I will be purchasing the c63 next year but Im a little concerned about reliability (this is going to be my first benz). I have a lot of friends and family that have non AMG models, most of the time their cars are in the shop. Can you guys tell me if AMG models are more reliable?

 

AMG models are no more reliable than the base MB models they're derived from. How could they be? Tuning always comes at the cost of engineering margins of safety.

That said, there are two reasons for you to relax. One is that AMG goes to great lengths to minimize any reduction in reliability. It won't be more reliable, but it's about as close to the same reliability as is possible for a high-performance version.

But more importantly the latest MB models, the W221 S/CL-Class and the W204 C-Class have been built from the bottom up with reliability in mind. Time will tell for sure, but the W221 seems to bear out that MB has turned the corner on the quality problems that plagued it for the last decade.

 

At least you can write the dude who signed your engine and ask him why he took the day off on yours

 

fyi, my 04 C32 had the following problems:

refused to start 3 times, for the same fuel pump issue - replaced after and after again
cracked bushings - replaced
moonroof that doesn't fully retract with one-touch - adjusted moonroof cable
supercharger produced strange noise - replaced

It hasn't been reliable, and I suggest staying away from new MBs in their first year. 04 however, was the 3rd year for the C32

 

A lot of people have problems with C32's though isn't that correct? I believe Mercedes is past their horrible reliability stage. Luckily my C43 is before that stage, and hopefully when I purchase a C63 it will be after that stage.

 

agreed- c32's have many engine related problems. C55/43's have very little. I would assume the same with the 63 as it also NA

 

I've yet to hear about a C32 with an engine problem. Radiator? Yes. Intercooler pump? Yes. Tranny jerk in 02s? Yes. Those were the common issues.

If taking your car in for a service a couple times is the end of the world to you, then yeah, you might wanna skip the C63. MB has been great about taking car of any issues. I'm #2 on my local waiting list for the C63. I don't mind taking the car in to resolve a few first year quirks.

 

C55 is going strong without any major problems whatsoever.

 

I didn't mean engine problems as a whole. I meant that I've seen common small recurring problems, similar to what you have stated.

 

Good point, the N/A 55 was a proven powertrain when the C55 was released. So will the 63 by the time this new AMG C rolls out

 

the C W204 is one of the new MB vehicles that have been tested extensively..


MB has spent $Millions of dollars to improve on its reliability and initial quality... and the results are starting to appear.. check out JD Power and Assoc.

they not the best, but moving up


I would say the C63 will be more reliable then the C55 but will not be in the Lexus level of quality and reliability.

 

Yes, that's correct, even by lax German performance car expectations. I have a 9/01 build '02 model and it has had its share of issues. I bought it in March with < 30k on it and since then the rear suspension bushings have been replaced, a Xeon headlamp ignitor burned out, the interior air flap distribution "stepper motor" failed, the cup holder broke, the passenger side PW switch failed and one of the roof trim pieces popped off. Now, there is a relatively loud whine when you first start it (I believe this to be the power steering pump) and the lower seat heaters don't work. It'll be in for those before the cold hits. Sometimes, the radio goes temporarily bezerk with static. The COMAND can have a mind of its own on occasion and take you in odd directions. And the maintenance history shows issues since new -- from a dead battery, to flat tires, to bushing replacements, to a defective radio head unit. And this is a low mileage impeccibly maintained vehicle that was certified as a CPO (rare for a 5 year old car to get a CPO certification). Thank god for the warranty!

Our '06 RSX Type-S? Absolutely nothing in the 14 months we've owned it other than oil changes.

This all said, the C32 is a very cool car! I love it. Very laid back and comfortable most of the time but accelerates like a Hemi Cuda when you hit the gas. I'd buy it again in a second. So I don't know if I'd avoid a C63 merely because of reliability worries. My attitude is I'll put up with some measure of you-know-what if the underlying car is really good. MB definitely needs to improve here but the AMG products are so well engineered, it to some extent makes up for it. Now, if I was having these problems with a Camry or Taurus, I don't know if I'd be as forgiving. My $.02.

 

Our local MB tech for the San Diego group has told us the W221 has been bulletproof thus far and the W204 should be the same since it is essentially a mini-W221 (his words). I think MB has turned the corner and gotten itself out of the reliablity department cellar.

 

i've had my 2001 E55 for the past year now and it has 94k miles.
the prior owner took care of it at the dealer, his only complaint was that it took 2 trips to get the parking sensor fixed. other than that, i haven't done anything w/ my car other than change the oil using synethetic and drive it. i do believe people when they say the NA engines are fairly bullet proof...perhaps that will apply to the E63 also.

 

Both my C43 and C55 have been trouble free except for minor electronic glitches that have all been sorted out underwarranty. Just to be sure I got the MBZ extended warranty on the C55. If MBZ still offers this warranty, consider getting it. It's great for resale also.