Mercedes V12 engines provide a smooth driving experience for car owners, but these engines are not that easy to maintain and need proper care to run at their best. If you see signs of an engine problem, it is wise to seek help so that it doesn’t become a major problem in the future. Let’s discuss some of the most frequent Mercedes V12 engine issues and the proper ways to address them.
Common Problems with Mercedes V12 Engines
- Ignition Coil Issues: Ignition coil is one of the most common problems in the Mercedes V12 engine. Since the engine has twelve cylinders, it requires multiple ignition coils to fire in the proper manner for the vehicle to run efficiently. These coils can get damaged with time and this will lead to engine misfiring, rough running and a noticeable lack of power.
- Spark Plug Failures: Worn out spark plugs are also known to be a major cause of issues in Mercedes engines. Since the V12 has a high-performance combustion system, the spark plugs must be in good working condition for it to ignite the fuel. If they are old or fouled, there might be some lag during acceleration or your engine might signal that there is a problem through the check engine light on the dashboard.
- Oil Leaks from Valve Cover Gaskets: The V12 engine produces a lot of heat and this puts pressure on the valve cover gaskets. These gaskets tend to wear out over time and when they do, they may develop small cracks which allow oil to drip onto the engine and affect oil consumption, produce a burning oil smell, and cause damage to other parts. If you have dark stains under your Mercedes or the inside of the car has burning oil smells then it might be high time to take your valve cover gaskets for a check up and replacement. Failure to address oil leaks can result in worse scenarios such as total engine breakdown.
- Turbocharger Issues: Some of the V12 Mercedes car models, including the AMG versions, have a twin-turbocharger engine or a supercharger to boost power. Although these components improve performance, they increase the complexity of the engine. Sometimes, the turbo seals may degrade and this results in oil leakages and reduced boost pressure. If your Mercedes is slow to accelerate or emits thick smoke from the exhaust it may be time to inspect the turbo system.
Solutions For Mercedes V12 Engine Problems
- Ignition System Maintenance: To avoid problems with the ignition coil and spark plugs, it is advisable to service the ignition system regularly. Changing spark plugs as per the manufacturer’s schedule and inspecting ignition coils for deterioration can go a long way in maintaining your engine. A professional mechanic can also use diagnostic tools to check for the presence of ignition system error codes and verify if all twelve cylinders are firing as they should.
- Preventing and Handling of Oil Leaks: If there are oil leaks, it is advisable to have the car’s engine checked by a professional as soon as possible. Worn out valve cover gaskets need to be changed and one should also look out for any leaks around the camshaft seals and the timing covers to prevent damage to the engine. Apart from the use of high-quality engine oil, frequent oil changes also minimize wear and tear on the V12 engine.
- Inspection of the Turbochargers and Boost System: In the Mercedes V12 cars with turbochargers, it is essential to check the turbo system from time to time. Cleaning the intercoolers, inspecting for blockages, replacing seals, and looking for boost leaks will help prevent power loss and smoke from the exhaust.
Come To Us For Mercedes V12 Engine Repairs in Marlborough
Maintaining a car with such an engine as the V12 engine in a Mercedes is a complicated task that should be given to only the best. Our team of mechanics at Professional Automotive is experienced in the repairs and servicing of high-performance Mercedes-Benz models including the ones fitted with V12 engines. Since 1994, our team has been delivering reliable repair and maintenance services to drivers in Marlborough, MA and the nearby communities.
Our experienced mechanics have the proper tools and know-how to quickly identify the problem and restore the car to its proper working condition. If you have experienced any of these signs on your Mercedes V12 engine, do not hesitate to contact us to get your vehicle diagnosed.
* Mercedes Benz AMG GT Car image credit goes to: photosvit.