As a seasoned content creator for mercedesxentry.store and an automotive repair specialist, I’m diving into a critical review for those considering the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG. This isn’t just another spec sheet rundown; it’s a crucial heads-up for enthusiasts who expect unbridled performance from this supposed powerhouse. My expertise isn’t just from behind a keyboard; it’s forged in the fires of professional racing, with over seven years spent pushing machines in GrandAm (GT and Daytona Prototypes), FIA GT, and various other demanding series. My garage has seen a rotating cast of high-performance vehicles, including the hyper-exotic Bugatti Veyron. Yet, my experience with the 2010 E63 AMG has been uniquely…disappointing, to say the least.
The core issue? The advertised performance simply doesn’t translate to real-world, driver-focused experience, particularly for those looking to explore the limits of this AMG beast. The biggest letdown lies in the car’s electronic stability program (ESP). Trying to find “dyno mode” for the 2010 E63 AMG became an unexpected odyssey. Hours of online searches and countless calls yielded nothing but frustration and failed suggestions. After meticulously completing the break-in period, the ambition to truly unleash the E63 AMG’s potential hit a brick wall. The “ESP OFF” button is a misnomer in the US-spec models, offering a mere suggestion of traction control disengagement rather than complete liberation.
This revelation was particularly jarring considering the online hype showcasing burnouts and track prowess. The allure of replacing my 2006 M5 with this AMG was strong, fueled by the promise of untamed power. However, the stark reality is that only European models grant drivers the full отключение (disconnection) of traction control. Mercedes-Benz USA seemingly presumes American drivers are incapable of handling their vehicles at the limit without immediate catastrophe. This patronizing limitation manifested in a terrifying real-world scenario. Mid-drift on a freeway on-ramp, the overbearing ESP decided to re-engage, sending the car into an erratic, unpredictable trajectory that flirted dangerously with an accident. The aftermath was even more concerning: violent shaking and a drastic power cut. Initial fears of differential or transmission failure were allayed by the continued wheel rotation and gear shifting capability. Yet, engine power was severely diminished, throttle input only intensifying the violent shaking. Pulling over led to the engine abruptly shutting off, mimicking a manual transmission stall. Restarting the car brought it back to a semblance of normalcy, but the episode revealed a deeply concerning “limp mode” – a self-preservation mechanism seemingly triggered by spirited driving in a naturally aspirated engine, a phenomenon utterly foreign to my prior experience. Further exploration revealed another performance dampener: during wheelspin, especially when initiating a tail slide, the ECU aggressively retards ignition, cutting engine power even with sustained throttle input, effectively neutering any sideways fun.
Driven by the need to bypass these intrusive systems, the pursuit of “dyno mode” intensified. The hope was to fully disable ESP, ABS, and limp mode, to finally experience the car unadulterated before considering drastic measures like a buyback from Mercedes-Benz. The level of dissatisfaction is profound, bordering on buyer’s remorse. Formal complaints have been lodged with MBZ, and the response is eagerly awaited. Returning a vehicle is uncharted territory, highlighting the severity of these issues. The next step, if necessary, involves documenting these shortcomings with GoPro cameras on the track, creating irrefutable evidence for a widespread YouTube exposé and dissemination across every relevant car enthusiast forum. The potential impact on the vehicle’s reputation and sales is undeniable.
For those lured by the 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG’s burn-out-machine persona, dreaming of tire-smoking drifts and grin-inducing corner exits, prepare for disappointment. If, however, these performance limitations are inconsequential, a litany of other questionable design choices plague this six-figure luxury sedan:
- The AMG button, analogous to BMW’s M button, frustratingly cannot be programmed to disable ESP.
- An archaic foot-operated parking brake replaces the expected electronic e-brake in a car of this caliber.
- The navigation system feels laughably outdated, lagging at least five years behind contemporary systems.
- The absence of key memory for seat position, mirrors, and steering wheel is a glaring omission.
- Power-folding mirrors, a standard feature in far less expensive vehicles, are inexplicably absent.
- An inconvenient iPod cord located in the glove box, rather than the center armrest console, serves as the sole Apple device interface, and ironically, fails to charge the connected device.
- The backup camera delivers a distorted, low-quality image, akin to viewing the world through a “drunk fish’s eye.”
- The parking sensors are confusing and lack any visual representation on the COMAND screen.
- The integrated garage door opener suffers from inexplicable malfunctions, randomly erasing stored codes roughly monthly.
This list is not exhaustive, but these shortcomings alone should give pause to any prospective buyer. The hope is that sharing this experience will prevent others from enduring similar dissatisfaction. Regrettably, this experience has soured my view of the Mercedes-Benz brand, casting doubt on any future ownership. Consider this a comprehensive cautionary tale before committing to a 2010 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, especially if performance driving and technological sophistication are paramount.
