$57k engine rebuild: R63 AMG The Unicorn of my Destruction

[matt930s]

Makes our 3.0 rebuilds seem....economical????...

From the article:

"Back in January, we told you about an unfortunate Mercedes-Benz R63 AMG owner who, instead of paying $57,000 to have the engine rebuilt after a head bolt failure, decided to do all the work on his own. We're happy to report that after eight months of work, the owner has finally put the car back together."

Mercedes R63 AMG Owner Completes DIY Engine Rebuild Dealer Said Would Cost $57,000

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/build-projects-and-project-cars/r63-amg-the-unicorn-of-my-destruction/110824/page88/

MattR

[GH85Carrera]

I just wonder how much money he saved. There must be a lot of room in a 57K engine build.

When I first checked into a sprinkler system for my yard they quoted me some really high prices from several sprinkler companies. In the end I did it all myself and worked my butt off for a lot longer than it would have taken a pro. 19 years later it still works fine with a just a few minor tweeks.

[id10t]

If you think 57k is bad, check out what a rebuild of a 4 cam Carrera engine costs... just a core motor alone is more than $60k

[GH85Carrera]

One of my friends owned a real 904. He called it his 90-401K and owned it for many years. In the end he sold it because he was afraid to start it and have an engine problem that could cost a huge chunk of money.

[UconnTim97]

LS engine swap?

[legion]

While not on the same scale, I sold my 944 Turbo because I realized that at the time, I could not afford it if something major broke. I'd redone the brakes and electrical system, and paid to have the turbo and alternator rebuilt, along with a crapload of other stuff under the hood. Then I sold it. About six months later, the new owner spun the #2 main bearing--I suspect because he was laying into it hard, repeatedly, before the oil warmed up.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by UconnTim97

LS engine swap?

For the win!

[LakeCleElum]

Last I heard, he had it running, but a "minor" oil leak. Was still totaling cost. Hope he doesn't have to do it all again?

[id10t]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

One of my friends owned a real 904. He called it his 90-401K and owned it for many years. In the end he sold it because he was afraid to start it and have an engine problem that could cost a huge chunk of money.

IIRC a seldom-used factory option for the Carrera2 GS/GT and 904 was a SC spec second engine... of course, then you are afraid to do more than sit in it with the engine running 'cause of some soccer mom in a SUV putting on make up and drinking her Starbucks and texting on her phone to her BFF Jill...

[pmax]

Pfft, how about $8K for this "major service" ?

This is a California blue plate clean title 1979 Porsche 911 Super Carrera (SC) Targa ...

This original paint Targa was serviced by European Auto Works in Sunnyvale, Ca. less than 600 miles ago and included the following work:

Major service done less than 600 miles ago:

- Oil and filter change
- Rewired parking light circuit
- Rebuilt alternator brush assembly and installed new drive belts
- Replaced cooling fan pulley
- Powder and clear coated alternator housing & cooling fan
- Brake fluid flushed from reservoir and all four wheels then replaced
- Replaced tie rod ends
- Replaced steering rack boots
- Replaced rear suspension spring plates and bushings
- Corner balancing
- Four wheel alignment
- Replaced oil return line to external thermostat
- Adjusted passenger door hinge
- Installed new hood and engine support struts
- Mounted and balanced four new Michelin Primacy HP 91V and HP92V0 tires
- Replaced ignition distributor cap and rotor

The worked performed totaled: $8,078.48

[sc_rufctr]

Originally Posted by pmax

Pfft, how about $8K for this "major service" ?

That's a lot but not surprising. Old P car? If you don't DIY you need deep pockets.

It's like... "If you can't afford a new Rolls-Royce you really can't afford a used one either".

[fastfredracing]

that is a hell of a head bolt failure. wonder what was all involved?

[HHI944]

Originally Posted by pmax

Pfft, how about $8K for this "major service" ?

Replacing the ignition coil and wires/plugs at a dealer on an old LR disco II is north of 2k.
Did the job myself when the coil died, British engineers are jerks.

[svandamme]

57K

I assume that means crate it up and ship it back to AMG
And get the engine back, as new?

[VincentVega]

Sounds like the we have no interest in this job but for $57k....

[svandamme]

Pretty sure if it is AMG, the regular dealer mechanics are not trained to or allowed to touch it.

[GH85Carrera]

Ask any light aircraft owner about the cost of a engine rebuild. Easy to spend crazy money and the FAA determines your engine needs to be rebuilt.

[CurtEgerer]

If that thing is now actually able to move under its own power, I'd have a FOR SALE sign in the window by dinner time.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by CurtEgerer

If that thing is now actually able to move under its own power, I'd have a FOR SALE sign in the window by dinner time.

I wonder how much $$$$$ the car is worth ??

[CurtEgerer]

For what it's worth: