salexander

I’m planning to buy CL63 AMG. It will be a car for a weekend or in the future probably young/Oldtimer.
Someone could help in decision? Should it be version before face lifting (M156 engine) or after (M157 engine)?
what are the pros & cons for each version, reliability etc ?

Mark out West

Googling "M156" will give you a boatload of information about the reliability of the M156. I love my 2008, but I'm also prepared to shell out for what's going to become a substantial amount of money to eventually replace the head bolts, intake camshafts, injectors, and valve buckets. Those and some other minor issues are the well-known weak spots in the M156.

Originally I heard nothing bad about the M157, but checking with a mechanic yesterday, he indicated they're having their own set of problems, most notably the timing chain tensioner leak-down. Sounds minor in comparison to the M156 issues, IMO.

Most of the first-generation C216 owners stick with their M156 models due to the novelty of the AMG-only engine. That and they like the front fender flares. The follow on generation has a bunch of minor body upgrades, new front-end design, wet-clutch transmission, and of course, the more powerful M157 engine. Also, the ABC pump was relocated to the much more accessible location at the top of the M157 engine.

If you're attached to the M156 engine, then by all means, go early. If you're loath to shovel money into the engine, I'd say go later with the M157, particularly if you can get a "P30" optioned one. Faster and more torque with a tiny bit of turbo lag and lower redline.

Either way, you're gonna love the C216.

Vahebaldemian

The pre-facelift M156.
the facelifted version has an over exagerrated front end.
the M156 6.3 is the real CL63
Headbolt issues are blown out of proportion by people that have never even owned the engine (the internet does this with alot of things) every complicated 150+k car will have some sort of issues as it ages.
if you find a clean 09, you might get a chance of not getting all the useless nannies like drowsiness alert.(stop trolling me with a coffe mug symbol on the cluster)
the M157 facelift is 25% more fuel efficient though( i don't care, i guzzle everything)

BlownV8

M156 is 6.2L. Just saying.

Vahebaldemian

I am well aware. Do you know why it is referred to as 6.3?

BlownV8

I've been on this forum for 18 years, an MB owner for over 25 years, and currently have two AMG's. I view your question as a rhetorical one.

salexander

Thanks for all your posts and comments. With no doubts I will search for car with M156 engine.
I don't care of fuel consumption.
If I will buy any car I will post here again
Meanwhile I'm happy with me new w213, r129 & c124

Vahebaldemian

yup, pretty much. I don't doubt anyones love or knowledge of these cars here on this site. You do get a few that could use a bit more knowledge and experience but from what you have stated, you don't seem to fit in that minority. I've had people grill me on how it is just "63" to show homage to the original which is true, but in Germany the displacement number must be rounded up. So 6.2 and some change on paper is 6.3. (Again in no way do i doubt that you are already well aware)