2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG

Highlights

• Facelift model with desirable AMG Performance Package
• Factory fitted limited slip differential 
• 6.2 litre naturally aspirated V8 good for 480hp (487 PS)
• Extensive history and great condition, 3 previous owners
• Additional set of OEM alloys with brand new tyres included

Overview

While the AMG brand has continued to thrive in the face of tightening legislation, what made them famous, and probably what most PHers think of when they hear the name, is thumping great naturally aspirated V8s. The M156 6.2 litre engine fitted to this car was widely installed across the Mercedes-Benz range but the W204 C-Class Coupe arguably delivers the peak blend of usability and performance.

Introduced in 2008, the W204 C63 received a significant midlife update in 2011 which notably installed an improved gearbox (7 speed replacing 5 speed) as well as bringing numerous aesthetic and mechanical alterations. One unwelcome change was that ticking the box for the Performance Pack no longer meant that the factory-fitted mechanical limited slip differential came as standard. Happily, however, the first owner of this car had the presence of mind to also tick the LSD box.

Fitted with the forged internals from the version of the M156 fitted to the SLS, the Performance Pack added around 30hp to the mighty engine’s output, raised the speed limiter to 174mph, also came with larger brakes and some cosmetic tweaks (carbon fibre effect rear boot lip). It’s a very desirable option, made even more so when combined with the factory diff.

This well-specified car has clearly been well looked after with both an extensive history of regular servicing and attention to preventative maintenance in the form of renewing the gearbox oil and serving the LSD, a tribute to its attentive owners. Currently riding on Edition 507 wheels with fairly-recent rubber, it’s also supplied with the original wheels which are fitted with brand new tyres, so you can enjoy it to the full, from the off.

History and documentation

• Registered 13 Sep 2012
• In current ownership for almost five years
• Digital service record shows services completed as follows: Aug 2013, Feb 2015, Feb 2016, Jun 2017, Aug 2018, Jun 2019, Aug 2020, Aug 2021, Nov 2022 and Oct 2023
• There’s a full book pack and invoices for recent services, with the most recent service carried out in Oct 2023
• In addition, a gearbox oil change was carried out by a main dealer in Apr 2023, with the front coil springs changed at the same time (rear coil springs replaced in Oct 2022)
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 9 Nov 2024
• Two keys
• V5 present in owner’s name, 2 former keeps excluding present owner
• HPI clear
• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• You might be concerned that the all-black colour scheme would result in a dark interior but aluminium trim and the panoramic sunroof create an airy feel
• Fairly modest mileage and a high-quality cabin mean that there’s little wear to speak of, even to the generously-bolstered seats
• Both the Anthracite leather and the Alcantara on the steering wheel have worn very well
• As you’d hope for the range-topping model, all the toys are present, including the Mercedes Command multimedia system, parking guidance, electric memory heated seats, a rain sensor, cruise control, air conditioning, traffic sign recognition and automatic main beam switching
• The owner tells us that everything works just as it should
• The generous boot is clean and tidy and has the through load option to extend it
• Overall, it’s generously-equipped and in great condition

Exterior

• There’s no denying that this is a handsome car and it presents very well on its Edition 507 wheels
• There’s also an original set of wheels which have a brand new set of tyres fitted which will be supplied with the car
• Further testament to the care with which this car has been treated is the fact that it had paint protection film installed in 2019
• This has preserved the Obsidian Black paintwork well, though the owner notes that there are still a few minor stone chips to be found on the bonnet
• The alloys are unmarked and wear Toyo Proxes all-round which were replaced around 4,000 miles ago
• Performance Package brakes are marked out by large red brake calipers
• In all, it’s subtle enough to be stealthy but with enough clues to mark it out as something special to those in the know, even when they can’t hear it

Mechanical

• Under the bonnet is the hand-built, naturally-aspirated M156 6.2-litre V8 
• This car is fitted with the AMG Performance Package which uses forged engine internals from the SLS to bring the power up to 480hp
• Happily, the mechanical locking diff was also specified
• Drive is sent to the rear wheels via Mercedes’ 7-speed automatic gearbox, which includes a “race start” function
• The Performance Pack also included larger brakes
• Having been regularly maintained and treated to preventative maintenance such as a gearbox oil change and LSD service, the seller describes it as being in good working order
• This should translate to a thrilling drive with an amazing soundtrack, and the tyre bill should be mitigated a little by the spare set of wheels and tyres

Summary

With large capacity, naturally aspirated V8s now going the way of the Dodo, you need to experience one while you can. The M156 AMG engine is widely regarded as one of the greats and is installed here in a well-maintained, well-preserved coupe that is practical enough to daily. That said, in this specification, it’s also rare and desirable enough to be a future classic, so it would also be suitable as a special car for high days and holidays. Either way, it’s hard not to be utterly seduced.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Rugby, Warwickshire.