agentsmurf156

Hi, need some help from those in the know. I have 2 choices of vehicle that fit my budget. Have been scouring the forums and btw this is an incredible community of like minded enthusiasts.
I have a C63 2009 with 67000km no accidents, P30 performance pack, new brakes and new tyres. Interior seems pretty good, just the fog lights have burn marks on them for some reason and the one sometimes goes off. Also not sure about the dealer, seems like they turn a lot of cars.
The second option is an immaculate 2011 E63 with 109,000 km, silver, performance pack and carbon ceramic brakes which have about 35% life left. Also no accidents, for about 10% more.

So I am not particularly fussed over which car, I know they are quite different in their drive, I am quite wary of the headbolt issue, and the C63 being a 2009 seems like it just begging to let go. It lived in Edmonton most its life doing about 5000km a year until 2017 where someone put on 30,000km. From what I understand the headbolt issue is corrosion based and I would think the longer you leave it the worse. So perhaps preventive repair is the way to go.

The E63 has pretty high milage, the engine sounds smooth, no ticking. mint condition all around not a scratch on it.

Anyway, I am really after the deep rumble in these cars, that engine is quite something, and I enjoy cruising around with the feel and sound of that motor. I am not going to track the cars, perhaps just a light exhaust mod.

Any opinions on milage vs age here? Most of the pre facelift C63 seem to have pretty high milage these days.

Thanks for the help.

hachiroku

i personally am a E63 guy. when you're looking at these two, you are out of the whole head bolt drama. or not?

just go with what you perfer. the C63 is sweet, but a little small for me. i tend to pack my car with passengers...at times the parentals and the added space is appreciated. oh don't forgot air ride for them old bones.

Celicasaur

Depends how long you're looking to own the car for....shorter ownership will point to the C63 being easier to sell. The higher miles on the E will mean you're best advised to keep it for a few years.

The W212 handles really well for what it is and yours with carbon ceramics will accelerate pretty much the same as the W204. It's a much nicer place to be (comparing to the 2009 PFL W204 interior) and a more comfortable drive also. The C will sound better in stock form and if you're into racing and modding, the C will have the greater potential due to being around...120...150kg lighter? I'm not sure on the exact figure.

Age/mileage in general....maintenance is paramount in my opinion. If it's mint and has been pampered by the previous owner, chances are it'll cost you less to maintain than even a lower mileage car that may have been a garage queen and driven hard on the weekends by a younger owner. I always think, if somebody can afford to run the miles up on a performance car and still keep it in good condition, then they would likely have been able to afford proper maintenance.

roadkillrob

e63 has same headbolt issues, so always check the engine serial number is below this endine serial number 156983 60 060658, early 2011's still can have headbolt issues, not in the clear fully until 2012.

agentsmurf156

Ok had a look, the engine number is 156985 60 065544.
I assume then that it is fine. It has the black cam covers, I read somewhere that it means it has the upgraded internals.

roadkillrob

Well out of the range so should be good.

AMGC

AMGC

Tlnt60

Just a couple of things to consider:

Head bolts on PFL C63 ~ 2-4k to replace preventive vs after it goes boom

Carbon Ceramic brakes on E63 ~ 10k to replace assuming you replace them with CC again. Not sure on that car if you can swap to Iron disks.

hachiroku

uh...i thought carbon ceramic brakes are lifetime?

Tlnt60

I could be wrong, but I thought they last about 100k miles...

The car is at ~79k and about 30% pad based on what he is saying so he might see another 30k miles or so before replacement.

SactownP31

On my clk the guys at work would be like, "oohh no sirve tu luz, y eso que es Mercedes." Which means dude you have a Mercedes and the lights dont even work. Then i explain that they turn on in the direction you turn the wheel. They reply, "no mames", which is means bullshyt. So long story short, turn the lights on manually and pull to engage foglights, or click the switch. Problem solved.

agentsmurf156

thanks for the info. These lights have black burn marks on the centre, and the wheels were straight, just sitting there idling. Im thinking dodgy bulb. Minor issue I guess.