alextaylor29

Peeps,


Good to be back! I sold my E55 about a year ago as the warrant expired at 100K but it was by far the best car I've ever owned. (See video in sig.)


I'm looking at either a used/low mileage C63 or 2007 - 2009 E63. I'm torn between an AMG or the new '13/ '14 Dodge Charger SRT8 (based on the E series including the old 5 speed tranny interestingly enough).


My budget is slightly under $40K with the extended warranty to give you a sense.


Here's my 2 main questions for you all, of the model years '07, '08 & '09, for either an E63 or C63 is there any year I should go for or stay away from?


Last question, while I loved my E55 (2004 model year) it was amazingly unreliable so are the new(er) models better? I ask because I drive 100 miles daily to work and while I plan on getting the extended warranty so repairs won't be an issue, having something reliable would be nice. This for the record is the reason I'm considering the charger as it's a simpler car and probably more reliable.


Thanks as always.


Alex

RedBullJnky

Welcome back!!! Never go for the first years 07s. And forget the charger. 09 E or C would be nice! Good luck either way!

alextaylor29

Awesome, thank you, no '07's got it.

mightar

There is the whole head bolt issue that seems to plague (earlier) C63s compared to all other AMG models using the M156 during 2007-2009 as well.

alextaylor29

Gotcha thanks. I'll look for 2010 or higher C63's and 2009 E63's. I plan on getting an extended warranty as well, but its good to know these things.

May I ask if these years are more reliable than the 2004's were? My E55 while awesome, nearly broke down every week. (Well not really, but you get the picture)


That's literally the ONLY thing holding me back and looking at a Charger SRT8. I'm not asking for bullet proof reliability, just much improved since the 2004's.


Thanks!


Alex

Exotic-metal55

Enigma94

I had an 08 srt-8 charger, granted a little older bot all in all about the same as the newer models. The car was fun but VERY big and it drove that way in the corners. Was a great car on the highway and I loved the seats in it too. I got rid of it after 2 months because it literally ATE gas, best I could eek out was 12mpg with 70% highway driving and not laying into it.

Now owning a 08 E63 there is absolutely no way I would even entertain looking at a srt8 charger, they aren't even close to one another. If you are getting a warranty then the repairs shouldn't be an issue. I'd shoot for a 08-09 e63 or even a 2010. I've seen a few in our area(az) for low 40s with 50-60k on the clock.

Good luck on your search, it took me 6 months to find mine, you shouldn't have any trouble though if you don't mind taking a trip to Cali to pick one up though.

Gkhan2

FWIW I got an 08 E63 in September with 58k, now have 71k, paid $30k. From Carmax. Best 4-door I've ever had. Runs like a dream. So far, very reliable. No problems at all.

Sir-Boost-a-Lot

iTrader: (1)

I think you just rolled snake eyes with your E. Most people I know with that car including myself have very few problems with them. They have their little nuances here and there but for the most part just have the same few easy to fix problems that any car has regardless of the price point. Good luck in your search!

kompressede

Welcome back, and I agree with Sir Boost -
I'm liking the E's enough that I have three of them, and recently I was considering adding a c63 to the mix?
A nice white c63 is in the MB classifieds. I think its in Chicago, with the head bolts already replaced.
GL

alextaylor29

Awesome, thanks to you all! Glad to hear the newer E63's are more reliable and yes perhaps I got an E55 that wasn't one of the best.


OK no charger then. My search for a 2008 E63 or a 2009-2010 C63 has begun. As a bigger guy, 6'2, 245 lbs, I like the room that they E63 provides vs. the C63 so leaning towards that. Given my 100 mile daily commute keeping an eye toward comfort as I'm in my car for about 2 hours a day. This is not as bad as it seems as if you have a car you really enjoy, it's actually pleasant. Plus AZ freeways are very nice and smooth (as most are new(er), so that's a factor as well.


Thank you again and will probably buy through CarMax so I can get one of their awesome extended warranties.

Worth the wait

I would try to get an 09 E63. There were some nice upgrades, especially with command/stereo.

AKnight55

2012+ E550. Tuning potential, reliability, newer tech and body design. Tune and down pipes would be over 450 whp.

alextaylor29

Gotcha will look at the '09 E63's and thanks for the note about the 2012 E550's, hadn't even thought of that!

Enigma94

I would definitely stick with an E over a C with you being a bigger guy. The room between the two is pretty noticeable when you drive them back to back. Even my GF said something the other day when we took my c55 on a road trip about how small the cabin feels compared to my e63.

alextaylor29

Understood, thank you again.


Alex

AKnight55

Check out benz boost for more info on the m278 engine.

Max.H

C63

alextaylor29

Yeah it's funny you mention that because (and I know this sound crazy), but what I like most about the C63 is it doesn't have airmatic suspension saving me future tows/breakdowns compared to the E63.

My E55 had 2 go out in the span of a few weeks, one stranding me and the other thankfully was in my garage. Both required tows of course and were covered under warranty, but still a significant inconvenience for me as this was my DD and I work full time.

While I had an extended warranty and the tow was free when I asked the dealer if they could proactively replace the other 2 that were sure to go out, they said they could but it wouldn't be covered under warranty so in essence I had to wait until THOSE went out, get towed 2 more times to have the covered.

If I get an 09 E63, I'd basically be signing up for this again (4 tows) whereas the C63 this is a non issue as can still drive the car if a shock is going out.

Plus as I understand it, the brakes on a C63 are cheaper to replace/repair vs. a E63 and the overall car (again the C63) is a simpler, less complex design so in theory, it should be a bit more reliable than the E63.

Look, I'm not asking for Honda reliability, from either the E63 or C63 (or I'd just get a Honda LOL) but it is something I'm looking at.

Plus (please keep me honest here), a tune and headers on the C63 would make it faster than an E63 as it weighs ~400 lbs less. So same mods, same cost, C63 would be faster than an E63.

Still thinking on this but that's where my heads at.

Thank you all again!

Alex

Enigma94

A c63 will no doubt be faster because of weight. As for the airmatic issues you could alway go to coils on the E when something goes out....

I was looking hard at the c63 but I really needed the room the E provides. If that room isn't needed I'd say go with the C63.

djrabbi

Have you considered 2010+ E63? They are so nice, might be a bit out your range unless you find someone stuck in a bind...

This one is high mileage but probably would go for 35k at most.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-E-Class-4dr-Sdn-E63-AMG-RWD-2010-Mercedes-Benz-E63-AMG-1-Owner-Clean-Carfax-Warranty-/380915863811?forcerrptr=true&hash=item58b05ad103&item=380915863811&pt=US_Cars_Trucks

alextaylor29

I believe the 2010's still have 2 airmatic shocks in the back so that's still 2 tows for me. The 2010 E63's look awesome, but leaning towards the C63 as, for what you get, they're quite a bargin.

The other thing is the 07's - '09's E63's have basically the same body style of my '04 E55 (yes I know there are some differences of course), where the C63 would be, "New" to me. I realize this is the 211 forum so not trying to go all, "C Class" on you peeps , just sharing where my head's at.

Thanks again, all your feedback is appreciated.

Alex

E55Dimon

Welcome back
C63 is a good choice, unless you're a tall guy the car feels too small.

alextaylor29

I'm 6'2 but have driven a few C class loaners (C250's or C300's mainly) and fit fine. I had to lower the seat a bit but my head didn't brush. 6'4+, yeah, I imagine you'd hit your head.


Thanks!


Alex