C63 Limited Slip Diff
Discussion
Considering a C63 but I note that as standard it doesn't come with a limited slip diff. The car will be used for normal driving around town and some spirited runs up and down the M1 etc. Not adverse to gunning it around a roundabout or two....question is, given the AMG dynamics, does it really need the LSD or is this just for the race drivers amongst us ?
Admittedly, previous cars all had it..M5V8, RS4biturbo, M5V10, RS4.2 .....
Thoughts would be appreciated
GuyT
Admittedly, previous cars all had it..M5V8, RS4biturbo, M5V10, RS4.2 .....
Thoughts would be appreciated
GuyT
The LSD is only available as part of the Performance Pack P30, which includes ceramic front brakes, the LSD, an even stiffer suspension, and an Alcantara/Leather steering wheel.
IIRC from the test drive on an earlier car without LSD, the combination of LSD plus stiffer suspension makes for a more secure feeling car, with a bit more grip and more chuckabilty (such as it is with a car of that weight). The Alcantara wheel is just lovely, too; not that you'd spend thousands just for that, though.
Downside is the stiffer suspension - whilst OK on most surfaces - doesn't like certain sharp ridges on the road and readily transmits those types of bump up my spine, if you're not travelling at speed that is. And the ceramic brakes seem immune to fade, but lack feel; I can't tell when they're going to run out of capability and the ABS kick in. However, two laps of the Nordschleife at speed and no complaints from brakes or chassis
On balance I think it's worth doing. I am very pleased with the overall package.... it's a stunning car, so accessible.
IIRC from the test drive on an earlier car without LSD, the combination of LSD plus stiffer suspension makes for a more secure feeling car, with a bit more grip and more chuckabilty (such as it is with a car of that weight). The Alcantara wheel is just lovely, too; not that you'd spend thousands just for that, though.
Downside is the stiffer suspension - whilst OK on most surfaces - doesn't like certain sharp ridges on the road and readily transmits those types of bump up my spine, if you're not travelling at speed that is. And the ceramic brakes seem immune to fade, but lack feel; I can't tell when they're going to run out of capability and the ABS kick in. However, two laps of the Nordschleife at speed and no complaints from brakes or chassis
On balance I think it's worth doing. I am very pleased with the overall package.... it's a stunning car, so accessible.
Thanks all for your input.
The reason for asking was that there is a C63 for sale in my local dealer, but as said doesn't have the LSD or PP.
Anyway, deal has fallen through, the tight barstewards will only give me £33k for my 20month old RS4 with 33k on the clock..mint condition, just serviced , 6mm on all tyres etc !
The reason for asking was that there is a C63 for sale in my local dealer, but as said doesn't have the LSD or PP.
Anyway, deal has fallen through, the tight barstewards will only give me £33k for my 20month old RS4 with 33k on the clock..mint condition, just serviced , 6mm on all tyres etc !
GT2man-2 said:
Incorrect. It can be bought separately for about £1500 when you spec the car.. but the PP isn't much more £££ so you may as well go for the PP..
I didn't know that, interesting I wasn't offered the option when I enquired at the dealer originally. Mind you, they didn't know about the need for a diff oil change at 1800 miles either.Edited by GT2man-2 on Wednesday 13th August 22:43
Autocar have now tested the perf pack here: http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Me...
Interesting they think pedal feel is fine.
What about when you pull away while turning?
My 190E 2.0 would sit spinning one inside wheel sometimes, not safe if you intended to get away quickly. My 2.5-16 has LSD and ASD (looks like Mercedes have taken a step back?) which prevents this very effectively, though I wouldn't say I'd exceptionally miss it were it gone.
My 190E 2.0 would sit spinning one inside wheel sometimes, not safe if you intended to get away quickly. My 2.5-16 has LSD and ASD (looks like Mercedes have taken a step back?) which prevents this very effectively, though I wouldn't say I'd exceptionally miss it were it gone.
Gtrembath said:
The reason for asking was that there is a C63 for sale in my local dealer, but as said doesn't have the LSD or PP.
Early cars didn't come with PP, and I'd mark them down on price because of it.Interesting to read the LSD can whine.. I wonder if their press car had a fault and/or hard life ?
Perhaps the tramlining can be fixed with different tyres, my R34 Skyline tramlined like a b
h on std RE010 tyres (or was it RE040 anyway..) changing to another brand fixed that.Reading various reviews, it seems the uprated suspension with 18" rims is a good compromise, with the 19" sidewalls being too narrow/rigid coupled with nails suspension.
It's a shame they don't make the 18" style rims in 19" sizes.. because the 18s don't fill the arches enough for my liking
Diff whine - mine does. And I was very careful running it in (not like another C63 owner I know... ). Although it comes and goes, and I don't yet know under what circumstances. Usually swamped by engine noise so I don't much care...
Mine doesn't tramline but does pull slightly to the left, more noticeably on roads with significant camber (which you would expect given the suspension setup). I had the dealer check the tracking and they said it was perfectly set up - but for a left hand drive car! I need to book it in to have it changed, apparently a special tool is needed which they have to order in.....
Edited to add - I have the 19"s as well. It's very stiff, but not unacceptably so; I've had worse. Bit disappointed that the overall rim+tyre profile seems to be the same (more or less) because the tyre is that much lower profile, so I agree it still doesn't quite fill the arches, particularly at the rear. Mind you, the 19s are a lovely design and sheer pleasure to clean and caress for some perverted reason
I swapped with a friend's V8 M3 for part of the Route Napoleon earlier this month, he has std 18" rims with an H&R suspension. Very surprised this was the first time I'd noticed the effect of the tyre sidewalls in a road car's handling, it felt distinctly different to feel the flex and roll as the car loaded up. Much preferred the more direct feeling of the C63's tyre/chassis, even if it was less fluid overall.
). Although it comes and goes, and I don't yet know under what circumstances. Usually swamped by engine noise so I don't much care...Mine doesn't tramline but does pull slightly to the left, more noticeably on roads with significant camber (which you would expect given the suspension setup). I had the dealer check the tracking and they said it was perfectly set up - but for a left hand drive car! I need to book it in to have it changed, apparently a special tool is needed which they have to order in.....
Edited to add - I have the 19"s as well. It's very stiff, but not unacceptably so; I've had worse. Bit disappointed that the overall rim+tyre profile seems to be the same (more or less) because the tyre is that much lower profile, so I agree it still doesn't quite fill the arches, particularly at the rear. Mind you, the 19s are a lovely design and sheer pleasure to clean and caress for some perverted reason
I swapped with a friend's V8 M3 for part of the Route Napoleon earlier this month, he has std 18" rims with an H&R suspension. Very surprised this was the first time I'd noticed the effect of the tyre sidewalls in a road car's handling, it felt distinctly different to feel the flex and roll as the car loaded up. Much preferred the more direct feeling of the C63's tyre/chassis, even if it was less fluid overall.
Edited by peter_964rs on Friday 15th August 11:43
peter_964rs said:
GT2man-2 said:
Incorrect. It can be bought separately for about £1500 when you spec the car.. but the PP isn't much more £££ so you may as well go for the PP..
I didn't know that, interesting I wasn't offered the option when I enquired at the dealer originally. Mind you, they didn't know about the need for a diff oil change at 1800 miles either.Edited by GT2man-2 on Wednesday 13th August 22:43
Autocar have now tested the perf pack here: http://www.autocar.co.uk/CarReviews/FirstDrives/Me...
Interesting they think pedal feel is fine.[/ GOT MINE COMING IN SEPTEMBER WITH THE PERFORMANCE PACK I DID'NT KNOW THAT YOU HAD TO CHANGE THE DIF OIL AFTER 1800MILES WHY'S THAT? DO YOU NEED TO RUN IT IN MORE GENTLY THAN 1 WITHOUT THE LIMITED SLIP BECAUSE THE 1 IVE GOT AT THE MOMENT I JUST BOOTED FROM DAY 1 WHICH DOES'NT HAVE THE LIMETED SLIP.quote]
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