ichap

Hey everyone,

I'm looking at buying a 2018 e63s wagon in Miami. It has an accident on record so it absolutely has to have a thorough PPI. It's deeply discounted so I'm okay with the history if it passes a qualified check. I'm calling in the morning but I doubt the dealer will have availability in for one soon. I've always preferred an Indy shop for a PPI anyway.

The w212 has multiple "ultimate guide" threads stickied, and pretty plentiful information on what to check for when buying used. Does the w213 have those?

What do I need to watch out for when buying a w213?

Does anyone have a shop recommendation for a PPI in Miami?

bobblehead

18 and 19 are known to have RMS. If the car has no extended warranty, then factor in about $10k for potential repair on this one task.

I.T. Guy

I'll add another "common" issue is once in a while power will drop drastically from the Exhaust Flaps sticking closed needing replacement/repair.

That's about it that I can think of "major" issues on this platform.

PeterUbers

https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-look-out.html

1. RMS and oil separators
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-rms-leak.html
2. 2018's had issues with injectors/CEL - some of these were lemoned
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...e63-wagon.html
3. exhaust flap fail causing low boost
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...lap-codes.html
4. trans overheating (rare)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...nning-hot.html
5. Bad coils/plugs by 30-50k miles (coils are hard to find or pay premium)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...gh-idle-2.html
6. Inner tire wear common due to stance and geometry of suspension
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...tire-wear.html
7. Bad main battery can caused lots of random gremlins - make sure battery is healthy
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...y-problem.html
8. paint peeling or clear coat peeling on calipers
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...t-peeling.html
9. loud clicking left bay of engine - bad purge valve
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ing-noise.html
10. vibration while at idle or brake applied in drive at a standstill (axle issues)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...vibration.html
11. loud brakes ... squealing - usually due to not driving enough or hard enough braking
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ky-brakes.html
12. Was the car tuned - do you care? Maybe you should
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-19-e63-s.html
13. Some cars had poor fitment of exterior trim pieces
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...door-trim.html
14. Brakes/parts and install from dealer expensive but much cheaper and reasonable aftermarket and with indy or personal garage install
15. Know about the spare tire and tools not included
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...revisited.html
16. know about CarPlay wireless limitations and screen size limitations
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...s-e-class.html
17. know the difference between sport and active seats - read up
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...nce-seats.html
18. Radiator damage from road debris
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...or-damage.html

ichap

@PeterUbers Thank you! Incredible list. Was that from your back pocket or from another thread? Seems worthy of a sticky for this sub.

PeterUbers

np. Took me about 5 minutes to put together, we will see a hundred "buying a used w213 amg" threads, and a hundred "just got a used amg, how do I tune it" threads.... it's easier to just point to one thread or sticky to answer the question

ichap

Yeah, I figure the w213's are just now coming into the wider realm of affordability for more enthusiasts and will see more DIY work than before.

I.T. Guy

Peter’s list needs to start a sticky

PeterUbers

TUNING THE W213 AMG

Great comprehensive write up on full tune:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-ecu-tune.html

Another tuning discussion:
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ftware-co.html

Further discussions, handhelds, etc
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...wmods-mwm.html

Do I need a cpc with ecu tune (and why)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-cpc-tune.html

Full ptg tune with dragy and lots of info (ecu/cpc/tcu)
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...y-results.html

World record holding tuned e63?
http://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/8...hp-940wtq.html

Documenting the journey of a 2023 S213 amg
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-wagon-17.html

Logging the w213 amg
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...ing-tools.html

I.T. Guy

We need a logger!

igor561

Fantastic write up! I can attest to a few issues here. Another item a dealer told me was potential problems with the panoramic sunroof, if its not used has been known to dry out and cause issues. Hasn't been the case with me

SerottaD

An issue I discovered was counterfeit, black, cross-spoke wheels. They were such good fakes, they got a compliment from a top dealership tech. Replaced with OEM wheels (ouch) and hubs (ouch ouch)... and TPMS (sigh). I bought my car from an out-of-state Porsche dealer so I have no recourse. In any event, I do not believe they knew, but clearly one of their favorite customers likely did a swap for some reason and then traded in what was otherwise a very cherry car.

In the sales contract, make the prior owner stipulate they have declared in writing all non-OEM parts known to be on at the car, either from the current or any prior owner. At least you'll have a contract term you can point to if recourse is needed.

PeterUbers

interesting.

not a bad way to make some quick cash for the guy trading in the car to an otherwise non observant dealer - swap out OEM rims which are rather valuable for fakes and "see ya". - put up the OEM on eBay or local forum and collect decent cashish

as I see it - you're trading in what you're trading in, I've never had to declare if parts were OEM or not, the buying dealer just gave me a trade in value and we did the deal.

OldManAndHisCar

Also being in FL....be VERY VERY careful of flood cars that will claim an accident.....I seriously would take out door panels (yes, you need a drill) to be 100%.

PeterUbers

EXCESSIVE REVVING ON STARTUP
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...mp-issues.html

E63 BATTERY TYPE
https://mbworld.org/forums/w213-amg/...-charging.html