C63 buyers guide?
Discussion
Does anyone know of a handy buyers guide for the C63?
Am getting a bit confused about the different performance packs... e.g. is PP the same as PPP?
How does one know if it has a LSD?
Are they all easily mappable? I understand the 457hp version is an easy map to 500-ish
Any must have options?
With what vintage did the interior change/improve?
thanks
Am getting a bit confused about the different performance packs... e.g. is PP the same as PPP?
How does one know if it has a LSD?
Are they all easily mappable? I understand the 457hp version is an easy map to 500-ish
Any must have options?
With what vintage did the interior change/improve?
thanks
Bit of a minefield this one but allow me if I may.
C63 generally comes with absolutely all of the toys included as standard. Options of note to seek out would be COMMAND system with iPod integration. Harmon Kardon Dolby Logic sound system. Limited Slip Differential. Power Pack.
Nice options to have would be the 19" wheels. Exterior carbon pack. Interior carbon pack. Speed pack (effectively a de-limiter).
This might help: http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-more-is-le...
Now, the tough one, how do you know which has the LSD....Look for 'PPP' or 'Power Pack' or 'Performance Pack Plus' in adverts along with 'LSD', 'Locking Diff', 'Limited Slip Diff'. I am sure that someone will come along shortly and tell you exactly which years have the following but the following are available:
- Any C63 with or without the PPP can be specced with the LSD.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP but you had to spec up the LSD as well.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP which included the LSD
The PPP is an easy spot though thankfully. The red brake calipers are an easy visual giveaway, although these can be cheaply retropainted. The other giveaway is the suede rim steering wheel from 2-4 and 8-10 (as in a clock dial).
You can also easily spot the Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, even if it hasn't been listed as the front speaker grilles have a oblong silver badge on them towards the top.
Ultimately, you will find that people may lie in an advert about the LSD, they may not actually know that just because it had the PPP, doesn't automatically mean it has the LSD. You may find that a minor dealer does not know what extras the car has.
My advice would ultimately be to either buy from a Mercedes dealer or take the registration number and run it through the computer with a Mercedes dealer to get the exact spec.
Tom
Iridium Silver C63 PPP, LSD, HK Dolby, Speed Pack, Carbon pack, 19's
C63 generally comes with absolutely all of the toys included as standard. Options of note to seek out would be COMMAND system with iPod integration. Harmon Kardon Dolby Logic sound system. Limited Slip Differential. Power Pack.
Nice options to have would be the 19" wheels. Exterior carbon pack. Interior carbon pack. Speed pack (effectively a de-limiter).
This might help: http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-more-is-le...
Now, the tough one, how do you know which has the LSD....Look for 'PPP' or 'Power Pack' or 'Performance Pack Plus' in adverts along with 'LSD', 'Locking Diff', 'Limited Slip Diff'. I am sure that someone will come along shortly and tell you exactly which years have the following but the following are available:
- Any C63 with or without the PPP can be specced with the LSD.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP but you had to spec up the LSD as well.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP which included the LSD
The PPP is an easy spot though thankfully. The red brake calipers are an easy visual giveaway, although these can be cheaply retropainted. The other giveaway is the suede rim steering wheel from 2-4 and 8-10 (as in a clock dial).
You can also easily spot the Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, even if it hasn't been listed as the front speaker grilles have a oblong silver badge on them towards the top.
Ultimately, you will find that people may lie in an advert about the LSD, they may not actually know that just because it had the PPP, doesn't automatically mean it has the LSD. You may find that a minor dealer does not know what extras the car has.
My advice would ultimately be to either buy from a Mercedes dealer or take the registration number and run it through the computer with a Mercedes dealer to get the exact spec.
Tom
Iridium Silver C63 PPP, LSD, HK Dolby, Speed Pack, Carbon pack, 19's
Edited by tch911 on Wednesday 20th August 11:32
There are no external visual clues between LSD and standard diff. The locking diff is option code #471 if you can get a build sheet - usually possible through the VIN.
Early Performance Pack motors had black valve covers, then with facelift models all motors then got the black valve covers but the PP motor then had darker grey air intakes in the centre of the V.
The PP optioned cars had the red calipers, though as someone has pointed out this is a pretty easy DIY if you so inclined. If in doubt the PP's had 2 piece brake rotors
Early Performance Pack motors had black valve covers, then with facelift models all motors then got the black valve covers but the PP motor then had darker grey air intakes in the centre of the V.
The PP optioned cars had the red calipers, though as someone has pointed out this is a pretty easy DIY if you so inclined. If in doubt the PP's had 2 piece brake rotors
Edited by JimmyR1 on Wednesday 20th August 13:21
tch911 said:
Bit of a minefield this one but allow me if I may.
C63 generally comes with absolutely all of the toys included as standard. Options of note to seek out would be COMMAND system with iPod integration. Harmon Kardon Dolby Logic sound system. Limited Slip Differential. Power Pack.
Nice options to have would be the 19" wheels. Exterior carbon pack. Interior carbon pack. Speed pack (effectively a de-limiter).
This might help: http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-more-is-le...
Now, the tough one, how do you know which has the LSD....Look for 'PPP' or 'Power Pack' or 'Performance Pack Plus' in adverts along with 'LSD', 'Locking Diff', 'Limited Slip Diff'. I am sure that someone will come along shortly and tell you exactly which years have the following but the following are available:
- Any C63 with or without the PPP can be specced with the LSD.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP but you had to spec up the LSD as well.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP which included the LSD
The PPP is an easy spot though thankfully. The red brake calipers are an easy visual giveaway, although these can be cheaply retropainted. The other giveaway is the suede rim steering wheel from 2-4 and 8-10 (as in a clock dial).
You can also easily spot the Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, even if it hasn't been listed as the front speaker grilles have a oblong silver badge on them towards the top.
Ultimately, you will find that people may lie in an advert about the LSD, they may not actually know that just because it had the PPP, doesn't automatically mean it has the LSD. You may find that a minor dealer does not know what extras the car has.
My advice would ultimately be to either buy from a Mercedes dealer or take the registration number and run it through the computer with a Mercedes dealer to get the exact spec.
Tom
Iridium Silver C63 PPP, LSD, HK Dolby, Speed Pack, Carbon pack, 19's
Whoa... buying an M3 was so much easier! It either had DCT and EDC or it didnt. And it was either facelift or it wasnt. C63 generally comes with absolutely all of the toys included as standard. Options of note to seek out would be COMMAND system with iPod integration. Harmon Kardon Dolby Logic sound system. Limited Slip Differential. Power Pack.
Nice options to have would be the 19" wheels. Exterior carbon pack. Interior carbon pack. Speed pack (effectively a de-limiter).
This might help: http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-more-is-le...
Now, the tough one, how do you know which has the LSD....Look for 'PPP' or 'Power Pack' or 'Performance Pack Plus' in adverts along with 'LSD', 'Locking Diff', 'Limited Slip Diff'. I am sure that someone will come along shortly and tell you exactly which years have the following but the following are available:
- Any C63 with or without the PPP can be specced with the LSD.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP but you had to spec up the LSD as well.
- Some C63 were available with the PPP which included the LSD
The PPP is an easy spot though thankfully. The red brake calipers are an easy visual giveaway, although these can be cheaply retropainted. The other giveaway is the suede rim steering wheel from 2-4 and 8-10 (as in a clock dial).
You can also easily spot the Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, even if it hasn't been listed as the front speaker grilles have a oblong silver badge on them towards the top.
Ultimately, you will find that people may lie in an advert about the LSD, they may not actually know that just because it had the PPP, doesn't automatically mean it has the LSD. You may find that a minor dealer does not know what extras the car has.
My advice would ultimately be to either buy from a Mercedes dealer or take the registration number and run it through the computer with a Mercedes dealer to get the exact spec.
Tom
Iridium Silver C63 PPP, LSD, HK Dolby, Speed Pack, Carbon pack, 19's
Edited by tch911 on Wednesday 20th August 11:32
Thanks for the detailed answer. I am going to have to do quite a bit of research on this it seems... basic question, but what is the difference between PP (Performance Pack) and PPP (Performance Pack plus). Do both have more power?
Some poor info above.
Black valve covers are on the 457bhp engine. Grey covers are on 487 and 507bhp engines.
Standard C63 had 457bhp, electronic ESP that was managed by the brakes and a decent standard spec. There are many cost options available though.
Early Performance Package (not Plus) cars had regular 457bhp lump, red calipers and 2 piece Ali/Steel composite discs, carbon boot spoiler, stiffer suspension and friction plate LSD. Again, plenty of options if you felt flush.
Then PP-Plus came along in 2009 (?), both pre and post FL, and that had 487bhp engine with SLS internals, suede / alcantara wheel, carbon boot lip, red calipers with single piece Ali/Steel composite disks, additional interior options. LSD and AMG suspension was a cost option.
507 Edition came along post facelift with all of the PPP bits but with more power..... sort of (same engine, different software), fancy black series bonnet, gucci wheels etc. Not much else changed. LSD and suspension still an option for extra dough.
Now they are knocking out a Swiss edition which is an uber spec'd 507 i think.
FYI. Composite Brake Package is the ali/steel disc set and not carbon disc before anyone gets excited.
Eddie
Black valve covers are on the 457bhp engine. Grey covers are on 487 and 507bhp engines.
Standard C63 had 457bhp, electronic ESP that was managed by the brakes and a decent standard spec. There are many cost options available though.
Early Performance Package (not Plus) cars had regular 457bhp lump, red calipers and 2 piece Ali/Steel composite discs, carbon boot spoiler, stiffer suspension and friction plate LSD. Again, plenty of options if you felt flush.
Then PP-Plus came along in 2009 (?), both pre and post FL, and that had 487bhp engine with SLS internals, suede / alcantara wheel, carbon boot lip, red calipers with single piece Ali/Steel composite disks, additional interior options. LSD and AMG suspension was a cost option.
507 Edition came along post facelift with all of the PPP bits but with more power..... sort of (same engine, different software), fancy black series bonnet, gucci wheels etc. Not much else changed. LSD and suspension still an option for extra dough.
Now they are knocking out a Swiss edition which is an uber spec'd 507 i think.
FYI. Composite Brake Package is the ali/steel disc set and not carbon disc before anyone gets excited.
Eddie
The P30 AMG Performance Package includes:
- AMG Limited Slip Differential
- AMG Compound Braking System
- AMG Track-Calibrated Suspension - stiffer springs
- AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel
- Top Speed: 174 mph
P31 is PP+ which does NOT have the LSD as standard
So theoretically yes, P30 will have LSD but I'd still be looking at the build sheet which should have option 471 on it if it has a diff...
- AMG Limited Slip Differential
- AMG Compound Braking System
- AMG Track-Calibrated Suspension - stiffer springs
- AMG Leather/Alcantara Performance Steering Wheel
- Top Speed: 174 mph
P31 is PP+ which does NOT have the LSD as standard
So theoretically yes, P30 will have LSD but I'd still be looking at the build sheet which should have option 471 on it if it has a diff...
That's whats confusing me, I have since found this on another site stating it should show all three and another thread saying it should show P31:
471 MECHANICAL LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
923 OUTPUT INCREASE OF ENGINES
P30 AMG PERFORMANCE PACKAGE
The print out I have for this particular car is only showing code P30 and the 923 'Increased power version' but no 471???
Just trying to clarify what I should be looking for...
471 MECHANICAL LOCKING DIFFERENTIAL
923 OUTPUT INCREASE OF ENGINES
P30 AMG PERFORMANCE PACKAGE
The print out I have for this particular car is only showing code P30 and the 923 'Increased power version' but no 471???
Just trying to clarify what I should be looking for...
Hi all,
Have (finally!) decided that my next car needs to be a C63.
Would prefer a coupe but a nice saloon might work. Must be red, blue or dark grey. Not bothered about PP. Nor LSD (would prefer neither if price is then less). Max miles 30k. Budget up to £30k.
Can't fathom options. I did read the 'options' article (link in posts above) and the bloke reckons the DISTRONIC PLUS incl. BAS Plus and PRE-SAFE® Brake / Driving Assistance Package must be avoiled like the plague. Has anyone on here got it and has a view?
The car below is 5 miles from me. Looks great except it has the pre safe. Also no mention of sat nav - don't they all have that as standard?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Does anyone have pdf brochures of 2012 to 2014 model cars that they can share?
Many thanks
Have (finally!) decided that my next car needs to be a C63.
Would prefer a coupe but a nice saloon might work. Must be red, blue or dark grey. Not bothered about PP. Nor LSD (would prefer neither if price is then less). Max miles 30k. Budget up to £30k.
Can't fathom options. I did read the 'options' article (link in posts above) and the bloke reckons the DISTRONIC PLUS incl. BAS Plus and PRE-SAFE® Brake / Driving Assistance Package must be avoiled like the plague. Has anyone on here got it and has a view?
The car below is 5 miles from me. Looks great except it has the pre safe. Also no mention of sat nav - don't they all have that as standard?
http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2017...
Does anyone have pdf brochures of 2012 to 2014 model cars that they can share?
Many thanks
rich12 said:
Yes but some will need a little chip/plug in to trick the rest of the car into reading the same mileage.
A friend bought a 2014 C63 that had been clocked so it may be different but it's probably the same.
Just saw the above on another thread about someone buying a dodgy E class.A friend bought a 2014 C63 that had been clocked so it may be different but it's probably the same.
Do people really clock C63's ?
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