Exhaust manifold - cracked. Is it common?

[blazarov]

Hi,

I've left my 2012 F10 M5 in the shop for troubleshooting exhaust gas smell and as expected it turned out there were multiple leaks:
- exhaust manifolds <-> heads
- exhaust manifolds <-> turbos
- turbos <-> downpipes
.. which is not end of the world, however it turned out that one of my manifold is cracked. The shop recommends a pair of new ones which is around 1800EUR minimum.

I have read a lot of forums and facebook groups and it seems this is not a very common issue on S63, even for built, tuned engines, so i was wondering:
Has anybody suffered from cracked exhaust manifolds?
Any idea why have they cracked?
Does it make sense to look for used ones?
Does it make sense to look for aftermarket ones?
Thanks!

[M6Roar]

Originally Posted by blazarov

Hi,

I've left my 2012 F10 M5 in the shop for troubleshooting exhaust gas smell and as expected it turned out there were multiple leaks:
- exhaust manifolds <-> heads
- exhaust manifolds <-> turbos
- turbos <-> downpipes
.. which is not end of the world, however it turned out that one of my manifold is cracked. The shop recommends a pair of new ones which is around 1800EUR minimum.

I have read a lot of forums and facebook groups and it seems this is not a very common issue on S63, even for built, tuned engines, so i was wondering:
Has anybody suffered from cracked exhaust manifolds?
Any idea why have they cracked?
Does it make sense to look for used ones?
Does it make sense to look for aftermarket ones?
Thanks!

Cracked? doubtful (that's on S63TU) but blown gasket possible.
If you want my advice, go for used ones. It serves the purpose and costs less. But that is just my opinion.

[blazarov]

Hi,
Thanks for your input. Gaskets are all shot and will be replaced with new originals.
I will definitely go for used manifolds, hopefully they will be OK and will last.
My mechanic says my car is the 4th S63TU with similar cracks, so in his experience it is quite common.

Here is a picture of the cracks - definitely very thin like a hair, but it is there, and probably expands when hot and will grow with time.

BTW here is a video of my turbines wastegate play:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/4rs7TCOxSDQ

no wonder why it rattles like hell I will get these rebuilt as well.