w212 E63 AMG 5.5 Buying advice

[trevkx125]

Hi all,

I am looking at buying a pre facelift W212 E63 with the 5.5 Bi Turbo lump, from what I can find they appear to be pretty well made but is there anything specific I should be worried about? Car had full MB history and 69k miles. Also, can you renew the MB warranty if it has lapsed?

Many thanks all, much appreciated.

Trev

[Cyclone1]

Camchain stretch on 2011-2012 M157’s. It’s linked to the early issues of cam timing chain tensioners issues with oil starvation on start up. If reported then newer design tensioners were fitted along with check valves. Many never had this done so in later life run the risk of chain stretch.

[AlonzoHarris]

I have a pre-facelift W212 E63 on 40k. Cars feel really solid and the engine is a beast esp in PPP form with 590 lb/ft.

Had no real issues in two years ownership. Just a very small oil leak from the injectors. Other than that it’s been very reliable.

Try to get one with dynamic seats. They’re really great and not the gimmick I thought they’d be. They’re fabulous cars so good luck in your hunt. Let me know if you have any specific questions.

[Boarder1]

I've been running now of these for 4 years and around 35k miles now, I've kept the Merc warranty in all that time and it has paid for itself more than once.

Two time I have had fault with the air suspension and both times it has required a new airbag and obviously thee time it took the dealership to find the air-leak.

Apart from that, it has been one of the best cars I have ever owned, a complete wolf in sheeps clothing and a thunder machine when you open it up! In my opinion, the best dog wagon a canine can slobber in.

Get it bought!!

[trevkx125]

Many thanks for the replies all, I have done a little research on the cam chain issues- looks like it is easy to tell if the chain etc has been updated by looking in the oil cap.
Looks like with a remap they produce some good numbers also, i'll let you know if it is a go - just waiting on funds dropping in, insurance company is being a nightmare!

Trev.

[Cyclone1]

Upgraded chain means different sprockets etc and not all had this done. Most had check valves and new tensioners with the standard chain, or later in life std tensioners and chain.

Worth asking the question when buying.

[trevkx125]

Cheers for the advice all, it has the updated chain etc

Had her a month or so now, cracking car and I'm chuffed!