2010 e63 AMG...to get or not to get

[JJ650]

A friend of mine is thinking of ditching his 2010 E63 AMG and getting a coupe of some sort.
He offered it up to me. Has 37K on the odometer and is tip top. No issues, no wrecks and a couple of stone chips on the front.
Black on black.
All 4 corners have pretty new rubber.

He wants 42K even

I am currently in an '09 G8 GT w/ bolt-ons. The size is similar and I like that. I enjoy having a decent back seat area for child and passengers.

Are there any glaring reliability issues I should be aware of. The engine is a late model year and is not affected by the head bolt issues that earlier engines had.
I am not worried about the gas mileage is it is about the same as I have now and premium juice doesn't bother me.

What do you guys think?

 

[Naeeldar]

A friend of mine is thinking of ditching his 2010 E63 AMG and getting a coupe of some sort.
He offered it up to me. Has 37K on the odometer and is tip top. No issues, no wrecks and a couple of stone chips on the front.
Black on black.
All 4 corners have pretty new rubber.

He wants 42K even

I am currently in an '09 G8 GT w/ bolt-ons. The size is similar and I like that. I enjoy having a decent back seat area for child and passengers.

Are there any glaring reliability issues I should be aware of. The engine is a late model year and is not affected by the head bolt issues that earlier engines had.
I am not worried about the gas mileage is it is about the same as I have now and premium juice doesn't bother me.

What do you guys think?

I'm not aware of any major reliabilities issues although others might be able to chime in. I know some owners were going throw tires every 8-10,000 miles though. So be ready for that cost.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Throw a Maggie & Pedders kit on the G8 - not sure what else the E63 offers but higher maintenance costs and a bit more luxury. Enjoy the uniqueness of the G8.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Throw a Maggie & Pedders kit on the G8 - not sure what else the E63 offers but higher maintenance costs and a bit more luxury. Enjoy the uniqueness of the G8.

It's not a Pontiac? :sneaky:

 

[NutBucket]

Only if its a wagon

But on the bright side your G8 is MUCH cheaper to run so definitely take that into consideration.

 

[SandEagle]

42k?! doesn't sound like much of a friend.

 

[sdifox]

37k mi is pretty low for a 2010. It will be more expensive to run. The negative camber on the rears will chew through tires like there is no tomorrow so might as well get sticky summer tires.

 

[senseamp]

A. 42K is too much for a money pit like an off warranty used Mercedes.
B. Don't buy a used car from a friend if you value the friendship.

 

[JulesMaximus]

A. 42K is too much for a money pit like an off warranty used Mercedes.
B. Don't buy a used car from a friend if you value the friendship.

Or be realistic about it going in and assume you are going to have some issues with a 4 year old high performance German car and not hold it against your friend. As long as he hasn't abused it or neglected it of course.

 

[JJ650]

It's not a Pontiac? :sneaky:

Well to be fair, the G8 isn't a Pontiac either.

As far as putting a power adder the G8, I have mulled over doing this for a while now. Just not sure if plunking down $6-8K+ on the kit and then everything else associated with it will be worth it. If I keep it, then yeah one day it just may get the Maggie.

 

[halik]

A. 42K is too much for a money pit like an off warranty used Mercedes.
B. Don't buy a used car from a friend if you value the friendship.

Can't speak to the 63AMG version, but I put on like 50K on a off warranty money pit CLK43 w/o any issues.

 

[zaydq]

Meh, i'd pass. You won't pay off a car like that before major repair dollars are needed... and with that car, it won't take much.

 

[JJ650]

Meh, i'd pass. You won't pay off a car like that before major repair dollars are needed... and with that car, it won't take much.

Well that's why I am checking things out, to see what "major repair dollars" would be. I would think these are pretty solidly built vehicles. I have nearly 50k on the G8 and most expensive thing so far have been tires.
I haven't seen anything saying that these cars fall apart at xxK mileage. From what I have read so far, biggest things would be brake work and tires. Another thing would be the early model 2010 with the head bolt issues, so I know to avoid those.

It's still tempting for a nice luxury 500+hp beast.

Maybe I should look at a CTS-V.

 

[halik]

Well that's why I am checking things out, to see what "major repair dollars" would be. I would think these are pretty solidly built vehicles. I have nearly 50k on the G8 and most expensive thing so far have been tires.
I haven't seen anything saying that these cars fall apart at xxK mileage. From what I have read so far, biggest things would be brake work and tires. Another thing would be the early model 2010 with the head bolt issues, so I know to avoid those.

It's still tempting for a nice luxury 500+hp beast.

Maybe I should look at a CTS-V.

That's the proper way to do it - see if there are any big ticket weak spots. It's usually civic/camry drivers that can't tell a torqwrench from a dildo that repeat the "used european car is terrible money pit and will explode exactly at 100K miles" nonsense

 

[exdeath]

Maybe I should look at a CTS-V.

I know someone with a V who had to replace a window regulator and a diff bushing after 60,000 miles. Total pile of crap. :awe:

 

[senseamp]

That's the proper way to do it - see if there are any big ticket weak spots. It's usually civic/camry drivers that can't tell a torqwrench from a dildo that repeat the "used european car is terrible money pit and will explode exactly at 100K miles" nonsense

Even if a MB car was equally reliable to a Civic, service and spare parts are going to be a lot more expensive, especially a model like AMG. You buy that kind of car, and everyone assumes money is not an issue and takes full advantage. On top of that, European luxury cars are a lot more complicated than their plebeian counterparts.

 

[Wuzup101]

You already drive a performance vehicle so I'm sure that the cost of tires / brakes / etc... isn't going to shock you (like it would if you were coming from a civic). If it's been maintained well and you continue that trend I doubt you'll have many issues. I don't think the newer ones had any really big issues. It's not like you should expect the engine to kaboom at 60k or anything. Furthermore, if you like to work on cars and do most of the maintenance stuff yourself... you probably won't be in for any huge shocks. It's certainly not going to give a GTR or Ferrari a run for it's money on maintenance costs.

 

[halik]

Even if a MB car was equally reliable to a Civic, service and spare parts are going to be a lot more expensive, especially a model like AMG. You buy that kind of car, and everyone assumes money is not an issue and takes full advantage. On top of that, European luxury cars are a lot more complicated than their plebeian counterparts.

Parts are maybe 20-40% more expensive and MB has a ton of aftermarket and used part support. MB cars are speced out to 200K+ miles, so parts quality is also higher (control arms are alluminun, very few stamped steel parts, everything is galvanized etc etc)

 

[papadage]

Routine parts will be very expensive. Check out the price of tires, rims (the AMG rims are fragile and will go out of round or crack if you hit big potholes), brakes (including rotors adn calipers in case one seizes), cabin filters and other consumables.

As an example, my E46 M3 had a front caliper seize, and the replacement, plus rotors and pads, was over $1,200, at wholesale cost, without labor. My rear tires were $500 each. Proper alignment had to be done at a dealer, for about $250.

Performance marques cost more, even for routine maintenance and modest repairs.

If you can bear that cost, then go for it.

 

[sdifox]

Routine parts will be very expensive. Check out the price of tires, rims (the AMG rims are fragile and will go out of round or crack if you hit big potholes), brakes (including rotors adn calipers in case one seizes), cabin filters and other consumables.

As an example, my E46 M3 had a front caliper seize, and the replacement, plus rotors and pads, was over $1,200, at wholesale cost, without labor. My rear tires were $500 each. Proper alignment had to be done at a dealer, for about $250.

Performance marques cost more, even for routine maintenance and modest repairs.

If you can bear that cost, then go for it.

what the hell are you doing that you are ceazing calipers? Just the rubber are 500 each? what tires are those? Tirerack is giving me 1500 for the 19" staggered Michellin Pilot Sport PS2 and that is all four corners.

I just replaced my rear brake pads and rotors for 400... 06 E350 4Matic and this is in Canada where everything cost more than in the US. Done by a Benz tech that works on the side.

My buddy had a C55 and it didn't give him any troubles.

 

[KentState]

The E63 has Brembos? If so, pads are around 150 each and rotors are probably around 150 each. Tires are probably around $1600 installed in the US if you go with the PS2s. TBH, the brakes have gone at least 35k on my V which are very similar and tires probably would go at least 20k. It is more expensive to buy performance parts, but it's just part of owning that type of car.

 

[papadage]

I gave the example of a brake caliper as a for instance of a modest unexpected repair. It happens. Cars are not 100% dependable, and that should be taken into account when looking at cars you would not ordinarily afford when new, or which cas squeeze you financially if they have issues.

The other issue is that you are comparing a regular class Mercedes to an AMG. Wear parts for the AMG, like the for the M BMWs are more expensive, and some of them are available only from the dealer. Not everyone has a friendly tech who works on the side who has access to the diagnostics, or even a tire changer that can handle AMG rims. Many alignment shops will not touch high performance versions either, since maybe need diagnostics plugged in, and certain seats loaded in a very specific way to align to actual spec.

Even fluids can be more expensive. Check what oil it takes, as well as other fluids. My M required oil that went for $9 per quart, when buying by the case.

Again, I am not saying not to buy, but unless you have a hook up, they will be more expensive to maintain, and much more expensive to repair, especially if you have any electrical issues that would definitely require dealer time.

 

[jlee]

Routine parts will be very expensive. Check out the price of tires, rims (the AMG rims are fragile and will go out of round or crack if you hit big potholes), brakes (including rotors adn calipers in case one seizes), cabin filters and other consumables.

As an example, my E46 M3 had a front caliper seize, and the replacement, plus rotors and pads, was over $1,200, at wholesale cost, without labor. My rear tires were $500 each. Proper alignment had to be done at a dealer, for about $250.

Performance marques cost more, even for routine maintenance and modest repairs.

If you can bear that cost, then go for it.

The most expensive tires TireRack shows for an E46 are Continental ContiSportContact 5 SSR's at $1452/all four..where are you shopping? You can also get Bridgestone RE-11's for $966, which is probably how I'd go since there's no Star Spec / R888 / RS3 option for that size combo.

 

[KentState]

I gave the example of a brake caliper as a for instance of a modest unexpected repair. It happens. Cars are not 100% dependable, and that should be taken into account when looking at cars you would not ordinarily afford when new, or which cas squeeze you financially if they have issues.

The other issue is that you are comparing a regular class Mercedes to an AMG. Wear parts for the AMG, like the for the M BMWs are more expensive, and some of them are available only from the dealer. Not everyone has a friendly tech who works on the side who has access to the diagnostics, or even a tire changer that can handle AMG rims. Many alignment shops will not touch high performance versions either, since maybe need diagnostics plugged in, and certain seats loaded in a very specific way to align to actual spec.

I'm getting the prices for the e63 AMG, not the regular car.

 

[sdifox]

I gave the example of a brake caliper as a for instance of a modest unexpected repair. It happens. Cars are not 100% dependable, and that should be taken into account when looking at cars you would not ordinarily afford when new, or which cas squeeze you financially if they have issues.

The other issue is that you are comparing a regular class Mercedes to an AMG. Wear parts for the AMG, like the for the M BMWs are more expensive, and some of them are available only from the dealer. Not everyone has a friendly tech who works on the side who has access to the diagnostics, or even a tire changer that can handle AMG rims. Many alignment shops will not touch high performance versions either, since maybe need diagnostics plugged in, and certain seats loaded in a very specific way to align to actual spec.

Even fluids can be more expensive. Check what oil it takes, as well as other fluids. My M required oil that went for $9 per quart, when buying by the case.

Again, I am not saying not to buy, but unless you have a hook up, they will be more expensive to maintain, and much more expensive to repair, especially if you have any electrical issues that would definitely require dealer time.

I just had my engine pulled to replace a stupid balancing shaft. Cost me 4 bills. Would have cost 7K if I went to stealership.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobil-105856-C...eywords=229.51

That is the 229.51 speced oil for the AMGs. Not exactly costly.

I use Liqui Moli which fits the 229.5 spec called for in my car.

http://www.amazon.com/Liqui-Moly-204...rds=liqui+moly


I have found that the parts are not really all that more expensive, it is the labour that does cost more.