V-AMG

Hey all,

Long time MB fanatic here, currently have a 2005 E55 but really starting to get the itch for the bi-turbo 5.5L. Seems like an incredible machine.

Staying on a budget is important so I am limited to the earlier years. I love the 2014 face-lifted model but I think that my budget will keep me in the 2012-2013 pre-face lift range.

I was wondering, what are some common issues with the 2012 Bi-Turbo W212? Its the first production year of this engine in this chassis so I am wondering if i may be better off waiting another year or two and opting for the latter years? With my E55 for example, 05-06 had a lot of the 03-04 quirks worked out and had some additional equipment added in so i wonder if the same applies to the W212 and the M157 engine combo. Is the 2012 a good buy?

Thanks in advance!
V

johnnyblaze

I'm about 1 month into ownership and I have noticed some quirks and I've read a lot of them can be handled by the dealership.

2012-2013

"V shape" in headlight - Dealer can fix (headlight leaves a v-shape in condensation behind the plastic)

Transmission "jerkyness"- TCU update (after a cold start transmission engagements seem jerky)

Spark Plugs - Dealer can fix/You can replace (several tuned cars and some non-tuned cars report misfires under load causing rough idle and power loss. This problem is hit or miss, most people just replace plugs and the problem goes away. Other people report it continues to happen after several thousands of miles)

2013 has "upgraded" cooling I say that loosely because it was just revised. Helps out with back to back runs (1/4 and 1/2 mile). Weistec and AMS have upgraded cooling systems that will be better overall, if you have a 2012, why not (I'm going to).

Some other people can chime in here, but these are the ones I've focused on with my 2012. I was in the same boat and found a 2012 P30 CPO with 24k miles on it from a good friend of mine. I got it for an amazing deal and had money for mods a week later.

V-AMG

Thanks Johnny!

If you can elaborate on a few:

1. Headlights - no concern to me

2. Trans jerkiness - TCU update resolves this? If so, sounds like this is a not a concern, just have the dealer flash the update.

3. Spark plugs - may be a biggie.
What actually happens? They foul? Any resolution if this persists with new plugs? Do you just install new MB plugs or do you go aftermarket? Just curious as to what the real issue behind this is.

4. Another biggie. What was upgraded in 2013? Complete system redesign? And when you say it helps with back to back runs, sounds like the 2012 system was lacking if it couldn't cool quickly enough. E55's had a bug like this too but its was the auxiliary heat exchanger pump that cost $100 and is a breeze to replace. System redesign a year later worries me... Sounds like it was lacking big time. And to confirm, 2013 already has the new design?

johnnyblaze

3. They dont foul its random misfires. Causes a check engine light, restarting the car fixes it, and it may not happen for several hundred or even thousands of miles. MB addressed the plugs several times over and for a stock M157 (this can happen with all, even 2014+) Its more common in tuned M157's.

4. There is very little information I've been able to find, but its nothing like the E55 where that auxillary cooler was more like a bandaid to your IAT's ( i had a stage 3 E55.). The E55's intercooler was a joke to start with. Personally, I've watched my temps and I have yet to hit any type of limp mode and I've run my car hard, canyons and back to back 140 blasts in 90+ degree heat.

2012 merc amg

Never had a problem with the plugs and my car now has 43K miles on it. Headlights, yes has V's. Had a dealer refuse to replace under warrantee, I'll check with another soon. Trans Jerky, yes, had trans reflashed and good now, must be a trans update because it shifts a lot better now too. Car does ride very firm, just the nature of the beast. Car is ok in Florida but does not like New England Roads. Rims are very soft and can bend if you hit a big bump so be careful. Other than that stuff, great car.

gaspam

i think plugs are more of a tuned issue nowadays... when the 2012's first came out there was a large bad batch of plugs, but most of those cars would of been fixed with new plugs.

for the cooling the update was divorcing the IC system from the coolant system so it runs on its own separate circuit vs co-mingling engine coolant and IC coolant.. basically same as what lot of guys did with the e55's, spliting engine water from S/C water https://mbworld.org/forums/w218/4530...m-updated.html

baltika

Having just come from the 2013 to 2016 model the post face lift car feels much more refined, runs better and has a seriously different feel to it. I wrote at length about differences between the two in this blog. Look it up. My practical advise would be to wait when the new W213 E63 arrives at dealerships in 9-12 months and scoop up the 2014 car for less rather than buying a 2012-13 model just to eventually get your hands on a 2014+ and regret you did not do it first hand. Believe me they are that different.

V-AMG

Baltika, thats not what i was hoping to hear, haha.

So overall, it seems like they are not too problematic. Plugs are a matter of getting a new set, trans is a dealer reprogram and the headlight issue is no issue at all in my opinion. Sure, it would drive me nuts and id replace the lenses but its nothing that would turn me away.

The only thing thats up in the air is this cooling... anyone have any more insight on this system update? Does the 2013 have a totally different system or is it just split cooling?

I am wary of this one... I dealt with 2003-2004 32V Mustangs (Mach 1 and Cobra) and the 2003 had too small of coolant ports in the heads meanwhile 2004 had that revised. This was a MAJOR and expensive repair (+$6,000). The 1 year difference was crucial with these models so I am wondering if this is the same.

Thanks all!

efiftyfizzle

If your E55 isn't giving you any issues and it's upkeep has been good, I'd say hold on to it until the 2014+ E63 come down in price. Currently, you can get the 2012 E63 in the mid 40s. The 2014 are now in the low 60s... example right here: https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/d...05228/overview

As far as mods go, this car and platform are still too new and expensive for people to play the guinea pig for tuning companies to explore with. Right now, if you're coming from a heavily modded E55, you may be disappointed with the power of a stock bi-turbo E63 (especially the RWD models). I remember I drove a 2012 CLS63 and it just felt so weak compared to my tune only E55.

V-AMG

My E55 now is incredible condition. It just turned 70K and I've done every bit of maintenance imaginable so it really is great. Which is also part of my problem. Its too nice to really mod so Ive kept it as stock as possible with exception of a tune and H/E. ...So rather than let the mods take over, I was thinking the new W212 would keep me entertained for a few years and keep the mod bug away. Another thing i keep in mind when it comes to modding, its pricey and doesnt add any to the resale value, if anything, drives it down. I know I avoid anything with mods when car shopping...

chiromikey

The cooling issue is not like the problems we had in the 55Ks. This cooling system doesn't suffer like those did and the new reservoir in the upgraded system doesn't add capacity to make enough of a difference. It should not play into your decision if there's a price savings for the 2012.

2012 CCB E63

completely different than the ford fiasco.
2012 has one system for IC and radiator
2013 has one system for IC one system for radiator.

Weistec and AMS i believe sell kits to convert your 2012 to a 2013 type of system.

kponti

Nothing like even the E55 cooling. Even without the split cooling, you have to idle for quite a while to see real increase in cooling. It's that much better than the E55

V-AMG

For anyone reading this down the road, I've heard that the 2012 can be upgraded to the 2013 split cooling using stock MB parts. I'm trying to figure out details but I have confirmation that it has been done and it was relatively easy.

gaspam

split cooling

https://mbworld.org/forums/w218/4530...m-updated.html