He was warned! SOOO many things can go wrong on this GL63 AMG! What does the Wizard find? 

I mean in fairness, once Hoovie told me not to buy it I immediately put a deposit on it lol. I haven’t listened to his car advice since he bought that Bentley Continental 😂. Thanks for the vid on the truck Wiz! You should do another video driving it. For all it’s maintenance scares it’s such a boss to drive comfortably or hammer it down and enjoy those turbos 😎

Grimes is on top of everything. He really knows his stuff. Can you post a video driving it?

There’s a lot of 10-15 year old expensive premium cars that are on the market for not very expensive prices. A lot of young guys get these, without realizing that the reason they go cheap, is that they are creeping close to maintenance equinox, with a lot of very expensive repairs looming on the horizon. Buyer beware!

We're experiencing a rash of wheel thefts here in Sacramento, CA where I live. Lots of people finding their cars up on cinders in the morning. So yes, that is still happening.

You hit the jackpot with Grimes! He's a great asset to your shop.

Cam covers and coolent issue is not really a issue if you know what to actuality look for. Same for the sensors. Also not hard to replace yourself if you have access to WIS. The cylinder walls are because of lack of maintenance and not doing oil changes.

"Only a fool buys an out of warranty AMG " - a very wise man

Had my 2014 for over 5 years. The only mechanical issue I ever had was coolant leaks. It I was extremely diligent with fluid changes. I did have to replace a suspension airbag but that’s wear and tear it only cost me $100 for an aftermarket bag and took 100 minutes to swap.

To be fair, it was a lot of the earlier engines that were affected by these problems. The cylinder liners I believe were changed around 2015/2016 from the Silitec to the updated Nanoslide cylinder liners which are much more duarable and ever since they did that, I haven't heard of anymore cylinder scoring. They are actually really reliable engines overall as far as I know, as long as you check the TJ's and stay up to date on the repair information. Also not all Silitec engines can have scoring but I personally wouldn't buy one. Especially 2014. That's taking a big gamble. Buy a later model year of the engine if you don't want any problems. In terms of the coolant loss issue oil was also mixing with coolant etc that was also fixed after Dec 2013 manufacturing date. So that should no longer be a big problem anymore. As far as the lines yes they can leak still though. As for the worn valve guides that problem was also fixed according to MB after engine number 2789xx 30 128000. And I believe it only affected the 278 version.

Wooow i cant believe you almost have 1M subs already!! 🎉🎉🎉 i’m truly happy for you and the family Wizard 😊

I have seen cars up on blocks 4 times in the last year. Security lug bolts are something that SHOULD be done. People are getting desperate now.

Weird. I have a friend who had a 2013 CLS 63 with the 5.5L twin turbo V8. He owned it for 9 years and put 140K miles in that car. The only major repair that was done was the timing chain but other then that, minus the rear air suspension failing, he never had any major problems with the engine itself.

I’ve got a 2014 ML with 170,000km. It’s been super reliable.

I have a 2016 E63S with the same engine. I know the 2014-early 2015 in my model which is probably the same for the GL63 had some engine & block issues but they fixed it all in 2015. I didn't catch what year this GL was. My E63S has almost 140k on it. I had my engine scoped a couple years ago & the cylinders looked perfect. The only issues I have had with mine is like he said the stupid plastic elbows & etc that Mercedes put in the cooling lines. I replaced all of my lines & the new lines I removed the elbows & all of the plastic I could & put metal ones in there with actual hose clamps & not those stupid Mercedes round band ones with a couple of dimples to hold them on. I had problems with those stupid things just popping off randomly. Lastly & most expensive repair was my transmission that I had to replace a couple years ago. Some German engineer thought it would be a good idea to put the propeller shaft (front shaft for the front tires)'s rear ujoint inside the transmission. So guess what started to go bad? That rear ujoint. They said once it starts making any noises it's too late to open the transmission up & just replace that ujoint because it's already doing damage to other stuff inside the transmission. They don't make brand new 7 speed transmissions anymore. You have to get a remanufactured one from Mercedes & cheapest was $7500 installed. It came with 2 year warranty unlimited miles. I think it just ran out like a month ago. 🤷 Other than those 2 issues (cooling lines/transmission) it has been a great car. I raced it every Wednesday at a local nascar oval track until this year because of work I don't have the time now to do it. So it has been ran hard & performed very well. I have won a lot of the events in those years with it against cars that were pretty much all out race cars. My car is stock & I drive it pretty much every day. I also have another Mercedes that wizard loves too. I have a 2005 CL55 AMG. Yes all of the suspension hydraulic struts & stuff has been replaced except lines & stuff like that. It's not that expensive if you do all the work yourself. No issues with its suspension, engine or transmission. The only thing I've done to it over the years was lower it. It used to be my daily until I got the E63S. The CL55 & my 3800 SC GTP motor swapped completely restored 1986 Fiero GT just pretty much just sit around. They get driven once & a blue moon. 🤷

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.

i always used to say to customers keep the locking wheel nut key in the glovebox, its the first place anyone looks.

I agree that locking lugs are a huge pain. Have taken them off a few new cars I have bought. Also, the tin caps on many Ford and GM cars and trucks are worthless. I always change those out with regular lug nuts

It seems Grimes is the real deal on Mercedes expertise I'm very impressed of his knowledge and communication

Mercedes really know their planned obsolescence.

Such a pity that the Merc V8 engines of late seem to be far less reliable than e.g. the M113, which is practically bulletproof. Where did they go wrong?

Took my GL350 Bluetec transmission out 4 times (by myself). It was leaking fluid from the bellhousing. Very small drip. The pump was pristine, even took it to a good trans shop, they confirmed it was not the issue. The pump bearing good. Replaced main front seal twice, just in case I didn’t press it perfectly. To no avail, still leaking. Rebuilt torque converter. Still leaking. It was working normally. Sold it as it was at a loss. My previous ML320 CDI was a hero towing my RV with almost no issues but got taken out by a flying moose.

Rob should have run far, and fast.

Better pull that #5 spark plug and look in that cylinder for scoring now

I read in the m278 forums that there's an oil pump solenoid that may be the reason why the engine is prone to cylinder scoring. And in one users theory, disconnecting it will prevent this failure.

If I ever buy a luxury SUV, it's going to be a Lexus.

I've got a 2018 C63s with the M177 4 litre biturbo V8. It's not the cheapest thing to get serviced, but as the Wizard says you have to keep up with it. It's so much fun to drive though! My engine was built by Sebastien Ziegler.

AMG is a great optional performance package. The 5.5 TT hits hard in the C63. SUVs being heavy AWD is heavy and slows but offers more utility and passenger space. Probably over $100k new, a good buy used.

Wizard: you don't need security locks San Francisco: enters chat.

I've always wondered where Owners Manuals go. Until recently every used car I ever got the Manual was always missing.

I bought my car used and it came with wheel locks and just like you say, no key! Luckily it was an OEM one so a short trip to a dealer later and a wallet $20 lighter and I had a replacement.

I was watching this and at 02:55 Disco Elysium booted in the background and the melancholic music really fit when he started talking about the engine. 10/10 content wizard

My GL450 has been great. Suspension and regular maintenance is all that's been needed in the last few years. Expensive at the dealership but, I just do it myself. Much less expensive.

I had the GL550, the non turbo version. I was by far the nicest vehicle I have ever owned, I liked it more than my 911. But yes it was a maintenance nightmare once warranty was gone, but man, nicest SUV on the road.

I bought my 2014 E63S from the original owner at around 97, 98k. Full dealer service. I am at 101k and I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little nervous about my M157. No issues currently but I plan to do a Blackstone oil analysis next oil change. And I will not tune the engine. That seems to increase the risk of cylinder scoring a lot. Plus they are octane sensitive and a little knock will burn pistons/rings/score the cylinder walls. The advice is good. Maintain it fully, switch to 5k oil change intervals (I think the dealer was doing 10k before which I try not to think about), and keep up on warnings signs for the common/expensive failures. Then, just enjoy it. I wouldn't be happier with a Honda Accord.

"The Achilles heel" on these is EVERTHING!!!!!!

Wizard clearly lives in a nice area which doesn’t get the rims stolen, in Houston if you have a Camry those rims even get stolen.

"AMG"...ALL MONEY GONE............

Yes wheels are still stolen. 4 years ago a Chevy dealership in Covington, LA had over a 124 wheels and tires stolen.

I also famously told him NOT to buy a CERTAIN BLACK FERRARI 355 that ended up burning to the ground.

I owned a 2014 e550 same power train but the 4.7 , it was really reliable never had a major issue. Did experience the cam sensors leaking, motor mount failures 3 times, and the plastic intake pipes getting torn up from the torque of the motor. My w211 did the same though. Wrecked the car at 130k miles car was tuned and abused I never had a serious problem with it. But I did over service the vehicle, oil changes every 3-5k miles. Of course brakes and suspension needed work at some points as well but that would be true for any vehicle.

2015 G63 on 84K KM's. Besides a cam case cover leak (known issue) that was fixed in 2021 and power steering line rubber elbow (known issue) fixed in 2023, absolutely no issues at all 😊 But I do wait religiously for oil and coolant temp to be up to operating temperature before any wide open trottle action.

Mrs. Wizards witty comments and retorts in the background crack me up.

MB finally switched to Cast Iron Cylinder Barrels with the 2016 and later M278s... but didn't make the same change to the M157 as it was determined to be too low a volume engine to do the development work on.

I always store my wheel lug lock tool with my spare tire. Back in the eighties one of our customer's car broke down in town and when he went to have it towed someone already put the car up on blocks and stole the wheels

Let's not forget the extended warranty bulletin for the exhaust valve issues plaguing the M278 in these cars. Just had the dealer rebuild the top end with $0 on my end, but it took them 45 days. The final bill was around $32k,iirc. And of course, they have found oil in the wire harness.

For an older couple who wants a really comfortable, quiet car in which to travel over our terrible Interstate highways (in SC) to visit grandkids, etc., (10,000 miles per year), what do you think about acquiring one of the 2017 to 2020 Lincoln Continentals, with low mileage, no accidents?

Even in Germany we know *not* to buy these things, no matter how dirt cheap. It's the kind of vehicle some executives get as a "bonus" and they usually are leased for no more than 2 years. ...and that is actually the average life expectancy they are engineered to survive.

Gizmo / grimes knows his shit

Why anyone buys these things is a mystery. To me, the definition of luxury is something that reliably stands the test of time. In that context, nothing is more luxurious than a Lexus or Toyota product.

Also how can someone let the lugnuts rust on a amg? 😮 and the undercarriage looks like the car was never cleaned in the winter or winterized/protected?? Blows my mind the neglect on these super expensive cars. Ive seen 30year old volvos with less rust and i live in northern sweden!!

Here in Colorado people still get their vehicle stolen and the wheels taken off its crazy. Its worse during winter you see vehicles all the time stolen on cinder blocks.

12:29 - unfortunately, that sort of things is starting to happen quite often here in the DC/MD/VA area.

Another great video from the Wizard, Mrs Wizard & the team!!! 👍👍🙂

Grimes knows what’s up, but… not all 157’s have problems

I live in Detroit and still see cars on cinder blocks from time to time. It's still a thing.

Thank you guys, helping me narrow down. 👍

I bought a 2014 ml63AMG 2014 performance package with 39,000 miles for 39,000$ Not a single dint or scratch on it. All rotors are in great condition/ the average fuel mileage was at 14.6 mpg at an average speed of around 40 mph . It hasn’t been reset in 21k miles That tells me it was mainly highway driven mine is mainly city driven and I average 12 mpg at a speed of 24 mph for the past 9k miles that I have had it . The cam sensors leak oil into the ECU mounted on the top of the engine. I replaced those right away as a preventative. There is a sensor under the vehicle for to adjust oil pressure while idling and I disconnect that to maintain full oil pressure at all times. No leaks , it has the new timing chain with no obvious wear or discoloration. Turbo waste gates aren’t rattling excessively Turbo coolant level was at full mark ( this usually is low because people fail to check it ) Has tons of power. Oil changes are going to be done from here on out every 4-5 k miles KEEP ME IN YOUR PRAYERS . I hope I found a good one 🥲 I’m aware of the issues theses have … and they are not cheap at all. Actually really scary . Haha

I just looked at one of these at a local used car lot, the interior did not have a plastic item that wasn't cracked or flaking. And on top of that, they wiped every surface with the greasiest grape smelling product to try to rouge it up. 29k, I didn't walk, I ran

there is a german joke about AMG = Adjieu mein Geld it means byebye my money 😂

I saw a pickup on cinder blocks about 2 years ago, inside a gated parking garage.

I love all the comments bashing on european cars because it keeps the used out of warranty prices very low. European cars (especially the sports cars) have service intervals. You can literally google it. If you follow the maintenance intervals, you will have little to no problems. I own 2 M5's, a6 and ill be buying an s4 for Xmas. Im not at all mad. In fact if you read this far i hope you buy your dream car.

Some DIY, tricks and tips videos would be sweet! Love your channel

Perhaps the customer should have asked Grimes before he bought it. Here in the UK these engines along with some BMW, Audi VW etc will fail some will still fail even if serviced correctly. Motto is you never buy a used one, and don't keep a new one too long or it will cost you a fortune once the warranty expires, with Audi that is at 60k miles. German engineering is not what it was.

You can kinda understand why Rob didn't listen to Hoovie, who to be fair has probably bought more clunkers than anybody else he knows.

Back in the mid eighty's I had a Chevy monte carlo with rally wheels came out one morning to go to work some had stolen both my passenger side wheels left it on blocks.

I have seen cars sitting on blocks 3 times last year. Twice in San Francisco and once in Las Vegas. All 3 of the vehicles involved had custom wheels though. Security Lugs might be worth it if you have expensive wheels that attract attention.

5:50 the new diagnosing tool says timing is off

Would love to see a Wizard review of the 2017-19 GLS 450. The AMG and 550 always get the most attention, but what about reliability of the bi-turbo V6 in the 450?

Cars like this are bought by rich guys who buy it new, drive it around for 2-3 years and trade it in. All those guys care about is luxury prestige and performance, long term reliability is not on the radar.

Lease for 12-36 months then run!

When Hoovie says don't buy, that's a huge indicator that it's not a sound investment

I had a 2015 GL550 with the "detuned" version of this engine. It had 50K miles on it. I only took it in the dealer for service. I took it in for an oil change and 3 months later get a check engine light. I took it in, and the said one of the turbos was going out and there was a leak where the wiring harness was saturated and needed to be replaced. Also, the brakes rotors were warped. Now mind you, I TRULY loved this car. The power and luxurious amenities just made it so choice. But, when they came back with a $20K repair estimate, and no guarantee that the OTHER turbo wouldn't go out. I had to part ways with it. I really wish I could have kept it, but I'd much rather spend $20k on a newer car. Caveat Emptor my friends.

I also own a 2014 GL63 AMG. The only real issues I've had so far was some busted coolant lines and a bad radiator. Other than that, it's been pretty easy to own.

I seen a G63 at my mechanics shop and I asked him what's wrong with it. He said it had compression issues and to stay the fuck away from the 5.5 biturbo 63 cars.

i absolutely ADORE this car... i want one inn white with those wheels.

I have a friend who has spent 57hrs in total this year, so far, just on the phone with Mercedes and its partners settling necessary issues and problems with their G vehicle Something. I really couldn't be bothered. I have a 2003 Subaru Forester which has just passed it's 20th MOT yesterday with no advisories! I do all my work myself on my drive, he goes to Mercedes. In the last ten years he has spent nearly 43,000 pounds on servicing and fixing issues with all his different versions. He gets a new car every year.

It really says something when Tyler says don't do it

Coming out to your car on rocks is still common in Portland

SERVE ROB RIGHT . FOR EVEY THING THAT HAPPENS.

Real question to people buying Mercedes, Audi and BMW, what compelled you to burn your money like that? Why waste your money on an inferior product when you can buy a Toyota or a Lexus that isn’t made to break within months of purchase? Serious question from someone who’s been buying Toyotas for over 30 years and only spending money on tires and engine oil.

I’m likely purchasing a 2017 GLS550 from Carmax in a few days and the maintenance honestly doesn’t scare me at all. By 2017, the M278 was largely sorted and I haven’t heard almost any problems for the GLS-badged vehicles. I have for the GL though. Either way I’m pretty sure we’ll get the famed “Bumper to Bumper” warranty, so it should be a fantastic car for years and years…

In Bronx, New York City they are stealing a lot of tires from cars, that’s happening a lot over there

My friend, who owns a shop just got done replacing both turbos in one of these. Because of their location, he had to drop the whole powertrain out of the car. OUCH $$$$$$$$.

12:00 Saw a Corolla up on blocks a few months ago on the r/Corolla subreddit. The 2020+ cars have really expensive rims, assuming you get one with the low-profile wheel option.

You're in KANSAS. Of course you don't see a use security lug bolts. Not good advice for the rest of metro America, however. I literally saw a Mercedes E-Class this morning on cinder blocks.

Hi Bud and Jen. Keep up the good work.

that’s crazy because i’ve owned 3 of these and never had issues

Unless you’re leasing buy the cheapest or second cheapest model preferably.

Awesome as always.Thanks for sharing and taking us along

my lug problem was caused by a dealer on my Ram Truck, They did a service and did not put the key back. When your out on the road that is a disaster for sure. Saved by my Tire dealer

ITS a legal requirement in the UK to have 1x locking wheel nut and 3x standard wheel nut on each wheel if its an alloy or 4x standard locking wheel nuts on steel wheels . In this part of the country anyway.

If virtually all of them have major failures like these where the whole short block is destroyed, it just indicates there failed to do proper R&D at Mercedes Benz and just rushed into production. So sad how they have fallen from when their cars were heirloom quality and superior to all others until the 1980s came around and models like the 300e were made with cheap materials and “good enough” engineering.

Its definitely a thing in Memphis.

Had one stuck at my dealer for over a year because the wire harness was bad in the body. Mercedes and the producer of the harness couldn’t agree on a price so the poor client had to wait a year just for Mercedes and the maker to agree on a price.

i bought one new in 2013, has 180k miles on it, not a single problem besides an alternator and a rear bag, i have an m156 amg nd worry everyday if today is the day for a major, issue, it has 160k miles on it. ive had 15+ mercedes and not a single major issue! maintain them and they will be just fine!

more valuable information from the wizard. thank you!!

Whatever you are paying Grimes it’s not enough. That guy is a genius.

I truly can’t complain I’ve had one for about 9 years best car I’ve owned hauled the family anywhere and everywhere.Yes it had some issues but nothing major. Mercedes added check valves and did my tensioners and thermostat ,water pump ,belts ,filters etc at about 145k miles.

AMG stands for All Money Gone, lol 🤣

"Unless you live in a big city..." Is anyone else going to inform the Wizard as to per capita violent and property crime rates in rural areas vs urban areas or nah? Not a peep about who is actually stealing wheels and where? Just cities = bad? I mean, okay.