R63 AMG The Unicorn of my Destruction

I can tell you that I, for one, am ready for the build part to start. I know once I tear into a project I always wish I had taken more before photos. Could we get a few more pics of the beast please? So many pages of text...too few pics.

There will be an absurd number of pictures. Everything will be documented in the tiniest detail so I can figure out the whole "assembly is the reverse of disassembly" part of the manual. For now, the van is injured, but runs and moves, so that part is easy. It needs to go on a lift, that I don't have yet, where Fergus is. I could roll Fergus by just putting the front drums and wheels back on, but some form of brakes would make me feel better about it. Once I get the loading dock sorted then I order the lift and the clock really starts ticking. I also need to get out my real camera because my tablet sucks in low light, obviously.

RedGT wrote: I assume it was your disposable flush-out oil but I am still amused at the photo transposing the $50,000 engine against walmart's cheapest 10w-40.

You don't gargle with good whiskey, do you?

From my experience the core of the issue is that MB's reputation was built on engineering excellence. I have a list of issues with my 2006 Vito van which indicates this isn't the case any more: 4 window regulators under warranty, the infamous front sway bar links, tailshaft has been limping along as there are no seals on the bearings and now injector seals at 124 miles. The injector seals indicates a problem MB has with engineering bolts as they are torque to yield and factory spec stretches them to far. Actually the oddest one is that NVH shakes the seatbelt stalks loose all the time. Anyway to the topic on hand once its out its just an engine, a mechanical pull down and re-assemble. Looking forward to the story.

When I ordered my MaxJax they delivered it to my house with a lift gate truck for no extra charge. And they used a short city style cab and 20' trailer without complaint so they were able to back into my tight driveway no problem. Saved me a trip to the loading dock.

I can't find a place that will deliver with a lift gate for no charge. If you know of one it would save me some running around. The roommate of the guy who now owns the Civic is hooking me up with an accessable loading dock, so I've got a plan.

Check Costco.

I am sure you checked, but might be best to check into a full height lift as the MaxJax is only rated to 6k pounds. You have some heavy cars.

If you know someone with a rollback it's pretty easy to move things either directly from the truck to the flatbed and set it on the ground or from a dock to the ground. I used to do it regularly.

For reference, I'm guessing that the package might look something like this when it arrives:

I think that the shipping weight is somewhere around 800 pounds.

In reply to mazdeuce:

As an update to the PM that I sent, you can see where I added quick disconnects and 45s to the near end of the hoses. I never disconnect them there, but you can see how they come off the pump at a more gentle angle. The disconnects also allow the hoses to pivot forward. You may be able to find a simpler solution that accomplishes the same thing.

In this shot, you can see where I added the 90's at the far end of the hose. Again, they help the hoses fall at a better angle and also allow you to get the pump a little further away from the car.

When I bought my first scissor lift, the trucking company let me pick it up at their depot with my pick-up. They loaded it with a fork-lift. I was able to use a ceiling chain-hoist in the ex's garage to unload it, but I used an engine crane to load & unload the second scissor lift I bought off this forum out of my minivan.

Did you see this on BaT?

No mention about the head bolts...

I had someone send that listing to me. I assume owners all across the country are jetissoning them now that they heard about the head bolts.

I am genuinely wondering what sort of stir this will cause in the long run. It has the makings of Internet legend.

mazdeuce wrote: I had someone send that listing to me. I assume owners all across the country are jetissoning them now that they heard about the head bolts.

Thank you for reducing resale value. I'll be the beneficiary sometime.

mazdeuce wrote: I had someone send that listing to me. I assume owners all across the country are jetissoning them now that they heard about the head bolts.

I just read through the comments for this BaT listing and there is a reference to this thread!

In reply to dyintorace:

When I posted the link last night, there were only about 20 comments. It took some restraint not to post something about the head bolts.

ok so at least I wasn't the first to have these thoughts and view these BAT posts...

So... Interesting development- A friend of mine is current high bidder on that BaT R63. I just sent him a link to this thread, but he's a masochist in the first place- He just finished rebuilding a salvage titled S600 basketcase.

In reply to golfduke:

wait, seriously? BWAHAHAHAHA! I SO hope he wins it.

I also hope he wins it. They are spectacular cars.

m4ff3w wrote:

mazdeuce wrote: I had someone send that listing to me. I assume owners all across the country are jetissoning them now that they heard about the head bolts.

Thank you for reducing resale value. I'll be the beneficiary sometime.

It'll look good leaking coolant next to a Biturbo.

Honestly, thinking "it's still not as bad as a Biturbo" helps me sleep at night.

mazdeuce wrote: Honestly, thinking "it's still not as bad as a Biturbo" helps me sleep at night.

There has only been one car through my grm tenure that was rated as worse than a biturbo, the land rover freelander. People will at least think of buying biturbos here. No one ever supports the freelander. Ever.

In reply to mndsm:

Had a friend that had the most rare and unique freelander ever.

It didn't breakdown or throw a code in three years of driving and owning it.