TModelle

I need some advice on what the differences are between 2018 to 2020 models as I am on the lookout to buy a pre-facelift E63S.

I believe the main differences lie in the steering wheel, maybe the user interface tech, and the sound of the exhaust perhaps?

Hope to hear from you guys who are the experienced experts.

mercedesmax

18 has the louder exhaust. Command system is the same.
2020 has the drive unit controls on the steering wheel.
"Emotion start" on the 2020.

b0rderman

There were still lemons during 2018 correct?

E634Me

I think most of those were really limes. In my opinion, the CEL for cylinder misfires wasn't a real error in almost all the cars, but rather a consequence of the setting of limits for throwing the CEL inside the tolerance stack-up of the components and the various sensors monitoring them.

The CELs were cleared on my car by swapping around the injectors and recalibrating (following a ton of testing under the guidance of MB Germany). Other than plugs, no other parts were replaced that I recall. This took care of all but one random CEL I had in the year following the corrective work.

For the broader population of US E63s cars, the CELs were addressed with a firmware update and associated service bulletin. If I recall correctly, California made it mandatory to have the CEL firmware update done in order to renew the vehicle license registration.

Personally, I wouldn't have any problem purchasing a lemon law 2018 that was returned for the CEL problem (I'd still try really hard to get a discounted price for it though ). Other issues of course are a different matter.

Quadrobenz

Our 2018 has been fine. It has illuminated the CEL twice. First was for a crack in the LH intake manifold seam. Second was a sensor failure on the fuel rail. Both were repaired under warranty with no further issues. I both instances the car remained driveable. Ours has had some software/firmware updates as part of normal service.We received one recall notice about a software update.
Ours was purchased new so we do not need a Ca smog test until the 4th year, not quite there yet. When the registration requires renewal we get the form in the mail, take it to AAA along with a check for thousands of dollars and leave with the new tags. No way the state knows anything about the car other than we still hold the title. I wonder if an update verification was for Lemon law re-registrations?

subiefiles

iTrader: (1)

IMO the 2019 is the one to get because its basically identical to the 2018 but has the better steering wheel.
Right now the market is wild and a 2018 that would have sold for $85k in 2020 is now worth $90-95k

Its really down to what cars you find for sale. Look for one with all the great packages (in my opinion: night package, carbon brakes, sport seats, active driving assist/HUD, the colors you want)

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

This man is correct, the 2019 is the one to buy. Unfortunately many 2019's don't have HUD because of a parts shortage (mine doesn't) but I have every option I'd consider important.