Hi guys/gals,

Considering this as my first Merc purchase. First edition, 4dr, C63S 2016, I'm an avid BMW fan, but I also want a Merc and be a fan of that too.
Like the beemer, it will be a weekend vehicle only. I have a company car that's the daily. I drive the beemer on fridays and will now actually switch between the 2 or something, just to drive each at least a day a week to keep everything smooth and battery charged. I suppose I enjoy the maintenance and modding (not really performance, just toys) more than driving even.
Only things I need to know:
What should I be looking for? Buying second hand from a dealership. Anything in particular on this model I should look for carefully? Oil leaks in specific places etc?
I'll be taking my Carly with to do a scan on it. Any particular codes that could indicate something serious?
Are there any recommended parts replacements when I get the car? I'm thinking something like, if someone buys a E9x M3 the immediate advice would be big ends and mains for instance. I know some specific Merc models in the past had a oil seal around the tappet cover, that was easy to replace, but if not done, oil would leak into the harness and ruin it. Something like that?
Any advice inspecting the vehicle, and "do this as soon as you get it", "or look at this for this and that once you bought it", anything like that please.
Sunroof maintenance etc?
Also, what W number would this car be?

For anyone reading this from South Africa, can recommend a good independent Merc mechanic in Gauteng?

Thanks very much for the insights and advice ahead of time.

 

That's a lot of questions in a single post. Not feeling like going into every single one, but the early model years such as the 2016 have issues with the dynamic engine mounts and the electronic rear differential. The former crack and the latter has issues with the actuator. These things were improved in later model years. Other than that, the engine is pretty much solid. One of the issues that affects the M177, but looks like it's mainly an issue with the LS2 variant, which is found in the E63 etc. are the oil separators clogging and then the RMS (rear main seal) leaking. There have been some cases with the M177 LS1 in the C63, but those seem to be outliers. It's a fairly common issue with the E63 etc. There are some ignition coil issues over the years leading to misfires, but as said, it's largely a solid car. Others that have owned earlier model years can probably chime in with things that I forgot. I own a 2019, so that's the facelift that has many things improved.

Having said that, reading how you gonna use it as a weekend car, why the 4dr and not the Coupe? The latter is much more of a weekend type car and IMO is the better of the two. Has a unique widebody that the sedan doesn't have and is lower and wider. Also has a shorter final drive for a more fun driving experience. The coupe is the more sporty variant. Since you are not really using it as a commuter/family car, seems odd that you want the sedan. Mine is also mainly a weekend and road trip/grand touring car and hitting up the canyons around here, as I mostly don't drive at all during weekdays.

As for the chassis code, I guess you didn't notice the W205 right in the name of this section. The coupe would be the C205 and the cab the A205 and the wagon the S205.

 

Thanks very much for the info! Exactly the kind of advice I was looking for. Would really love to have the coupe, though the beemer is already a cabrio, There just isn't a coupe currently available.
But I am considering rather waiting for a coupe to become available. But I'm a bit picky on the spec. I really really want an edition one because of the seats. The diamond stitching and the holes in the front seats are a must have. But I'm certainly not dead set on this vehicle I'm looking at.

Thanks again for the input!

Edit:

Sorry, one last thing, can the engine mounts and diff actuator be upgraded to the facelift variants, or are they incompatible?

 

Yes, same parts, just revised. I think if you replace them today, you will automatically get the latest revised parts as they replace the earlier part numbers.

 

To add to the above, it is worth mentioning that the FL has a revised more compliant suspension and the way the engine mounts and the diff are controlled is different. The FL has a new chassis dynamics system that is part of the drive mode system and it controls the engine mounts and the diff using different strategies than the PFL did, so the newer strategies could potentially reduce stress on the parts. So while the parts are the same, they are used differently in the FL. Especially the more compliant suspension reduces shocks that may get transferred to the engine mounts, otherwise.

 

Thanks for the additional info!
I'm not familiar with Benz software, but for instance I do have a full suite of BMW software that's coded via an Icomm. Does Merc have the same kind if setup? Get the hardware from china and the software from... somewhere? Though Carly will probably do a good enough job. Can the software on the car get upgraded. If it's like BM, I'm guessing it will only go to the last PFL software version, and not be able to get the FL software due to hardware changes.
Just got the vehicle re-priced as well. It is almost 25% cheaper than a 2017 coupe.
So it really is at a good price point that I'll never get the coupe at for a while. It's an edition one that I want. I'm guessing the FL did not have an edition one version with those seats?

I'm just about to take the 2 hour drive to go see the vehicle.

 

Oh and one last one...
Where is the OBD2 port so I can do a scan with Carly?
And is ignition on the same.... Key in, hit start without pressing the brake?

 

No, Mercedes is much more restrictive with coding. You need support from others who have access to the tools. Carly and such can't code anything on MB vehicles. There are several coders on this forum. They do the coding remotely.

No, there wasn't an Edition 1 for the facelift. There was a final edition, though in 2023. Various interiors were available for the FL that weren't available for the PFL. The FL coupe also has an optional aero package, which not only elevates to look, but is also functional. It's similar to the aero parts that were on the Edition 1 Coupe.

FWIW, here are a couple of pics of mine on delivery day. It has the aero package and carbon exterior packages. The last pic is a render of my interior. The black w/ yellow stitching for example was only available on the Edition 1 Coupe, but became an option with the FL. One of my favorite part of my build. The final edition had the same interior.

 

That's Beautiful!
Ok, I think I'll have the bank have the last call.... I want a lot of points under prime, and I'll consider that to be a sign to get it
Thanks very much for all the info!

Oh yes, OBD2 location just to read codes with Carly please

 

So on LHD drive models the ODB2 port is on the lower left driver side under the dash as pretty much in every other car. Not sure if it's moved in a RHD model. I'm guessing it's in the same spot, so lower left passenger side for you. As for the ignition, the PFL is a bit weird. For keyless go, there's a removable button that covers the keyhole. Make sure it's there. This is easily lost. If you remove the button, you can stick the key in and turn it similar to a traditional car. This is how you start the car if the battery is dead in the fob. With the button inserted, it's actually two presses with foot off the brake. One press is position 1, which only turns on the accessories. One more press is position 2 which turns on the ignition.

 

Fantastic! Thanks for all your help!
I'm leaving for the dealership now.

 

@LeonZA since it seems like you enjoy being able to read codes and having the ability to do some coding I'd get a BenzNinja set up. He (Peter) is awesome at coding different options onto your car and updating any modules that need updating. And he's always been very responsive via WhatsApp. He will get you all set up with the hardware and software that you need, and you'll have dealer-level diagnostics and programming ability with it.

 

Thanks very much Roy! Will certainly do that.
Already need automatic door locking when pulling away, and one click driver door, double click all doors. That's my wish list so far.

 

You don’t need anyone’s help for this. There’s a setting for the auto lock and the second part can be configured via the key fob itself. It’s explained in the owner‘a manual. You have to press and hold one of the buttons on the key fob to toggle it between unlocking all doors or only the driver’s door.

 

Damn Swiss! Thanks!
I figured this morning already I need to study the manual lol.
Reverse cam got switched off somehow. Auto steer and stuff. The hid is for someone an inch shorter than me etc etc


Thanks for info again man! You helped a ton!
One quick one that's bothering me. I have a whine, almost kinda like a supercharger? Though it's turbo charged. Normal, or should I have it checked out?

 

No, a whine isn't normal. Depending on where it's coming from and under what conditions, it could be a differential whine, wheel bearings or something in the engine. There are threads on here from owners that had whines.

 

On the PFL it could also be the transmission. I have experienced this myself and my AMG expert said it's either not enough transmission oil or the transmission oil pump is on its way out. The best you could to is a transmission oil flush.
If this is the case, you would experience the whine in 3rd and 4th gear with rpms starting from 5000.