DIY Motor Mount Replacement on a 2013 E63 Wagon: What One Owner Learned

When a 2013 E63 AMG wagon starts buzzing at low RPMs, the culprit isn't always obvious. For one owner, the answer turned out to be worn motor mounts—and the job turned out to be more straightforward than expected.

The owner, who has been tracking maintenance on his high-mileage rear-wheel-drive wagon, noticed a vibration when creeping in stop-and-go traffic. A simple test—foot on brake, foot on gas, shifting between drive and reverse—revealed excessive movement on the passenger-side mount and moderate play on the driver side.

Under the car, the mounts showed no fluid leaks, but the rubber diaphragms on the bottom were protruding past the rim. That was a clear sign the internal hydraulics had given up.

Unlike all-wheel-drive E63s, which often require dropping the subframe, steering rack, or downpipes, the RWD wagon offered generous access. After removing the under panels, the only extra step was unbolting the steering shaft—a 13mm bolt at the bottom and an E-torx at the top. The owner warns not to turn the steering wheel once the shaft is out.

Raising the engine about two inches from the oil pan (using a low-profile jack and a wood block) gave enough clearance. He also disconnected the air filter tubing and PCV pipe to avoid stress on components.

The top mount bolt was an 18mm E-torx, accessed with a half-inch swivel and extension. The bottom bolts were 13mm. Total time: two to three hours, mostly because tools were scattered. The second mount went much faster.

He used aftermarket OEM-style mounts made in Spain, which carried nearly identical markings to the Mercedes parts. The old mounts had visibly swollen rubber, while the new ones sat flush.

After the swap, vibrations dropped noticeably. The owner says the car no longer feels clunky in Comfort or Auto mode. While the old mounts might have lasted longer, daily stop-and-go driving made the replacement worthwhile.

For anyone with basic mechanical skills and the right tools, this is a doable weekend job that can save hundreds in labor.