REDLINE ALLEYMercedes AMG E 63 W212 buying guide
2009 to 2016. A W212 E 63 suits a buyer who wants a huge performance sedan or wagon and will pay for a specialist engine inspection first.
Big jobs
- M156 head bolts (early 6.2 cars). On the 6.2 V8 the recessed head bolts could rust and snap, letting water and oil mix. Mercedes later specified new bolts, head gaskets and lifters.
- M156 camshafts, lifters and adjusters. Intake cam lobes can wear, lifters can stop spinning and damage the lobes, and cam adjusters can fail. It starts as a ticking on a cold start.
- M156 injectors. Injectors can stick open, which can wash out a bore or hydraulically lock a cylinder and bend a rod. PistonHeads suggests replacing them every 60,000 to 70,000 miles.
- M157 timing chain tensioners (5.5 twin turbo). The chain tensioners can run dry and rattle on a cold start. The fix is a non return valve in the head and new tensioners, and a Mercedes service bulletin covers it.
- M157 cylinder scoring. Past about 75,000 miles cylinder scoring and ring wear start to show up, according to owner reports.
Workshop jobs
- Airmatic rear suspension and power steering. Airmatic leaks can make the rear sag, sometimes from a hose that has come off. Power steering fluid can leak at the pump join.
- MCT gearbox, brakes and valance. The MCT can hesitate on upshifts in manual mode when driven hard. Front discs, pads and sensor cost about 1,400 pounds a pair from AMG, and the low front valance scrapes on speed bumps.
Questions for the seller
- Is it the 6.2 M156 or the 5.5 twin turbo M157?
- On a 6.2, have the head bolts, cams and lifters been done?
- On a 5.5, has the timing chain tensioner and check valve work been done?
- When were the injectors last replaced?
- Does it have the Performance Package and limited slip diff?
Sources
Researched 2026-11-05. General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection.