W212 E63S worth the extra
- Thread starter Amg 007
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If you’re going to modify it then you may decide that it’s not worth the extra cost, because the engine and turbos are identical on the M157 5.5 biturbo engine, it’s just the map which gives the extra power and higher top speed.
From memory the diff is different and it has red calipers but at the heart of an S is the extra power as standard. Only you can decide whether it’s worth the extra cost - I do though, and go for the higher output version whenever one is available.
From memory the diff is different and it has red calipers but at the heart of an S is the extra power as standard. Only you can decide whether it’s worth the extra cost - I do though, and go for the higher output version whenever one is available.
Teego
MB Enthusiast
The S is great for bragging rights.
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The S will hold its value better although there is probably a £4k - £5k premium when buying one compared to a non S.
There is uprated cooling and monogrammed headrests on the S but as mentioned the biggest plus is having an LSD fitted as standard.
You may well have the eye wateringly expensive carbon ceramic brake discs (option B07) on the S so if there are gold calipers, check they are in good condition unless you want open wallet surgery.
I wanted an S, but couldn't find one with the options I wanted. In the end, I got an non S, remapped it and I'm very happy with it. It still needs an LSD to be able to put more of the power down though.
There is uprated cooling and monogrammed headrests on the S but as mentioned the biggest plus is having an LSD fitted as standard.
You may well have the eye wateringly expensive carbon ceramic brake discs (option B07) on the S so if there are gold calipers, check they are in good condition unless you want open wallet surgery.
I wanted an S, but couldn't find one with the options I wanted. In the end, I got an non S, remapped it and I'm very happy with it. It still needs an LSD to be able to put more of the power down though.
As above, the cooling is the biggest difference in the engines vs non S
Given the choice I’d take an ‘S’ over a standard car, but I wouldn’t pay over the odds for one either.
You should get some of the premium back come resale and maybe a little easier to sell, but the 212 is a pretty old car now and I don’t personally see the E63 or the M157 etc as a future classic really either
- they’re still depreciating and the newer 213 E63 isn’t far above the ceiling for some of the top end 212 prices (inc. ‘S’ models) so I don’t personally see the extras being all that important - if you’re after ultimate power and performance probably the tuning route makes more sense anyway? Of for standard car people the newer cars offers better performance out of the box
So in summary, I would look for the lowest mileage/best condition car within budget you can find with the options and spec you are happy with - and if an ‘S’ ticks those boxes too then it’s a bonus
You should get some of the premium back come resale and maybe a little easier to sell, but the 212 is a pretty old car now and I don’t personally see the E63 or the M157 etc as a future classic really either
- they’re still depreciating and the newer 213 E63 isn’t far above the ceiling for some of the top end 212 prices (inc. ‘S’ models) so I don’t personally see the extras being all that important - if you’re after ultimate power and performance probably the tuning route makes more sense anyway? Of for standard car people the newer cars offers better performance out of the box
So in summary, I would look for the lowest mileage/best condition car within budget you can find with the options and spec you are happy with - and if an ‘S’ ticks those boxes too then it’s a bonus
Dammit
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I looked at an S when I was in the middle of looking for my E63, the pull of the badge was strong but the car wasn't worth the premium (to me).
If I *had* stretched to the E63-S price then frankly I could have then made the case to myself to get the 213 E63, as Will points out - I paid £28,000 for my S212 E63 and hope to get around 20K back for it in three years/24,000 miles. I'd have spent £37,000 on the S, and probably aimed for 25k in three years.
If I *had* stretched to the E63-S price then frankly I could have then made the case to myself to get the 213 E63, as Will points out - I paid £28,000 for my S212 E63 and hope to get around 20K back for it in three years/24,000 miles. I'd have spent £37,000 on the S, and probably aimed for 25k in three years.
