Asher0026

Good Day Everyone:

I am new here and I have read many forums but I can't quite get the answer to tilt the scale to a certain side. I am coming from a 2020 BMW 750i and I am ready to return to Mercedes. As beautiful as the S580 is, it is not quite as enjoyable and substantive as S63 or S65. I am not worried about launching the car for 0-60 or racing on every clear road. I do like the idea of having the S65 because its V12, a bit more rare and prestigious. The S63 is quite an amazing car, as well, and has more capability than I will need, but knowing I could also get an S65 for roughly the same price... just a couple years older... its make me really consider getting the S65. Why not? I do live near South Lake Tahoe, CA so we do get mild storms and some snow at the worst. I have had RWD cars my entire life and I don't really know if the AWD is NEEDED as much as some may say.

Im looking to stay under $120k.

I ask you, mile for mile, dollar for dollar, which car would you pick?

PeterUbers

This is a good problem to have!

consider this - I found it interesting:

https://mbworld.org/forums/s63-amg-s...63-vs-s65.html

i have the m157 engine in my e63 and it's the devil I know and cheaper to maintain than the m275.... delivers same performance for my style of driving. I would get the s63 also because it's two years newer; the 2018 s63 has the m177/8 4.0L and 9 spd; the rear main seal is an issue at 30-50k miles; 30 hours of repair billing for a cost of about $8000 and can happen again in 30-40k miles after the repair; outside of this the m177 is pretty reliable and less expensive to maintain than the m275 (v12)

Asher0026

@PeterUbers
Thank you for your prompt response! Ill check out the link that you provided.

PeterUbers

I added some things above ... also check this link on the m177 engine

https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-rms-leak.html

vincheung

From a cost of ownership standpoint I would opt for the newer s63.

I get nervous about less common vehicle parts supply in the future and depending where you are the limited knowledge/experience base of local mechanics.

mercedesmax

2018 S63 all day long. Facelift model, AWD and better performance than the V12.

superpop

S63 all day. V12 sounds cool but the tech is ancient compared to the 2018+ models. Plus AWD is a bonus and the S63 actually performs better than the S65. Biggest challenge is finding the one you like as they are becoming rarer as MB stopped producing them 3 years ago. A spectacular 2020 example with sub 20K miles can be had for 120K miles though depending on how far you are willing to go to get what you want. Here is what I would buy, just down the street from you. Low miles, nice options and CPO, offer them 100K, I bet they jump.

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-...ckType=listing

PeterUbers

this car is mint if there aren't any red flags

cfmistry

I must be old school because to me there's nothing cooler than a V-12... except maybe a TT V-12. I would go S65 but have not owned either.

W205C43PFL

Always and can't stress enough do PPI (pre-purchase inspection):
I came across this thread a while ago, the owner sold their S 63 and got a S 65 only to miss the S 63 and got it again but kept the S 65, interesting read for you: https://mbworld.org/forums/s63-amg-4...ml#post8549039

adc88

I’ve got a 2018 S65 I’m pretty sure mines got the M279 motor I’m not really sure of the difference between that and M275. I absolutely love cold starts in the morning. It’s rarer for sure but now in my mid fifties I’d probably choose the Awd like I had on my 2008 S63. I’ve considered the new S63 e performance but I’m thinking Bentley will probably get the nod this time around. You really can’t go wrong in either way.. happy motoring!

W205C43PFL

Yup the V12 has a different voice altogether, glad you are enjoying yours!