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Buying guide

Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG W212 and C207 (2009 to 2016): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG W212 and C207 was built from 2009 to 2016 as a sedan, wagon, coupe or convertible, with an automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol power. Chassis codes: W212, S212, C207 and A207. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2009 to 2016
Chassis codes
W212, S212, C207, A207
Body types
Sedan, Wagon, Coupe, Convertible
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Mercedes Benz E-Class W212 (2009 to 2016). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Timing chain adjusters and tensioners

    Worn timing chain adjusters and tensioners are reported on pre 2013 petrol and diesel engines, and diesel chains will not last the life of the car.

    Where to look
    The front of the engine on a cold start
    How to test
    Listen for rattles from the front of the engine at start up and ask whether the chain parts have been replaced.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost timing chain job

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Water pump and diesel coolant leaks

    Water pumps are a common failure point, and diesels leak coolant round the EGR cooler and water pump.

    Where to look
    The water pump, the EGR cooler and the coolant level
    How to test
    Listen for noise from the pump area, watch the temperature gauge and sniff for coolant after the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost water pump or EGR cooler

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. 7G-Tronic and column shifter

    The 7G-Tronic is expensive to fix, and a software fault can stop the column shifter talking to the gearbox.

    Where to look
    The column mounted gear selector and the gearbox service records
    How to test
    Select every gear from the column shifter, including reverse and park, and feel for smooth changes on the drive.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost gearbox or software repair

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Diesel turbo seals and DPF

    Failing turbo seals let oil into the turbo, shown by a puff of white smoke at start up, and the DPF fails on cars used for short trips. The early V6 diesel oil cooler can leak.

    Where to look
    The exhaust at start up, the dipstick, and the oil cooler on the V6 diesel
    How to test
    Watch the exhaust at start up, check the oil level and ask how the car has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost turbo, DPF or oil cooler seals

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab), parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Recalls

    Recalls since 2011 have covered the fuel pump and a driver airbag sensor.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a Mercedes dealer to confirm no recall work is outstanding.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a Mercedes dealer

    Sources: carsales.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Rear subframe and axle rust

    Rust on the rear subframe and axle is worth checking, and heavy corrosion can point to accident repair or neglect.

    Where to look
    The rear subframe and rear axle
    How to test
    Look underneath at the rear subframe and axle with a torch.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost subframe repair

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Engine mounts, hoses and intake manifold

    Engine mounts commonly fail, and air hoses and intake manifolds crack with age and can trigger limp home mode.

    Where to look
    The engine mounts, air intake hoses and intake manifold
    How to test
    Feel for vibration at idle in Drive and look for cracked intake hoses.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost mounts, hoses or a manifold

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  8. Power steering and fuel leaks

    Power steering leaks are reported, and a fuel smell outside the car needs a professional diagnosis before buying.

    Where to look
    The power steering hoses and rack, and the fuel lines
    How to test
    Turn lock to lock and feel for smooth assistance, look for weeping fluid and sniff round the car for fuel.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost steering or fuel line repairs

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Which engine is it, petrol or diesel?
  • Has the timing chain or tensioner been replaced?
  • Have the fuel pump and airbag recalls been done?
  • Does it have air suspension, and has it been repaired?
  • Is there a full Mercedes service history?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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