Am I crazy for considering a 2012 with potential transmission issue?
#1
Am I crazy for considering a 2012 with potential transmission issue?
I currently daily my 997.2 911 but am looking for a fun car that would serve as a better daily and relegate the 911 to fun/weekend car. I don’t drive THAT much, but my parents are two hours away, my sisters 4+, etc, so a more comfortable car would be better for drives like that.
I am trying to be responsible and not blow up the bank for a car I’d put maybe 4K miles on a year. I’m also considering an e90 M3 (see the V8 theme?).
I came across a loaded 2012 C63 with 103k miles for sale locally. It has a ton of options, including P31, LSD, bi xenons, Hk sound, etc. Fairly well maintained by the seller, who is the 3rd owner. Listed for $25,800.
However, it’s being sold because the transmission has developed odd behavior in the last 7k ish miles. On upshifts when it’s warm and through the lower gears, there’s almost a sort of rev hang around 3.5k rpm. It does shift, but it hesitates. Seller took it to two mechanics, one said it’s just a fluid and calibration reset, the other one wasn’t sure. Allegedly was told a new transmission would be $4.5k worst case. I am in Southern California and that seems…low.
Additionally, if you Google the VIN, you can find an old listing that shows the car was tuned and modified with an AMT Alpha C tune, MBH long tube headers, and Akrapovic exhaust. Seller is under the impression the car is unmodified, which may be true if it was returned to stock before he bought it.
vin is WDDGF7HB8CA620627
I am no stranger to older, used German sports cars. Obviously I would get a PPI and compression test, but even then, if the worst case happens and the transmission needs to be replaced, seems like it would be a silly buy on my part. Would be curious to hear thoughts.
I am trying to be responsible and not blow up the bank for a car I’d put maybe 4K miles on a year. I’m also considering an e90 M3 (see the V8 theme?).
I came across a loaded 2012 C63 with 103k miles for sale locally. It has a ton of options, including P31, LSD, bi xenons, Hk sound, etc. Fairly well maintained by the seller, who is the 3rd owner. Listed for $25,800.
However, it’s being sold because the transmission has developed odd behavior in the last 7k ish miles. On upshifts when it’s warm and through the lower gears, there’s almost a sort of rev hang around 3.5k rpm. It does shift, but it hesitates. Seller took it to two mechanics, one said it’s just a fluid and calibration reset, the other one wasn’t sure. Allegedly was told a new transmission would be $4.5k worst case. I am in Southern California and that seems…low.
Additionally, if you Google the VIN, you can find an old listing that shows the car was tuned and modified with an AMT Alpha C tune, MBH long tube headers, and Akrapovic exhaust. Seller is under the impression the car is unmodified, which may be true if it was returned to stock before he bought it.
vin is WDDGF7HB8CA620627
I am no stranger to older, used German sports cars. Obviously I would get a PPI and compression test, but even then, if the worst case happens and the transmission needs to be replaced, seems like it would be a silly buy on my part. Would be curious to hear thoughts.
#2
Guessing this is the car https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/8...-8542ff1a664f/. I would say not worth it. Not just the transmission but the other cosmetic damage and shady history. It's possible the owner knows whats wrong and doesn't want to pay for the bill.
Previous Alpha listing - http://www.gtrheritage.com/topic/103...mance-package/
Previous Alpha listing - http://www.gtrheritage.com/topic/103...mance-package/
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8,068
Likes: 2,849
From: Los Angeles
2012 P31 C63 Coupe Trackrat, 2019 GLE63S Coupe Beast
If you can get it for closer to $20k I’d say go for it. How bad could it be, it’s just a previously
/hidden modified AMG with a bad trans. What’s the worst that could happen. Buy it and give it to Michael at BENZTEC to sort out.
/hidden modified AMG with a bad trans. What’s the worst that could happen. Buy it and give it to Michael at BENZTEC to sort out.
#4
Just FYI, the transmission issues could be aftermarket tune related. The symptoms mentioned have been experienced by others after tuning (myself included with my original EC V7 tune). I now have Barry's tune, and it shifts perfectly.
But since this is an unknown, I'd definitely still shoot for lower pricing since it could be as bad as a trans replacement. Best case you get lucky with something relatively simple.
But since this is an unknown, I'd definitely still shoot for lower pricing since it could be as bad as a trans replacement. Best case you get lucky with something relatively simple.
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eightysixtuned (01-31-2023)