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1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
NEED HELP W/ CARFAX RESULTS FOR E63
Hello,
This is my 1st post and I'm happy to be a member of this amazing forum. I'm a senior member on several BMW forums. I just finished restoring my '88 BMW M5 and have been shopping for an E63 AMG for a few weeks. My M5 was my daily driver and has over 450K miles on the chassis. My family has owned MBZ cars since the 60's and the BMW is the only one I have owned. (30 years - original owner)
I found a beautiful 2009 E63 (P2 package) at a local used car dealership. They gave me Carfax review and found unusual results which I hope you guys can help me make a good decision. I was able to see the car up on a lift and all rubber bushings including driveshaft look brand new. No leaks from the suspension components. I will have my mechanic do a full inspection once we agree on a price. As you can see, the 1st owner did not drive the car very much! What's troubling is the lack of service records showing. (Only 6 total!) Any insight or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
CARFAX
Respray in carbon black with AC Schnitzer Euro bumpers and side skirts
Respray in carbon black with AC Schnitzer Euro bumpers and side skirts. OEM Euro staggered size headlights.
Dinan 3.9 stroker motor 2009 E63 AMG 50k+ miles
Last edited by m5zealot; Mar 13, 2017 at 07:15 PM.
Reason: wrong attachment
Regarding the E63, you should try to get your hands on the VMI from an MB dealership. That will cover all work that was done under warranty. Outside of that though, it really depends on whether maintenance work was done at a dealership or indy. Having lack of records in carfax is not a bad thing imo - if anything, I view that as a plus.
You may want to look into checking if the head bolts were replaced given that M156 engines prior to 2012 are susceptible to failure, although it is not currently known exactly how many were affected.
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Thanks for the advice! I just realized I posted page twice! Page one with delivery info is still on my computer at home. Let me fix this! Sorry. Yes, most of my research have been with known issues and specifically the head bolt issue. I also know about the fuel leak issue. The car seems well sorted and was well cared for. I think the Carfax indicated it was a CPO lease too. The car is lowered about an inch all the way around and not really sure which method was used to do it. The ride height adjustment feature does work for navigating inclines. Thanks again for your input.
Love the your wagon!
Last edited by m5zealot; Mar 13, 2017 at 07:20 PM.
Reason: spelling
I would get a PPI done by a M-B dealer. They should be able to access the cars service history with a VMI, and any stored, or pending fault codes using M-B Star diagnostic. A check with NHTSA to see if there any open recalls would also be helpful IMO. I don't own a AMG, but my rims are AMG. So I'm obviously qualified to comment. LOL! Good Luck.
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by ItalianJoe1
Post the VIN and I can check the VMI for you, but it's only got 60k miles, it's only supposed to have had 5 services, every 10k for MB now.
Oh wow, duh! I guess you are correct. I'm just used to seeing Carfaxes for higher mileage cars with detailed service comments from dealers. This one is a little bare but can be a good thing!
you might be happy to know that Dinan has entered our market here on the MB side. Not sure if they have anything for your particular car yet, but perhaps soon!
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by subzero05
you might be happy to know that Dinan has entered our market here on the MB side. Not sure if they have anything for your particular car yet, but perhaps soon!
As in tuning Mercedes cars? Wow! Yes, my car has the full Dinan 3.9 stroker motor rebuilt in 2010. I paid a small ransom for this rebuild but, with 345 hp/323 lb/tq on my 3,100 lb sedan - w/ zero reliability issues, I think it was money well spent. It's hilarious when I mention HP ratings these days where a Ford Focus RS has about the same power now.
Your M5 is awesome, and I love that you've put that many miles on it! I came from the BMW world, and I'll definitely get back into vintage BMWs when I've got garage space again.
Like these guys said - the dealer can access all the records. A good indy shop with AMG experience can give you a quick overview and make sure the car is all good to go! Luckily if you're in SoCal we're kind of spoiler with choice as far as good shops go. Hope everything checks out and you enjoy the new car!
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by Pinned
Your M5 is awesome, and I love that you've put that many miles on it! I came from the BMW world, and I'll definitely get back into vintage BMWs when I've got garage space again.
Like these guys said - the dealer can access all the records. A good indy shop with AMG experience can give you a quick overview and make sure the car is all good to go! Luckily if you're in SoCal we're kind of spoiler with choice as far as good shops go. Hope everything checks out and you enjoy the new car!
Thanks for the compliment on my ole girl. Still going back and forth with the sales guy on price. I'm very lucky, the BMW shop that has worked on my M5 for the past 20 years (I do 90% of the maintanence) had a tech leave and start his own shop specializing in MBZ only. So I will now have a tech who can look after my future AMG. I'm exited to drive a more modern (to me) Uber sedan and not have to push a hard 3rd pedal in rush hour traffic anymore. Thanks!
Beautiful M5! I love seeing high millage examples. I have a E39 as my own little project car.
But that E63 looks mint. Silver has really grown on me as of recently.
Keep us updated
1988 BMW M5, 1989 BMW M3, 1979 Mercedes 450 SEL 6.9, 2006 SL55 AMG w/ P30 Performance Pack
Originally Posted by fila0220
Beautiful M5! I love seeing high millage examples. I have a E39 as my own little project car.
But that E63 looks mint. Silver has really grown on me as of recently.
Keep us updated
Thank you. She is still on the original Getrag transmission and rear diff too! I just can't break her. I have always disliked silver especially on cars that should traditionally be red like Ferraris. My dad always said, silver cars looked like they haven't been painted. But, as I get older, I'm starting to appreciate the color too on SOME cars.
ItalianJoe1,
You are the man! Thanks for helping us. Makes a difference when trying to balance mods versus the maintenance these cars require.
You da man!
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