RE: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: PH Buying Guide
Discussion
turboteeth said:
Much as I really really love these I think these could become the new "Impreza", that is there will be many with blacked out windows, lowered, stanced, big exhausts, AMG manifestation plastered everywhere, big ICE installs, tacky turbo conversions, etc. with owners who can't afford the maintenance running them into the ground whereafter many will be broken for parts, leaving a few good ones left to be advertised on 4 Star Classics as a collector's piece in 2020...
I am probably just jealous that I can't afford one though!!
There are already quite a few tinted windowed pimped up ones going around here, makes my standard classic Impreza look very tame and understated..! I am probably just jealous that I can't afford one though!!
gigglebug said:
That's cool! As a percentage of the overall cost I don't suppose £1750 is that bad though. Better than having the nagging doubt in the back of your mind that went for the wrong option
I justified he cost based on a smiles per mile ratio. Don't regret it one bit.Edited to add: some smiles per mile https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rY6JrDwoCu0
Edited by ghibbett on Monday 30th March 19:25
Oddball RS said:
I guess I see a different future for them, not being anti petrol head just how I see things going.
Not just yet but over the next 5-10 years they will be seen as very old fashioned, the newer turbo down sized replacements will be quicker etc (Don't forget the world has finally caught on to light weight being good), and people who will be buying budget fast cars at this stage will probably not want the day to day running costs, depending on what the price of oil does by then, I can see a few being broken for kits / projects etc, but again I guess like a lot of modern motors its the loom, ECU etc that is needed not just the lump, so I can see quite a few passing away.
Like I said just my view of the future for them.
It's an interesting point but I suppose it's just a case of how the industry evolves over the next 10-15 years. Cars like the Challenge Stradale, Enzo, M3 CSL etc which seemed overly tech heavy when first released already look stone age compared to the very update cars available now and they seem all the cooler and desirable for it. If the regulations and demands of modern cars keep eroding away at what makes a great drivers car for the sake of safety and efficiency then we could well be looking back at these very fondly indeed. Or maybe the best is yet to come??Not just yet but over the next 5-10 years they will be seen as very old fashioned, the newer turbo down sized replacements will be quicker etc (Don't forget the world has finally caught on to light weight being good), and people who will be buying budget fast cars at this stage will probably not want the day to day running costs, depending on what the price of oil does by then, I can see a few being broken for kits / projects etc, but again I guess like a lot of modern motors its the loom, ECU etc that is needed not just the lump, so I can see quite a few passing away.
Like I said just my view of the future for them.
these things are great , non turbo power is fantastic .. power every where across the rev range no lag what so ever . would agree the 6.2 v8 has to be future classic they will never build non turbo engines like this ever again ( very sad ) had mine for many years never had a day of trouble other than servicing tyres and petrol ... periodically I think of changing it but when you get back behind the wheel hear the growl and feel the power .....
turboteeth said:
Much as I really really love these I think these could become the new "Impreza", that is there will be many with blacked out windows, lowered, stanced, big exhausts, AMG manifestation plastered everywhere, big ICE installs, tacky turbo conversions, etc. with owners who can't afford the maintenance running them into the ground whereafter many will be broken for parts, leaving a few good ones left to be advertised on 4 Star Classics as a collector's piece in 2020...
I am probably just jealous that I can't afford one though!!
Sadly i think you will be proved correct in 5 + years time I am probably just jealous that I can't afford one though!!
Lost soul said:
tyres are about £375 a pair ( Dunlop sportmaxx) in 2 years you will probably need 4 possibly 6 ( rear tyres only last about 6000 miles) b service at year 4 would be expensive independent was about £500 mercedes was about 900 I changed the sparks plugs then ( advised after 5 years) , a service is really just an oil change and was about £200 , I average out about 18 - 20 mpg , just keep some mobil 1 handy to keep it topped up £50
insurance was under £400
that's about all it costs me
19alloywheel said:
Lost soul said:
tyres are about £375 a pair ( Dunlop sportmaxx) in 2 years you will probably need 4 possibly 6 ( rear tyres only last about 6000 miles) b service at year 4 would be expensive independent was about £500 mercedes was about 900 I changed the sparks plugs then ( advised after 5 years) , a service is really just an oil change and was about £200 , I average out about 18 - 20 mpg , just keep some mobil 1 handy to keep it topped up £50
insurance was under £400
that's about all it costs me
the other costs seem remarkably reasonable for such a brute
A couple of additions to the guide:
PPP cars don't have the uprated suspension the PP cars come with. They have the 'vanilla' C63 springs and dampers.
PPP cars have red brake calipers.
PPP cars have 'composite' front brake discs. These consist of steel rotors and cast aluminium bells that are cast into the disc. These cost £750 each from MB. The PP discs are quite a lot cheaper. I think this is what the price to replace all discs and pads is based on in the guide. As such, to replace the non PP and PPP cars brakes with OEM parts would be less than £1200.
PP and PPP cars have leather and Alcantara steering wheel trim.
PPP cars have 'titanium' (dark grey) coloured engine cover (between air boxes).
All the qualified information I can find on modding these says cooling upgrades will also be needed. Apparently the engines run quite hot in vanilla form due to the cramped quarters in the engine bay. More power = more heat etc... Personally, I think you'd need suicidal tendencies to mod one of these any way. I've had some fairly quick cars in my time but the wife's 2010 PPP car puts them all in the shade. The accelerator really is like a hyperspace button. That being said, I would like to try the pre-cat delete, just to see what differences it makes to the sound the thing puts out!
It's also commonly known that the power differences between the various models is mostly derived from differences in max throttle opening angle. I.e the vanilla cars never go WOT at WOT.
Paul
PPP cars don't have the uprated suspension the PP cars come with. They have the 'vanilla' C63 springs and dampers.
PPP cars have red brake calipers.
PPP cars have 'composite' front brake discs. These consist of steel rotors and cast aluminium bells that are cast into the disc. These cost £750 each from MB. The PP discs are quite a lot cheaper. I think this is what the price to replace all discs and pads is based on in the guide. As such, to replace the non PP and PPP cars brakes with OEM parts would be less than £1200.
PP and PPP cars have leather and Alcantara steering wheel trim.
PPP cars have 'titanium' (dark grey) coloured engine cover (between air boxes).
All the qualified information I can find on modding these says cooling upgrades will also be needed. Apparently the engines run quite hot in vanilla form due to the cramped quarters in the engine bay. More power = more heat etc... Personally, I think you'd need suicidal tendencies to mod one of these any way. I've had some fairly quick cars in my time but the wife's 2010 PPP car puts them all in the shade. The accelerator really is like a hyperspace button. That being said, I would like to try the pre-cat delete, just to see what differences it makes to the sound the thing puts out!
It's also commonly known that the power differences between the various models is mostly derived from differences in max throttle opening angle. I.e the vanilla cars never go WOT at WOT.
Paul
Lost soul said:
19alloywheel said:
Lost soul said:
tyres are about £375 a pair ( Dunlop sportmaxx) in 2 years you will probably need 4 possibly 6 ( rear tyres only last about 6000 miles) b service at year 4 would be expensive independent was about £500 mercedes was about 900 I changed the sparks plugs then ( advised after 5 years) , a service is really just an oil change and was about £200 , I average out about 18 - 20 mpg , just keep some mobil 1 handy to keep it topped up £50
insurance was under £400
that's about all it costs me
the other costs seem remarkably reasonable for such a brute
Edited by gigglebug on Tuesday 31st March 19:12
gigglebug said:
Lost soul said:
19alloywheel said:
Lost soul said:
tyres are about £375 a pair ( Dunlop sportmaxx) in 2 years you will probably need 4 possibly 6 ( rear tyres only last about 6000 miles) b service at year 4 would be expensive independent was about £500 mercedes was about 900 I changed the sparks plugs then ( advised after 5 years) , a service is really just an oil change and was about £200 , I average out about 18 - 20 mpg , just keep some mobil 1 handy to keep it topped up £50
insurance was under £400
that's about all it costs me
the other costs seem remarkably reasonable for such a brute
Edited by gigglebug on Tuesday 31st March 19:12
I am surprised they are so "cheap" to maintain which they are with a good independent it seems
Cracking cars
After spending the weekend with my customers red C63 coupe last summer(non pp/ppp) I have convinced myself, I am absolutely adamant, that after Christmas I will change my R32 for a 63 Coupe with PPP.
I have never fallen in love with a car so much ever, (except my R32) that V8 is so addictive and has so much brute force at the flick of the throttle. and the noise, its vicious.
In my eyes cars big daft N/A engines need to be enjoyed now before the turbo generation takes over, leaving it too many years would mean only high milage or abused examples are left (similar case now with the B7 RS4) and as I found myself looking for a mk5 R32.
I have never fallen in love with a car so much ever, (except my R32) that V8 is so addictive and has so much brute force at the flick of the throttle. and the noise, its vicious.
In my eyes cars big daft N/A engines need to be enjoyed now before the turbo generation takes over, leaving it too many years would mean only high milage or abused examples are left (similar case now with the B7 RS4) and as I found myself looking for a mk5 R32.
Another ex owner here.
I also ran mine for 2 years from new, why only 2 years? Well I decided I didn't want the heavier year 3 costs e.g. brakes (discs and pads) and major service (£750).
Overall though for the type of car I didn't think the running costs were high, you expect poor mpg and that's what you get - I averaged 18mpg over 22k miles although that will drop if you live in a city. Spirited driving will mean 9-13mpg and cruise control 70-75mph on long journeys 25mpg (i've seen a start to finish 130 mile 27mpg average).
I can only echo the article with regard to sense of occasion and noise, it's epic. A cold start in the morning with the window down or door open is pure theatre.
I've driven both this and the M3 V8 quite a bit and the C63 edges it for me as I wouldn't really take an M3 or C63 on the track. On the road it's much easier to exploit all the power of the C63 as you don't have to hit the redline to access the performance.
My car also had some dash rattles which were frustrating.
Standard equipment is excellent however.
I'm due to drive the new C63 in May / June with a view to getting a C63S estate at some stage, will add more info regarding it's 'noise' and fun factor later.
I also ran mine for 2 years from new, why only 2 years? Well I decided I didn't want the heavier year 3 costs e.g. brakes (discs and pads) and major service (£750).
Overall though for the type of car I didn't think the running costs were high, you expect poor mpg and that's what you get - I averaged 18mpg over 22k miles although that will drop if you live in a city. Spirited driving will mean 9-13mpg and cruise control 70-75mph on long journeys 25mpg (i've seen a start to finish 130 mile 27mpg average).
I can only echo the article with regard to sense of occasion and noise, it's epic. A cold start in the morning with the window down or door open is pure theatre.
I've driven both this and the M3 V8 quite a bit and the C63 edges it for me as I wouldn't really take an M3 or C63 on the track. On the road it's much easier to exploit all the power of the C63 as you don't have to hit the redline to access the performance.
My car also had some dash rattles which were frustrating.
Standard equipment is excellent however.
I'm due to drive the new C63 in May / June with a view to getting a C63S estate at some stage, will add more info regarding it's 'noise' and fun factor later.
gigglebug said:
Yep but it's still money you'll never see again. Another poster might have it spot on by saying that second hand prices might keep rather keen seeing as they will be the last of the N/A engine versions
I wonder what the overall expenditure would be on a 2 year old car if run for 24 months?
While I do agree those 24k are, as you say, "money you'll never see again" I don't think it is fair to include that as "running costs". IMO it creates a very bleak image of what looks like a reliable car.I wonder what the overall expenditure would be on a 2 year old car if run for 24 months?
Edited by gigglebug on Monday 30th March 19:53
If you just say "it costed me 30k over 2 years" I think most people will think "it's a heap of junk that kept breaking down and costed 30k to keep on the road and I'm staying clear of that".
Lost soul said:
So what is this PP/PPP I saw the post pointing out the differences but how do you tell the PP/PPP cars apart ?
I thought I gave that information in my post?! Or at least the second part of your question.Regardless, PP = Performance Pack and was fitted to specific to the 2008/ 2009 cars. PPP = Performance Plus Pack cars and was fitted to specific 2010 - cars.
From the outside, both PP and PPP cars can be identified by the carbon rear lip spoiler. A further identifier of the PPP cars is the red brake calipers. The PP cars have the 'usual' silver brake calipers.
Paul
gigglebug said:
Oddball RS said:
I guess I see a different future for them, not being anti petrol head just how I see things going.
Not just yet but over the next 5-10 years they will be seen as very old fashioned, the newer turbo down sized replacements will be quicker etc (Don't forget the world has finally caught on to light weight being good), and people who will be buying budget fast cars at this stage will probably not want the day to day running costs, depending on what the price of oil does by then, I can see a few being broken for kits / projects etc, but again I guess like a lot of modern motors its the loom, ECU etc that is needed not just the lump, so I can see quite a few passing away.
Like I said just my view of the future for them.
It's an interesting point but I suppose it's just a case of how the industry evolves over the next 10-15 years. Cars like the Challenge Stradale, Enzo, M3 CSL etc which seemed overly tech heavy when first released already look stone age compared to the very update cars available now and they seem all the cooler and desirable for it. If the regulations and demands of modern cars keep eroding away at what makes a great drivers car for the sake of safety and efficiency then we could well be looking back at these very fondly indeed. Or maybe the best is yet to come??Not just yet but over the next 5-10 years they will be seen as very old fashioned, the newer turbo down sized replacements will be quicker etc (Don't forget the world has finally caught on to light weight being good), and people who will be buying budget fast cars at this stage will probably not want the day to day running costs, depending on what the price of oil does by then, I can see a few being broken for kits / projects etc, but again I guess like a lot of modern motors its the loom, ECU etc that is needed not just the lump, so I can see quite a few passing away.
Like I said just my view of the future for them.
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