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I heard about the head bolt issue. A little search tells me I'm better off looking at a 2012 or later. Hopefully those engines don't have the same flaws.
I have an 07 E63, and to be honest it has held up well. To be totally forthcoming, any older car will require some if not a lot of maintenance.
My car has had a few oil leaks, PCV valve replaced, oil cooler return lines o-rings replaced. But I haven't had any issues with the engine i.e. head bolts, cams etc.
Nor have I had any suspension, transmission, or power train issues. Most of my money was spent on general maintenance; i.e brake fluid flush, engine coolant flush, oil service, complete transmission service, rear differential fluid service, AC service and new brakes, etc.
So don't let the possibility of the head bolt issue frighten you away, from very nice older cars. The M156 is a great powerplant, I've owned 3 AMG's with this engine. And their is no replacement for displacement. As everyone has downsized their engine with turbos.
Just imagine, if a aftermarket parts supplier came out with a twin turbo kit for the M156 engine. Don't shy away from the E63 because of a head bolt issue you may or may not have.
I have an 07 E63, and to be honest it has held up well. To be totally forthcoming, any older car will require some if not a lot of maintenance.
My car has had a few oil leaks, PCV valve replaced, oil cooler return lines o-rings replaced. But I haven't had any issues with the engine i.e. head bolts, cams etc.
Nor have I had any suspension, transmission, or power train issues. Most of my money was spent on general maintenance; i.e brake fluid flush, engine coolant flush, oil service, complete transmission service, rear differential fluid service, AC service and new brakes, etc.
So don't let the possibility of the head bolt issue frighten you away, from very nice older cars. The M156 is a great powerplant, I've owned 3 AMG's with this engine. And their is no replacement for displacement. As everyone has downsized their engine with turbos.
Just imagine, if a aftermarket parts supplier came out with a twin turbo kit for the M156 engine. Don't shy away from the E63 because of a head bolt issue you may or may not have.
There are E63's to be bought that have had the head bolts and tappets replaced. If this work is done preemptively (before a head bolt were to break), the cost at an indy shop is about $4k. If after a head bolt breaks, the heads have to come off and the job escalates to $8k. Not all M156's need it. I just bought an 09 E63 with 68k on the clock and the head bolts and tappets were done at a dealer. Pristine car with P30 Package. Paid $20.5k. And a unicorn color - Sienna Black. I looked for an 09 E63 with P30 and head bolts/tappets done for almost a year. My car was on eBay and I made a deal outside eBay to save the Seller the fees. There is a white/black E63 in Minnesota with bolts/tappets done with around 80k that the guy will deal for ~ $18k. He texted me!
From the pic you posted, that is the E63 for sale in Nevada, I believe. Nice looking car - 78k miles and asking $19.9k. I would guess the market pricing for the car to be a little less than that. If the tires are newish and front brakes are recent, then $18k or so?
I'm already too scared but it sounds like you got a nice one. You're right about the downsizing of engines, what a crying shame. I just checked the S63 and it's now a 4.0L, what a joke. Can't wait for them all to go electric and get rid of this embarrassment.
Don't be scared, just do your research. Like others have previously stated, the head bolt issue, didn't effect every 2007-2011 E63 or 2008-2014 C63.
But if the car does need new head bolts, it is an expensive repair, but afterwards you know that your engine is now bulletproof.
You have to pay to play with any expensive vehicle, Mercedes AMG or otherwise.
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Don't shy away from the E63 because of a head bolt issue you may or may not have.
