Starting my search for a w222, what years to look for?
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 352
Likes: 61
From: Encinitas, CA
'00 SL600
I don't think you can really go wrong. There are facelift updates in 2018+ but they're relatively minor (front/rear lights, 1 piece glass dash, some updates to SW) but only the very nerdiest of car person could tell the difference.
All of the important stuff - engine/drivetrain remain completely unchanged. The conventional wisdom is get the most recent model-year you can afford. If you're worried about maintenance/repairs for a 2015/16 out of warranty then spend $5k on to get an aftermarket warranty.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a 2015. Check service history, make sure you love the color combo and that it is loaded with the options you want. There are plenty of S63s out there for the choosing so be picky.
All of the important stuff - engine/drivetrain remain completely unchanged. The conventional wisdom is get the most recent model-year you can afford. If you're worried about maintenance/repairs for a 2015/16 out of warranty then spend $5k on to get an aftermarket warranty.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a 2015. Check service history, make sure you love the color combo and that it is loaded with the options you want. There are plenty of S63s out there for the choosing so be picky.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 723
Likes: 115
From: Long Island
'16 CLS63S
Im in the same boat as the OP. Currently have a '14 c63 coupe (headers, e85, etc.) and love the raw power but I need something bigger and more comfortable to drive on my daily 100 mile commute.
My search has just started and I havent test drove anything yet but Im looking closely at a 15/16 w222 s63 or 15/16 w218 cls63 with under 30k miles (both seem to be in the same price range). A tune is very likely the only mod I will do on the new car but I need something that is just as quick as my c63 on the highway
My search has just started and I havent test drove anything yet but Im looking closely at a 15/16 w222 s63 or 15/16 w218 cls63 with under 30k miles (both seem to be in the same price range). A tune is very likely the only mod I will do on the new car but I need something that is just as quick as my c63 on the highway
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 393
'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
I don't think you can really go wrong. There are facelift updates in 2018+ but they're relatively minor (front/rear lights, 1 piece glass dash, some updates to SW) but only the very nerdiest of car person could tell the difference.
All of the important stuff - engine/drivetrain remain completely unchanged. The conventional wisdom is get the most recent model-year you can afford. If you're worried about maintenance/repairs for a 2015/16 out of warranty then spend $5k on to get an aftermarket warranty.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a 2015. Check service history, make sure you love the color combo and that it is loaded with the options you want. There are plenty of S63s out there for the choosing so be picky.
All of the important stuff - engine/drivetrain remain completely unchanged. The conventional wisdom is get the most recent model-year you can afford. If you're worried about maintenance/repairs for a 2015/16 out of warranty then spend $5k on to get an aftermarket warranty.
Personally, I see nothing wrong with a 2015. Check service history, make sure you love the color combo and that it is loaded with the options you want. There are plenty of S63s out there for the choosing so be picky.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 387
From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
I disagree. If one is looking at the 2018/2019/2020 S63 compared to the 2014-2017 there are MAJOR changes. The engine is completely different from the 2014-2017 as well as AMG spent millions of dollars on a completely new rear subframe for the 2018+ model years that normally does not happen on a mid cycle refresh. IMHO the 2018+ S63 is a huge step ahead from the 2014-2017 S63 especially on the power, engine and driving characteristics side. One thing to watch out for in the 2018 S63 (although my '19 and so far the 2020s have not had the issue) is the dreaded check engine light (CEL) as there has been an issue with the 2018 S63 and E63 for the CEL problem that has caused lots of manufacture buybacks on the '18s. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.
You stole my thunder and beat me to it.
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 835
Likes: 74
From: Auburn, CA USA
2016 S63, 2013 SL63
So 14-17 have the same engine as my 2011 S63 and the later has the 4.0 right?
Does the 14-17 have BT audio?
And thank you for all the replies!
Vince
Does the 14-17 have BT audio?
And thank you for all the replies!
Vince
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 393
'25 S63 AMG E Performance, '26 CLE 53 AMG
Yes same motor but tuned differently with 14 more hp in the '14-'17 at 577hp vs 563hp in the '11 (of course since the '14-'17 is 4matic--atleast in the US-- there is more usable power to the ground). Yes the '18-'20 is 4.0 with 603hp rated in the US (Europe rates it at 612 hp). If I recall my '14 and '16 had BT audio.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,264
Likes: 367
'06 MB S55 AMG; '04 Audi Allroad 4.2; '05 BMW M3 Conv.; '92 MB 500E
On this topic, I've read much about transmission jerkiness and other issues on the W222 63 cars. Are those common to the Sedan and Coupe, and if so do these model year differences factor in? Please advise. Thanks.
Cheers,
maw
Cheers,
maw
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,934
Likes: 387
From: Kenilworth, il usa
GT63S ePerformance 4dr, '25 Bentayga Black Ed.(wife), Wrangler and 250 MLB(kids)
Current S63 has 9 speed and I have not experienced anything but very smooth and comfortable shifts.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 33
Likes: 7
From: Lake Villa Il
14 S63. 95 F355. 69 Charger. 59 Cadillac.
I bought a 14' a few months ago. In sport mode it can be less than smooth. It can downshift into 1st at to high of a speed (IMO) which pulls the speed down more than you would expect. Does not always happen.
Much smoother in comfort mode (does not use 1st gear) but still not perfect.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,833
Likes: 773
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560
Don't forget about the Tech difference too. The Distronic starting on the 2018's was much improved as was apple car play added. The 2017's did not have apple car play. Also the steering wheel was changed on the 2018's to the touch pad on either side steering wheel and was much more user friendly. There is a big price jump though when going up to a 2018 and up. I recently bought a 2017 S550 Sport package car with 16K miles for 60 grand. Car is like new. I knew I'd be sacrificing some of these things but the car was just too good a deal to walk away from and all the colors I like in both Ext and Int.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 947
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From: SF Bay Area
2021 E63S Wagon 2019 S63 AMG Coupé 2015 S Coupé Edition 1 1970 Chevelle LS5
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 835
Likes: 74
From: Auburn, CA USA
2016 S63, 2013 SL63
Loving the new car! Changed the brake pads to low dust and had a nice 10" sub box made for it.
I miss the 23.5 MPG of the old car though. I lost 2MPG across the board...
Vince
I miss the 23.5 MPG of the old car though. I lost 2MPG across the board...
Vince
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 233
From: Socal and Norcal
MY17 S63AMG - MBUSA Buyback. MY16 SL63 - Sold MY19 W213 E63s. 2020 W213 E63s Wagon
I disagree. If one is looking at the 2018/2019/2020 S63 compared to the 2014-2017 there are MAJOR changes. The engine is completely different from the 2014-2017 as well as AMG spent millions of dollars on a completely new rear subframe for the 2018+ model years that normally does not happen on a mid cycle refresh. IMHO the 2018+ S63 is a huge step ahead from the 2014-2017 S63 especially on the power, engine and driving characteristics side. One thing to watch out for in the 2018 S63 (although my '19 and so far the 2020s have not had the issue) is the dreaded check engine light (CEL) as there has been an issue with the 2018 S63 and E63 for the CEL problem that has caused lots of manufacture buybacks on the '18s. Just my 2 cents for what it is worth.
