First AMG and unexpected surprise
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2026
Posts: 1
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From: Parkville, MO
2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMG Wagon
First AMG and unexpected surprise
Hi all. I've been searching for either an E 63 sedan or wagon for several years and finally snagged one. 2013 black on black, originally had silver wheels but sounds like first owner painted wheels black and calipers silver. It had a lengthy dealer service history and allegedly owned by "Doctor AMG" which I didn't know was a thing until the dealer told me. That was later backed up when I spoke to the previous owner. Still all word of mouth but interesting if true. It was a mostly rainy drive home so I didn't get to have too much fun, but think I found a really great car.
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
David
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
- In 2013 did lane keep assist actually steer back towards the center of the lane or just alert when crossing a line? I'm struggling to make sense of all the stalks and twisty knobs.
- Best way to de-fuzz alcantara steering wheel. It's not matted, just fuzzy/scuffed
- I tend to get into my cars while in the garage so turned off the auto lock...bad idea?
- Not looking to do a poll but generally do most people handle basic maintenance on their own or take to a shop? I know dealers will cost more, but I've handled oil changes, filters, spark plugs, brakes on most of my cars.
David
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 815
Likes: 174
From: USA
04 E55, 06 E55, 05 G55, 14 E63s, 12 cls63
Hi all. I've been searching for either an E 63 sedan or wagon for several years and finally snagged one. 2013 black on black, originally had silver wheels but sounds like first owner painted wheels black and calipers silver. It had a lengthy dealer service history and allegedly owned by "Doctor AMG" which I didn't know was a thing until the dealer told me. That was later backed up when I spoke to the previous owner. Still all word of mouth but interesting if true. It was a mostly rainy drive home so I didn't get to have too much fun, but think I found a really great car.
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
David
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
- In 2013 did lane keep assist actually steer back towards the center of the lane or just alert when crossing a line? I'm struggling to make sense of all the stalks and twisty knobs.
- Best way to de-fuzz alcantara steering wheel. It's not matted, just fuzzy/scuffed
- I tend to get into my cars while in the garage so turned off the auto lock...bad idea?
- Not looking to do a poll but generally do most people handle basic maintenance on their own or take to a shop? I know dealers will cost more, but I've handled oil changes, filters, spark plugs, brakes on most of my cars.
David
dawn dish soap and water. Microfiber towel
cleans it up nice
use your better judgment. Obviously don’t soak the wheel
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
Hi all. I've been searching for either an E 63 sedan or wagon for several years and finally snagged one. 2013 black on black, originally had silver wheels but sounds like first owner painted wheels black and calipers silver. It had a lengthy dealer service history and allegedly owned by "Doctor AMG" which I didn't know was a thing until the dealer told me. That was later backed up when I spoke to the previous owner. Still all word of mouth but interesting if true. It was a mostly rainy drive home so I didn't get to have too much fun, but think I found a really great car.
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
David
The best part? In my excitedness I somehow missed the P30 package noted in VIN decoderz. Apparently I also missed it (as did the dealer!) when looking at the Monroney. I'm hoping 2 different sources confirm the P30 and other packages, but open to feedback on accuracy of those sources and meaningfulness of the other packages (driver package, light package). Regardless, it's a very clean rocket.
If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:
- In 2013 did lane keep assist actually steer back towards the center of the lane or just alert when crossing a line? I'm struggling to make sense of all the stalks and twisty knobs.
- Best way to de-fuzz alcantara steering wheel. It's not matted, just fuzzy/scuffed
- I tend to get into my cars while in the garage so turned off the auto lock...bad idea?
- Not looking to do a poll but generally do most people handle basic maintenance on their own or take to a shop? I know dealers will cost more, but I've handled oil changes, filters, spark plugs, brakes on most of my cars.
David
lots of maintenance info on the site.
feel free to pm me anything you can’t find an answer for.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,415
Likes: 398
From: Merkville the galaxy of Stars
'99 CLK/05 E500 WAG
Congrats on your ride. As for needs here are my thoughs:
Bullet 1:
[size=16px]If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:[/size]
Bullet 1:
[size=16px]If anyone here has specific suggestions I would appreciate it on a few things as I've seen varying responses in other searches:[/size]
- In 2013 did lane keep assist actually steer back towards the center of the lane or just alert when crossing a line? I'm struggling to make sense of all the stalks and twisty knobs.. Read the manual let it do what it was built to do.
- Best way to de-fuzz alcantara steering wheel. It's not matted, just fuzzy/scuffed...Cold beverage, double sided tape, and patience. Stay away from lent type of rags/towels.
- I tend to get into my cars while in the garage so turned off the auto lock...bad idea? That's your option, I usually leave my trunk open and keys outside of my car.
- Not looking to do a poll but generally do most people handle basic maintenance on their own or take to a shop? I know dealers will cost more, but I've handled oil changes, filters, spark plugs, brakes on most of my cars. DIY is the best cost analysis to save money on. If dealer isn't your choice find a great independent shop. R, 2Merks
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
do not use this product unless you want to over scrub the wheel to get out the extremely soapy nature. Also, if you don’t want your steering wheel to smell like perfume, avoid this product. It is perhaps the worst brand I’ve ever used. And this is coming from someone who has managed alcantara for over 20 years. I think sonax is a terrible brand all around and just hype. Use the absolute minimum amount of moisture and cleaning solution possible, which I would say is 99% water verse cleaner.
dry cleaning first with a fine leather brush used like a dust broom, after combined with a VERY weak apc as needed is the best. Strait flicks…. Do not rub back-and-forth with any pressure and do not rub in circles, look very closely at the fabric fibers, and as you brush it, you will see them become clean and straight, but you do not want them to elongate. Elongated fibers “pill”and get worse more quickly. A soft toothbrush works well in the tight spaces. Think of a shoe shiner and that is what I mean in the type of brush movement.
next, when using the wheel, make sure you always have clean dry hands and don’t use any lotion on your hands. Be aware of where you are holding.
Alcantara is the worst possible product to use on a steering wheel or any touch surfaces. It should be used for trim only. I even bought an all leather version to swap in for “dirty hands” season, since I work in a dirty environment.
dry cleaning first with a fine leather brush used like a dust broom, after combined with a VERY weak apc as needed is the best. Strait flicks…. Do not rub back-and-forth with any pressure and do not rub in circles, look very closely at the fabric fibers, and as you brush it, you will see them become clean and straight, but you do not want them to elongate. Elongated fibers “pill”and get worse more quickly. A soft toothbrush works well in the tight spaces. Think of a shoe shiner and that is what I mean in the type of brush movement.
next, when using the wheel, make sure you always have clean dry hands and don’t use any lotion on your hands. Be aware of where you are holding.
Alcantara is the worst possible product to use on a steering wheel or any touch surfaces. It should be used for trim only. I even bought an all leather version to swap in for “dirty hands” season, since I work in a dirty environment.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 1,205
From: Baltimore County, MD
'13 s212 63 p30. '06 LX470
dawn is great! For anyone choosing this, make sure you are not buying an extra strength product with any hydrogen peroxide or OxiClean in it as this will act as a bleach. One drop of regular dawn works great!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 310
From: NYC
E63S
Agreed! I used to clean the Alcantara portions of the steering wheel with baby wipes. Light pressure, let it dry after cleaning. Worked like charm. YMMV. I used to only drive that car ~1k/yr (and often tried to NOT grab the wheel by the alcantara portions). I believe this material on steering wheels was designed for use with gloves to enhance grip (race car sh€t).
