E63 amg

[Babw]

Anyone here have any experience with the W211 E63 AMG ?

I started a thread about a year ago considering an E60 M5, in the end after much test driving I realised it's a bit too pointy and lively for an everyday motor. Picked up a 550i saloon which has served me well but now need an estate and these have caught my eye.

I'm sure there is/was a Mercedes specialist on this forum so any insight is appreciated.

[glendog74]

Originally Posted by Babw

Anyone here have any experience with the W211 E63 AMG ?

I'm sure there is/was a Mercedes specialist on this forum so any insight is appreciated.

Lawsy

[shane@mbtech]

What do you need to know.

I'm your huckleberry.

[Babw]

Lawsy, I'll send you a message on the batphone.

[Babw]

Lawsy,

I typed out a PM to you but can't remember whether I sent it or not...

Anyway what I basically wanted to know was regarding reliability and daily running. I just want a very fast cruiser, I'm not expecting it to be as rewarding to drive as a BMW but happy to be surprised.

Brakes and tyres depending on lead footed-ness are recurring costs, anything else that's likely to need attention regularly? Airmatic?

What's the service schedule like? Is it time or condition based? Most of the week I'm doing a lot of short journeys and I've found the BMW CBS working down pretty quickly.

Is it optimistic to expect 15mpg around town driving relatively sensibly?

Anything else I need to be weary of the W211 E63 wagon? Look for main dealer history, anything like the running in service on M3's that I should look for on the 6.2 engine?

Any factory recalls that I need to be aware of? This'll be my first Mercedes after 6 BMW's so I basically don't have a clue what I might be talking myself into!

Cheers.

[shane@mbtech]

Originally Posted by Babw

Lawsy,

I typed out a PM to you but can't remember whether I sent it or not...

Anyway what I basically wanted to know was regarding reliability and daily running. I just want a very fast cruiser, I'm not expecting it to be as rewarding to drive as a BMW but happy to be surprised.

Brakes and tyres depending on lead footed-ness are recurring costs, anything else that's likely to need attention regularly? Airmatic?

What's the service schedule like? Is it time or condition based? Most of the week I'm doing a lot of short journeys and I've found the BMW CBS working down pretty quickly.

Is it optimistic to expect 15mpg around town driving relatively sensibly?

Anything else I need to be weary of the W211 E63 wagon? Look for main dealer history, anything like the running in service on M3's that I should look for on the 6.2 engine?

Any factory recalls that I need to be aware of? This'll be my first Mercedes after 6 BMW's so I basically don't have a clue what I might be talking myself into!

Cheers.

The later 211 E class are pretty good.
The 7 speed box is good, needs oil & filter every 40k in box, make sure this has been done.

The early, very early 211 E class were a bit ropey, but after 2004-5 they got better, and the facelift (all E63 amg are facelift) they are much better.

Engines are good, but had a few tappet/cam shaft issues, known fault, but not all affected. Look out for excessive noise at cold start, they are tad noisy upon cold start, but some are quite bad.

Just look for one with good history and in pristine condition.
Service schedule is mileage/time based and reverts from one to the other.
I recommend every 10-12k servicing or 12 months. Not a believer in this long life servicing shit.

15mpg average will be achievable, I averaged approx 18mpg in my C63 AMG estate, that was a+b roads only. high 20's on a run.

Servicing costs with ourselves are reasonable.

Services range from £160+vat to £360+ vat
Spark plugs are approx £130+vat
Gearbox oil and filter £135+vat

Bigger service is every 4 yrs.

Ball joints are common place, not overly expensive, just fair wear and tear.


Suspension is OK, pumps can go, but are not overly expensive in reality. Airmatic struts are reliable. Rear accumulator tanks can go pourous on the necks and cause the cars to drop over night. We have the tanks repaired. The tanks can only be bought with the strut, the repair we do is better than new, our alloy welder is superb

They are a great cruiser, great soundtrack, great turn of pace. Overall nice place to be, another member was enquiring about an SL55 AMG last week, he should look for a similar car to the one you are searching for, much much better car.

Again, if one local to ourselves I would be happy to cast an eye over it pre purchase.

[digi]

if you are in the market for a fast estate, why not consider an RS4 or something similar? Fresher look imo.

From what I've read the W211 E63 is reliable and the owners say overall its pretty fine.