Defects of AMG's V8 at the heart of class-action lawsuits against Mercedes
09-22-11, 09:34 AM
#1
Defects of AMG's V8 at the heart of class-action lawsuits against Mercedes
Class action lawsuit to be filed against Mercedes alleges AMG V8 defects
Mercedes-Benz is reportedly facing a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court of New Jersey for alleged defects in the company's M156 V8. According to the plaintiffs, premature internal wear occurs because the engine uses cast nodular iron camshafts and 9310-grade steel valves. Something about that combination causes early failure, either due to improper offset of the components or inadequate heat treating. The plaintiffs also allege that Mercedes-Benz and AMG have known about the issue since 2007, when Daimler released a service bulletin on the problem. At this point, it's unclear how many engines this alleged defect covers, or exactly when or if the lawsuit will go to trial.
The M156 V8 – one of the snarliest and best-sounding engines we've ever driven – has served as the powerhouse for a wide range of AMG vehicles. The 6.3-liter lump actually displaces 6.2 liters, but churns out 525 horsepower in its newest iteration. The engine has found its way into vehicles like the C63 AMG, E63 AMG, ML63 AMG and SL63 AMG, among others. Head over to BenzBoost for a look at the full lawsuit.
09-22-11, 10:03 AM
#2
Lexus Fanatic
According to the plaintiffs, premature internal wear occurs because the engine uses cast nodular iron camshafts and 9310-grade steel valves. Something about that combination causes early failure, either due to improper offset of the components or inadequate heat treating.
The article doesn't say....nor does it mention the average mileage at which these failures are occuring. Each AMG powerplant, BTW, unlike most engines, is hand-built, signed off by an AMG Technician (you can see the plate on top of the motor with the signature), and, in the American market, is warranted, like other M-B engines, to 4 years/50,000 miles. That 4/50 powertrain coverage is in line with that of other upmarket German makes, but is rather skimpy in comparison to the 6/70 of Lexus/Acura/Infiniti...and, of course, to the 10/100 of the Korean makes.
09-22-11, 11:01 AM
#4
Sounds fishy.
How do you objectively measure "early failure" on technology that demands to be pushed hard and aggressively?
Can we sue certain car companies for being less reliable than others? (Answer: It's America. Of course, we can!
)
How do you objectively measure "early failure" on technology that demands to be pushed hard and aggressively?
Can we sue certain car companies for being less reliable than others? (Answer: It's America. Of course, we can!
)
Last edited by PhilipMSPT; 09-22-11 at 12:57 PM. Reason: Grammar police
09-22-11, 11:16 AM
#6
Lexus Fanatic
09-22-11, 02:10 PM
#8
The lawsuit alleges premature failure within the warranty period. But even still, failure after warranty period can still be premature failure if the defect existed and was known but did not yet manifest.
Anyways, apparently the engines are experiencing wear on the camshaft lobes. This, of course, can lead to repairs costing thousands of dollars as the camshaft lobes, valve lifters, and related parts must be replaced, and eventually catastrophic engine failure. [paraphrasing lawsuit here]
Anyways, apparently the engines are experiencing wear on the camshaft lobes. This, of course, can lead to repairs costing thousands of dollars as the camshaft lobes, valve lifters, and related parts must be replaced, and eventually catastrophic engine failure. [paraphrasing lawsuit here]
09-23-11, 08:59 AM
#10
Of course they have a case, these lawyer can get millions just like other class action suit. I never heard of any Engine defect on a SC430........except few from lack of maintenance
09-23-11, 09:02 AM
#11
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09-23-11, 03:04 PM
#12
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But worn down camshaft lobes seems pretty weak especially on such powerful engines, Im still trying to find out the main cause, seems like the cars needing engine work all have 15k interval oil changes, give or take, it seems like the worn down cams/engine have been subjected to higher temps then those who change the oil every 3k
09-23-11, 07:27 PM
#13
the lawsuit claims that all previous AMG models featured engines designed by MB and tuned by AMG
says this is the first engine designed entirely by AMG. sounds like someone is going to get fired
says this is the first engine designed entirely by AMG. sounds like someone is going to get fired
09-24-11, 05:36 AM
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I would like to see how they discovered the premature wear, eventually timing will be off, and the car will not be firing properly
09-24-11, 08:06 AM
#15
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If Mercedes did it the Lexus way AMG would not exist, 10 years to make an LFA it better be perfect
But worn down camshaft lobes seems pretty weak especially on such powerful engines, Im still trying to find out the main cause, seems like the cars needing engine work all have 15k interval oil changes, give or take, it seems like the worn down cams/engine have been subjected to higher temps then those who change the oil every 3k
But worn down camshaft lobes seems pretty weak especially on such powerful engines, Im still trying to find out the main cause, seems like the cars needing engine work all have 15k interval oil changes, give or take, it seems like the worn down cams/engine have been subjected to higher temps then those who change the oil every 3k
If Mercedes did it the Saab, Lincoln, Acura or Infiniti way, AMG would NOT exist since none of those brands have anything remotely to compete with a AMG or F car.
What we are seeing with "F" is simply what we have seen with AMG/M/RS when they began decades ago.