Bought an AMG C63 Coupe W204! Tips & Help Needed!

[i_charlie]

Hello. My first post so please be friendly!

I ve just bought a 2013 AMG C63 coupe and had to share the news!

This is my first car of this level of performance, so I d love some tips and advice from you guys.

I ve had E46 M3 and Golf GTI and R but this is on a WHOLE different level. It s nuts. I ve only had it for a day and cannot believe what a beast it is.

In my humble opinion - the W204 is pretty much peak engine and this era of car is peak build quality and driver engagement. A modern classic that I think will appreciate over time. So once I add Apple CarPlay, it s got everything I need.

I assumed the Apple CarPlay OEM style addition would be straightforward, but I ve spoken to few local (Surrey) installers and they said it s a nightmare - glitchy, cheap Chinese suppliers etc. I have 4.5 infotainment.

Any advice on adding CarPlay would be most appreciated. Especially if you know decent people in Surrey / West London area.

Next question to you experts out there:

If you had say around £3k to spend on upgrades - what would you do?

Are there any recommended / cost-effective remap or exhaust upgrades I can make for that kind of money? Or not really?

Tempted by alcantara re-trim of wheel, but I suspect it ll cost a lot.

I m open to any and all suggestions.

One more thing. I think I might do a track driving experience / coaching session to properly experience its potential. I ve raced (and won) karting and caterham races in the past, so I can drive okay but this is completely different animal. If I m honest, I m a bit intimidated! I can learn to drift like Chris Harris in a few hours right!?

Thanks for reading!

• Tried to upload an image of the car - she's a beauty - but the forum won't let me post images as I'm new. Got video of the exhaust too, but again can't share.

Edited by i_charlie on Wednesday 23 September 16:53

[Blacklab1]

Comand online used to be the go to for retrofitting - they merged with unique car sound in Lightwater a while ago.

https://www.uniquecarsound.com/comand/

Mbclub is a good resource.

[Paddymcc]

LSD if it doesnt have one.

[i_charlie]

Thanks for the advice about Unique Car Sound. I’ve spoken to them. Cheers. Also MB forum you recommended is v useful. Already found a place that does alcantara retrim of steering wheel who are thoroughly recommended… and decent price too. Thanks for your help!

Still can’t share a pic of car (gotta wait 2 weeks!) but I will when I can.

[belleair302]

If you are down south DMS are probably the best around for remaps that are wholly reliable and do what you need.

[Don1]

Remap, gearbox service and 18” wheels if you are on 19’s. And welcome!

[FUBMW]

I come from E46 M3s, F82 M4 and a string of other BMW's, the C63 is really a different beast in that it's the German version of a hot rod.

I've found there's not much I can do to make it handle better, it is what it is and I love it for it. That engine is solid, the interior quality is average but the luxury is up there.

The Chinese carplay systems are OK, I am not sure what some people's aversion is to them, I have one and it is absolutely fine, never caused an issue and makes the car much more modern to drive.

If you're in the Surrey area, I'd highly recommend Grant at GLM Automotive to look after your car, he's looked after mine and I know top to bottom everything that it will need within the year as well as being a top top guy.

Alloys are an issue, the 19's are like butter and will crack, you can go aftermarket 19s which look similar to the OEM ones, or go down to 18. Whichever is your choice.

Also bare in mind, parts for Mercedes cars are tough to find compared to BMWs, I am not sure why but many parts seem to be NLA.

but none of that matters, because it's got 4 massive exhaust pipes and sounds like thunder at any speed. Enjoy your pride and joy!

[SteBrown91]

Rather than upgrades I would spend the 3 grand on preventative replacement of known failure points which can nuke the engine such as replacement latest revision injectors and the variable cam timing adjusters. Plus gaskets etc while you are there.

[MickyveloceClassic]

Yep, my money would go on rust-proofing and subframe renewal.

My 2013 C63 was horrible underneath.

Future proofing the car itself as the previous post says is a good idea.

[i_charlie]

Thanks for all the help and advice. Really appreciate it!

Edited by i_charlie on Wednesday 7th October 11:59