2011-2016 · 5.5L M157 V8 Biturbo (557 HP S model, 525/537 HP standard)
A 550+ horsepower super sedan with surprising practicality. The M157 biturbo V8 is generally robust but early 2011-2012 engines need timing chain tensioner verification. The 2013 facelift brought improved cooling and more power. Main concerns: timing chain rattle on cold start (early models), MCT transmission jerky shifts when cold, airmatic suspension leaks, and carbon buildup on direct-injection valves. The 2014+ E63 S with 4MATIC is the sweet spot for reliability and performance. Service history is everything - these are expensive to fix when neglected.
Oil drains from cylinder head overnight, causing cold start rattle and chain stretch · more· less
Early M157 engines (2011-2012, up to engine number 157.9xx.60.022333) have an oil drainage problem. Without check valves, oil drains from the cylinder heads when parked, starving the timing chain tensioner on cold start. This causes a distinctive rattle for 1-5 seconds after startup. Mercedes fix involves installing check valves in the oil galleries plus revised tensioners and guides. If left unfixed, the chain can stretch and eventually skip teeth, causing catastrophic valve/piston contact. Tensioner replacement alone costs €750-820, but if the chain has stretched, all 3 chains (primary, left, right) must be replaced at €2,000-3,000+ due to labor intensity. Engines from mid-2014 onward had the fix from factory. Critical: listen for cold start rattle on ANY purchase.
Airmatic suspension leaks€1,200 - €5,000
Air struts develop leaks from brittle rubber, causing vehicle to sag overnight · more· less
The Airmatic air suspension is excellent when working but expensive when it fails. Over time (typically 80,000-150,000 km or 8+ years), the rubber air springs become brittle and develop cracks or punctures. Symptoms: vehicle sits unevenly or sags at one corner after being parked overnight, "Airmatic Visit Workshop" warning, or compressor running constantly trying to compensate for leaks. A single strut replacement ranges €1,200-2,500 per corner. If multiple struts fail along with compressor (from overwork), total system refresh can reach €3,000-5,000. Independent shops using quality aftermarket parts can reduce costs significantly versus dealer pricing.
MCT transmission jerky operation€300 - €3,500
Multi-clutch transmission shifts harshly when cold, clutches wear between 50,000-100,000 km · more· less
The AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed uses wet clutches rather than a torque converter. Very common issue: jerky, harsh shifts during first few minutes of cold operation, especially in S/S+ modes. When cold oil is thick, clutches engage slowly. This is somewhat normal but gets worse with age. The transmission requires service at 31,000 miles/3 years (first service) then every 30-40k miles thereafter - fluid/filter change costs €325-420. Clutch lifespan depends heavily on driving style: gentle drivers get 100,000+ km, aggressive drivers may need clutch replacement at 50,000-80,000 km. Worn clutches cause slipping and rough shifts even when warm. Clutch replacement or mechatronics unit failure can reach €1,500-3,500. Manual mode driving reduces jerkiness significantly.
Cam phasers rattle on cold start, tone wheel can slip out of position · more· less
The M157 uses variable valve timing with cam phasers (adjusters) on each camshaft. These can fail due to wear or oil contamination, causing rattling noise on startup (different sound from timing chain rattle - higher pitched) and check engine light with P0016 family codes. In some cases, the tone wheel (pressed onto camshaft) moves out of alignment. Mercedes typically replaces the entire camshaft at €700 per adjuster plus 10+ hours labor. Total cost with 4 adjusters and labor: €2,000-5,000. Some specialists can manipulate the tone wheel back into position or offer repair kits for significantly less. Symptoms: longer cranking time to start, rattling, rough idle. More common on engines with delayed oil changes.
Valve cover gaskets and timing cover seals deteriorate from heat, causing oil spots and burning smell · more· less
The M157 runs hot due to turbochargers, accelerating gasket deterioration. Most common: valve cover gaskets leak after 60,000-100,000 km. Oil drips onto exhaust manifolds creating burning oil smell in cabin and oil spots under parked car. Valve cover gasket replacement costs €800-1,500 (both sides) at independent shops, higher at dealers. Timing chain cover seals can also leak, requiring more extensive work. Important: any evidence of oil leak at rear of engine is expensive to fix. Always use genuine Mercedes gaskets as aftermarket versions often leak prematurely. Regular oil changes with quality oil help extend gasket life.
Carbon buildup on intake valves€600 - €1,200
Direct injection causes carbon deposits on valves, reducing performance after 50,000+ km · more· less
All direct-injection engines suffer from carbon buildup because fuel doesn't wash over intake valves. Oil vapors from the PCV system bake onto valve backs, restricting airflow. Symptoms appear gradually: rough idle, reduced power, poor throttle response, decreased fuel economy, misfires. Typically becomes noticeable between 50,000-100,000 km depending on driving style (short trips worsen it). Solution requires walnut blasting - intake manifold removal and blasting valves with crushed walnut shells. Cost €600-1,200 at specialists. Mercedes dealers may quote higher. Recommended interval: every 60,000-80,000 km. Prevention: avoid excessive short trips, use quality oil, keep PCV system maintained, occasional high-RPM driving helps.
Turbocharger wastegate issues€500 - €4,000
Wastegate actuators stick or leak, causing low boost pressure and EPC warning · more· less
The twin turbos use electronic wastegate actuators to control boost. Common fault code P029900 (low boost pressure) often caused by wastegate leaking internally or sticking. Carbon buildup from gentle driving worsens this. Symptoms: loss of power, EPC warning light, limp mode, hard shifting (insufficient air). Mercedes dealers won't sell actuators separately - they insist on full turbo replacement at €3,500-4,000 per side. Independent specialists can replace just the actuator for €500-600, or source used turbos from salvage for €500 plus labor. If turbo internals (bearings, seals) are damaged, full replacement necessary. Prevention: use premium fuel, spirited driving occasionally, regular oil changes. Actuator-only fixes work if caught early.
Engine mounts deterioration€700 - €1,500
Hydraulic engine mounts fail from high torque, causing vibration and clunking · more· less
The M157's 560+ lb-ft torque punishes engine mounts. Hydraulic mounts typically last 60,000-100,000 km. Symptoms: excessive vibration at idle (especially in Drive with brake applied), clunking during hard acceleration or deceleration, visible engine movement. Three mounts: left engine, right engine, transmission. Failed mounts stress other components and drivetrain. Set of 3 OEM mounts costs €300-400, aftermarket (Lemforder) €120-250. Labor 2-4 hours depending on shop. Total €700-1,150 at independent shops, dealers charge more. Failing mounts should be replaced promptly to prevent cascading issues.
Brake wear (rotors and pads)€800 - €2,500
Large composite brakes are phenomenal but expensive, rear pads every 30,000 km · more· less
The E63's massive brakes are a known consumable expense. Standard setup: large 2-piece rotors and high-performance pads. Performance Pack cars have composite front discs that are "silly money" to replace. Typical life: rear pads 20,000-40,000 km (aggressive driving shortens this), fronts 40,000-60,000 km. Some owners report needing new fronts at just 17,500 miles. Costs: front pads €140-200, rear pads €190-240, front rotors €400-800 each (Brembo), rear rotors €95-200 each. Labor adds €200-500. Complete 4-wheel service: €800-1,500 with aftermarket parts, €1,500-2,500+ with OEM at dealer. Budget €300-600 annually for brake maintenance. Track use accelerates wear dramatically.
Differential bushings wear€250 - €600
Rear diff bushings deteriorate from hard launches, causing clunking on gear changes · more· less
The rear differential mounting bushings are a weak point, especially on cars driven hard. Symptoms: clunking from rear during acceleration/deceleration transitions, gear changes, or when switching between Drive and Reverse. More noticeable during spirited driving. The bushings themselves are inexpensive (€15-30 each), but replacement requires specialized press tools. DIY possible with proper tools (€100 tool from eBay) but differential is heavy and awkward. Professional labor 2-3 hours at €200-400. Total cost €250-450 at independent shops, dealers charge more. Worn bushings should be replaced to prevent stress on other drivetrain components. Polyurethane upgraded bushings available for firmer response but harsher ride.
Spark plug replacement€250 - €500
Twin-turbo V8 burns through plugs every 40,000-50,000 km - scheduled maintenance item · more· less
High-boost forced induction engines are hard on spark plugs. M157 requires platinum plugs every 45,000 km or 4 years per Mercedes service schedule. OEM factory plugs (NGK 97506 or Bosch 517013) frequently cause misfires even on stock engines - many owners upgrade to one-step-colder aftermarket plugs. 8 plugs needed. Parts cost €80-150 for quality plugs. Labor: plugs live deep in cylinder heads requiring special extra-long narrow socket and careful torque to spec (improper torque can damage cylinder walls per Mercedes). DIY difficulty 5-6/10. Dealer service €400-500, independent shops €250-350. This is unavoidable scheduled maintenance - not a fault, but a regular cost to budget.
Tire replacement (high wear rate)€800 - €2,100
Staggered 19/20-inch setup, rear tires may last only 10,000-20,000 km with spirited driving · more· less
This is the biggest running cost. W212 E63 uses staggered tire sizes (larger rears). Common sizes: 18-inch 245/40 front + 265/35 rear, or 20-inch setups 255/30 front + 285/25 rear. Rear tires on a 550+ HP RWD sedan wear fast - some owners report barely 10,000 km (6,000 miles) on rear tires with aggressive driving. Conservative driving might achieve 25,000-30,000 km. Front tires last 40,000-60,000 km. Tire costs: rear performance tires (295/30R20) €200-530 each, fronts €150-300 each. OEM Continental ContiSportContact 5P are expensive; quality alternatives like Michelin PS4S or Continental DWS offer better treadwear at lower cost. Budget €800-1,200 annually for tire replacement. 4MATIC models wear tires more evenly but still expensive.
High-performance sedan with high-performance costs
The M157 E63 is a robust engine when maintained properly, significantly more reliable than its M156 predecessor. The 2014+ facelift cars with resolved timing chain issues represent the best reliability. However, this is a 550+ horsepower twin-turbo V8 with AMG performance components - consumables (brakes, tires) are expensive and failures (when they occur) are costly to repair. Complete service history and thorough pre-purchase inspection are essential. Budget €2,000-4,000 annually including consumables for realistic ownership costs.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Complete service history
A thick folder of dealer or reputable specialist receipts is mandatory. Verify timing chain tensioner service on 2011-2012 models. Look for regular oil changes (every 15,000 km maximum), transmission services, brake fluid changes.
Tires condition and age
Check tread depth and date codes. Staggered setup means rears wear much faster. Uneven wear indicates alignment or suspension issues. Budget for replacement soon if tread below 4mm.
Cold engine start (essential)
Engine MUST be completely cold (parked overnight minimum 8+ hours). Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 5 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds is a major red flag indicating tensioner/chain issues.
Extended test drive minimum 30 minutes
Include varied driving: city, highway, hard acceleration. MCT transmission needs to warm up to assess properly. Check for smooth shifts, turbo boost, brake feel, suspension behavior.
Body and paint inspection
Check for accident damage, paint mismatch, panel gaps. Run VIN through history check. These are often driven hard - accident history is concerning.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle (critical for 2011-2012)
Park the car overnight. Next morning, start completely cold and listen intently for the first 5-10 seconds. Distinctive rattle indicates oil-starved tensioner. Ask seller about check valve installation. Post-2014 engines less affected. This is the single most important check.
MCT transmission cold operation
First 5-10 minutes when cold: feel for harsh/jerky shifts between gears 1-2-3. Some jerkiness is normal when cold, but violent jerking or clunking indicates worn clutches. Test in Comfort, Sport, and Manual modes. Once warm, shifts should be smooth and quick.
Airmatic suspension sag test
Ideally view the car after it's been parked overnight. Check if any corner sits lower than others (indicates leaking air spring). Start car and listen for air compressor - should run briefly then stop. Continuous running = leak compensation. Check for "Airmatic Visit Workshop" warning.
Oil leak inspection (valve covers and timing area)
With engine cold, inspect around valve covers and timing chain cover area for oil seepage. Look underneath for oil spots. During test drive, smell for burning oil (indicates leak onto hot exhaust). Any rear engine oil leak is expensive fix.
Engine performance and turbo boost
During highway acceleration (safe location), floor the throttle from 2,000 RPM in Sport+ mode. Should pull hard with immediate turbo response. Hesitation, misfires, or lack of power suggests turbo wastegate issues, carbon buildup, or fuel system problems. Check for check engine light.
Brake pedal feel and stopping power
Test brakes from highway speed (safe conditions). Pedal should be firm with strong, progressive stopping power. Pulsing pedal = warped rotors. Check brake fluid condition (should be clear amber, not dark brown). Ask when last serviced.
Verify model year and facelift status
2013+ facelift has improved divorced cooling system (separate engine/turbo cooling). 2014+ has resolved timing chain issues from factory. E63 S models (2013+) have more power and 4MATIC option (2014+). Confirm specs match listing.
Engine mount condition
At idle in Drive with brake applied, engine should be smooth. Excessive vibration indicates failed mounts. During acceleration/deceleration, listen for clunking (also indicates mounts or diff bushings). Open hood and observe engine movement during rev.
Differential bushing clunk test
From standstill, gently rock between Drive and Reverse. Listen for clunking from rear diff area. Also test during gentle acceleration/deceleration transitions. Clunking indicates worn diff bushings - inexpensive parts but labor-intensive.
Carbon buildup symptoms (60,000+ km cars)
Rough idle, hesitation on throttle tip-in, or reduced power can indicate carbon buildup on intake valves. Ask if walnut blasting service performed. High-mileage cars (100,000+ km) without this service likely need it soon.
Interior electronics function test
Test all features: infotainment, navigation, dynamic seat bolsters, all climate controls, all windows, sunroof, trunk release. Check for dashboard warning lights. COMAND system should respond quickly without freezing.
Contact Mercedes-Benz dealer with VIN to verify all recalls completed. The timing chain tensioner issue (engine numbers 157.9xx.60.009368 to 157.9xx.60.022333) is not officially a recall but a known TSB - verify fix was performed. Post-December 2012 engines had improved parts from factory.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years unlimited km)Expired on all W212 E63s
Extended Mercedes-Star warranty available€1,500-3,000/year (varies by mileage/age)
Independent extended warranty optionsAvailable but read exclusions carefully
All W212 E63 AMG models (2011-2016) are outside factory warranty. Mercedes-Benz offers extended Star warranty through dealers - costs vary based on age, mileage, and coverage level. Independent warranties available but often exclude high-wear items and pre-existing conditions. Thorough pre-purchase inspection is more valuable than warranty for these models.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.