2012 E63 AMG Bi-turbo - servicing costs and buying tips?

[CPShines]

Hi All

Been a member for years but haven't posted for a while. I'm thinking of trading in my humble old c-class coupe for a 2012 E63 Bi-turbo saloon, just for a bit of fun for a while. I'm not planning to thrash it about - just enjoy it. Can you give me any idea what kind of A/B servicing costs to expect? I've been using an indy for servicing my coupe but wondering if I should go main dealer for the E63 if I buy it?

Also, any tips on what to look for when buying would be greatly appreciated. I've seen one that states it's stock config, no remap. I'm getting close to pulling the trigger on it so would be good to know what to check. Thanks all.

CPShines

 

[Uncle Benz]

Due diligence on timing chains at that age point. You can check which chain it has through the oil cap

 

[daveenty]

This was how mine, a 2013 model, worked out on servicing when I had it, based on around 6 - 7,000 miles p/a: -

09/07/2014 A Service £293.38
01/07/2015 B Service £456.64
28/06/2016 A Service £260.98
26/06/2017 B Service £531.43

Also the brakes aren't cheap: -

21/02/2017 Front Pads £172
04/04/2017 Rear Pads £165

All prices are from a main dealer, brake pads supply only.

As mentioned above on the timing chains, mine had to have the modified non - return valves fitted but Mercedes contributed a fair percentage of this so it wasn't too painful but factor it into the cost.

 

[CPShines]

Thanks for the details. Nothing too pricey there, which is good to see. Any other tips gratefully received.

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Check the wear on the brake discs when you buy the replacement prices are eye watering

 

[robin.large]

For 2012 which is outside dealer warranty I'd go with an indy.
Service costs for A&B can be a bit misleading as on top of those costs you have added items which are mileage and/or age dependant.
You can, with some dealers, actually get an online estimate which includes such costs.
Although parts can be expensive companies such as autodoc can supply all the common wear items.
I paid £74 all in for full set of pads (front and back)
60k is a big service with B service, plus ATF and Filter, Diff Oil, Brake Fluid flush, 8 plugs, air filters, cabin filters......

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5010 using Tapatalk

 

[CPShines]

Great info, thanks chaps. Discs look like a painful replacement.

How reliable are the pano roofs on the 2012 E-classes? My S203 pano roof seized some time ago and my indy never really managed to get it unstuck for long.

 

[Wighty]

Member @AMGeed may have some input on this car choice

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

Great info, thanks chaps. Discs look like a painful replacement.

How reliable are the pano roofs on the 2012 E-classes? My S203 pano roof seized some time ago and my indy never really managed to get it unstuck for long.

Not many pano roof problems reported on here when they are it’s usually the plastic trim that breaks due to age so it wouldn’t put me off, my 212 has the glass sunroof which has been reliable

 

[CPShines]

Cheers all. Any recommendations on who to use for pre-purchase inspection on a car like this in London/southeast?

 

[CPShines]

Member @AMGeed may have some input on this car choice

Can't tell if that's good or bad I'm intrigued

 

[CPShines]

Just to give something back, here's the list of checks I've come up with so far:

E63 AMG W212 (M156/M157)
Timing chain:

Check for regular oil changes

Check for chain replacement

Check for rattling, harsh noises on startup, squealing tensioners, worn or discolour chain guides


General:

Check vin lookup recall tool

Brake disc wear - expensive!

Steel or ceramic? Ceramic have gold calipers

Check ac comes on

Car/steering shaking on startup could be issue with engine mounts

Check headlights aren't fogged

Check stop/start eco mode works

Check auto boot open/close is smooth

Check for steering groans and moans when turning

Check uneven tyre wear

Check it will go into park

Check electric windows

Check seat leather for wear near coccyx

Does it have dynamic seats?

Check sagging back end for Airmatic issues

 

[daveenty]

Can't tell if that's good or bad I'm intrigued

He's a very nice man who has an excellent example of the W212 E63 Bi-Turbo after owning a W211 E55 for many years. He's also quite knowledgeable on them after doing much research.

ETA: I happen to know that he's at a meet around Portsmouth way today though, so he probably won't see this till later on...

 

[Wighty]

He's a very nice man who has an excellent example of the W212 E63 Bi-Turbo after owning a W211 E55 for many years. He's also quite knowledgeable on them after doing much research.

ETA: I happen to know that he's at a meet around Portsmouth way today though, so he probably won't see this till later on...

The only thing I can add to that is his car is very shiny

 

[V6Matty]

For someone in the southeast speak to @alexanderfoti AMF Automotive,

 

[Wighty]

Cheers all. Any recommendations on who to use for pre-purchase inspection on a car like this in London/southeast?

Where in London are you ?

 

[CPShines]

South, but the car is west

 

[Wighty]

South, but the car is west

As above , AMF is in Kent . Ian at Star Services ,Reading ( @star ) is out West and is also a forum regular

 

[AMGeed]

Thanks for the vote of confidence

Not too much to add to what has already been said and the list the OP has made.
The car responds extremely well to a remap but get used to the stock performance first.

Check the service history and see if the car has had the fluid changes done on time.
31k for ATF, brake fluid every 2 years, plugs at 50k or 4 years.
You can get a printout of all the services from any main dealer.

Make sure all the electric gizmos work. They can be costly to repair.
See if the rear of the car is sitting evenly and rises and lowers on the button by the gear shifter.

Brake disc condition is important. New 2 piece front discs are around £750 a pair, rears far cheaper.
Pads are not too expensive.
Try to buy with your head, not your heart. It's all too easy to be swayed by the power of these cars and the noise.

If it has full main dealer history you may want to keep it up and preserve Mobilo (free breakdown). I was torn between going with my indy and buying a 3 year service plan.
Its being serviced tomorrow at the main dealer. A 3 year plan was around £1500 paying up front or £52 a month (£1872 over 3 services)
I wanted a warranty, but I'm being quoted £2875 a year for a Tier1 warranty (2014 model) and I can't justify that. Having it remapped would most likely leave very little covered anyway, so I just put by a decent amount and hope there are no big problems.
Coming up to one year ownership, the car is just about on 32k miles and running great. It's a fantastic buy and I hope the one you are looking at is a good one.

 

[CPShines]

Excellent, thanks all, I knew this was the place to come. I'll let you know how I get on.