Potential E63 buyer, advice?
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Potential E63 buyer, advice?
Ok everyone, I think I've decided on trading my truck in in favor of going to an E63 as my daily driver. Would much rather be in a car and why not a 500hp sedan? Likely won't do a bunch of power adders and will stick with typical cosmetic mods. I've been trying to do my research and I think I've gotten all of the problems/concerns figured out, which isn't really that long of a list. Headbolts and camshaft being the big ones, then costs associated with repairs, namely brakes, but that can be mitigated by going one 1pc rotors. I think that's the bulk of it, so would someone help me to put my mind at ease as far as that goes? Fwiw, I'm not mechanically inclined in the least, but we have a family friend who is, and even has a lift, so he'll likely see a good amount of any of the work I need to have done.
As far as buying goes, PPI at an MB dealership or indy with MB certified techs is essentially a must. Then obviously make sure I like the drive and it's cosmetic shape and I should be good to go?
Lastly, I've found a couple that tick my boxes. One is an 08 with P030, P2, pano roof, 94k miles, a few mods I would've done anyway, and asking $17k. Headbolts may not have been done, seller hasn't gotten back to me. The other is also an 08 with P2, 45k miles, in my preferred color, and asking $24k. The second one may not have pano, so that might nix it from the running. Would you go for a higher mileage specimen that has service records or a much lower mileage one?
Thanks in advance!
Ryan
As far as buying goes, PPI at an MB dealership or indy with MB certified techs is essentially a must. Then obviously make sure I like the drive and it's cosmetic shape and I should be good to go?
Lastly, I've found a couple that tick my boxes. One is an 08 with P030, P2, pano roof, 94k miles, a few mods I would've done anyway, and asking $17k. Headbolts may not have been done, seller hasn't gotten back to me. The other is also an 08 with P2, 45k miles, in my preferred color, and asking $24k. The second one may not have pano, so that might nix it from the running. Would you go for a higher mileage specimen that has service records or a much lower mileage one?
Thanks in advance!
Ryan
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I like lower mileage cars. Pano roofs can creak and motors can break so I wouldn't make it a must unless you really want it. The only other thing is the TCU can need replacing on the 7 speed which can be expensive ($1-2k) and usually easiest to get the dealer to do it. Sounds like you have everything covered, just get the headbolts and lifters done as soon as you get it and you will be set. Does your family friend have STAR/DAS (the mercedes computer hardward/software)?
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
I love my E63. It is a fantastic commuter car. Does everything well except corners - comfortable, fast, looks great, sounds amazing.
She is expensive to fix, which it seems you know. The last part, which I hate to say but need to, is that it has not been a reliable car for me. I have had three airstruts blow now - and everytime it renders the car undriveable. . Maintenance is cheap, that's not an issue. Good that you're being proactive about the headbolts.
She is expensive to fix, which it seems you know. The last part, which I hate to say but need to, is that it has not been a reliable car for me. I have had three airstruts blow now - and everytime it renders the car undriveable. . Maintenance is cheap, that's not an issue. Good that you're being proactive about the headbolts.
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I like lower mileage cars. Pano roofs can creak and motors can break so I wouldn't make it a must unless you really want it. The only other thing is the TCU can need replacing on the 7 speed which can be expensive ($1-2k) and usually easiest to get the dealer to do it. Sounds like you have everything covered, just get the headbolts and lifters done as soon as you get it and you will be set. Does your family friend have STAR/DAS (the mercedes computer hardward/software)?
I love my E63. It is a fantastic commuter car. Does everything well except corners - comfortable, fast, looks great, sounds amazing.
She is expensive to fix, which it seems you know. The last part, which I hate to say but need to, is that it has not been a reliable car for me. I have had three airstruts blow now - and everytime it renders the car undriveable. . Maintenance is cheap, that's not an issue. Good that you're being proactive about the headbolts.
She is expensive to fix, which it seems you know. The last part, which I hate to say but need to, is that it has not been a reliable car for me. I have had three airstruts blow now - and everytime it renders the car undriveable. . Maintenance is cheap, that's not an issue. Good that you're being proactive about the headbolts.
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15 S550 4Matic, 86 560SL
Do not expect the same from an AMG! These are complicated cars, and all 10+ years old now. My car was also a cream puff, 52k miles and the 6th car in a collection - maintained with an open checkbook at the MB dealer. Still have had many issues.
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That's why I'm trying to be proactive about it! Don't want to get surprised.
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E55 has SBC but either car can leave you stranded or with big bills regardless of maintenance. My best mod was buying a second car and having AA membership that will ship my broken car to my house from anywhere in the country + a rental car to finish whatever trip I am on.
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Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
Where are you located?
My 2007 E63 is up for sale. It's white with black leather and a pano roof, 87,300 miles, lowered on links (have stock links), resonator delete, Eurocharged tune w/ handheld, Godhand front lip, de-badged rear, 19" Niche wheels and comes with the stock ones as well with tires. The head bolts have not been done, but I do have the updated ones and a gasket kit that will go with the car. I want to get $17,000 for it. Only reason I'm selling is that I just don't drive it often anymore and would like the garage space for my mini bike projects. It has a clean Carfax and I have the clean title in my name.
My 2007 E63 is up for sale. It's white with black leather and a pano roof, 87,300 miles, lowered on links (have stock links), resonator delete, Eurocharged tune w/ handheld, Godhand front lip, de-badged rear, 19" Niche wheels and comes with the stock ones as well with tires. The head bolts have not been done, but I do have the updated ones and a gasket kit that will go with the car. I want to get $17,000 for it. Only reason I'm selling is that I just don't drive it often anymore and would like the garage space for my mini bike projects. It has a clean Carfax and I have the clean title in my name.
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
The E63 is just as reliable as the E55, no more no less. People will tell you to steer away from the E63 because of the M156 known head bolt issue. Head bolts can be replaced, I just did mine last month, and replaced the valve tappets as well.
As reported my MB, they typically see broken head bolts around 90K, I changed mine out at 87K. https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...-replaced.html
Don't let these small issues discourage you from what you want. My E63 has been reliable given it age and mileage. The E55 has had it's share of issues as well. Both of these cars are complicated.
Disclaimer: The head bolts on the M156 engine, have failed on various AMG models, including the C63, CLS63, E63, SL63 and S63. But not every engine have had failures, I've owned three AMG's with this engine and not one failure.
I changed my head bolts as preventative maintenance. Look at the link above. There are numerous E63 out there with zero failures, and they have 120,000 miles or more on their odometers.
As far as the Air Struts and Air Shocks go, they all fail at some point, but can be replaced. This is indicative of the design of the Air Strut and Shock and not the vehicle.
These E55 and E63 are aging, and as such will require extra maintenance and repairs at some point.
Be prepared to fix small issues that develop over time. Small issues are inevitable no matter what vehicle you drive.
Here's my tally so far:
But I'm a sticker for maintenance, others might not be as proactive as me.
My best advice, would be to talk to owners that have E63's and not to someone that doesn't, and see how their ownership experience has progressed.
As reported my MB, they typically see broken head bolts around 90K, I changed mine out at 87K. https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/...-replaced.html
Don't let these small issues discourage you from what you want. My E63 has been reliable given it age and mileage. The E55 has had it's share of issues as well. Both of these cars are complicated.
Disclaimer: The head bolts on the M156 engine, have failed on various AMG models, including the C63, CLS63, E63, SL63 and S63. But not every engine have had failures, I've owned three AMG's with this engine and not one failure.
I changed my head bolts as preventative maintenance. Look at the link above. There are numerous E63 out there with zero failures, and they have 120,000 miles or more on their odometers.
As far as the Air Struts and Air Shocks go, they all fail at some point, but can be replaced. This is indicative of the design of the Air Strut and Shock and not the vehicle.
These E55 and E63 are aging, and as such will require extra maintenance and repairs at some point.
Be prepared to fix small issues that develop over time. Small issues are inevitable no matter what vehicle you drive.
Here's my tally so far:
- Radiator, the old one had a crack and was leaking.
- Coolant Reservoir and hose, the nipple broke off.
- Battery, after 11 years had 2 dead cells so needed a new one.
- Dip Stick Tube, MB came out with a new revised one.
- PCV, new one was required.
- Valve Cover Gaskets, old ones were leaking.
- Cam Adjuster Housing Gaskets, couldn't determine from where so we replaced these, along with the valve cover gaskets.
- Oil Cooler Return Line O-Rings, the old ones were hard and brittle, and starting to leak.
- Head Bolts, replaced with newly revised ones as preventative maintenance. No head bolt failures!!!
- Valve Tappets, replaced as preventative maintenance. The old ones had a slight ticking sound, but no issues with the new ones!!! They're quiet.
- Drivers Front and Rear Keyless Go Door Handles replaced. Lock/Unlock not working.
- Trunk wouldn't open/close remotely. Repaired broken wire in trunk wiring harness.
- Thrust Arm Ball Joints One of the ball joints was bad, replaced in pairs.
- Serpentine belt, old one had a tear, and showed signs that it might fail.
- Idler pulleys, showed signs a excessive play, replaced them all including tensioner.
- Spark Plugs, no issues just replaced as preventative maintenance.
But I'm a sticker for maintenance, others might not be as proactive as me.
My best advice, would be to talk to owners that have E63's and not to someone that doesn't, and see how their ownership experience has progressed.
Last edited by Yuille36; Oct 10, 2019 at 08:30 AM.
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Where are you located?
My 2007 E63 is up for sale. It's white with black leather and a pano roof, 87,300 miles, lowered on links (have stock links), resonator delete, Eurocharged tune w/ handheld, Godhand front lip, de-badged rear, 19" Niche wheels and comes with the stock ones as well with tires. The head bolts have not been done, but I do have the updated ones and a gasket kit that will go with the car. I want to get $17,000 for it. Only reason I'm selling is that I just don't drive it often anymore and would like the garage space for my mini bike projects. It has a clean Carfax and I have the clean title in my name.
My 2007 E63 is up for sale. It's white with black leather and a pano roof, 87,300 miles, lowered on links (have stock links), resonator delete, Eurocharged tune w/ handheld, Godhand front lip, de-badged rear, 19" Niche wheels and comes with the stock ones as well with tires. The head bolts have not been done, but I do have the updated ones and a gasket kit that will go with the car. I want to get $17,000 for it. Only reason I'm selling is that I just don't drive it often anymore and would like the garage space for my mini bike projects. It has a clean Carfax and I have the clean title in my name.
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From: Richmond, CA
2001 E320 Wagon, 2006 LBZ Silverado, 2007 E63 (sold), 2001 E55 (sold)
OP knows the faults of the engine. Even owners of M156 cars have agreed in this thread. You E55 guys act like the M113K is god's gift to man compared to the M156 and that every M156 is going to die an early death.
Keep it on topic. If he wants an E63 that's how it is. When I was shopping for a W211 AMG the E55 wasn't even a consideration. Having to do a bunch of cooling mods just to be able to make more than a few of pulls is laughable. If the E63 is such a ****ty car why are E55 guys trying to make theirs look like them by doing front bumper swaps. There's also the interior too.
Keep it on topic. If he wants an E63 that's how it is. When I was shopping for a W211 AMG the E55 wasn't even a consideration. Having to do a bunch of cooling mods just to be able to make more than a few of pulls is laughable. If the E63 is such a ****ty car why are E55 guys trying to make theirs look like them by doing front bumper swaps. There's also the interior too.
Last edited by Strigoi; Oct 8, 2019 at 03:16 AM. Reason: Spelling
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
OP knows the faults of the engine. Even owners of M156 cars have agreed in this thread. You E55 guys act like the M113K is god's gift to man compared to the M156 and that every M156 is going to die an early death.
Keep it on topic. If he wants an E63 that's how it is. When I was shopping for a W211 AMG the E55 wasn't even a consideration. Having to do a bunch of cooling mods just to be able to make more than a few of pulls is laughable. If the E63 is such a ****ty car why are E55 guys trying to make theirs look like them by doing front bumper swaps. There's also the interior too.
Keep it on topic. If he wants an E63 that's how it is. When I was shopping for a W211 AMG the E55 wasn't even a consideration. Having to do a bunch of cooling mods just to be able to make more than a few of pulls is laughable. If the E63 is such a ****ty car why are E55 guys trying to make theirs look like them by doing front bumper swaps. There's also the interior too.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I have owned two E63's and one C63 over the years, all equipped with the M156 engine. And I have never experienced any of the issues, that the E55 owners complain about, with this engine.
I personally think it is a great engine, but not without its flaws. No engine is perfect, not even the M113K.
I personally think it is a great engine, but not without its flaws. No engine is perfect, not even the M113K.
Last edited by Yuille36; Oct 10, 2019 at 08:32 AM.
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
when all items of the M156 are sorted...its an awesome and reliable motor...just that the cam adjusters over time are a serviceable item which sucks.
