tompoeschel

Hi Guys,

I've been really researching both 55's and 63's, and I think I'm leaning more towards an 07-08 63. I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, and there's many factors, but which is known to be more reliable? I plan on purchasing a car with 80k miles or less.

Thanks!

94jedi

I'm in the same boat as you and generally speaking I've found most people say the e55 is more reliable, due mainly to the lower cost for parts and more feasible DIY's.

Hopefully others can chime in.

tw2

As long as your headbolts, cams and lifters are fine I would guess the E63 is more reliable. But most of the E55 problems are relatively easy to fix, intercooler pump, pulleys, even SBC replacement isn't a huge disaster. They have more or less the same suspension. E63 has the early 722.9 issues with the conductor plate/tcu replacement to make up for lack of SBC.

equitiesguy

There's a [failed] class action lawsuit against Mercedes over the 63 engine being so terribly designed, it fails from any number of issues including weak camshafts, failing headbolts, etc. The 7 speed transmission is another weak component that regularly fails.

The 55 by comparison is bulletproof, and so is the 722.643 5 speed transmission mounted behind it [the same transmission they use in the 65 series and the Maybach].

Which do you think is more reliable?

mightar

Which is known to be more reliable? The one that has been properly maintained. So look for documented maintenance history and you'll reduce your exposure to extraneous maintenance costs. Just note that you are looking at AMGs and not early 1990s Hondas...

And just note that three out of the four AMG Black Series vehicles that were sold in the USA use the M156/M159. The current AMG GT3 uses the M159. There is a reason for that...

IndiumGreyE63

I'm the first owner of my '08 E63. It's almost 10 years old, and haven't any major problems. Sure - tires, brakes, expensive service at the dealership, but other that that - it all has been good and the car still is powerful and smooth as butter. It sure garners head turns still.

I also don't abuse my car(s). I drive it like I stole it at times but I'm not laying into it 100% of the time either.

tw2

You also have to specify whether you are concerned more with number of repairs, cost of repairs or how debilitating they are. I suspect the two models are about the same overall when you look at these factors separately.

Strigoi

Spend the money for a good one and get a PPI done prior to purchase. One that has been maintained will save you a lot of money in the long run. I'd also not worry about mileage as much.

Yuille36

Well this is my third AMG with the M156 engine, do you see a pattern here. If your purchase a properly maintained E63, then hopefully you'll not experience any of the issues mentioned. I've not had any issues with cam shafts issues, head bolts, or transmissions issues, etc. Find a properly maintained E63, get a PPI done, and go from there.

CharlyE500

Reliability also depends on which year. 03 E55 not as reliable compare to 05 or 06. The E63 is hard to say. Some got major engine problem.
For maintenance, I think E55 is cheaper compare to 63. E63 brake cost almost double of E55.

hachiroku

engine wise...the late model E55 is more reliable than the E63.

tw2

While good maintenance will help prevent many problems it isn't going to make any difference to these engine design faults. It affects a pretty low proportion of M156 engines. That is the only reason you haven't experienced these particular issues, statistics and a bit of luck. I would be preventatively replacing the head bolts.

hachiroku

no...all M156's have camshaft and lifter issues in regards to wear. i'm currently having my oil pump pressure relief valve serviced as the so called 2 dollar o-ring is leaking.
this simple part is going to cost me 1-2k in labor alone. in doing so i also have dealt with a valve cover gasket leak which is not uncommon for an engine of this age, i did notice the chrome or so coating on the camshafts have worn off. the lifters look to be in good shape, but these type of things are a design flaw.

the head stud thing, although is a design flaw...has taken the life of a number of engines. although a smaller percentage than Mercedes cares about, but a percentage nonetheless. I've had conductor plate and oil pressure relief valve o-ring serviced. I've yet to complete the head stud, camshaft, and lifter job.

tw2

I totally agree. But it seems a lot of people don't experience any major problems with the cam wear even though they will have it to some degree. Some of course do.

hachiroku

yeah...oil plays a big factor in this. i don't plan to change my camshafts or lifters until they're a problem, or i complete a head bolt job.

Rovel

Hi all,
I am also in the market for w211 amg and have the same concerns/questions.

Right now can't choose between 2006 E55 with 106K miles for 14,500, and 2008 E63 with 116,000miles for the same price.

The E55 had 3 owners, decent service history at MB dealer included tranny service at 60K miles.

The E63 had been 1 owner until a year ago. That original owner always serviced at MB dealer with last service done at 110K miles. There is very extensive service records. All looks great, except I don't know why two subsequent owners want to sell it so fast. Combined they two drove it for 6000 miles. The car is out of state, so can't take it for a test drive. The seller convinces me that the car is in nice shape and everything works.

If the car was serviced well until 110K miles, could head bolt issue arise during the last 6000 miles of ownership?

Your advise is appreciated. Which one would you buy?

PieRat

Gonna up the power(mod) when u get either one? I suggest u have him take it to a dealership for a PPI before buying if u cant see it yourself.. If you are going to mod go 55 if not 63 in my opinion

tw2

Yes, anytime unless they have been replaced.

Rovel

Rovel

Rovel

I wonder what the person who opened this thread bought?

PieRat

Ah that sucks. Here in nz we have laws around services being up to an industry standard. If their service is below par they are responsible for damages. So if they miss something they shouldnt have and it costs you they are responsible lol.

tw2

I have no idea what the costs would be where you are but I would have thought any good independent mercedes garage could replace the head bolts for under $2000 if you are really worried about it. Maybe ask around and see what they say and add it to the budget. It would be worth it if you were keeping the car for a long time otherwise the failure rate is probably well under 5%.

Rovel

tw2

Yes they can be replaced without touching the head bolts but you are most of the way there at that point you might as well. Some people have replaced their headbolts one at a time without removing the heads. This isn't considered good practice but it usually works and saves a lot of labor.