Purchasing a W204 C63 - Advice Appreciated
Discussion
Hi,
I've been watching (and wanting) the NA C63 for a while now, and am finally ready for the plunge. I had a few questions for anyone who has owned/knows a bit more about these cars and would appreciate any advice.
I'm being very fussy with the spec and maybe there are some of these options that I should reconsider?: Non PP/PPP and stock (mostly due to my insurance quotes being a fair whack more), 19" alloys, DAB, Harman Kardon, colour: not white/red ideally not silver, mileage <35k, 4dr saloon, 2013/14 model.
Other questions below:
1. I know the 19"s have a tendency to crack/buckle, is there any way to check for this when checking out a used car?
2. Is there anything else that I should be looking out for? I've searched and found things like cabin rattling can be a problem, but unsure if any other problems have come about now these cars are a few years old.
3. When test driving, is there anything I should look out for? Besides the obvious engine lights, steering/braking pulling etc.
4. Anything I should check for on the service history?
Any other advice/things I've missed would be much appreciated.
I've been watching (and wanting) the NA C63 for a while now, and am finally ready for the plunge. I had a few questions for anyone who has owned/knows a bit more about these cars and would appreciate any advice.
I'm being very fussy with the spec and maybe there are some of these options that I should reconsider?: Non PP/PPP and stock (mostly due to my insurance quotes being a fair whack more), 19" alloys, DAB, Harman Kardon, colour: not white/red ideally not silver, mileage <35k, 4dr saloon, 2013/14 model.
Other questions below:
1. I know the 19"s have a tendency to crack/buckle, is there any way to check for this when checking out a used car?
2. Is there anything else that I should be looking out for? I've searched and found things like cabin rattling can be a problem, but unsure if any other problems have come about now these cars are a few years old.
3. When test driving, is there anything I should look out for? Besides the obvious engine lights, steering/braking pulling etc.
4. Anything I should check for on the service history?
Any other advice/things I've missed would be much appreciated.
G13NVL said:
Can’t really check the wheels without taking them off and they do crack two of mine did and £600 each to replace.
All seem to get the odd rattle think it’s the firm ride and 19’s create them after a few years mine had a sqeeky sunroof aswel but sorted with abit of grease.
Full services history a must half the ones I looked at with ‘FMBSH’ had missing services or overdue.
Check disks/pads as they aren’t the cheapest to replace (more so if ppp) and people seem to get rid just before they need doing.
Oh and watch your shins on the exhaust when getting something out the boot after an ‘enthusiastic’ drive!
Do you know if the service schedule is an annual service, regardless of mileage? I'm looking at fairly low mileage cars, so should I expect less frequent servicing?All seem to get the odd rattle think it’s the firm ride and 19’s create them after a few years mine had a sqeeky sunroof aswel but sorted with abit of grease.
Full services history a must half the ones I looked at with ‘FMBSH’ had missing services or overdue.
Check disks/pads as they aren’t the cheapest to replace (more so if ppp) and people seem to get rid just before they need doing.
Oh and watch your shins on the exhaust when getting something out the boot after an ‘enthusiastic’ drive!
Great advice on the shins, the tips do seem to stick out so I bet they've caught a few people out!
JimmyR1 said:
Rattles can be quite subjective - what drives one person nuts another might be happy to put up with or simply not notice. I reckon the real howlers would have been sorted by now anyway. Try to drive a few to get a feel for how they sound, but if you are after a totally rattle/buzz/creak free C63 you will be looking for a long time.
19s as you have already learned can develop cracking but outside of motoring enthusiasts' websites I wonder how common it really is and the extent to which under inflated tyres or unsympathetic driving habits on bad road surfaces is a contributor. The 19s in my opinion look better than the 18s and are easier to keep clean. On the down side the tyres are considerably more expensive to replace than the 18s, offer inferior ride quality and arguably offer little additional grip to the typical driver.
If you can get a look at the inner aspect of the rims - from underneath at the rear or by turning fronts to full lock and back again - you might be able to spot evidence of previous repairs. Maybe a cracked rim that has been repaired properly is not all bad, but you should be extra vigilant for signs of abnormal tyre wear on the affected wheel, and look out for anything unusual on the test drive.
In terms of spec target the options that are important to you and not the next owner.
Depending on how fussy you are with your cars' appearance the drivers seat bolsters tend to cop a beating and can start to look pretty tatty. Similarly the hard plastic on the rears of the front seats can also scratch and scuff easily, and will be looking less than ordinary if the rear seats have been used a lot.
Not specific of course to the C63 it is always a good idea to check out Previous Destinations in the SatNav to get a feel for what the car has been up to and whether this fits with what the seller is telling you. If there are lots of MB dealers in there, or worse something like "Nurburgring", then perhaps a good idea to keep looking. Similarly the long term mpg reading will give a few clues as to what the car has been up to and how it has been driven.
Thanks for the tips. I'm pretty set on the 19s, so I guess I will have a thorough look to see if there are any obvious cracks/repairs. The cars that I've seen so far have all suffered from the bolster wear to some extent, so I've pretty much factored that in as a given! Never thought about checking the Sat Nav, but that is a top tip - I think alot of these cars will have been thrashed and any clues to finding out if this is the case are appreciated!19s as you have already learned can develop cracking but outside of motoring enthusiasts' websites I wonder how common it really is and the extent to which under inflated tyres or unsympathetic driving habits on bad road surfaces is a contributor. The 19s in my opinion look better than the 18s and are easier to keep clean. On the down side the tyres are considerably more expensive to replace than the 18s, offer inferior ride quality and arguably offer little additional grip to the typical driver.
If you can get a look at the inner aspect of the rims - from underneath at the rear or by turning fronts to full lock and back again - you might be able to spot evidence of previous repairs. Maybe a cracked rim that has been repaired properly is not all bad, but you should be extra vigilant for signs of abnormal tyre wear on the affected wheel, and look out for anything unusual on the test drive.
In terms of spec target the options that are important to you and not the next owner.
Depending on how fussy you are with your cars' appearance the drivers seat bolsters tend to cop a beating and can start to look pretty tatty. Similarly the hard plastic on the rears of the front seats can also scratch and scuff easily, and will be looking less than ordinary if the rear seats have been used a lot.
Not specific of course to the C63 it is always a good idea to check out Previous Destinations in the SatNav to get a feel for what the car has been up to and whether this fits with what the seller is telling you. If there are lots of MB dealers in there, or worse something like "Nurburgring", then perhaps a good idea to keep looking. Similarly the long term mpg reading will give a few clues as to what the car has been up to and how it has been driven.
I actually seem to be having a hard with the cars that match my desired spec at the moment. I've now had three which have sold before I could get to them, I guess they're in hot demand at the moment?!
For example, I saw an advert posted on Autotrader last night at 9-10pm and I called at lunchtime today to be told it had just been sold! Had a similar experience with a car I saw listed on the Approved Mercedes stock last week! Fingers crossed the right one for me comes about soon 
krisdelta said:
Ah, someone with excellent taste 
good work! The standard stereo in the C63 is better than the HK set up in my last M3, I am sure it's a step up and a nice to have, but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.
There are a couple of readers cars threads on this, if you have a look through. Servicing is annual or 10k, whichever sooner. MCT oil every 37.5k IIRC, A = service small, B = service big - every 2nd B service, bigger (I think - spark plugs perhaps?).
19" wheel are very prone on UK roads - I am now on 18" and whilst it doesn't look as sharp, it's more stealthy (except the noise) and the ride is significantly better.
Happy shopping. Take the plunge!
I've stopped restricting my search to HK audio cars, having looked at a car with stock audio yesterday I agree it is plenty good enough! I've seen some cars with 'full service history' that have only had three stamps since 2013.. good work! The standard stereo in the C63 is better than the HK set up in my last M3, I am sure it's a step up and a nice to have, but wouldn't be a deal breaker for me.There are a couple of readers cars threads on this, if you have a look through. Servicing is annual or 10k, whichever sooner. MCT oil every 37.5k IIRC, A = service small, B = service big - every 2nd B service, bigger (I think - spark plugs perhaps?).
19" wheel are very prone on UK roads - I am now on 18" and whilst it doesn't look as sharp, it's more stealthy (except the noise) and the ride is significantly better.
Happy shopping. Take the plunge!
Seems like a bit of a minefield finding a good saloon at the moment!I'm still keen on the 19" wheels, but it seems a lot of people have switched to 18s after issues..
Mark83 said:
I recently bought a low mileage, facelift PPP wagon with a long options list recently. I was swayed to the PPP. I liked the extra power, kudos of some SLS internals, red calipers and the alcantara steering wheel feels special. I'd like to think come resale, it'll be easier to sell. I didn't realise they were more expensive to insure. If you're looking to remap, both achieve similar figures.
I have the HK sound system in mine. Couldn't tell you much though. I'm not really into my sound systems. As long as it plays the radio, I'm happy.
I wish I have bought one sooner. In estate form it's so practical and flies under the radar.
I ran a few different plates by my insurance company and the difference for PP/PPP cars was noticeable, I think it may be down to age/car combo, and I'd rather spend the saving on extra rear tyres - Touches wood* no rattles in mine.
I have the HK sound system in mine. Couldn't tell you much though. I'm not really into my sound systems. As long as it plays the radio, I'm happy.
I wish I have bought one sooner. In estate form it's so practical and flies under the radar.
I don't plan to remap any time soon, but we'll see if I start getting the power addiction!
V8rumble said:
Hi just sold my 2011 estate. Best car I have ever had by a country mile, although hoping the next one will be even better. Yes a few ( very minor) squeaks and rattles but nothing that bothered me. Mainly on poor roads. Cracked alloys are a problem. My 19” wheels I had both rears discovered as cracked when new tyres fitted. Replaced new. Next was a front and had it welded, seemed okay and was about £120. Taken out tyre and wheel insurance on new car which is E class with 20” wheels. HK okay, but front speaker had gone crackly towards the end. 
Looks great! Is the new E a 63? I'm actually looking at going from an E250 wagon to the C63, so a step up in power but a major step down in terms of space/practicality - but who needs practical when you have a big smile on your face? 
So I had an offer accepted on an obsidian black 2013 car with 27k on the clock 
It’s not a brand new car and all 4 wheels could do with a refurb, new tyres and brake pads needed and a couple of other minor niggles - which all add up, but I’d like to get it sorted sooner rather than later.
Having looked at a few cars from various dealers, with questionable wheel refurbs that was one of the things I don’t mind getting done properly anyway. Does anybody have an good recommendations on alloy refurbishment? I’ve been quoted around £450-500 by Pristine Wheels in Milton Keynes.
Also, my insurance are insisting on a tracker for the car, and they seem to be a fair bit cheaper than the next best quote. Any recommendations?
I’m picking her up on Wednesday, so let’s hope I can contain my excitement until then!
It’s not a brand new car and all 4 wheels could do with a refurb, new tyres and brake pads needed and a couple of other minor niggles - which all add up, but I’d like to get it sorted sooner rather than later.
Having looked at a few cars from various dealers, with questionable wheel refurbs that was one of the things I don’t mind getting done properly anyway. Does anybody have an good recommendations on alloy refurbishment? I’ve been quoted around £450-500 by Pristine Wheels in Milton Keynes.
Also, my insurance are insisting on a tracker for the car, and they seem to be a fair bit cheaper than the next best quote. Any recommendations?
I’m picking her up on Wednesday, so let’s hope I can contain my excitement until then!
Edited by yo-gurt on Saturday 29th September 08:45
jet_noise said:
yo-gurt said:
<snip>
Also, my insurance are insisting on a tracker for the car, and they seem to be a fair bit cheaper than the next best quote. Any recommendations?
Change insurer.Also, my insurance are insisting on a tracker for the car, and they seem to be a fair bit cheaper than the next best quote. Any recommendations?
A quote'd have to be a lot cheaper to make it economical to have a tracker.
Based on my experience with a Monaro maybe 8 years ago and a CLS63 maybe 3.
IIRC install cost was about £150 and yearly subscription another £80.
You may wish to do so for other reasons but economy isn't one of them.
YMMV
I've decided to just stick with my policy and have a rethink come next July! If my current provider isn't the cheapest with the tracker at renewal, I can cancel the subscription at that point. The perks of wanting a silly car aged 26 Edited by yo-gurt on Tuesday 2nd October 15:54
V8rumble said:
Well done Yo, looks a beauty and low miles too. I cannot help you on wheel refurb in Milton Keynes, but I was quoted £95 a corner by place in High Wycombe for cash so I think you are in the right ball park. Places seem to charge an extra £10 a wheel as they are diamond cut.
May as well get a Shell loyalty card now though!
Thanks, picking it up this evening May as well get a Shell loyalty card now though!
I'm actually not in MK, but I have only heard good things about Pristine so figured it may be worth the journey if I couldn't find anybody else. They have 4 week waiting list at the moment, which I'm taking as a good sign! Still waiting on E63 pics!
CousinDupree said:
Lovely! Black works so well on C63s.
Pristine wheels in Woburn do a great job. Not the cheapest though.
As long as the wheels come back pristine, I don't mind paying a tad extra Pristine wheels in Woburn do a great job. Not the cheapest though.
Thanks for the recommendation, I think I will be booking in with them in a few weeks timeThanks everybody for all your tips! I picked the car up yesterday, I drove the whole way back with the windows down for the exhaust note! The first thing I did when I got home today was give it a proper wash and vac Tracker being fitted first thing, then fingers crossed some enjoyable motoring - and no doubt many trips to the petrol station/tyre garage!
Tracker being fitted first thing, then fingers crossed some enjoyable motoring - and no doubt many trips to the petrol station/tyre garage! Edited by yo-gurt on Wednesday 3rd October 22:23
irish boy said:
Qualife diff added to mine today. Literally can’t believe how the feel/control has been changed. Should have been this way from the factory.
krisdelta said:
Stop posting expensive, relevant ideas in the damp autumn 
CarHabit said:
I left the standard open diff on my 507 wagon for a month or so before switching to a LSD....
...2 years later, I still love it
What a car
Come on guys, why have you got to try and tempt me like this?.. ...2 years later, I still love it
What a car
I have noticed that, in the wet, I can struggle to put down some of the power and the traction light blinks at me when I'm eager to pull out of junctions.. So it may be something to consider!
Not just yet though, as I've got a major B service and likely new brakes being done tomorrow!
SebringMan said:
Nice one! I've always debated getting one of these. Some parts prices and MPG have put me off however ; the car would be bordering on a daily for me.
For the wheels you can't go wrong with Pristine; I may well go there in the future. The Wheel Specialist is cheaper by around £100 but after my friend's experience with them on his B7 RS4 I would be hard pushed to recommend them now. A shame, as the wheels on my M3 came back looking fine with the previous owner.
Yeah, I've already made 3 trips to the petrol station in 2 weeks, made sure to pick up a Shell points card last time though For the wheels you can't go wrong with Pristine; I may well go there in the future. The Wheel Specialist is cheaper by around £100 but after my friend's experience with them on his B7 RS4 I would be hard pushed to recommend them now. A shame, as the wheels on my M3 came back looking fine with the previous owner.
I'm planning on around 10k miles a year, which is down from about 25k miles last year in a diesel - but have calculated the fuel cost will be about the same.. I figured if I can spend the same, but with a smile on my face I'll be happy!I'd like to get the wheels done at Pristine, however I'm not sure I'm going to manage it logistically. Looks like I might take it to First Aid Wheels in North London who have a set of loan wheels while they're being done. The wheels really need doing now, as I managed to give the car a full paint correction and wax at the weekend, as well as having some (fairly minor) door dings pulled out, so the curbing/corrosion is even more noticeable!
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