Thoughts on C63 Options: Less is More

[f328nvl]

If you've been reading about the Mercedes C63 AMG I recently acquired, you’ll know I've been having a few issues. The chap on here who asked me why I hadn't noticed any of this stuff when I test drove it, had a fair question. Well, I have to admit that I didn't actually drive the precise car I now own before I bought it. I used the following logic: It’s a Mercedes C63 AMG, it’ll be the same as the one I drove about six months ago. OK it has lots of added bits and pieces, so it can only be better than the one I drove without them. What kind of an idiot would pay thousands of pounds to make it worse? It’s a “no brainer”. So here are my reflections on the options my car has, and my recommendations regarding each one:

http://rjmghome.blogspot.co.uk/#!/2013/01/c63-amg-...

[braddo]

An enjoyable read!

I will never understand the British addiction to adding loads of expensive and marginally useful options to new cars (but each to their own).

[ghibbett]

Thanks for sharing your blog. Regarding your comment on wheels, the 19" wheel is actually a £625 option (£1550 is you want them painted black). The option 18" wheel, as I have on mine, is a £350 option.

[f328nvl]

ghibbett said:

Thanks for sharing your blog. Regarding your comment on wheels, the 19" wheel is actually a £625 option (£1550 is you want them painted black). The option 18" wheel, as I have on mine, is a £350 option.

I have the same 18" ones in the picture, hence the price is my option price. I was trying to say, the £350 ones are a matter of taste, just don't buy the bigger ones if you want a decent ride - how can it cost almost £1,000 to paint them black? maybe the assumption is that drug dealers are less price sensitive!

[ghibbett]

Agree regarding both the 19"s being a harder ride (I drove 18s vs 19s back-to-back and stuck to the 18"s) and the ridiculous cost to have your 19"s in black. Crazy!!

Oh, and as per your blog, the LSD is a must-have option too.

[ecain63]

Ha! Really enjoyed that. Just picked up my 'Plus' car last weekend and i love it. Having come from a tuned Audi C5 RS6 and then a BMW E61 M5 i was happy with 'power', but youre right about the speed these things shoot toward the horizon. Its an epic push and i really do think the 'Plus' pack makes it!

Only thing im missing is the LSD, however i am a tad confused as to why its so important. Maybe i need more time but the open, electronic diff that comes as standard (although hard on the rear brakes) is more than capable at getting me out of junctions under decent power and even sliding me sideways in a 2 wheel drift when asked. Theres none of the one-wheel spin that everyone (who didnt have a C63) chirped about. Perfect 11's all down the road!

[ghibbett]

Did you bother to read my reply to your C63 LSD post?

[Broccers]

I like your style - good read thanks.

I too wondered about the lsd, is it needed or not?

[ecain63]

ghibbett said:

Did you bother to read my reply to your C63 LSD post?

Yes I did and all points were duly noted. Thanks.

[HammyHamster]

Great read, and I agree with almost all your points. However I have the 19s and the optional AMG suspension and think the ride is "OK" (as in tolerable). Yes it's pretty firm and can jar over potholes but my personal opinion is that it's a fair compromise for the wonderfully flat cornering and it begins to close the dynamic gap between this and my previous E90 M3.

PPP is definitely a good option (albeit expensive) and gives you more than just another 30bhp - lightened internals from the SLS (saves 3kg) give the engine fantastic free-revving "wappability". Also uprated compound brakes, red callipers, carbon spoiler, alcantara steering wheel. I'm glad I ticked this box

The HK sound system is the best I've heard in a car, truly superb.

Luxury climate control I wouldn't bother with, it just adds a third zone for the rear passengers (who cares about them anyway )

[HotJambalaya]

entertaining read!

3 things -never really heard of anyone except private S class buyers bothering with Distronic, I think the thing to do would be to leave it off until you're on motorway trips, then its supposed to be fantastic.

secondly, I think (and i could be wrong) that the luxury climate control just gives rear seat passengers their own controls, doesnt have anything to do with heating the car in general, or temperatures etc in the front. Check the controls in the back, and if its anything more then just a vent, you can probably move it 2 columns over and save another £590!

and finally surprisingly, on mine someone had fitted the rear sun blind option, I think its a cheap option, around £200, and I'm fairly sure I'm never going to actually use it, but its such a beautiful piece of engineering, and its great fun showing people, so its an absolute must have now!

[f328nvl]

Oh that's what luxury climate means, my daughter will be suitably grateful I'm sure!

Thanks to everyone for reading it and commenting, I've never done this blogging thing before and its turning out to be quite good fun, beats working. Right back to the day job..

http://rjmghome.blogspot.co.uk/

[boxtaboy]

I think luxury climate also gives the option of how the air is delivered - Focus, medium or diffuse, and you get a residual heat function which is handy when you're waiting around with the engine off.

[audidoody]

Super read! Very entertaining. I am ashamed to admit I find the reversing camera on my e-class estate entirely useful.

[f328nvl]

audidoody said:

Super read! Very entertaining. I am ashamed to admit I find the reversing camera on my e-class estate entirely useful.

But do you use the lights on the ceiling over the back seats too? Only an owl could revolve their head fast enough to use both.

http://rjmghome.blogspot.co.uk/

[audidoody]

I monitor the lights from the rear-view mirror (although the beeps are the main warnings and the camera means you don't really need them. But they are standard on all new Mercs whereas the camera is an option. That's why they are there-even when the camera is specified

The reversing camera is also safety feature if you've got small kids to check if they are not behind the car when reversing. They are mandatory on all new cars in the USA for this reason.

Edited by audidoody on Friday 25th January 12:10

[f328nvl]

audidoody said:

I monitor the lights from the rear-view mirror (although the beeps are the main warnings and the camera means you don't really need them. But they are standard on all new Mercs whereas the camera is an option. That's why they are there-even when the camera is specified

The reversing camera is also safety feature if you've got small kids to check if they are not behind the car when reversing. They are mandatory on all new cars in the USA for this reason.

Edited by audidoody on Friday 25th January 12:10

Really, all US cars have to have reversing cameras? Wow! How many kids did Americans run over every year to make that law worthwhile? Presumably more than they shoot?

Edited by f328nvl on Friday 25th January 15:39

[boxtaboy]

Took my wife's Honda in for a service and we got a brand new Civic loaner. It didn't have parking sensors but did have a reversing camera. Figure that one out then !

[laminad123]

I leased my c63 and didn't tick an option box, partly out of being economical and also because All I need are rear sensors and a half decent stereo to accompany my ride - the 18" are smooth over my daily london pothole-ridden commute, I did consider the PP but couldn't really justify it seeing as I've made a big jump up from my E46 330 already. No regrets and it puts a smile on my face every day

Regarding cameras without sensors http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yPdVQnPLvE

[Seventy]

f328nvl said:

Really, all US cars have to have reversing cameras? Wow! How many kids did Americans run over every year to make that law worthwhile? Presumably more than they shoot?

Edited by f328nvl on Friday 25th January 15:39

Pretty poor taste. I am sure on reflection you would agree.