156 Sam!

[@len333p]

I think the labour cost is excellent given the expertise and knowledge involved. A different repair garage could have charged a lot more and not known what to have replaced or have taken so much care. You could spend the money and end up doing it again. No substitute for skill and care. Great video.

[@TimQwant]

Thnx 4 another great video. It's so wonderful to see you guys work! AND to take time from your busy schedule to help the "carhumanity"

[@johnlawlor-ow3zk]

absolutely brilliant been a garage owner for 35 years and fixing cars in dealerships before that love your channel 👍

[@ralphyimages]

This (along with part 1) has been absolutely fascinating to view. Your knowledge, explanations and presentation skills are absolutely f irst class. Thank you very much Sam!

[@casimiriwaszkiewicz8962]

The bill looks very, very reasonable. I was quoted more than 50% of that by MB to change a clutch on a lesser car ( with 2 hrs to remove under chassis covers!)

[@RobertDamceski]

Regarding valve covers. I believe it was due to condensation. More condensation on the inside of the aluminum valve cover that could drop some water on the cams. Plastic in theory does not accumulate condensation as much as aluminum. So rust mitigation on the cams when engine is standing a lot in colder weather mitigation cam wear.

[@PuddingPeep-fs1kw]

Quality workmanship Sam, I think the labour sounded good value especially as you know what you’re doing As for the parts - That’s what they cost Love the channel 👌

[@chrispy104k]

31:15 - "Proper AMG".... Could not have summed it up better. Having such a great time with my 2012 PPP. Thanks for the video and great job on the engine. Handy to have such good resources on line from people such as yourself who genuinely care about getting customer cars back on the road.

[@steveclement9815]

As always Sam, a very informative and professionaly presented video. Please keep them coming. The best channel for Mercedes/AMG enthusiasts on youtube.

[@georgecarr732]

Really enjoyed this, price is belting for amount of work involved. Superb car saved for another 100k. Genuinely impressive knowledge!

[@51madmitch]

Excellent in depth video on the rebuild, I love big engines, it’s a work of art, so complicated yet designed so long ago, thanks for posting and your time, it is enjoyable doing rebuilds on a big engine, labour charges very !! reasonable, plastic cam covers much cheaper to manufacture, probably one pressing.

[@RedHotscot]

The most impressive thing for me is the attention to detail, including cleaning/flushing etc., during a rebuild.

[@kendibben3179]

Not long subscribed to your channel after watching the pod cast with Joe, enjoyed watching a true professional at work, keep up the great work , look forward to the next one 👍

[@sprautos]

Much appreciated! And welcome to the channel.

[@gregoryhorvath8920]

That was about $9,000 U.S. I always amortize these costs over the life the repairs will last. It makes it more palatable. Or you can go out and buy a new car, spend a lot more and be eaten alive by depreciation. Your choice. Great work and thanks for shopping us the process. 😎

[@rampanttwattery4844]

Top job Sam. The final bill seems very reasonable for the work done, at the quality it was completed. In response to your question about rocker covers….lots of OEMs have moved to plastic all for the same reason - lower cost and lower weight. No, plastic is not as good but they’re all really under pressure to cut costs these days.

[@douglasgreen437]

1st class work from a 1st class Guy..

[@ASC63Funky]

I was expecting 8k to 10k good value and a good job. Thanks for posting

[@kerbsidemobilemechanic]

Name me a better Merc tech on the country…….I’ll wait, another top job mate and loving the humour in the edits 😂😂

[@malcolmbosanko2007]

Superb workmanship, there's no substitute for quality.

[@philc5513]

High quality, meticulous work. Great video.

[@NomadJRG]

Fantastic video Sam! Really interesting watch as a fellow w204 C63 owner

[@y0jimbb0ttrouble98]

Kind of shocked at the final price .. thought all that work would have been north of 8k inc labour. Cracking 2 part video serious always like watching work on the C63s. esp the pre facelifts and that ones got a cracking colour to it.

[@terrypotter6763]

i dont care that you dont smile often as you say you are concentrating and also doing a video so there is a lot to focus on. very informative and interesting videos that i would never want to open up a can of worms that is a merc engine. Your very fair at your pricing too .

[@aq7705]

Best vid yet. Brilliant work. Proper wrenching means...."I aint got time to smile!" (liked the mushroom cloud n that dog LOL)

[@johnmontague4245]

Outstanding work and knowledge Sam. Your attention to detail is really admirable. The customer got the best deal possible, and a fabulous car to enjoy. The channel is a joy to watch. All the best….

[@sprautos]

all the best to you to.

[@keithexum7312]

Thanks!

[@sprautos]

thanks keith much appreciated

[@simonjones7785]

she sounds sweet.. it allways nice when they fire up on rebuild no matter if its a v12 1o or 8 or even a 3 or 4 cylinder

[@andrewf1326]

Great part 2. Always great content. Thanks again for the effort it takes to put these together. Cheers 🍻

[@UnlimitedStone]

Your knowledge and professionalism really shines though in these videos. A big bill, but certainly warranted for the time, parts, and expertise involved.

[@kenwalsh7723]

Privileged to watch a thorough professional making work look easy and enjoyable. Well done mate top marks😊

[@sprautos]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks Ken

[@garyjones5786]

Sam.. I really enjoy your content and the way you go to great length with what you are doing and the traps to look out for. I'm not a qualified mechanic, but as you have said in the past..its not difficult if you follow procedures. I've learnt alot, it's given me the confidence to tackle my GL350 top end rebuild with success. Many thanks

[@stuarttyson786]

Another hugely interesting/informative video (went back and watched part 1 first). Actually thought the final bill might have been higher. For a proper car that is really not bad - especially if the car can do another 85000 miles with continuing exemplary maintenance.

[@stevejones9945]

A great informative video showing all due care and attention to an expensive car. Its encouraging to know garages like SPR exist out there and if we ever own a Mercedes I'm sure we'll be paying you a visit for its needs!

[@MattCrofts19958]

Brilliant pair of videos. As a C63 owner its great (and scary!) to see the complexities of the M156 engine. Was hoping to bring my car to SPR for servicing, so hopefully in 2025 the customer book will open again. Keen to have the injectors done. Price was a little more than I guessed, but a decent price along with the knowledge that it’s all good inside.

[@CL500MBZ]

That is actually a great price for a top end job. This would raise the value of the car for resale especially since it has Providence with this video.

[@mikeprice5755]

Great video, that smile when it fired up 😁😂 got my hoodie the other day, looks mint thanks for the sweet 🍬

[@steve60855]

Before the end of the video I’d estimated around the £8k mark,top job,customer should be happy with that 👍

[@joe_pelensky]

Great stuff, love the content. Very Well done

[@wolfgangezeh2221]

Great video as always. I wish you’d drop them every day! Wishful thinking, I know. 🤣🤣

[@paulcadman3022]

Tell you what mate far better than watching coronation street … my SL is tucked up for winter now and if you could ever find the time to give it a once over it would be much appreciated 👍

[@theCybershot123]

Well what a brilliant video good content and well done to the edit. Very good camera work time and patience

[@frankirvine316]

Good Job Sam,and I was wondering how you made out with that car Good that the machine shop fixed the cylinder head,pricing I’d say was very good and your customer will be very happy✅ Certainly a complex engine,but to a specialist like yourself,job well done Cheers Frank✅🥳

[@Millennial_Manc]

I only understood 20% of this but enjoyed it all the same. I can’t believe how well organised and precise you are. That 90 degree measure! And Temu fitting better 🤡! Big bill but you can’t change parts prices and they’re top of the range cars with top of the range complexity. Can’t temporarily fix cars with an old pair of tights like in the 80s!

[@PitSmok]

Outstanding job as always, so much knowledge is share on this channel, unbelievable 👏 hat off to you for sharing with other enthusiast 👍👊 great episode

[@davidcousins5493]

Great couple of videos. yes, smile, its aleways a good feeling after a major rebuild when it starts first crank. If you havent already found them, we have Saunders Engerneering Works in Cadnam in the New Forrest, very good shop, been active "for ever". Keep up the good work.

[@sitihouseofexoticparfums8503]

You got you 30k mate. Well done

[@coolcat23]

The bill has built up to a pretty penny, but that's a very valuable engine and car, so well worth the investment. Also, the ratio between labour and parts cost seems to be great. I would have expected the labour cost to exceed the parts cost by a far bigger margin.

[@Phil_T86]

Another great video Sam, Nice to see you pay attention online to things that others pick up such as the camshaft holes. Great watching the M156 videos and issues that can sometimes arise. Unfortunate for the customer in this case though. Btw I managed to get the hoodie when you said you found more stock, size large fits great and its good quality too.

[@larryrichmond8929]

Now I totally understand why you've not taking on new customers.

[@barryelstone2992]

Great Job , meticulously carried out, I had my fingers crossed for you on start up and had a big smile when it fired, as for price I was thinking around 10k, when you shown the price my first reaction was what a bargain for the owner. Top mechanic if I had a Mercedes you would be my first choice and I've been in the motor trade for 50 years working ad a bodyshop technician starting in 1973 and training at Openshaw technical college so trained by a lot of great old school teachers.

[@tonyb1184]

Great result Sam. Good customer too having the job done right. I'd be the same way. I don't think the cost was too bad at all considering your a specialist garage. Keep up the great work and the videos coming 👍 👏

[@TomWilliams-z4e]

Premature cam lobe wear on the M156 is mitigated by a more aggressive oil change schedule. For my W204 M156, 3000 miles. Period. 87,000 miles, zero tappet or cam wear. Inspected when headbolts were replaced with ARP head studs. Cam phaser plates were also replaced. Leak down test shows all cylinders within 90% or more of OEM compression specs.

[@stevie750iL]

The total bill is pretty good (in context?) considering its an AMG V8. I was honestly expecting a lot more. 😊 Brilliant job. So professional.

[@jimross5806]

Just about 7k to fix, must be getting close to the cars total market worth 🤔 but a super looking AMG. Another superb video, well done and well worth the satisfied smile with the start up👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@julesviolin]

Worth it though on the grounds of new cars these days are just trash, with almost disposable engines in them. I'm holding onto my 2003 SL55 with 37k miles as it's so awesome to drive and made during the quality era 👍

[@julianjolly6098]

Absolutely fantastic knowledge you have Sam and your care in doing everything right is exemplary, fabulous channel and love watching your attention to detail 👏👏👏👏👌

[@davidnash8586]

You are a genius and a pleasure to watch !

[@TJSTR]

Scary but I think most cars are capable of throwing up big bills given a bit of bad luck or historical neglect and, as you say, these cars are getting older (even if they don’t look or drive like they are!). Another great vid!

[@newbeginnings8566]

An excellent double bill video... Loved the smile... You had the look like Jack Nicholson in the movie 'the Shining'.... I thought the price seemed very reasonable.. For reference i have a 2015 Subaru Forester ( third car).. it's under warranty.. I correctly diagnosed ot was the injectors (diesel) and on that vehicle the engine has to come out for that operation (great design i thought) ... At Subaru dealership - The quote is 13 hours labour plus parts.. 7000€ total (covered under warranty)... injectors 800€ a piece .. No top end rebuild involved so just a dismantle and refit..

[@mattleonard1078]

I was very surprised with the overa cost...sounded reasonable to me considering the scale of the job! Top notch! she's a lovely C63 that one in a great colour combo!!