RVAE34

Hello MBworld.


I was originally a huge Nissan fanatic until I bought my first BMW about 10 years ago. I have built a few pretty cool cars but after I sold my 2003 M5 and then bought and sold an estoril blue 2001 740, I have found myself searching for a newer car as a DD. I cannot stand the E60 M5's nor the E90/2 M3's. F10 M5's are too pricey for me.


So now I am on the hunt for either an 07-09 E63 or a 2010-12 C63. As much as I love the interior of the W212, I cannot stand the exterior styling. I much prefer the C63 and really want a 2012 to get the facelift lights. But I still also love the elegant styling of W211 E63's and even E55's. However, I plan to finance part of the car so the E55 is kind of out of the question.


I have read about the head bolt failures and will do my due diligence as I search.


For anyone interested in my main project car, it's a 1999 BMW E39 528 touring that was part of the individual program. It was custom ordered in Mojave brown metallic. I have done extensive work to the car and it's been featured all over the interwebs and it graced the cover of Performance BMW last year. It has an LSx 427 swap with a Tremec Magnum T56 6 speed, M5 driveshaft, axles, 210mm M5 diff with triple clutches and E46 M3 3.62 gearset and recently, I scored a Brembo BBK front and rear with 2 piece rotors. I also recently installed an M5 napa heritage caramel interior. The car last made 500/500 at the tires until a lifter failed. Now shooting for 650 all motor.


Looking forward to finding the perfect car and finally becoming an MB AMG owner!!


Some photos of the touring for anyone interested. From this








To this

AZN Optics

Welcome to MBWorld! That's a great looking E39!

Can't really go wrong with either the w211 or w204. Both great engines so it really just size and styling. From a reliability standpoint, both are on par, and performance wise, both have a roaring 6.2 hand built beauty. Might come down to secondary market availability in terms of color, price, mileage, condition etc.

Good luck

blackopal

Wow! That's one mighty E39. Well done

MercedesBenzi

awesome looking car! you've done a great work on it!

RVAE34

Thanks, everyone!


I was worried the C63 would be too small but I sat in one at the dealer this past weekend (I am 6'-1") and then got into the back and still had just enough room for my knees not to hit the seat back.


I have read that the head bolt issue was fixed with a technical update in 7/2010 for the E63 and I would assume the same for the C63 right? I also read you can run the vin of the vehicle you are looking at into some database to see if the issue has been addressed in pre 2010 cars. Is that true?


I really want an E63 wagon but don't know if it's worth the premium. I already have my beast BMW wagon and the wife drives a 2004 Volvo V70R with mods (my old DD).


And lastly, whatever I get, I prefer white with black interior and pano roof.

PelicanParts.com

Welcome to MBWorld! Great stuff. Thanks for sharing the images.

RVAE34

I am getting closer to purchase time. Paid off a ton of debt and filed my taxes. Getting a really nice refund.


I am torn over the 2007-2009 E63 or the 2012-2013 C63. Is the 204 C63 a decent DD? I only plan on driving it on nice days etc as I have an Xterra for bad weather. But just want to be sure I pick a good car for my daily 45 minute commute each way. And want to have something nice for the few times I have to take clients out.


My wife really wants me to get the C63 but I still feel drawn to the 211 E63's as well. Sometimes, I also find myself admiring the 212. Ugggggg decisions, decisions.

RealMcCoy

Incredible build man! I can't imagine the amount of time you spent to get it where it is today. Congrats!

As far as the E63 or C63 I'd lean towards the C63. I had an opportunity to test drive one and I was surprised with how calm and smooth it was going down the road. I'm more attracted to the C63 as i have a c350, obviously not the same but I am biased lol.

Good luck!

RVAE34

Good to know because I really love the styling of the C63 the most. I just wish the W212 looked like a bigger version of the C63. Those headlights and the subtle downward curve of the body below the windows bugs the crap out of me.


Thanks for the kind words on my wagon. It's an absolute beast and has been a total joy to build.

RealMcCoy

Not sure if you saw this thread yet but if you have a C63 picked out and have the VIN it may be good to PM Valvestud..

https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...rly-2011s.html

RVAE34

Thanks for the tip. I had read about it and knew you could run the vin to check but didn't know where. I am also really only looking at facelift C63's. 2012-2013 so I assume they wouldn't have the issue. And that is one of the other reasons I have leaned towards the 204 C63 over the 211 E63.

RealMcCoy

Pfff didn't pay as much attention to what you said as I thought...ha

Well lets hope whatever you get won't be a TOTAL money pit, and if it is, hopefully it isn't spent on maintenance lol good luck man

RVAE34

I thought these cars were pretty reliable. That's why I am looking here instead of at newer BMW's I was going to buy a 2013 750 until I read about all their issues. Even the warranties are garbage on them.

RealMcCoy

From my experience, granted it only involves V6's and not any AMG/High Performance models, I only have good things to say about MB's.

I just always remember when the 335 came out with the N54 engine that it lead to some lemon law buybacks. How crazy is that lol. Ever since that I've been steered away from them. Bimmers are just so appealing visually, for me at least, so it's hard to not look past the issues ha

RVAE34

I try to stay away from turbo cars because the heat causes so many extra problems. And yes, one of my friends just got a 335 and is having all kinds of issues with it. The F01/02 7 series are plagued with issues until a technical update in 2013. Lots of motor failures prior.

MJ50

welcome to the forum...

Maritime

Wish I had your skill.

RVAE34

Thanks for the kind words, everyone!


I loved building my wagon but I think I am over super customized cars for a while. I am still working hard on the BMW to make the best wagon on the planet but I now want a nice DD that it a blast to drive which I don't have to spend a fortune on to modify. I had a 2003 M5 which was an incredible car but I think I am ready to try my hand an Mercedes now

RVAE34

Just got an unsecured loan for my search. Now I just need my tax refund which should be here any time over the next 2 weeks and I am ready to purchase without having to mess with financing!

RVAE34

I decided to lower my budget and now have a real dilemma on my hand. Do I go with a higher mileage well maintained W204 2012 C63 or a super low mileage, well maintained W211 2007-2009 E63????? I cannot make up my mind to save my life

RVAE34

I narrowed down my choices to a 2009 E63 black on black fully loaded with 54k miles or an identical optioned 07 with 33k miles. 09 was 1.5 hours away. Dealer said paint and mechanical was perfect. Got there and paint looked like it was dried with sandpaper after every wash. left side paddle shifter was loose and didn't work properly. Sales manager already said he wouldn't budge on price so I walked away. Had the PPI done on the 07 with 33k miles and only issues were a few chips on the hood, worn rear tires and reasonably worn rear pads. I bought it and it should be picked up for transport this eve!!!

RealMcCoy

Congrats man!
Cant wait to see it. It sounded like you were leaning towards the E anyways.

Any plans for it?

RVAE34

Thanks! Resonator delete and changing the exterior chrome to gunmetal is about all I am planning for now. Have to finish up the wagon before considering anything for this. Plus, it's going to be my DD so I want to keep it as reliable as I can.

RealMcCoy

Nice, real subtle things but the subtle stuff really makes it look better IMO.

Resonator delete should sound nice too. Excited to see this thing in the future.

Post some pics when you get it!

RVAE34

Here are some photos prior to leaving the dealer.