AMGTorn

Howdy all,

Been creeping the W213 forum for a while and looks like the time has come.

A little about me and some context: From the frozen wasteland of Alberta, Canada, lucky to work from home and a big fan of the AMG lites (bought a C43 and a GLC43 new for the wife and I back in 2019). Love my C43 (37,000km and counting) to bits; typically drive it for errands, cruising and good old fashioned fun around town.

However, after getting our backs rattled to shreds a couple week ago due to an unmarked stretch of torn up road, the wife has given permission to look at a comfortable but spicy E class.

After some searching and test driving, I have narrowed it down to a clean low mileage (35,000km) big daddy 2018 E63s for about $87K, and a CPO post facelift 2022 E53 Sedan (8500km on the clock) at $90K.

Major Options are same across the board (Premium
package, driver assistance, AMG drivers pack), but the E63 has carbon interior trim and the big boy Burmeister Upgrade. E53 has the piano black trim.

I find myself at a crossroads, wondering if the tech and warranty of the CPO E53 outweighs the fun measured in smiles per gallon of the E63s.

What would you do if you were in my shoes? With 2018 E63s what should I look out for in terms of service issues in the near future? Are there any issues with the E53’s 48V system that could pose a risk for failure?

Appreciate the opinions in advance y’all; getting additional eyes on will certainly help with the analysis paralysis!

Idklol69

I also inquired about that E63s LOL. It's a great car man. Definitely go for the E63s. It literally has every option except the performance seats/carbon brakes/carbon exterior packages. I've been in the market since May looking for a 2018-2019 E63s here in BC. If that car had the performance seats I would've already bought it. I'm looking for a very specific spec unfortunately. Keep in mind that since it's 5 years old, you may have a couple of sensors go bad such as the blindspot ones which run up to $1k cad each now. I would definitely take a swing at a V8 AMG as they're going to go extinct.

bobblehead

Mine is a 18 (with 115,000km now). I have had major repairs done with RMS, air suspension, drive shafts and a variety of electronic components errors which new modules and software update were needed.

if you are truly considering the e63s, then fo a more comprehensive ppi from dealer or indy shop.

Idklol69

How many km did you buy your E63s with and around what mileage mark did these issues occur if you remember?

bobblehead

Bought new. Fairly reliable with some minor issues during the warranty years … but once warranty expired ….

all mentioned works (major ones) were done beginning at 85,000km air suspension, 100,000km for RMS, 105,000km for drive shafts). All occurred in 2022 and 2023.

LMinn

I drove a new 2020 E53 for 2.5 years, it has softer suspension than the E63s, the acceleration is smoother (German I6's baby) and the 48V never gave me problems and virtually eliminated turbo lag + made the start/stop system actually bearable.

Common E53 service issues: 48V system.

Of course the new 2023 E63s I acquired has generally stiffer suspension (but still great, they're both air suspensions), but the 2018 suspension IS stiffer/firmer than my 2023 (and stiffer/firmer than the E53's.), it was a common complaint they had to rectify in the FL's. (I might be off there, might've been a year before FL or something, but 2018 has the original stiffer suspension.) However, the E63s is clearly more fun to drive.

Common 2018 E63s service issues: RMS.

They both have 4MATIC+ for our wintery weather up here in Canuckistan, so that's a plus.

sixfive

what issues did you have with air suspension & drive shafts?

AMGTorn

Oooooooof….how much did each issue run you? What happened with the air suspension and drive shaft?

Regarding the RMS stuff…seems pretty common. Would an extended warranty even cover it? Not sure who to go with for one of those.

figuwx

so just my opinion on this as there is no proof anywhere;

I think that these cars need to be driven. I have 132k miles on mine and no major issues. Just basic maintenance (service A and B).

The couple of things that I have had to replace;

DIY
GPS antenna cracked in half replaced it (No GPS Aquisition)
Rock hit driver side 360 camera, replaced it.
Replaced all CCB pads (see my write up on this forum)
Replaced brake pad sensors


Dealer/Shop
Nav update to v23 (2023)
Software update to 6.8.xxx for command (Had an indy shop with Xentry do the software update instead of dealer). Cost was $175 which was the 1 hour diagnostic fee.
Tires and alignment

I just get in, press the start button, wait for the RPM's to drop to 650 rpm in comfort mode and off I go.

cotmfk

E63 all day. You won't be able to get V8s much longer, and the used ones in good shape are going to get more difficult to find.

Cylinder Head

iTrader: (1)

I'd say go E63 but you talked about getting your back rattled to shreds and well, I have some bad news for you. The E63 is STIFF. It is not soft and supple. If you need a softer car, this ain't it.

bobblehead

I am in Canada and did not have extended warranty. I would imagine they would be covered ???. Do note the parts in Canada are a lot more expensive than say US (once currency is converted, shipping costs, insurance, duties ?, extra markup here). For example, $1,000 US parts would cost $1600+ Cdn easily and there is no discount here.

all these 3 repairs totaled around $16,000 cdn. The suspension were having faults so dealer was throwing parts at it which eventually they pretty well changed out everything, like modules and sensors (per se). The RMS was the biggest one and i have not even disclosed the car rental costs for over 1 month (due to waiting for parts here and there)

Ed99

Go E63s...no comparison vs the E53.

It's a lot of car for the money..which is totally worth it.