alextaylor29

All,

Good to be back. In early 2017 I'll be purchasing a low mileage 2012-2014 E63 (M157 motor) so is there any high recommendations you would have?

For example should I avoid the first new model year 2012 or try and get one with particular options?

For mods, I plan on just putting on a tune for starters (leaning towards Alpha as they promise 700/830 with just a tune), but open to any and all recommendations. Will be great being back in an AMG.

Thanks in advance.

Alex

PeterUbers

congrats and welcome back

first question is ... rwd or awd?

alextaylor29

As I live in AZ, RWD is fine. It will be slower off the line of course but at the top end it won't matter. (Possibly faster as there will be less driveline parasitic loss with RWD.)


Thanks.


Alex

PeterUbers

2013+ has the split cooling and this is advantageous in hotter climes and with a tune or back to back runs

definitely want the LSD which I think comes with the performances package or the 'S model

the active Led headlights are amazing on the 2014

i like the look of 2014 more than previous years

Vrodman

Which would explain why you have a 2014.

While I envy the M157 models for tunability and gas mileage, I actually like the look of my 2011 better than the newer ones.

Different strokes I suppose.

chiromikey

It comes down to AWD vs RWD and which style you like better. I like the front end on the 14 facelift model but prefer the rear and interior of the 12-13. I also prefer RWD so here I am with a 2012. I planned on doing my own cooling mods so the factory I/C split on the 2013 wasn't significant to me. I also put a facelift style grill on mine so now I have everything I wanted.

I'm also in the Phoenix area so I look forward to another AMG in the hood!

alextaylor29

Yes thanks to all. I have looked at the 2010-2011's as the M156 Motor (6.2L) is a jewel, AMG's first in-house motor as from a modification standpoint I will only be able to get it to ~600HP (without going the S/C route) so by just going to the 2012+ year's, and again with just a tune, I can be back at 700 HP and 800+ lb/ft of torque which is really super car levels in a 4 door sedan! And yes I'm in the Valley of the Sun as well so we'll definitely have to meet up some time (not sure if AZ AMG owners ever get together on their own).

Thanks Gents, again much appreciated.

Alex

chiromikey

We had some great meet and greets as well as drag race events in the past. We did several private track rentals at Speedworld (now closed) that brought many guys from the west coast and some at Firebird (now Wild Horse Pass Motorsports Park) as well. I've just gotten back into the AMG scene as well and nearly all of the 55k guys I used to know have moved on so I'm not sure what kind of AMG crowd we have out here anymore.

alextaylor29

Thanks for the update. As soon as I'm back in an E63 (looking to be early 2017) we should try and arrange another meet, even just for fun at a local brewery so something like that? (Twin Peaks perhaps lol)

Thanks again.

Alex

chiromikey

Sounds good!!

Georgee6086

I have a 2012 and the cooling system is stock and is definitely an issue, I personally prefer the look of the 14+ better but that's just personal preference. I haven't driven the awd model but the RWD is definitely fun with traction control off but scary at times. I would think the most desirable option to look for would be carbon ceramic brakes. Best of luck on your purchase

alextaylor29

Thanks again to all. 2013+ it is given AZ summers are HOT and I drive 100 miles to and from work daily. (In traffic.)

Alex

cstanley92

I am 100% with you. I love the sharper lines of the M156. Don't get me wrong, I'd trade up for the M157 for the performance... but I love the big motor rumble. But I also love to hear the turbos spool on top of the rumble

chiromikey

I'm amazed at how much nastier this 5.4l motor sounds compared to the supercharged 5.5. Night and day! Oh and plenty of turbo spool!

Shellbmb

Is there any improvement in the transmission lag issue people talk about between 2012 and 2014? I am looking at a 2014 as well and I read a lot about a transmission lag issue. I have not experienced it yet as I haven't driven enough of them. I had a 2012 C63 with I think the same tranny and I don't recall it being a huge issue.

otakki

Yes, I remember having to pick up a pizza in AZ during early summer of '00 and the pizza seemed hotter by the time I brought it back than when it was first picked up.

alextaylor29

All not meaning to reverse myself but I found a really nice low mileage 2010 E63 linked below. Not sure if anyone has access to a VIN look-up but your thoughts are appreciated.


Link: http://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-s...34015742&Log=0


Thanks!


Alex

chiromikey

I've never used it but there's a vin decoder here under the tools section of the homepage.

alextaylor29

Thank you sir!

mcguirja

You also may want to check the VIN against the M156 engine list posted on the C63 "head bolt" issue thread as well. The M156 had head bolt and valve bucket issues in models through to mid-late 2010. I proactively changed both in my SL63 earlier this year and it was about a $3,500 bill.

James

alextaylor29

Good tip thank you all again.


Alex