S63 or S65?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
AMG
S63 or S65?
Hello everyone. New member here looking to purchase my first MB! My father has owned a couple, and I think that’s where my attraction began for them. I always have loved the W221 style and that’s what I am looking to purchase. I’m sure it has been posted and discussed previously, but being a new member I am not entirely sure how to begin searching for what could be countless answers. The following are what I am considering to purchase;
2010 S63 (6.2 N/A)
2011+ S63 (5.5 Bi-Turbo)
2010+ S65 (6.0 Bi-Turbo)
There is currently a 2010 S63 for sale locally within very reasonable price (see picture below of this exact model). From what I understand, the were two types of 7-Speed transmissions for the S63. Which year production was better? IF I do purchase the local 6.2 N/A do I really have to worry about head bolts like everyone claims? Does the 2010 have the better of the 7-Speed transmissions?
Or, if I decide to stay with the S63, should I hold out for a lower mileage Bi-Turbo? And if I do decide to go with the Bi-Turbo route, do I even bother with the S63 and just spend a little more coin on an S65? I could have sworn I read somewhere the 5-Speed transmissions in the S65 are not as good as the 7-Speed in the S63. Sorry for all the amateur questions, but this platform is new to me, and I’m eager to get behind the wheel of one. Thank you to anyone who can guide me in the right direction with this purchase. Below is a picture of the exact 2010 6.2 I would be considering.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 312
CLK55 W209, CL63 W216
The 7 speed transmission is better. However, at the power levels these cars have I don't think it really matters.
All listed engines have reliability issues. If you watch certain youtube channels you'll notice that the 5.5 turbo doesn't fair well in the wear department. The 6.2 has issues with head bolts and cam shafts etc, and the V12 has a whole 'nother set of issues. I would only jump into one of these cars if you have the means and know how to do the work yourself or if money is no issue.
Personally I would go with the 6.2. Lots of modding potential and parts out there. Plus you don't have to deal with turbos...torque when you want it...and if it's not enough for you, a supercharger can easily be slapped on.
All listed engines have reliability issues. If you watch certain youtube channels you'll notice that the 5.5 turbo doesn't fair well in the wear department. The 6.2 has issues with head bolts and cam shafts etc, and the V12 has a whole 'nother set of issues. I would only jump into one of these cars if you have the means and know how to do the work yourself or if money is no issue.
Personally I would go with the 6.2. Lots of modding potential and parts out there. Plus you don't have to deal with turbos...torque when you want it...and if it's not enough for you, a supercharger can easily be slapped on.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
AMG
The 7 speed transmission is better. However, at the power levels these cars have I don't think it really matters.
All listed engines have reliability issues. If you watch certain youtube channels you'll notice that the 5.5 turbo doesn't fair well in the wear department. The 6.2 has issues with head bolts and cam shafts etc, and the V12 has a whole 'nother set of issues. I would only jump into one of these cars if you have the means and know how to do the work yourself or if money is no issue.
Personally I would go with the 6.2. Lots of modding potential and parts out there. Plus you don't have to deal with turbos...torque when you want it...and if it's not enough for you, a supercharger can easily be slapped on.
All listed engines have reliability issues. If you watch certain youtube channels you'll notice that the 5.5 turbo doesn't fair well in the wear department. The 6.2 has issues with head bolts and cam shafts etc, and the V12 has a whole 'nother set of issues. I would only jump into one of these cars if you have the means and know how to do the work yourself or if money is no issue.
Personally I would go with the 6.2. Lots of modding potential and parts out there. Plus you don't have to deal with turbos...torque when you want it...and if it's not enough for you, a supercharger can easily be slapped on.
From further reading and hearing from other members, it seems that the 5.5 was the favorited for reliability AND power. There were 2 types of 7-Speeds released for these vehicles correct? From what I understand, the 2011+ Bi-Turbo also has the better of the 2 transmissions. I think I’ve officially ruled out an S65. Just deciding between the 6.2 or the 5.5. With either purchase, I will also be adding an extended warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,433
Likes: 119
From: Behind the wheel
The best or nothing
Yeah, thanks, the point of the video is do not increase the boost if you have the M157. So I'd say it's a pretty good engine.
Usually if someone needs more power it's because they can't drive (scared to switch their ESP to Sport) and mostly doing drag races just to compensate for something.
If you have 600hp, you don't need more power.
So the 5.5 Biturbo S63 would be fine just like the M157.
Usually if someone needs more power it's because they can't drive (scared to switch their ESP to Sport) and mostly doing drag races just to compensate for something.
If you have 600hp, you don't need more power.
So the 5.5 Biturbo S63 would be fine just like the M157.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 101
Likes: 10
From: Midway, GA
2011 S63 AMG Designo Performance P3
You can't go wrong with the 2011+ S63 with the 5.5L M157 Bi-turbo V8. The power and performance are significantly better than in the 6.2L M156. If you find one with the performance package, power, torque, and top speed are increased. There is more than enough power available that you don't need to mod the car. There were some issues early on with the M157 but those were few and in some cases due to mods. The M156 is known to have head bolt issues amongst other things. My S63 has been 100% reliable and I have not had any problems. I still have a smile on my face every time I get in the car. I don't beat on the car and I don't street race. You won't be disappointed with a well maintained 2011+ S63. Make sure you get an exclusionary warranty from a reputable company.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
AMG
You can't go wrong with the 2011+ S63 with the 5.5L M157 Bi-turbo V8. The power and performance are significantly better than in the 6.2L M156. If you find one with the performance package, power, torque, and top speed are increased. There is more than enough power available that you don't need to mod the car. There were some issues early on with the M157 but those were few and in some cases due to mods. The M156 is known to have head bolt issues amongst other things. My S63 has been 100% reliable and I have not had any problems. I still have a smile on my face every time I get in the car. I don't beat on the car and I don't street race. You won't be disappointed with a well maintained 2011+ S63. Make sure you get an exclusionary warranty from a reputable company.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
