Originally Posted by NickyBlack

I got a sick deal on my 2010 last summer. I could have waited for the 2012 but decided this was one car i was gonna leave bone stock and not modify except for rims and tires. With that in mind i chose the 6.2 motor over the 5.5tt for many of the reasons stated above. If you plan to stay stock go for the 6.2 with your discount and save some cash. If you plan on modding it and going for bigger hp numbers than def pony up and get the 5.5, it will be cheaper for you in the long run. It's very expensive and with minor gains to extract mroe hp out of the 6.2 motor. Both versions are super quick and overall a joy to drive.

Originally Posted by otakki

It's will be a major debate over the M156 vs M157. Even though I have a preferance for N/A, I think both are great engines. However, one might be better than the other in certain application.

Some known facts about the two are:
-M156 N/A 6.2L was the only engine developed entirely within AMG.
-M157 is based on the M278 found in the regular Mercedes-Benz S-Class and CL-Class. In turn, M278 is based on M273 (introduced in 2006), which is derived from M272 (introdued in 2004). The non TT version of M157 is the M152 (found in SLK55), which gains additional 33hp and 7lb-ft tq.
-M157 is ideal for powering full-size sedans such as the S-Class.
-M156 has slightly more precise throttle response is ideal for smaller, sportier models such as the C-Class.
-M157's increased torque allows shifting into a taller gear sooner, keeping engine revs and fuel consumption to a minimum.

Obviously, the only way to increased hp and tq at a lower displacement is to use induction. Ideally, I would like something like the engine AMG provides to Pagani--displacement of 7.3L to achieve similar hp and tq.

Speaking of exhaust note, I saw an AMG M157 engine video that details how the engineers use electronically controlled flaps/gates at the exhaust system to improve the exhaust note. Thus it means the unmodified M157 note is actually not as exciting as they would like. Despite that, it's still better than the speaker produced sound of the new M5.

Originally Posted by Pyrobot

I had a 2010 E63 and now have a 2012 with the performance pack. They do feel and sound a little different. The 2010 sounded better; there's no denying it. The 2012 has a nice exhaust note, but it just doesn't have quite the same visceral quality as my 2010. The 2012 is bone jarringly quick. The updated displays are nice. I find the start-stop function annoying. I have to say, however, that I find myself missing the 2010. It just felt and sounded perfect. The 2012 brings some added power and speed, but it feels like something got left out of the equation. Wish I could describe it more accurately, but I guess I would say there is something artificial about the feeling of driving the 2012, whereas the 2010 had a feeling of purity and perfection. Either way the cars are awesome, but I think MB/AMG shouldn't have messed with something that didn't need fixing.

Originally Posted by mainly

theres just nothing like a N/A engine. period.

Originally Posted by bobafett

FWIW, you can buy the 7.3L crate motor from MB w/o issue. Getting them to install it in a car for you is another matter.

Originally Posted by GrnLantern

but there's also nothing like massive amounts of torque at low RPM's.

Originally Posted by otakki

I think AMG is only building a limited number of those 7.3L engines. Thus all of them are probably spoken for by Pagani before being built. Of course, it will be difficult to have it installed in a car, as you mentioned.

Originally Posted by bobafett

MB will build one for you if you ask (and pay). They won't put it in a car for you or guarantee any certs, etc. Getting them to build it is simply a matter of writing a check.

--Dan

Originally Posted by Lbenvenistr

I have had the engine reprogrammed and upgraded the slip differential. What else can I do to make my e63 faster? Dealer has suggested modified exhaust system(don't remember part name)

All suggestions much appreciated