Mercedes-Benz AMG E 63 S
The M177 is AMG's most widely used V8 biturbo today and is considered technically mature and long-lived. The hot-V turbocharger arrangement delivers spontaneous response with barely perceptible lag. Weaknesses are manageable: wastegate rattle in cold weather, ignition coil recall for early 2015 model years, valve cover gaskets with age. Regular oil changes with attention to oil quality deliver a very robust engine. In direct comparison with the M156 less emotional, but significantly more reliable and efficient.
612 hp saloon — the boundary between reason and madness
3.4 seconds to 100 in an E-Class. The 4MATIC+ system distributes 612 hp so intelligently that full power is available even in the rain. Drift mode selectable — then pure rear-wheel drive with over 600 hp. In daily use completely inconspicuous, on the motorway stable and comfortable beyond 280 km/h. Consumption 10–15 L at relaxed pace. The chassis is almost too hard — but that's the price for the versatility.
Engine Weaknesses 8
The MCT Speedshift gearbox (wet launch clutch instead of torque converter) wears the clutch significantly faster in frequent stop-and-go. Clutch replacement requires gearbox removal.
Symptoms: Judder on pull-away, clutch slip at full load, gearbox warning message, delayed engagement from standstill
Identical issue to the M176/M278: the solenoid leaks, oil migrates by capillary action through the wiring harness. On AMG vehicles this is even more frequent due to higher oil temperatures.
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle, camshaft adjuster fault code, oil traces on connector, potential ECU consequential damage
The camshaft cover gaskets on the M177 AMG V8 become brittle from the high heat exposure in the hot-V. Oil escapes onto turbochargers and exhaust system.
Symptoms: Oil smell on hot engine, oil film on turbochargers, smoke from engine bay
The M177 has several electric auxiliary coolant pumps for charge air cooling. These fail and lead to elevated charge air temperatures with power reduction.
Symptoms: Power reduction during spirited driving, cooling system fault codes, elevated charge air temperature
The camshaft adjuster solenoids on the M177 can leak internally or stick. Fault codes for camshaft position and rough running are the result.
Symptoms: Check engine light, rough idle, camshaft position fault codes, power loss in the lower rev range
Vehicles with M177/M178 engines built between Jan. and Nov. 2015 had faulty ignition coils that caused misfires. Mercedes replaced affected parts under a recall.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, check engine light, occasional limp mode
The wastegate flaps of the BiTurbo system clatter briefly after cold start. Normally disappears after a few seconds. With prolonged operation replace the wastegate actuator.
Symptoms: Metallic clattering directly after cold start, disappears after warm-up, permanent with wear
As a direct-injection engine without port injection, carbon residues build up on the intake valves. Walnut blasting every 50,000–80,000 km recommended. Performance loss is gradual.
Symptoms: Gradually roughening idle, slight power loss, elevated fuel consumption
Vehicle Weaknesses 14
An incorrectly routed gearbox wiring harness allows water ingress with an increased fire risk. Mercedes issued a recall.
Following software updates, the ECU in individual C238 units was permanently damaged. One owner reported a seven-month workshop stay.
A serial design defect: the tension cables in the soft-top headliner fray and snap after approximately 200–300 roof cycles. Mercedes revised the design from May 2020.
The electric parking brake generates fault messages and seizes, particularly in cold weather. Grinding noises when applying indicate worn components.
The soft-top tension cords fray after just a few hundred opening cycles. A design fault that led Mercedes to carry out goodwill repairs.
At higher mileages the electric motors in the roof kinematics or the hydraulic unit can fail. The roof can then no longer open or close fully.
Brake discs on the W213 show juddering after just a few thousand kilometres. Individual cases report renewed juddering after warranty replacement.
Elevated MOT failure rates at suspension mounts. The double wishbone front axle shows wear at bearings and joints.
Infotainment and driver assistance systems are prone to faults. Brake assist and cruise control warning messages appear without cause. Often resolved via software update.
The electric parking brake is prone to corrosion and seizing. Multiple recall actions for the brake system have been documented.
The electric parking brake generates fault messages and seizes, especially in cold weather. Grinding and creaking noises when releasing are common.
The optional Airmatic air suspension is prone to compressor and air bag failures. Replacement requires removal of the rear axle and is expensive.
The rotary push controller on the centre console is mechanically fragile and shows signs of failure after heavy use.
MBUX system freezes or reboots. Bluetooth connections drop, voice control unresponsive. Software updates only fix some issues.