DIY Mercedes Engine Mount Guide: Restoring Smoothness to Your W126 S-Class

It is not a difficult job, but very time consuming to get the little screws out. They can be rusted in place or soaked with oil and gunk. Video Chapters [00:01] Introduction: Why 35-year-old engine mounts need replacement. [01:08] Tool Checklist: Sockets, extensions, and Allen head requirements. [02:47] Initial Steps: Loosening the engine shock absorbers. [04:30] Rust Management: Dealing with stubborn bolts and WD-40 application. [07:02] Bolt Extraction: Removing the center mounting bolts. [07:43] Lifting the Engine: Using a wooden block and jack safely. [09:05] Accessing the Mounts: Removing the heat shields and small Allen screws. [10:06] Comparison: Examining collapsed old mounts vs. new replacements. [11:15] Installation: Maneuvering new mounts into position. [12:35] Tightening Technique: Navigating tight spaces with quarter-inch ratchets. [14:15] Lowering the Engine: Ensuring alignment and avoiding cross-threading. [15:55] Finishing Touches: Reinstalling shock absorbers and heat shields. [16:42] Final Result: Testing the engine's newfound smoothness. Video Summary In this episode, Ralf demonstrates how to replace the collapsed and "failed" engine mounts on a Mercedes-Benz V8 engine [10:40]. This procedure is highly relevant for several classic models, as the mounting logic is nearly identical across the W126, W124, R107, and W123 platforms. Key Technical Highlights: Tool Preparation: You will need a variety of tools, including 10mm sockets for the shock dampeners, 8mm Allen heads for the center bolts, and a 6mm Allen head for the smaller heat shield screws [01:24]. Ralf recommends a quarter-inch drive ratchet for the tightest spots [12:36]. Rust and Safety: Many of these bolts have been in place for over 35 years. Ralf emphasizes working the screws back and forth slowly and using penetrating oil (WD-40) to prevent twisting off the heads [17:52]. Lifting the Engine: Following the factory manual, the engine is lifted using a wooden block placed under the oil pan to provide enough clearance to extract the old mounts and insert the uncompressed new ones [07:43]. Precision and Patience: Reinstalling the heat shields requires correctly orienting the arrow to the front of the vehicle [14:12]. Ralf warns that cross-threading the large M10 bolts into the aluminum engine brackets is a major risk, so you must ensure the engine is fully seated on the mounts before final tightening [18:11]. The Result: The replacement significantly raises the engine's resting position, which may require a slight adjustment to the fan shroud [15:37]. Once completed, the engine feels remarkably smoother to the touch, eliminating the vibrations caused by metal-on-metal contact [16:54]. Video URL:    • DIY Mercedes Engine Mount Guide: Restoring...