Shopping E63 - looking for frontlines advice
 

Hello fine folks,

I’ve been following these 14-16 E63’s and just have two questions for you guys who’ve sorted them out.

1. Any reason to get an S over a standard 63? I’m planning to mod anyway, so is the extra few ponies from factory worth anything anyway if I’m just going to rewrite the software?

2. This is a real tough one for me to understand. I’ve looked at 3 different E63S’s locally. Two at the dealer as lease returns, and one private party. All three had under 40K miles, and all three had suede steering wheels which I guess came standard on the S model. Not one looked good. The cars were in great shape (I’m sure refreshed by the dealer) but the steering wheels looked beat up. What’s the deal with this? I understand that suede won’t keep like leather but did all three of these cars have some weird problem? I wish I had pics, the suede was cracked and crumbly (if that’s a word) and looked like it was really worn. Is this a common theme? I’d love an S but now really disappointed at this part. I’m having a really tough time letting go of $60K for a exquisite ride with a real rough looking steering wheel. Can you replace the suede on them? Thoughts?

Thanks!
v

You can buy a custom steering wheel made any way you like from revotech motorsports for around $1000-1500. Thats minor and can easily be fixed/changed as long as the car is pristine I wouldn't worry about it.

The steering wheels are Alcantara not suede. Ten minutes of your time and rubbing with two or three baby wipes will have it looking like new.

agreed

The only “Pros” of getting a S model would be AWD and limited slip dif. Both of those options are standard with the S model at least for the US market. But there are non S models that are 4matic and have limited slip dif as an added option so at this point its just a personal preference since you will be tuning anyways. S model doesnt have any upgraded internals over the non S m157 unlike the m156 in a w204 c63, which had some upgraded internals over the non “p31” performance pack m156. You'll be happy with either one, good luck.

https://cimg5.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...7e806a96df.jpg
Not a pic from my car but I have this exact same interior. Non-S model as well. I too hated both the look and feel of the suede wheel compared to this. Honestly, if you're going to mod there really is no reason to opt for an S other than the cool factor of having an S compared to a "standard" model.

A replacement steering wheel is about $900 from Benz if you find the right deal ... maybe cheaper on eBay and you can even upgrade to the 2018 e63S steering wheel

I believe there are actually more differences between S and non-S than what is being reported here. I recall suspension upgrades in some threads somewhere on this site being claimed for one. Also, I believe the rear axle LSD/ratio is slightly different. At least my SA told me that. He is usually correct, however, he does mix up things now and then (rare).

So I would recommend waiting until more guys have chimed in here that know for sure before making any decisions.

Also, as was mentioned above, All 14-16 E63's sold in the US were S model. So if you are in the US, this is likely all you will find.

Good luck.

Oh hell yeah! Exciting times! Good luck to you brother. :y

You may want to look for a 15-16 E63S which (to my knowledge, and Vrod also mentions here) has the LSD set up which the non-S models dont have. Plus the 15-16 model years have the split/divorced cooling setup and retractable side mirrors if those are important to you... ALSO if you are an Apple Car play guy then you have to get a 16 year model as the 14-15 versions dont have the required hardware/software setup to accommodate Apple Car Play upgrades that you can find on ebay (as far as i know per the boards here).

I would also make sure you check the front lip of the car for any scraping or damage as I overlooked that only to find that my front lip was cracked (as a CPO car 2nd owner purchase from MB dealer with 12k miles) after i bought the car and the dealer said too bad thats my issue which was BS....

also - you can easily clean the alcantra steering wheel with just a mildly damp microfiber towel and some water/mild soap.... my steering wheel looked like crap, but after cleaning the alcantra with mild soap and water and then using a toothbrush to prop up the alcantra it looks almost like new (no need to buy a special cleaning kit, but you can try those also)

Not all 14-16 E63 are S models. https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...rmation-3.html see post #58 2015 non S. Also, the retractable mirrors in the 15-16 are powered? I feel cheated... even a non-AMG C class has that feature!
+1 baby wipes on "nastied-up" alcantara sections of the steering wheel. It works... though I doubt it will work on "cracked and crumbly" :rolf:

+1

Also the split cooling started from 2013

Some alcantera WONT come back with a baby wipe

youll need a new wheel

Everyone is overlooking the most important feature...Wagons only come in "s" trim!

You'll need an S.

Differences between non S and S

Dont forget the top speed limit goes from 155 to 186 cuz that's important ...lol

Official Benz amg press release:
http://www.zercustoms.com/pdf/2014-M...ations-USA.pdf

https://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...e63-amg-s.html

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1e9ae1ef8.jpeg

Yes! You're more likely to catch a ticket in the S than the non S :)

Tim confirm please, aren't they all "4matic"? Is there a difference between AWD and 4matic?

Thanks man, missed you guys and the never ending pissing contests!

Great buying advice, thank you!

Awesome, so 14-15-16 will all have split cooling..?

This is great. On the S list I think the only items I would not be able to live without are LSD, contrast stitching, and different color seatbelts. Always loved the look.

What do you guys think of these"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Merced...frcectupt=true

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2014-Merced...IAAOSwEp5cKHFj

Yes, us models are all 4matic. No difference between 4matic and awd. Yes on the split cooling.

Last year, I paid $49k for mine with 28k miles. Assuming those are what they say they are not a bad deal.

Awesome can't wait to start following your build for this model. I was a fan of both your prior AMGs & still think your CLS is the cleanest I've seen till this day :y

Not all S models are AWD, for example in the US market all S models are AWD but UK gets the RWD S models. 4matic - AWD is the same thing, 4matic is just what MB decided to call their AWD system, like bmw calls theirs xdrive.

Pissing contest?

Okay then............

Get a S as resale value is better if that matters to you. For the steering wheel is a minor issue as you can try rubbing it with a damp cloth.

the alcantara inserts on our 2015’s steering wheel were gross when we bought it. Look and feel like new with a little soap and water and microfiber and light scrubbing.

Great discussion guys.

Always ask this this before buying an AMG, hows the 0-60 blast feel? Is it money well spent?

The 0-60 blast in the X5M is good, but not brutal. I can get to 60 sub 4 but it’s drama free if that makes sense. The 80-120 is more exhilarating.

How is it in these cars? At what range do your palms sweat?