2012 e63 amg 5.5 v8 questions

[Merc-Matt]

Hi guys

I've seen a few of these for sub £25k which makes them a performance bargain, what are they like in terms of reliability?

I've read that timing chains can fail and on earlier cars the rods were the weak point, any of this true?

Regards

 

[AMGeed]

Early versions of the biturbo did have a timing chain issue that was resolved with an updated chain. There was also a check valve fitted to stop the oil draining down from the top end. You can check if you have the updated chain by looking through the oil filler cap to see if its a double link chain or not. If the engine is cold and rattles on start up, suspect the timing chain.

Like the 6.2, the 5.5 is not without its issues and it is known a few have needed a strip down and rebuild due to a bent rod. If you experience any misfire on a test drive, walk away. Its one of the symptoms of impending trouble that may not be cured by a simple coil pack/spark plug change.
As always with an AMG, a full and complete service history is a must. I'd also advise an inspection by a Mercedes specialist before handing over the cash.
They are a pretty reliable car, but can become a real wallet drainer if you buy a bad one.

 

[Merc-Matt]

Early versions of the biturbo did have a timing chain issue that was resolved with an updated chain. There was also a check valve fitted to stop the oil draining down from the top end. You can check if you have the updated chain by looking through the oil filler cap to see if its a double link chain or not. If the engine is cold and rattles on start up, suspect the timing chain.

Like the 6.2, the 5.5 is not without its issues and it is known a few have needed a strip down and rebuild due to a bent rod. If you experience any misfire on a test drive, walk away. Its one of the symptoms of impending trouble that may not be cured by a simple coil pack/spark plug change.
As always with an AMG, a full and complete service history is a must. I'd also advise an inspection by a Mercedes specialist before handing over the cash.
They are a pretty reliable car, but can become a real wallet drainer if you buy a bad one.

I've seen a 2012 plate e63s with the twin turbo lump in it, looks really smart. What are gearboxes like on these?

Also what does the S mean?

 

[AMGeed]

I've seen a 2012 plate e63s with the twin turbo lump in it, looks really smart. What are gearboxes like on these?

Also what does the S mean?

The 2012 model is the pre facelift version that will probably have the earlier timing chain fitted. So be aware of that. from 2013 on it should be fitted with the updated timing chain. Its a personal viewpoint but I far prefer the grill and rear end on the facelift but that's not a deal breaker.
The gearboxes are rather good being 7g+ and almost instant in Sport+. Still not as quick as some BMW transmissions but its pretty much trouble free.
The 9 speed boxes in the latest W213 E 63's are better and more responsive.

The E63 S version has a few nice options fitted and they command quite a hike in price over the non S.
An LSD is fitted ( a must have I think) there is extra cooling for the turbos, you get red calipers, a monogrammed headrest and I think it indicates its an S model in the speedo cluster. Also should have a S AMG badge on the tail. The S version also comes with an extra 20+ bhp from the factory which can be matched and improved on greatly with a £600 remap.