W212 AMG Discuss the W212 AMG's such as the E63

About to get PPI on 2011 e63 AMG need help

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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 08:32 PM
  #1  
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2011 e63 amg
About to get PPI on 2011 e63 AMG need help

Hi guys
first post here so go easy on me. I'm scheduling a PPI on what I think is a nice E63 AMG. I've done a bit of research and so I'm intentionally keeping my search to later 2011 models to avoid the headbolt issue that effected 2010 models. I've reached out to a local independant Benz specialist for the PPI. So I know they should be pretty detailed in the inspection but these are the things I'm specifically requesting they check extra carefully. Seller has agreed to allow getting the car on a lift. Can anyone recommend calling out anything more to check on these specific cars?

about the car:
2011 e63 with 63K
asking price $28K
limited slip diff
premium 2 package but no ceramic brakes thank God
2 previous owners
no accidents

Things to check in addition to PPI

-headbolts (already checked the VIN with they nice guy on here forgot his name but he said it was outside the affected VIN range)
-rear airmatic suspension for leaks or pump noise
-operation of panosunroof (honestly wish it didn't have one)
-rust (it's a MN car)
-service history paperwork
-both keys and manuals
-brakes/rotors
-is seat/accelaerator pedal wear within range of a 63k car or excessive?

anything else???
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 09:01 PM
  #2  
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I’m sorry but what is ppi?

Aside from that, for what it is worth, I just sold my 2011 about 2 months ago for an even $30k with 64k miles on it. The car was pristine with a newly rebuilt bottom end of the engine (new crank and all new main and rod bearings). My car did not have the P30 (limited slip). So depending on the condition of the car you are looking ats condition, it sounds like a reasonable deal. Oh, mine also had a transferable extended 3rd party warranty with 4 years/40k miles left on it.

As far as the head bolt concern, just call any dealership and ask for a service advisor and then ask him to run the VIN number and they can tell you if it is clear. FYI, my build date was Dec 2010 and it was clear. You can also just lookin the driver’s door jam at the label and it shows the build date.

I cant think of anything beyond what you mentioned to worry about off the top of my head.

Hope this is of some help. And good luck. I loved the roar of that big 6.2 litre motor.

Cheers
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 09:25 PM
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2011 e63 amg
Pre purchase inspection
Unfortunately this car has no warranty. How big of a risk is this? I'm no master technician but I know how to change oil, brakes and suspension myself.
Am I being foolish buying this car with no warranty?

I can afford the cost of normal wear and tear items like brakes, rotors, and tires. But probably can't see myself absorbing severe transmission or engine failures.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 09:27 PM
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How much is the indy charging? I'd just take it to a Benz dealer so you can get the VMI. You could use this $150 off $300 so even if they're more, at least they could hook it up to a star system. Ask for a master tech when getting the PPI done. Only thing that comes to mind is the motor mounts. You could also ask about firmware, there are probably updates available for bluetooth, sirius, keyless go, etc. I doubt the indy could do those updates.

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/servi...n_back_savings
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 09:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Vdubgrub
Pre purchase inspection
Unfortunately this car has no warranty. How big of a risk is this? I'm no master technician but I know how to change oil, brakes and suspension myself.
Am I being foolish buying this car with no warranty?

I can afford the cost of normal wear and tear items like brakes, rotors, and tires. But probably can't see myself absorbing severe transmission or engine failures.
Really have not heard of tranny issues. These trannys are nearlly bullet proof. Ialso I did A LOT paddle down shifting and such. Never an issue. No guarantees on the motor. However, my spun rod bearing seems to be a rare event. If the car had no mods ever done, or any tunes, the motor should be OK assuming it was well maintained.

If you go through a credit union to just even mildly finance the car you might be able to get a decent 3rd party warranty. Do your homework though on the potential 3rd party company.

lastly, I agree that you should get a dealer to inspect the car and see if you need any updates.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 10:02 PM
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2011 e63 amg
Ive been reading some research where 3rd party warranties are really a hassle to deal with when you actually need them to cover something. Anybody have good recommendations on one? I didn't even know mercedes dealers do PPI. Thanks!
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 10:52 PM
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Originally Posted by Vdubgrub
Ive been reading some research where 3rd party warranties are really a hassle to deal with when you actually need them to cover something. Anybody have good recommendations on one? I didn't even know mercedes dealers do PPI. Thanks!
any Benz dealer will do a PPI which costs usually 1 hour of labor. From my experience, they do an average job and can miss lots of things like struts shocks springs and some electronics.

It’s best that you look over the car thoroughly first and inspect any visual issues plus test all electrical yourself. Ask the dealer if they will run the vin and share with you all the service past history, which they often won’t do due to confidentiality for prior owners but go ahead and ask.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 11:01 PM
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2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Your 2011 valve body is ready to quit or be problematic historically at about this time .... harsh shifts that can't be dialed out with adaptations

seals, battery, axle boots, plugs, coils, sensors ... all around this time

consider this thread though it's for a 2014+

https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...63-4matic.html
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 11:09 PM
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Another problem with m156 motors is camshaft lobes get eaten away, specifically intake cams. If i was you id have them pull the cylinder head covers and inspect the lobes. I understand pulling the covers isnt a usual ppi but better safe than sorry. Thats if youre planning on keeping the car for a long while.

Good Luck.
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Old Dec 21, 2018 | 11:46 PM
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Originally Posted by jvakos
It’s best that you look over the car thoroughly first and inspect any visual issues plus test all electrical yourself. Ask the dealer if they will run the vin and share with you all the service past history, which they often won’t do due to confidentiality for prior owners but go ahead and ask.
For that part, you just ask them if they'll give you the VMI when you do the PPI. If they say they can't, just say that you know other dealers do it and if they can't do it, you'll go to another dealer that will. That will usually be enough for them to give it to you. When they bring up the confidentiality part, just tell them to black out the previous owner's name. I've had no problem getting it from mine when using that line.
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 06:15 AM
  #11  
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2011 e63 amg
Originally Posted by Timur4593
Another problem with m156 motors is camshaft lobes get eaten away, specifically intake cams. If i was you id have them pull the cylinder head covers and inspect the lobes. I understand pulling the covers isnt a usual ppi but better safe than sorry. Thats if youre planning on keeping the car for a long while.

Good Luck.
Thanks for this info. Are there any other ways to diagnose this via driving cues or if it shows regular service was done is that still something that is guaranteed to be an issue in my future ownership I decide to buy?
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Old Dec 22, 2018 | 01:37 PM
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Originally Posted by Vdubgrub
Thanks for this info. Are there any other ways to diagnose this via driving cues or if it shows regular service was done is that still something that is guaranteed to be an issue in my future ownership I decide to buy?
One way would be is to listen for excessive lifter noise, especially on a cold start. Also check the service history, make sure all the oil changes were done on time. To avoid the issues with the cams on m156, oil must be changed at a more frequent interval than MB’s 10k mile. In your case if you do end up buying the the car, just do your oil changes ever 2-5k miles depending on how hard you push the car. If the previous owner didnt abuse the car you should be fine. Dont get me wrong m156 is a great motor, i put 30k hard miles on one and it never gave me an issue. But if i knew back then what i know now id never go by the 10k mile interval.
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