Mercedes W163 DIY Valve Cover Gasket & Breather Cover Reseal Both Sides M112 M113 ML350 ML500 ML320 

Timestamps, Part numbers, Torque values, other information are below: RU-vidr carl suiter added a great tip about the breather covers: if you're having trouble removing them, you can use a heat gun to heat the old RTV (a little heat makes the RTV more flexible and easier to pry): 00:23 Diagnostics 02:00 Parts 03:05 Parts list, as replaced in the video *Begin the Right side Valve Cover Job* 03:20 Right side valve cover gasket and notes on gasket fit 04:11 Remove the air filter box 05:38 Move the auxiliary coolant pump 06:17 Disconnect the MAF housing (7mm) and resonance baffle 06:36 Remove the bolts for the air duct and ATF dipstick (10mm, E10) 07:26 Disconnect the left side hose to the air duct (MB A112 018 0482) 08:34 Remove the air duct 11:02 Notes on the air duct clasps 11:24 Right side valve cover, closer look at the leaks and notes about cleaning 13:01 Disconnect the ignition coil electrical connectors 13:52 Disconnect the right side breather hose (MB A112 018 0382) 14:13 Remove the ignition coil bolts (T30) 15:07 Inspect the valve cover bolts *Remove the Right side Breather Cover* 16:04 The right side breather cover is the same on the M112 (V6) and M113 (V8) engines 16:44 Shown on the V6: Remove the two breather cover screws (T25, if they are the original aluminum screws) 17:14 Break free all the valve cover bolts (E10) before removing the two long bolts 18:36 Remove the two long bolts from the breather cover 18:52 Remove the breather cover *Remove the Right side Valve Cover* 21:00 Back to the V8 -- tips for removing the damaged fasteners 21:50 Break free all the valve cover bolts first 23:31 Remove the valve cover bolts (E10) 23:58 Remove the valve cover from the head 26:11 Clean the head surface after removing the valve cover 26:43 Look inside the valve train area *Right side Valve Cover on the Bench* 27:19 Clean and inspect the valve cover 27:55 Inspect the breather passages on the cover 29:07 Clean the breather cover and mating surface 31:04 Inspect the old valve cover gasket 31:31 Install the new valve cover gasket 33:32 Clean the valve cover bolts 33:58 Clean the valve cover mating surface on the head *Right side Valve Cover Installation and Breather Cover Re-seal* 33:58 Clean the valve cover mating surface on the head 35:00 Place the valve cover on the head and thread in a few bolts by hand 36:28 Check the gasket before installing all the bolts 37:40 Cut the RTV nozzle for the breather cover RTV application (thin 2mm bead) 39:10 Bleed the RTV (if necessary) and make a test line 39:34 Apply the RTV into the channel on the breather cover (thin 2mm bead) 41:51 Install the breather cover to the valve cover (new H4 screws MB 0000 0000 4436; torque is 35 inch-lbs) 43:02 Tighten all the valve cover bolts (final torque 80 inch-lbs; tighten the bolts in several passes, starting at the center on each pass and spiraling top/bottom out towards the ends) 45:36 Install the ignition coil bolts (torque is 70 inch-lbs) 46:27 Connect the ignition coil electrical connectors 47:01 Move the auxiliary coolant pump back into place *Removing the Breather Hoses, right and left side* 47:12 Replace the breather hoses and air distribution piece (MB A112 018 0209) 48:21 How to remove a broken air distribution tube from the throttle body (mine broke) 54:35 Remove the hose connectors to re-use them (MB A117 990 1578) Begin the Left side Valve Cover Job 56:01 Left side valve cover overview 56:33 Depressurize the fuel system using the Schrader valve 59:56 Disconnect the fuel line (17mm) 01:00:56 Be prepared to collect about 1 cup of fuel 01:02:52 Disconnect the left side breather hoses (MB A112 018 0182, A112 018 0282) 01:04:32 Disconnect the ignition coil electrical 01:05:48 Remove the fuse box heat shield (two Philips screws) 01:06:27 Remove the ignition coil bolts (T30) 01:07:32 Clean the area around the valve & breather covers before removing the covers *Remove the Left side Breather Cover* 01:08:02 Remove the breather cover screws (T25 if aluminum, H4 if stainless) 01:08:45 Break free the valve cover bolts (E10) 01:11:20 Remove the breather cover E10 bolts (three bolts on the V6, four bolts on the V8) 01:11:32 Remove/dislodge the breather cover from the valve cover 01:13:46 Remove the the remaining valve cover bolts (E10) 01:14:37 Remove the valve cover from the head 01:17:08 Inspect and clean the head *Left side Valve Cover on the Bench* 01:18:14 Remove the old valve cover gasket and RTV; clean the bolt holes 01:20:26 Clean the breather cover channel and mating ridge 01:22:37 Inspect the old valve cover gasket 01:22:52 Install the new valve cover gasket 01:24:01 Clean the valve cover bolts *Install the Left side Valve Cover and Re-seal the Breather Cover* 01:24:08 Clean the gasket surface on the head and place the valve cover onto the head 01:24:29 Install the valve cover perimeter bolts hand-tight 01:25:14 Check the valve cover gasket fit with a mirror 01:25:15 Apply the RTV to the breather cover channel and bolt holes (thin 2mm bead) 01:27:10 Install the breather cover to the valve cover 01:27:39 Install the new breather cover screws (H4, low torque, torque is just 35 inch-lbs) 01:28:55 Tighten all the valve cover bolts (final torque 80 inch-lbs; tighten the bolts in several passes, starting at the center on each pass and spiraling out to the ends) 01:31:28 Install the ignition coil bolts (T30, torque is 70 inch-lbs) 01:32:03 Install the fuse box heat shield (two Philips screws) 01:32:27 Connect the ignition coil electrical 01:32:49 How to replace the coil electrical connector, if needed (MB A203 545 2038) 01:38:50 Reconnect the fuel line (17mm, torque is 28 ft-lbs) *Install the Breather Hoses and Air Duct Hoses* 01:39:45 Disassemble the left side hoses and remove the hose connector (MB A117 990 1578) 01:41:15 Connect the new left side hoses together (MB A112 018 0182, A112 018 0282) 01:41:52 Inspect the air distribution piece/hose tee, new design (MB A112 018 0209) 01:42:08 Connect the hoses to the air dist piece/hose tee 01:43:40 Install the new breather hoses as a unit (MB A112 018 0182, A112 018 0282, A112 018 0382) 01:47:18 Notes on the air duct gasket (use MB A112 159 0080 for the W163 throttle body) 01:48:53 Install the air duct but don't connect it yet (very tight fit on the V8) 01:54:04 Install the air duct breather hose (MB A112 018 0482) 01:55:21 Connect the air duct to the throttle body; take a closer look at the bottom latch 01:56:49 Connect the left side breather hose from the air duct to the breather cover 01:57:03 Install the bolts for the air duct (E10) and ATF dipstick (10mm) 01:57:19 Push the resonance baffle into place 01:57:32 Install the MAF sensor housing (7mm) 01:57:58 Install the air filter box 01:58:42 Install the air filter (part number Mann C30 195/2) 02:00:08 Final checks 02:00:34 Prime the fuel system by turning the key to ON, then OFF, twice; start it up and check for leaks 02:01:14 Final notes *Parts list:* *Valve covers for the V6 (M112) engine:* Left side: A112 016 0221 Right side: A112 016 0321 *Valve covers for the V8 (M113) engine:* Left side: A113 016 0221 Right side: A113 016 0321 *Parts for both the V6 and V8:* Screws for the breather covers: MB 0000 0000 4436 (5 required) Right side breather hose: A112 018 0382 Left side, long breather hose: A112 018 0182 Left side, short breather hose: A112 018 0282 Left side, breather hose to air duct: A112 018 0482 Hose Connectors: A117 990 1578 Hose Tee/Air distribution piece: A112 018 0209 Intake/throttle body gasket on the air duct (for W163): A112 159 0080 Ignition coil electrical connectors (if yours break like mine): A203 545 2038 *RTV for the Breather cover re-seal:* Mercedes RTV (Loctite 5970): 00 398 998 2010 What I used: Permatex Ultra Black RTV Also good: Loctite SI 5900 I hope this video was helpful. Thanks for watching, and good luck with your repair!

Im a mechanic and i have to say... realy nicely done lady... best video i have seen so faar.. you aced it.

Great job. If an Oscar was given to RU-vid videos, you would surely receive it for the best DIY. Hello from Kazakhstan.

I CONFIRM: TAKE BACK THE AIR DUCT, IS A REALLY PIN IN THE A... BUT PUT IT BACK IS WORSE... IF I COULD GIVE YOU A MILLION "LIKE", I WOULD ! YOUR VIDEO IS ASTONISHING ! BEST CAR TUTORIAL VIDEO I HAVE EVER SEEN. BEST EXPLANATIONS ! BEST DETAILLING ! AND BEST SWEET VOICE TO EXPLAIN THINGS... AND YES, WE NEED A LOT OF PATIENCE TO DO THIS WORK AND REMAIN CALM... THANKS A LOT FROM FRANCE. A MERCEDES-BENZ COLLECTOR.

One of the best, if not the best detailed and genuine help tutorial. Looking for more videos like this. Thank you

Just wanted to say thank you for your videos. My husband has just bought me a 99 ML320 and although in great condition, it needs a little TLC. He says your tutorials are the clearest he has ever watched - and he's watched many over the years for various cars and bikes. So really just to congratulate you on what you've done. Best wishes from the UK.

With now four Mercedes with the M112 and M113 engines (CLK 320, ML 320, ML 350, ML 55), I keep coming back to this video whenever I pick a new one up and need to do gaskets. You have by far the best guides for them. Thanks!

2001 ML320 - I completed the work for Valve cover replacement and spark plugs and wires using this video. This is the most detailed available and includes the torque limits as appropriate. Thanks so very much to "L35 in Colorado"

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Ciao from Canada

Hands down best repair video I have used. Ever on any car.

Your video, for w163 repair are life savers. Thanks. Now I do feel more confident doing my repairs myself all the way in Africa. You’re such a good teacher.

I don't own a Mercedes, but I have no choice but to give a thump up and subscribe.

I love how you are so thorough in your explanations.. Awesome videos. Make more!

Excellent tutorial for a M112 and M113 engines valve cover gaskets job. Your attention to detail and explanations are great along with description of part numbers. Great video

You are very detailed person. The Best on RU-vid !

Revisiting this video because I finally replaced my ignition coil locking connector clips on my w211 e55 Amg & installed NPboosted ignition coils . You gave me the idea while watching this video for my some maintenance I wanted to do on my w163 ML500 . I purchased 8 connectors on eBay $30 total . They are genuine Mercedes clips but I typed in sprinter van to get better prices because they can get pricey for a single clip if it you don’t shop around . As long as the part number is the same that’s all that matters . so THANKS for your detailed videos full on information!

The quality of RU-vid videos goes all over the spectrum but I can tell by the planning and thoroughness of yours yours is pretty much at the top And I'm dating myself but a female gearhead ! Cudos to you! Thanks for the great video

Thank you for your excellent work instructions. Your Mercedes videos are the most detailed procedures (including part numbers, torque specs, tools) available on the web. You have saved me a lot of aggravation more than once!

If you were to make a video on replacing the steering rack on the v6, I would love you forever. Can you imagine how the world would be if every mechanic wormed like this?

Great tutorial. This was by far the most DETAILED and well laid out video out there regarding this job. Really hope to keep seeing more W163 content on this channel as time goes on. You deserve more subs and views! Especially for someone who has never done any major work on their car before, this video clearly explains everything and makes this type of job a lot more approachable with your careful explanations. A lot of the DIY videos online tend to skip over many of the basic things that maybe an experienced DIY home mechanic might already know but for a complete car noob like myself will 100% miss. Also was a huge help with all the screw sizes & part #'s so I can prepare everything prior and order things that I will most likely end up breaking lol. Thank you again!

You have very good instructions sweetheart I was in the Marine Corps in charge of my shop and you are very good I appreciate you thumbs up👍🇺🇸

The best complete instructions (with arrows). You are perfection. Thank you.

Thank you for making this video! This is an excellent video! This is probably the reference standard for gasket replacements on M112/M113 engines. Great job! Wish I had this as a reference before I did valve cover gasket twice. Once with aftermarket gaskets and another time with factory Mercedes gaskets. The aftermarket gaskets leaked within a month. The factory gasket is not leaking (it's been a year already) but the gasket is a bit wet around the half circle areas you mentioned in the video. Hasn't developed into a drip but if I ever do this job again, I may put a drop of rtv in those corners.

Thank you for such a great guide I’m planning on this job on my cl500 and this is just what I need. Thank you so much. Wonderful ❤🎉🎉

Excellent video. I completed the coil plug replacement and found that a tiny dab of dielectric grease in the holes allows wires the to slip in much easier.

Just finished replacing my valve cover and breather cover on my v6, this was the best resource I found and made it so straightforward. Thank you!

I have an 04 w163 and with the attempt to repair several items on my car with my own hands and going down the google and RU-vid rabbit hole, your videos, by far, have been the most clear, concise, organized and informative I’ve come across. I can’t thank you enough! 🙏🙏🙏

One of the most informative and detailed videos I have seen. Keep up the great work.

Great video! I'm currently doing both the breather covers and the valve cover gaskets on my Crossfire. I was so happy to see that they make replacements for the coil connectors! I broke 3 out of 6 as well as the locking collar for the MAF sensor. The plastic is so old and fragile. Thank you for taking the time to make such a detailed video!

Well done with this video and keep up the good work! Very detailed and educational, following your step’s really eliminates making mistakes going through the job!

I just picked up a 2002 ML500 that has been sitting for a couple of years. This video will help me immensely. Great video.

You are a god queen. Nice job, amazing detail. Gives us mere mortals courage to tackle this project.

Hey L35... Your videos are truly great. Your experience and detailed explanations, your camera work, added notes... I can't say enough about your abilities and effort! I have an '03 c320 I bought as a non-runner so I could learn about OBDII (LOL), and I make workshop (not cars) videos to show clients what I'm doing. Anyway, I so appreciate everything you have going on here, but I have to tell you I loooved the sketchy sketch! You teach and inspire on multiple levels. Thanks!

Amazing. It was as if you were working beside me! Hoses snapped. I hit the brake booster cable while reaching MAF air intake clip (I see you have the red junction on yours so I assume that you broke it earlier). Was so proud I got that throttle body off cleanly until I was trying to get the old hoses off and snapped that small tube off in my hand. Another two day delay. All part of the journey. 😂 I cannot thank you enough.

I know it's information wayyyyyy too late, but when I do the breather covers a heat gun is my best friend. EXCELLENT video as always !

Thanks for the links. Yes a prayer and some divine intervention will definitely save the day.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH ! PERFECT VIDEO ! PERFECT EXPLANATIONS ! YOU ARE PERFECT !

You are a master for detail. Thank you so much to upload that video. And your other video. Peace from Canada stay safe . Merci beaucoup

You nailed it! Very useful. Everything explained, multi view angles and part numbers.

18:02 Excellent video. The valve cover gasket bolts look like they were way too tight as you removed them.

Ahh when the student is ready the teacher appears. Appreciate it.

Excellent video with detailed explanations and easy to follow procedure for DIY folks, Thanks.

Super amazing work!! Just did mines and in comparison I did a mess!! Well done! Will continue to follow and learn from you as much as I can.

OH YEAH: BEST vid ever and I watch quite a few of these. Techniques are good to great but the documentation details are par excellent!

Excellent video. The best I have ever seen on the subject. Keep them coming on the ‘113

Great video , I’m doing spark plugs & ignition coils on my ml500 so I figured I would do this job while I’m in there

All your videos are the reference standard for replacements on ML 163 ! Please , somehow do the vacuum break booster repair or replacement video ! May God bless you !

Amazing 👏 I can't wait to do this job on my leaky burnt oil smell-in-the-cab 2002 Ml500

Thank you very much for your video, its the best i can find on youtube! the quality of your explanations is really very good. I will do this work on my ML with a lot more serenity now, thank you! (France).

congrats on excellent teaching video as normally you do. going to use it when the times comes .Thanks for your effort providing the know how

Thank you so much for making this video. You covered everything--great camera work, explanation, annotation, etc. And thank you so much for providing the part numbers. I watched it from beginning to end. Hope to be doing this in a few months on M112 on W210 (1999 E320).

great video on how to do valve cover, breather hoses, bookmarked for future reference = breather hoses updates on on 2000 M112/C280, tks

Outstanding 💯😊 This is one of the best videos ever

Awesome video, very detailed and easy to follow. Thank you for making it.

Excellent work as always. Thank you

Je suis très heureux de ce que vous faites excellent travaille ; explication, lumière , c'est un cours mécaniques pédagogique de référence. Je vous remercier beaucoup.

Top notch video THANK YOU a LOT

Excellent video, thank you so much for your time

HEY thx for the video, you are a lifesaver

cool! hello with respect from Belarus!

most thorough Thank you!

Hello from France, I just finished the same job on my ML! thank you again, everything went well! I wait until tomorrow to start the engine and let the seal dry. thanks thanks thanks !

Thank you for the nice explanation and for your good work Greetings to you from Yemen 🌹

Como siempre un excelente video para instruir a todos los que deseen o tengan que efectuar este trabajo con profesionalismo. Mis sinceras felicitaciones.

Thank you for the video tutorial, very helpful and informative. Tackled this job last week and my only advice would be, if the RTV is in a plunger type applicator, then go ahead and toss it into a caulk gun. Makes is so much easier to apply.

very educative. Thank you Regards

Thank you you’re awesome

Thank you very much, greetings from Armenia, big like and subscribe

Excellent.

Do not know on V8 but on my V6 I did it without disconnecting fuel line and fuse box shield. Great video overall. And It is better to completely disconnect mass air flow sensor and put aside not to damage accidentally, also disconnect the battery.

39:30 BEFORE you open your new sealant if you immerse the tube in ultra-hot water (but not boiling) for like 10 minutes it'll flow out of the tube MUCH easier. You'll be glad you did. 😉

1:00:00 I cut the bottom off of a water bottle and inverted it to drain and catch about one cup of fuel from this line. Therefore I skipped relieving the fuel pressure via the Schrader valve.

Thanks

I would have tried a screw extractor to pull the tube...may or may not work. Grinder to make stepped pulling tool also. I have done things like put a screw in the tube such that the head catches underneath like the pick tools.....then wedge in a stick carved to hold the screw head tight to one side so it can't slip out.....then pull the screw and tube and stick all out. I have manually moved throttle valves without damage, but I don't like it. There's a stepper motor on it and you can feel it moving. I usually move them some to clean them. I have also forced and held them wide open and put the shop vac on the intake as a blower to push air into engine.....turn engine until air is coming out the sparkplug hole you need to chase or time-sert and this way you can minimize chips left in cylinder (BMW M5) but the chips end up on you.

Lady you are the best

Man it'll take me a week to do all that 😅

Great video. I have a 2005 C240. Real pain to get access to those breather hoses because of the tight spots around the air distribution connector. The map sensor assembly is blocking access to the air distribution connector when the brittle hoses joint together . The MB dealer in Santa Monica charger 225 hour for labor only so about $1800. Not including parts. The labor for MB vehicle repair is very labor intense.

Thanks for this video, my dealer doesn't even list the coil pack plugs part number :/

thank.....

Thanks for the great video...have you done a video showing removal of the heads on W163?

Thanks for the great videos as always! Is it necessary to replace the breather hoses and and air distribution piece when doing this?

THANKS SO MUCH. I took the head off on the driver side and didn't see it . So it must be resting on the timing chain near the bottom of the engine block. I will try your suggestions and get a vacuum cleaner with a skinny hose for sucking oil out of the engine. Maybe with a camera i might be able to know at least where to point the hose on the vacuum cleaner. Do you have your shop in LA? If so, let me know and i will be one of your best customers.

If you have a shop in nj I won’t go nowhere but you

BTW, this job is identical to the V8 in my 2000 R129 SL500.

The best thinc for you

Merci madame pour ces conseils j ai une voiture w 163 mercedes veuillez de faire un vidéo sur les changements de lampes ordinaires avec des led pratiquement le tableau de bord I am from Algéria contry merci

I love your instructions and subscribed. Just wondering if you have done work on Audi Q7 2006 V6 TDi?

Awesome detailed video, one question tho, If you have oil in the spark plug well can you clean it from there, and are there any seals you need to keep oil from leaking on spark plugs? Thnx.

Thank you for this awesome video. which sparkplugs would you use on these M112 ?

I need your opinion: How do I remove the aluminum screw that I dropped into the engine while removing the breather cover on the driver side of a 2005, C240 benz? Is there a led camera i could use?, a strong oil vacuum pump to suck out the aluminum screw. Appreciate your time.

I just bought one of these with the M113 engine. What socket, extension kits, etc do you recommend for an ML first timer? I do work on older european cars, but I don't have a single E series socket for example. Thank you for the fantastic video BTW!

Can I ask an unrelated question? I'm trying to remove the space saver spare tyre carrier on my W163 so I can clean it up but have no idea how it comes out... Any ideas?

You gave me the confidence needed to do this job myself. A huge thanks for that! Quick question, do you really need to disconnect the fuel line?

Hi thank you. Do you have an idea where i can find a list of recommended tools needed for this job?

At 50:00 , may consider using a heat gun to soften the plastic and pull it out easier.

Hi L35 in Colorado: can you send me a link for that nifty torque wrench. i dont have a good in-lbs torque wrench..You are the best!!

السلام عليكم عندي هذه السياره تشتغل وعند التنمير تنطفي ما هي الاسباب التي فيها وصوتها عالي تشتغل بصوت عالي ولم فيها اي سحب ارجو الرد

Thank you for this. A mechanic changed both my gaskets and now there's a check engine light and a burning smell. Do you know why this might be happening?

Do you have video on oil pan gasket replacement?

👏👏👏👏👍🙏