AMG E63S w213 estate pre vs post 2020
Discussion
Hello. I am looking at a 2019 E63S estate vs a 2020 equivalent. Please can anyone who has experience of both of these cars share their opinion as to how much of a difference the upgrades from 2020 onwards make? among other things I understand that the ride quality was slightly improved and there was a significant upgrade to the infotainment system, drive controls on the steering wheel etc. Many thanks
You helped me with S8 questions, my turn to return the favour! 
I have more experience with the pre 2020 63s but do know the post 2020 facelift with the other engine variants.
You have pretty much summed up the changes in your post. I wouldent be put off by the earlier car though, it wasn't a heavy facelift, more like an end of run spruce up.
Even the infotainment system is very similar, just slightly revised to keep things fresh. It wasnt the lastest MBUX that was released in the 2018/19 A class, it was the same system put into the "new" 2018/19 G class, AMG GT etc.
There was about 3 steering wheels doing the rounds around that time. The early cars had plastic thumb inserts, the middle cars had metal inserts and the very late cars had haptic buttons. IMO, the best is the middle one, the latest is rubbish. I seem to remember seeing a few metal insert wheels on prefacelift cars though so I dont think the wheel changed at the exact same time as the other updates. Again, I wouldent be put off by the early one though, the quality and reliability was very good.
I do remember the exhaust sound of facelift E53 was shockingly poor. It actually sounded worse than the E400d. Just make sure the 63 wasn't impacted by the same regulations, the older ones sound amazing!!
Any other questions let me know! I worked at Merc for 7 years so hopefully something went in...
I have more experience with the pre 2020 63s but do know the post 2020 facelift with the other engine variants.
You have pretty much summed up the changes in your post. I wouldent be put off by the earlier car though, it wasn't a heavy facelift, more like an end of run spruce up.
Even the infotainment system is very similar, just slightly revised to keep things fresh. It wasnt the lastest MBUX that was released in the 2018/19 A class, it was the same system put into the "new" 2018/19 G class, AMG GT etc.
There was about 3 steering wheels doing the rounds around that time. The early cars had plastic thumb inserts, the middle cars had metal inserts and the very late cars had haptic buttons. IMO, the best is the middle one, the latest is rubbish. I seem to remember seeing a few metal insert wheels on prefacelift cars though so I dont think the wheel changed at the exact same time as the other updates. Again, I wouldent be put off by the early one though, the quality and reliability was very good.
I do remember the exhaust sound of facelift E53 was shockingly poor. It actually sounded worse than the E400d. Just make sure the 63 wasn't impacted by the same regulations, the older ones sound amazing!!
Any other questions let me know! I worked at Merc for 7 years so hopefully something went in...
Thanks Beardyboy. Good to know. On further investigation I realised that the 2020 I was looking at wasn’t the facelift, which came in 2021, but had the later steering wheel with the drive modes on the little pods which confused me into thinking it was. I have since been to see, and managed to snap up, a pre-facelift, 1 owner from new estate from a Merc dealer as an approved used car with two years warranty. Will be ready in a week or so, but based on my short drive it is going to be a fabulous thing, albeit the ride is a bit brittle. Will probably look to the 19 inch wheels from the non-S version which should make a small difference. I will let you know how I get on. Just so happy that my other half was prepared to entertain this over the X5s we had been looking at.
Well... do we have a delivery date yet?
They are truly staggeringly good cars! Waaayyy better than any X5 I've driven! Be fully prepared to struggle to replace it as/when it comes time (Just keep it).
Approved used is a great shout, the AMG warranty is actually pretty decent. Totally understand why 19" would be prefered though, they are slightly hard-core on the 20s.
What's the spec of the one you have snagged? Any photos?
Im jealous... I need an AMG in my life!
They are truly staggeringly good cars! Waaayyy better than any X5 I've driven! Be fully prepared to struggle to replace it as/when it comes time (Just keep it).
Approved used is a great shout, the AMG warranty is actually pretty decent. Totally understand why 19" would be prefered though, they are slightly hard-core on the 20s.
What's the spec of the one you have snagged? Any photos?
Im jealous... I need an AMG in my life!
adam917k said:
Picking up tomorrow. Will share some first impressions soon
Fantastic, nothing like new car day!! Especially AMG new car days! 
Please let me know of you have any questions I always enjoy reliving my dealer days!
E63eeeeee... said:
I'm in for this. My general plan was to keep my S212 for six years and then look at trading up to the 213, and in February it will be six years, so really interested to hear how you get on with it. What were you driving before?
Im actually looking at a 5.5l w212 for myself at the moment... this thread hasnt helped my resolve to not buy any more cars 
Has your experience been positive? What year is yours?
BEARDYB0Y said:
Im actually looking at a 5.5l w212 for myself at the moment... this thread hasnt helped my resolve to not buy any more cars
Has your experience been positive? What year is yours?
Yep, very positive so far. It's a fantastic thing and it's been very little bother. Mine's a 2014, so it is the 5.5, which is a phenomenal engine, scares your passengers and sounds like the wrath of god, but it looks completely innocuous, comfy and docile for a long journey. Plus when you can get five people and luggage in, or a full size fridge freezer, it really shouldn't go round corners like it does. Has your experience been positive? What year is yours?
Apart from the usual consumable stuff the only thing I've had to sort was rusty brake lines and an unravelling air intake hose. Mercedes annual servicing is surprisingly reasonable too, and includes recovery service. Although I'm just about to drop a few quid on a diff, transmission and spark plug service, that's voluntary as it's technically a bit early. Mercedes check the rear subframe every six months so that'll get sorted when it's needed. Diamond cut alloys are starting to look a bit crusty so they'll need doing at some point.
I'd definitely recommend it.
E63eeeeee... said:
Yep, very positive so far. It's a fantastic thing and it's been very little bother. Mine's a 2014, so it is the 5.5, which is a phenomenal engine, scares your passengers and sounds like the wrath of god, but it looks completely innocuous, comfy and docile for a long journey. Plus when you can get five people and luggage in, or a full size fridge freezer, it really shouldn't go round corners like it does.
Apart from the usual consumable stuff the only thing I've had to sort was rusty brake lines and an unravelling air intake hose. Mercedes annual servicing is surprisingly reasonable too, and includes recovery service. Although I'm just about to drop a few quid on a diff, transmission and spark plug service, that's voluntary as it's technically a bit early. Mercedes check the rear subframe every six months so that'll get sorted when it's needed. Diamond cut alloys are starting to look a bit crusty so they'll need doing at some point.
I'd definitely recommend it.
Thats great to hear! Nice and reassuring. Apart from the usual consumable stuff the only thing I've had to sort was rusty brake lines and an unravelling air intake hose. Mercedes annual servicing is surprisingly reasonable too, and includes recovery service. Although I'm just about to drop a few quid on a diff, transmission and spark plug service, that's voluntary as it's technically a bit early. Mercedes check the rear subframe every six months so that'll get sorted when it's needed. Diamond cut alloys are starting to look a bit crusty so they'll need doing at some point.
I'd definitely recommend it.
Like yours, it would be the M157 5.5 I'm after. The 6.3 is good, but for something the size of the E, I find the lower down torque of the 5.5 to be better suited.
I also found main dealer prices to be fairly reasonable and I still know people from my merc dealer days. I've seen brake lines and subframes needing done from back then. No major major issues always a good sign!
I fancy a bit of a project, something mechanically sound but needing some time and love spent on it. We shall see what I end up with!
I picked up the E63S 4-matic estate a week ago. 2019 car in obsidian black with night package and lots of options (pano roof, hud, drivers package, carbon interior, etc). Black absolutely not my colour, but it was a one owner car, bought new by the first owner from that dealer, for a sensible price, with 2-year warranty, and relatively rare model so…..
First impressions very limited as I haven’t done anything other than drive back down the M4 with it, then my other half took it away immediately on a weekend trip. With such a high performance car I always want to know how well it can do the mundane stuff, and it does seem to do the pottering about bit very competently with light accurate steering, imperceptible gear changes and well judged pedal weights and responses, presumably much like a standard e-class. My other half said she found it “very easy to drive”, which l was relieved to hear as I managed to persuade her that we should replace our ageing Q7 with this rather than an X5 or X7. Dog also approves as the boot is big enough, if not quite Q7 size. Lots and lots of features and equipment to get our heads around, but cabin is very comfortable and quality high. Learning Command and driver assistance features will take some time.
One thing that most reviews noted and commented on at the time is ride quality and tyre noise. They are indeed the only negative l have noted so far, something acknowledged by the upates made to the 2021 model year facelift cars to make the Comfort setting comfortable. Even in Comfort it is the low speed ride around town that is borderline. Once speeds increase things smooth out, but I am hoping going to 19 inch wheels with slightly taller profiles (35 and 40, rather than 30 and 35) and winter tyres will make a noticeable difference. Tyre noise on course surfaces also quite pronounced, though it doesn’t seem to increase markedly with speed. Neither a showstopper as they were things I decided I could live with on the test drive, but it just prevents it being the complete do everything car the facelift car is. If it were possible to update the car, I would, but I believe the suspension changes were extensive (both hardware and software), so will need further exploring.
I have not driven the car in anger yet, but from the couple of times I’ve engaged kick-down it is brutally fast to state the obvious. The first time on a motorway slip road I was in Comfort and the amount of squat at the rear was incredible. The car was clearly transferring as much of its power to the rear as it could. Looking forward to extending it properly, although places to do so are limited. If ever there was a license losing car, this is it. More impressions to follow in a few weeks.
First impressions very limited as I haven’t done anything other than drive back down the M4 with it, then my other half took it away immediately on a weekend trip. With such a high performance car I always want to know how well it can do the mundane stuff, and it does seem to do the pottering about bit very competently with light accurate steering, imperceptible gear changes and well judged pedal weights and responses, presumably much like a standard e-class. My other half said she found it “very easy to drive”, which l was relieved to hear as I managed to persuade her that we should replace our ageing Q7 with this rather than an X5 or X7. Dog also approves as the boot is big enough, if not quite Q7 size. Lots and lots of features and equipment to get our heads around, but cabin is very comfortable and quality high. Learning Command and driver assistance features will take some time.
One thing that most reviews noted and commented on at the time is ride quality and tyre noise. They are indeed the only negative l have noted so far, something acknowledged by the upates made to the 2021 model year facelift cars to make the Comfort setting comfortable. Even in Comfort it is the low speed ride around town that is borderline. Once speeds increase things smooth out, but I am hoping going to 19 inch wheels with slightly taller profiles (35 and 40, rather than 30 and 35) and winter tyres will make a noticeable difference. Tyre noise on course surfaces also quite pronounced, though it doesn’t seem to increase markedly with speed. Neither a showstopper as they were things I decided I could live with on the test drive, but it just prevents it being the complete do everything car the facelift car is. If it were possible to update the car, I would, but I believe the suspension changes were extensive (both hardware and software), so will need further exploring.
I have not driven the car in anger yet, but from the couple of times I’ve engaged kick-down it is brutally fast to state the obvious. The first time on a motorway slip road I was in Comfort and the amount of squat at the rear was incredible. The car was clearly transferring as much of its power to the rear as it could. Looking forward to extending it properly, although places to do so are limited. If ever there was a license losing car, this is it. More impressions to follow in a few weeks.
Bonkers cars.. one of the cars I miss the most! My old one is currently on AT and considering buying it back.
I used mine daily and drove like I stole it! Took it skiing, lugged the dogs around and pushed along supercars!
The issue was FUEL people say why worry about this with such a car - but short commutes were a pain, I reckon it cost a fiver to turn it on! Averaged 12-15mpg id say
Mention of X5 in here! Unfortunately mine was replaced for an X5, whilst the Merc was great it started becoming very expensive when being driven like a hot hatch and my Mrs was afraid to drive the thing! So we swapped it out for a X5 50e, for her to drive - and I have a new GT3 on order! Here s the X5
Which one is the best family car? Here in rural Somerset the X5 is better, it s more compliant, still 500hp and is a nice place to be.
The E63s is special, I mean I think it s my favourite car I ve ever owned. But it is a bit much day to day, being a boy racer it s ridiculous - piling into every corner at daft speeds! I only ever drove it in manual mode and the sound made me chase the gears - I kept telling myself it was going to end in tears as I just kept chasing the numbers ????! Plus being in a rural area (fast b-roads) the weight and brakes did let it down cruising up and down the autobahn there is NO better car.
So I decided to go sensible on the daily (X5) and get a proper boy racers car (GT3) for racing around.
If you are able to resist the urge of being a lunatic in the thing it will serve you well! There is a 4k mile saloon on AT, I want it bad…
I used mine daily and drove like I stole it! Took it skiing, lugged the dogs around and pushed along supercars!
The issue was FUEL people say why worry about this with such a car - but short commutes were a pain, I reckon it cost a fiver to turn it on! Averaged 12-15mpg id say
Mention of X5 in here! Unfortunately mine was replaced for an X5, whilst the Merc was great it started becoming very expensive when being driven like a hot hatch and my Mrs was afraid to drive the thing! So we swapped it out for a X5 50e, for her to drive - and I have a new GT3 on order! Here s the X5
Which one is the best family car? Here in rural Somerset the X5 is better, it s more compliant, still 500hp and is a nice place to be.
The E63s is special, I mean I think it s my favourite car I ve ever owned. But it is a bit much day to day, being a boy racer it s ridiculous - piling into every corner at daft speeds! I only ever drove it in manual mode and the sound made me chase the gears - I kept telling myself it was going to end in tears as I just kept chasing the numbers ????! Plus being in a rural area (fast b-roads) the weight and brakes did let it down cruising up and down the autobahn there is NO better car.
So I decided to go sensible on the daily (X5) and get a proper boy racers car (GT3) for racing around.
If you are able to resist the urge of being a lunatic in the thing it will serve you well! There is a 4k mile saloon on AT, I want it bad…
Edited by russy01 on Sunday 19th October 20:50
X5 50e and GT3 probably sums up most people’s fantasy two car garages. Good to see your E63 doing family duties, covered in mud. I was only allowed to get one as long as I wasn’t precious about it, so it will be parked on the street in London, and used like any normal family wagon. I am also looking to replace a fantastic old manual e91 330i touring with a small car that my soon to be 17 year-old daughter can drive (probably a Panda 4x4, as I can get vaguely excited about that and should be insurable-ish for her), so with short journeys covered by that, the main duties for the E63 will be trips to Turin (in-laws) and the Alps, and down to my parents who are also in Somerset. I will need to condition the dog for French toll-booth get-always. You mentioned the fuel economy. In a perverse way I am looking forward to seeing how many mpg I can eek out on a long autoroute run with cylinder deactivation etc. Any other tips for a happy life with a w213 E63, much apppreciated.
E63eeeeee... said:
I'm in for this. My general plan was to keep my S212 for six years and then look at trading up to the 213, and in February it will be six years, so really interested to hear how you get on with it. What were you driving before?
Sorry I missed this. Our family car has been an Audi Q7 3.0 tdi, late 2015 (first of the 4Ms). A fantastic family car for 7 years until an adblue issue reared its ugly head at 100k miles. Started with wiring loom, then pump and tank (all comes as one unit). £4k and all just outside an Audi warranty I had diligently maintained along with main dealer servicing throughout my ownership. Led to one of those vows - I’ll never buy another….” moments, and ultimately a chance to get into something with the potential to be even more ruinous!adam917k said:
X5 50e and GT3 probably sums up most people s fantasy two car garages. Good to see your E63 doing family duties, covered in mud. I was only allowed to get one as long as I wasn t precious about it, so it will be parked on the street in London, and used like any normal family wagon. I am also looking to replace a fantastic old manual e91 330i touring with a small car that my soon to be 17 year-old daughter can drive (probably a Panda 4x4, as I can get vaguely excited about that and should be insurable-ish for her), so with short journeys covered by that, the main duties for the E63 will be trips to Turin (in-laws) and the Alps, and down to my parents who are also in Somerset. I will need to condition the dog for French toll-booth get-always. You mentioned the fuel economy. In a perverse way I am looking forward to seeing how many mpg I can eek out on a long autoroute run with cylinder deactivation etc. Any other tips for a happy life with a w213 E63, much apppreciated.
Things I wouldn't worry about on the E63:- Tyre noise (our roads are for the most part, are terrible and no tyres are going to be perfect)
- Ride (if you think the e63 is bad, try the c63 - bags vs.conventional springs is no contest)
- Fuel consumption (Just don t)
- Inner edge tyre wear, it will happen prematurely and adjusting the camber to eliminate it is pointless as you ll compromise the handling
Things that should be on your radar:
- Diff and gearbox services, don t miss them and if theyre overdue now, get them done ASAFP
- Rear Main Seal leak and clogged oil separators (a massive issue on some cars, theory behind the failure is blockagee caused by the car not being driven as intended)
- Not ever wanting to change it, especially when you can comfortably keep a GT3 in your rearview mirror whilst flatout….
There are probably more but that s off the top of my head ..
So I took the E63s down to Val Disere and honestly it was amazing - 2 kids and fully loaded.
Sat at about 90mph on all motorways and demolished every car at every peage, the only car that put up a fight was a cayenne turbo s thing. I stopped in Chambery and at that point it was 24mpg over 729miles.
I ve taken the E63s and both the X5 50e skiing and the Merc is better. However, I had the comfort massage seats and wouldn t entertain one with the performance seats.
During some incredibly boring UK motorway stints, pinned at 70mph the display could read 30mpg. However, 15 miles of back road squirting off the m way would bring this back to something closer to 20!!
Keeping a GT3 in the rear mirror, of course. Did this with my mates 981 GT4 and 991.2 GTS multiple times. It s satisfying don t get me wrong, but you know which one you d rather be driving on a decent road - plus throw in a series of proper turns and the weight starts to show its face!
It terms of issues, I personally wouldn t run one without a Merc warranty. I had an issue with the air suspension which was covered, but wouldn t have wanted to foot the bill.
Tyres are hideous, ran PS4s. Traction was insane, wet launches still hitting 60 in 3.5secs.
Discs, again very expensive. Don t let dealers touch, I sourced and had my local Merc indie sort for best part of half price.
Couple more pics
Convoyed down with FILs LC and bro in laws C63s. 1622hp and 400L of shells finest to chambery!
Get it dirty!!!
Made this thing feel as dull as dishwater. The BMW was just as quick, but the sound and engagement of the Merc is on another level.
Tip - continual short trips (5mile commute and various kids clubs) drain the battery! Keep an eye on this and manage, I had a few dodgy moments where it wasn’t keen on firing up!
Sat at about 90mph on all motorways and demolished every car at every peage, the only car that put up a fight was a cayenne turbo s thing. I stopped in Chambery and at that point it was 24mpg over 729miles.
I ve taken the E63s and both the X5 50e skiing and the Merc is better. However, I had the comfort massage seats and wouldn t entertain one with the performance seats.
During some incredibly boring UK motorway stints, pinned at 70mph the display could read 30mpg. However, 15 miles of back road squirting off the m way would bring this back to something closer to 20!!
Keeping a GT3 in the rear mirror, of course. Did this with my mates 981 GT4 and 991.2 GTS multiple times. It s satisfying don t get me wrong, but you know which one you d rather be driving on a decent road - plus throw in a series of proper turns and the weight starts to show its face!
It terms of issues, I personally wouldn t run one without a Merc warranty. I had an issue with the air suspension which was covered, but wouldn t have wanted to foot the bill.
Tyres are hideous, ran PS4s. Traction was insane, wet launches still hitting 60 in 3.5secs.
Discs, again very expensive. Don t let dealers touch, I sourced and had my local Merc indie sort for best part of half price.
Couple more pics
Convoyed down with FILs LC and bro in laws C63s. 1622hp and 400L of shells finest to chambery!
Get it dirty!!!
Made this thing feel as dull as dishwater. The BMW was just as quick, but the sound and engagement of the Merc is on another level.
Tip - continual short trips (5mile commute and various kids clubs) drain the battery! Keep an eye on this and manage, I had a few dodgy moments where it wasn’t keen on firing up!
Edited by russy01 on Tuesday 21st October 23:40
Thanks for sharing your experience with it. So looking forward to its first European trip doing what it was designed for. Your pictures provide good inspiration, and remind me what a hidden gem that Lexus is. Such a striking car. One thing I wanted to ask is whether you ever used the Mercedes smart phone app to control the car from outside, or any other features you found useful with the Merc app. One of the places it will be parked regularly is a tight underground car parking slot next to a neighbour’s large SUV, where getting the car in and out using a smart phone might be quite helpful. I imagine it must be extremely nerve-wracking the first few times, but any experience of that would be helpful to know.
Yea the Lexus is great to be fair - it replaced an RCF. It sounded amazing (much better than the mercs in the tunnels) and drove well for a GT.
However it’s a huge car (for a 2 seater), but with very limited space in the cabin. He drives into the alps approx 4 times PA, it lasted maybe a year as it’s too unpractical inside…
Cool car though
As for the Merc connected services I can’t say I really used it. I think I used the preheat stuff.
The E63S is mega for long trips. As I said before the car is brutally fast, so I never liked keeping the car in auto on the motorway. Sometimes you’d squeeze the throttle to pass a car, but as the box was quick to grab a gear, a gentle squeeze would result in a nascar style overtake down the outside at 120mph in a blink… so my tip would be to lock the car in manual mode and leave it in 9th (very long). Then just use the engines enormous torque and flexibility (and full travel on the pedal) to mooch past…
Going off to Autotrader again.
However it’s a huge car (for a 2 seater), but with very limited space in the cabin. He drives into the alps approx 4 times PA, it lasted maybe a year as it’s too unpractical inside…
Cool car though
As for the Merc connected services I can’t say I really used it. I think I used the preheat stuff.
The E63S is mega for long trips. As I said before the car is brutally fast, so I never liked keeping the car in auto on the motorway. Sometimes you’d squeeze the throttle to pass a car, but as the box was quick to grab a gear, a gentle squeeze would result in a nascar style overtake down the outside at 120mph in a blink… so my tip would be to lock the car in manual mode and leave it in 9th (very long). Then just use the engines enormous torque and flexibility (and full travel on the pedal) to mooch past…
Going off to Autotrader again.
Yea the Lexus is great to be fair - it replaced an RCF. It sounded amazing (much better than the mercs in the tunnels) and drove well for a GT.
However it’s a huge car (for a 2 seater), but with very limited space in the cabin. He drives into the alps approx 4 times PA, it lasted maybe a year as it’s too unpractical inside…
Cool car though
As for the Merc connected services I can’t say I really used it. I think I used the preheat stuff.
The E63S is mega for long trips. As I said before the car is brutally fast, so I never liked keeping the car in auto on the motorway. Sometimes you’d squeeze the throttle to pass a car, but as the box was quick to grab a gear, a gentle squeeze would result in a nascar style overtake down the outside at 120mph in a blink… so my tip would be to lock the car in manual mode and leave it in 9th (very long). Then just use the engines enormous torque and flexibility (and full travel on the pedal) to mooch past…
Going off to Autotrader again.
However it’s a huge car (for a 2 seater), but with very limited space in the cabin. He drives into the alps approx 4 times PA, it lasted maybe a year as it’s too unpractical inside…
Cool car though
As for the Merc connected services I can’t say I really used it. I think I used the preheat stuff.
The E63S is mega for long trips. As I said before the car is brutally fast, so I never liked keeping the car in auto on the motorway. Sometimes you’d squeeze the throttle to pass a car, but as the box was quick to grab a gear, a gentle squeeze would result in a nascar style overtake down the outside at 120mph in a blink… so my tip would be to lock the car in manual mode and leave it in 9th (very long). Then just use the engines enormous torque and flexibility (and full travel on the pedal) to mooch past…
Going off to Autotrader again.
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