M156 Silent Killer, it’s Valvetrain: Get Set for Success
Welcome! So you know you need your M156 looked at but are confused about the parts? Don’t worry! We were in that headspace as well! Look no further! Here is a MUST list in three simple pieces! So, let’s get set for success!
1. PLATES! The go to repair kit set is the Stage I+ Complete w/ Skeleton Covers. This can handle all the power and torque a naturally aspirated M156/M159 can throw at it. You MUST replace all of the softer steel that MB has used in the adjusters (This unfortunately includes the stock covers). Especially if you are DIY focused to decrease setbacks! “Wait.. This kit is the most expensive kit!”, you say?
Here is the thing: stock covers cave in at the five bolt holes, this is because the same softer steel is used for the covers and it thins out due to the countersunk design. This cave in scenario causes the securing bolts to bottom out! The out-of-tolerance scenario causes oil pressure to bleed out. This lack of oil pressure creates hard to diagnose phantom codes in certain VVT events!
Refer to the link below to purchase:
2. GASKETS AND DIAMOND DISC WASHERS! We’ve done the leg work and have collected the proper pieces to replace the washers and gaskets required for the M156 Valvetrain job! Do not neglect this area as these cars are old! This is a MUST step to perform while you are already in there! There are two types of cylinder head covers; aluminum and plastic. Please verify which has been installed as there are some cars that had been replaced by the dealer. If the engine covers are Black then they are plastic, Silver covers would be Aluminum. Alternatively, these can be bought at your local Mercedes-Benz dealer!
You don’t want to purchase from us? No problem! The main item that is one time use is the Diamond Disc Washers from the Gaskets & Washers set that we sell. Here is the part no. for you to purchase these four at the dealer, 1560510275.
We only sell Genuine Mercedes-Benz Gasket Kits for the phaser repair job and they can be found in the link below (thanks for purchasing from us!):
The following bolts replace TTY bolts and MUST be replaced. 3c applies if you have to remove the cams (e.g. headbolt replacement)!
3A. Adjuster Phaser Assembly Bolts (20 pieces for all four phasers). These are very effective with new Skeleton covers! And as mentioned previously can bottom out with stock pieces (out of spec stock covers). So DO NOT pair them with stock covers! These are designed in a failsafe manner e.g. if used improperly! like when they bottom out from stock covers! Once these Titanium fasteners are secured, they will NEVER fail! The steel counterpart will not break when they bottom out BUT the re-used steel creates elasticity problems resulting in more oil leakage as mentioned earlier!
Don’t ask us for photos of phasers completely imploding from re-use of stock adjuster bolts while the car was moving (we do have them)!. Our 63 Motorsports guarantee is that our Titanium will never fail with proper usage especially in-car, on the street, or on track, throughout all RPM range once torqued. FYI we’ve never had in-car failures during our time in business!
3B. The large bolt that holds the phaser to the cams are one time use only according to Mercedes-Benz WIS. The adjuster is not keyed to the camshafts and the valve springs are quite strong and can overpower a weak clamping force on used Camshaft Bolts! Not worth the risk! We encourage to follow Mercedes-Benz’s direction and replace bolts. OEM part no. for these four bolts are, 910105012018 (get four!).
If you want our version that is lightweight we offer Camshaft Bolts in either Titanium (a MUST) for weight reduction (stock cam use only or Stage I Cams):
or ARP which have remained unrevised since its first draft and have been known to be reused up to FIVE TIMES! (Stock Camshaft use and BIG cam upgrade friendly):
OPTIONAL 3C. Camshaft Bridge Bolts in either Titanium (stock or Stage I+ application friendly)
or ARP (BIG cam upgrade friendly)
You’ve made it through! There is one last step to put the hammer down on this M156! The Frequently Asked Questions section (FAQ) hosts the comprehensive install manual with torque specifications for stock and ALL our uprated fasteners! We have engineered some of these pieces much differently and certain steps MUST be followed for proper use! Do NOT miss this valuable resource! There are troubleshooting stop-checks at the end as well as a reference guide to show you the differences between plates and the pieces that make up the M156 Camshaft Phaser! This is a MUST!
Equip yourself/Adopt these mindsets to tackle this job and you will be proud of your accomplishment (Do not forget the M156 timing tool)!!
a good mechanical mindset,
an unrushed demeanor,
a comprehensive tool arsenal, as well as
a clean working space!
Remember, this job involve accurate timing detrimental to engine function; anything outside of 100% can and will cause serious damage!
Without further ado, the FAQ manual is below:
What will you find in the link above? An all too important troubleshooting guide for the phaser rebuild! A video link with noteworthy minute markers at 18:00 for function testing of the phasers outside the car! This means it guarantees the phaser function BEFORE they are installed!!! This manual focuses on the repair as if it is done with the car on the ground. Plenty of owners (over 1000 repairs) have made the jump to repair their M156 in the garage! With a good set of tools, understanding, and patience your car can stop sounding like a diesel and you can take care of your M156 for years to come!
Thanks for considering 63 Motorsports for your exotic M156/9! As you can tell, we love this platform and we want your downtime to last just a weekend. Your success is, OUR success! Little downtime means more driving enjoyment!
The elephant in the room, “How many of your parts have failed?”, as our fourth year is coming to an end the real failure report of our parts failing has remained at ZERO! Our support for our customers is through the roof. Please know that we WILL pursue your concerns aggressively to determine a solution! You will never be left to fend for your investments alone! Often times, your car comes out MUCH more sorted, once we’ve been involved! If something is going on we will have one of our dealers take a look! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any other questions! Our pride comes from Yours!
Ready to purchase? Great! But! Hold off a second! Remember earlier we assumed your awareness of the M156 valvetrain/phaser problem? Well you should not be that easily convinced! Don’t take our word for it! Refer below to the two exhibits;
Exhibit A: Rockwell Measuring Instrument
Exhibit B: Myriad of phaser plates stemming from a 2008 M156 all the way to 2019 build dates. All of which are tested with very little deviation between samples!
Exhibit A: Rockwell C reading on alloy at 49 Rockwell C, Annually calibrated and certified instrument.
Exhibit B: A small collection of the many samples of plates in our repertoire, all tested with differing build dates with the most recent piece at Q2 2019. Averaging scores? HRC 29.
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From Your Aftermarket AMG team,
63 Motorsports Inc.
