Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG valve lifter failure after 83K miles causing engine destruction on Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

Submitted by gerry w · Jun 23, 2025
Published by RepairPal

Problem overview

Some Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG owners report experiencing valve lifter failure after 83,000 miles, which can lead to severe engine damage, including dropped valves, bent rods, cracked pistons, and scored cylinder walls. This issue is not uncommon, with reports of cam lifter and cam bucket failures contributing to class action lawsuits against the manufacturer. Owners are advised to pay close attention to constant valve train noise, as it may indicate potential problems with the valve lifters. Regular maintenance is crucial for preventing such failures, including checking the distance between the cam and the bucket or shim according to manufacturer specifications. Additionally, some owners note the importance of replacing valve cover gaskets and other oil gaskets every 60-80k miles, along with intake camshaft maintenance, to avoid further damage. Despite these known problems, some warranties, such as the SBC warranty, have been extended to cover certain cam and lifter issues, providing reassurance to owners.

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Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG vehicles with this problem

Average mileage: 83,000 miles
(83,000 - 83,000)

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