Mercedes-Benz

E63 AMG W211 inspection checklist

2006-2009 · 4 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

This car

highCylinder head bolt failure

Look for: Early M156 engines can suffer cylinder head bolt failure. The torque-to-yield bolts can stretch and snap, and one failure overloads its neighbours. Coolant and oil then cross over, giving repeated low-coolant warnings, a high oil level, white exhaust smoke, a rough idle and a check-engine light; in a severe case the engine hydro-locks and is destroyed. Mercedes' April 2011 bulletin LI01.30-P-051567 covers engine numbers up to 1569xx 60 060658 (built 2006 to the first half of 2010). Not every engine fails: owners report high-km cars with no trouble, but the fault is documented by Mercedes.

If you find it: Ask for the engine number and proof the heads were done under the bulletin (heads off, deck height measured, new head bolts and hydraulic tappets). Pressure-test the cooling system and leave it overnight, then check the oil for coolant. Walk away from any car with unexplained coolant loss or white smoke.

Any

highCamshaft lobe and valve lifter wear

Look for: M156 camshaft lobes and hydraulic lifters can wear early, shown as a rattle or clatter on start-up. Mercedes acknowledged it in service bulletin S-B 05.20/20b (2009). A US class action over it was dismissed on standing, not on the merits.

If you find it: Listen on a cold start for tapping or clatter. Repair is new camshafts and lifters, normally done together with head bolt work. Regular oil changes with the correct oil spec help.

Any

mediumAirmatic suspension leaks and strut wear

Look for: Owner-reported: the air struts and springs eventually fail, giving a sagging corner or a warning message, and owners describe it as a matter of when. Fixes discussed are replacement air struts or a coil-over conversion.

If you find it: Park the car and check it hasn't dropped overnight; cycle the height and look for warnings on the test drive. Budget for struts as a known wear item.

Owner-reported: typically beyond 100,000km

mediumWater in the fuse box from a blocked drain

Look for: If the air-intake drain valve blocks, water can reach the fuse box and cause electrical faults.

If you find it: Clear or replace the drain valve and dry the fuse box; check the carpet and fuse box area for dampness when inspecting.

Any

4 minor things (low severity)

lowAMG brakes and tyres are costly

Look for: Owner-reported: the large perforated AMG discs, pads and sensors are expensive, and the wide performance tyres wear quickly on a car with 630Nm.

If you find it: Check disc lip and pad depth; price a full brake service before you buy.

lowPanoramic roof noise and cost (Estate and optioned cars)

Look for: Owner-reported: roofs can become noisy and are expensive to repair.

If you find it: Test the roof open, closed and tilted, and listen for creaks.

lowCrankshaft position sensor moisture

Look for: Moisture can affect the crank sensor, giving rough idle, hard starting or hesitation. Listed among reported W211 AMG faults on a recall-and-fault index for Australian cars.

If you find it: Replace the sensor and its harness.

Any

lowOil seepage from valve covers and oil cooler lines

Look for: Owner-reported: valve cover, cam adjuster housing cover and oil cooler return line O-rings seep. Owners call it minor.

If you find it: Reseal or replace gaskets and O-rings; look for oil around the valley and under the engine.

Owner-reported: older cars

From FlamingCars' Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.