W211 E55 vs E63 Reliability
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2004 E55 AMG
W211 E55 vs E63 Reliability
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!
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!
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From: New Zealand
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.
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Joined: Aug 2015
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From: East Coast, USA
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG
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?
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?
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From: Silicon Valley
V60 Polestar, Veloster N 6MT
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...
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...
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From: The Great Pacific NW
2008 Mercedes Benz E63 AMG, 2017 Porsche Macan S
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!
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!
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.
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From: New Zealand
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
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.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
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.
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
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.
For maintenance, I think E55 is cheaper compare to 63. E63 brake cost almost double of E55.
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
engine wise...the late model E55 is more reliable than the E63.
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From: New Zealand
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.
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
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.
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.
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From: New Zealand
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.
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.
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2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
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.
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
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?
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?
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
CLS55
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
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E55 unless you have no desires to mod then E63 but only if you are happy to pay someone to replace the head bolts or can do it yourself.
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 672
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
E55 unless you have no desires to mod then E63 but only if you are happy to pay someone to replace the head bolts or can do it yourself.
[/QUOTE]Can't replace head bolts myself: not that savvy and don't have a garage. Just hoping they won't fail until 150K miles or next 2-3 years.
Can't decide, man. Perhaps E55 what I should get, as they seem to be more reliable
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From: Christchurch, New Zealand
CLS55
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.
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From: New Zealand
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%.
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From: Massachusetts
2007 E63 Amg
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%.
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From: New Zealand
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.
