Hi All,

As time goes by and I see (lack of) comparable alternatives to my relatively stock daily-driver 2016 S63V4 AMG W222 (my first M-B), I'm appreciating/enjoying it more and more, wondering how long (mileage-wise) it will run before any major engine/drivetrain issue arise?
I'm doing all factory-recommended prepaid maintenance by my local dealer: no issues to-date (knock on carbon fiber) and drive if "spiritedly." It just turned over 70K (mostly freeway) miles. I got 333K+ miles (no major issues) out of my preceding 2000 M5 after a few track weekends and routine maintenance (I still miss it...).
I'm in the Bay Area/NorCal and it stays in the garage; every several thousand miles it gets a can of gas treatment. Original windshield getting replaced after the holidays (w/ OEM), otherwise no unexpected repairs beyond routine wear-and-tear.

I have dealer-offered extended warranty; any recommendations for additional extended warranty if dealer has none to offer when current one expires?

I haven't seen any convincing evidence to use engine oil/transmission fluid/differentials additives to extend the lives of these components: your thoughts?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Appreciate your input + thanking you in advance,
Alex

 

Airmatic struts usually last 80-100k miles; I would expect that to be your first catastrophic failure (meaning you’ll need a tow).

 

We are in somewhat the same boat. I have a 2016 S63 W222. Has around 50,000miles. Just started modifying it within the last couple months. Have done pretty much only routine maintenance when the service reminder comes on. I, on the other hand have always changed the engine oil in the middle of the services. I use a factory oil filter and Amsoil 5W40. I am on my third windshield. If you count the one from the factory. Have always replaced the tires with Michelin tires. I also pour in a can of Seafoam every now and then when I gas up. Have always gone with factory Mercedes glass. Have always had the Mercedes extended warranty and maintenance package. Up until now. From this point forward everything will be out of pocket. I enquired about extending these services out even further, however the dealer informed me, that Mercedes does not offer anything past what I have. So, I am own my own. When I do some spirited driving, I beat the heck out of the car. Have had it up to around 145mph, so far. I have a lowering module which I use for car shows and sometimes driving around town. So far everything has been great. Have fun enjoying the car. Possible future plans are a built engine and turbos, built transmission.

 

cfmistry,

Thanks for the heads-up!
Sounds like these will fail without warning? Will keep the AAA membership current...
Any idea on P&L replacements cost?

Alex

 

barryrobinson19,

Thanks for sharing, appreciate your info!
Will you use a builder for your mods?
No interest in a third-party extended warranty?
Did dealer do your windshield replacements?
I also have professionally-installed lowering module (LoMo W222NGLM; integrates w/ steering wheel controls); Lorinser paint-matched rear spoiler (recommended!); hard-wired/hard-mounted Valentine 2 and F/R dashcams (Blackvue 900X-2CH Plus), also recommended. Full window tints, front PPF + ceramic paint protection round out all I've so far...
Got mine up to 165 mph: still pulling hard + whisper-quiet; so I can only imagine what an extra 1-200+ hp will feel like!
For track + weekend fun: 2019 Corvette ZR1 coupe, low-wing w/ 755 hp stock + ~3600 lbs scratches the itch!

Here in CA, it's "almost" impossible to do power mods (besides intake + cat-back exhaust) due to tight smog regulations...

Good luck on your build!

Alex

 

Would love to use Tasos in the UAE. Some of his engines have made it to the States. Haven't heard anything about the results though. He has a YouTube page. The rods aren't too strong in the M157 engines, from what I have investigated. His engines are stock, except for a built bottom end. I have enquired about third party warranty or service contracts. Just would rather stick with Mercedes factory stuff. Have heard horror stories about many third-party services. Don't want to waste the money. Have had no issues at all with Mercedes Benz. No on the windshield replacement. Safelite did the installs and calibrations. Have had no issues. Dealers do not usually replace windshields; they outsource the work. I am a Master Lexus certified technician. Of every dealership I have ever been in, it has been this way. Never been to a dealership where the Technician will replace the windshield. A door glass, yes, no on a windshield or back window. Some techs will do chip repairs. I wouldn't waste my time with performing such a repair. The lowering module I went with, I didn't want to butcher the factory wiring on the vehicle. Thats why I went the module route. Have seen many many times where the vehicles wiring is butchered pretty bad. I want everything left factory. As much as possible. There are many technicians out there whose work and ethics is pretty bad. Anything to make a buck. I have been in the business for around 30+ years. I have seen a lot. Nothing shocks me anymore. Lol. I try and make my vehicles look factory as much as possible. I just like it that way. Nice and clean looking, not getting to fancy. Had a tuner one time tell me about his way of doing things. Nothing fancy. Just do a pump gas tune and a race gas tune. Done. Keep it simple. Glad you're enjoying your vehicles.

 

Thanks for your feedback on Safelite: was hesitant to have them do the work after seeing how involved the removal + replacement was on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opOHgSFk-fM&t=429s].
Your viewpoint as as a Master Certified Technician w/ 30+ yrs experience certainly carries a LOT of weight (at least for me), much appreciated!
The "don't tune it to the last possible horsepower" rang home: did that with my previous '07 Vette Z06: intake, cam, heads, valve train, max dyno/road tune... A TON of fun normally-aspirated ~600 hp at the wheels (too much for the street!), but it eventually grenaded; ~$12K later, replaced it with a stock crate motor to smog/sell it.
The tech that replaced the motor gave me some sage advice: "buy your horsepower from the factory" and "don't mod unless you can afford the eventual repairs or replacement."
Enjoy your AMG and mods journey!

Thanks again!

 

Sometimes they give warning (a slow leak, a notice on the dash), sometimes they do not. It is a very annoying problem but all cars was with airbag suspensions are subject to it.

 

Read this site for medium-high mileage aging issues with the M278/M157:
- oil in harness
- cylinder scoring
- chain and tensioner
- valve guides
- turbo oil lines

The 9G box is still fairly new, just reaching higher mileage now, so not many data points or owner posts yet.

 

Thanks cfmistry, will do!

 

Thanks chassis, will do!