S205 C63 estate

[Mark83]

First unplanned expenditure. Stone through the A/C condenser. £1200 drive in and out job at Mercedes. Hmmm. Alternatives?

Local Mercedes specialist replaced the condenser for less than half that, and with the same product warranty. While the bumper was off, they sourced a couple of new Mercedes bumper blades to replace this cracked and faded one from when I bought it.

[alpinab3]

Loving the colour, the silver wheels and chrome. Epic car!

[jackcactii]

I've come to dislike that panamericana grill

Great cars though, I remember around 2018 when shopping for 340/M3 these were cheaper than F80. Then prices went up after introduction of OPF models here in D

[Tin Hat]

I had a C63s estate a few years ago, it’s a great experience. The engine is a fantastic example of (relatively) good efficiency with plenty of V8 character. It felt pretty exciting, sounded mean.

My most memorable trip was a 05.00 drive from Tignes back to London, I actually had my lunch when I got home - Pretty remarkable way to cover a big distance quickly. From memory, it averaged about 27 mpg over the journey, significantly better than my W204 C63 that preceded it, and way more efficient than I was expecting.

Have fun with it!

[Polarbert]

Mark83 said:

I was looking at, and about to buy a facelift W212 E63 until my mate who's a Mercedes specialist and a local specialist strongly suggested the S205 over the 5.5 W212. They said the 4.0 is more reliable and robust than the 5.5. One example that stuck in my head was any turbo work on the 5.5 is an engine out job rather than on top of the engine like the 4.0. Maybe the pre-facelift with the 6.2 is the safer bet but they're over 10 years old now.

Edited by Mark83 on Sunday 5th February 13:43

I've put about 12,000 miles on my 6.2 W212 E63 now. I've never really had a car with all the modern features for any length of time so don't really miss them. The engine is bloody lovely.

[Mark83]

Polarbert said:

I've put about 12,000 miles on my 6.2 W212 E63 now. I've never really had a car with all the modern features for any length of time so don't really miss them. The engine is bloody lovely.

The engine is one of the greats! Sounds like you're enjoying it as much as I did.

[Mark83]

It's service and MOT time next month and I'm torn between the Mercedes service plan at £58pm for two services and two MOTs and that includes roadside assistance for the two years. This also maintains the FMBSH.

Or use a local specialist and pay out £100+ per year for AA cover.

Next service is a cheap one, £300ish - A2

Next year will be a big B service which in my S204 C63 was over £1000 had I not had a service plan. Obviously cheaper at an independent.

Thoughts?

[JAMSXR]

I went in for the plan, takes away the hassle and you save a bit of cash main dealer wise. The dedicated breakdown cover was invaluable when I dislodged the under-tray in a large puddle, I also appreciated the Sprinter van with Mercedes livery.

Miss that V8, as an all rounder you’ll struggle to find anything better.

[Mark83]

JAMSXR said:

I went in for the plan, takes away the hassle and you save a bit of cash main dealer wise. The dedicated breakdown cover was invaluable when I dislodged the under-tray in a large puddle, I also appreciated the Sprinter van with Mercedes livery.

Miss that V8, as an all rounder you’ll struggle to find anything better.

I'm swaying towards the plan. Not much price difference when you factor in the MOTs and breakdown cover being included plus any perceived reassurance with the FMBSH when I sell.

Plan is to keep this until my son is three and nursery fees reduce considerably so that's another two and half years then reassess. It's currently doing everything I need.

Edited by Mark83 on Saturday 28th October 10:18

[Mark83]

Renewed the service plan for another two years so when I come to sell, the new owner gets a car with FMBSH from new.

Insurance renewal time too. Tentatively opened the email and it's increased by £150 to £750. Not great but not bad considering the current trend of big premium increases in the news and on here.

[identti]

Great write up! I’m also looking at getting a family wagon for similar reasons (currently drive a 987.2 Cayman S).

I’m currently weighing up an S204 with LSD or S205 non S (also just seen your old W204 C63 is up for sale on Autotrader, which looks lovely).

Test drove an immaculate S204 yesterday and the engine is obviously phenomenal, but the gearbox was a bit of a let down in manual mode - massive delay between pulling the upshift paddle and it actually changing up (the ZF 8 speed in my old M135i was miles better and doing what you wanted and doing it smoothly).

How is the gearbox in the S205 compared to the S204?

[Mark83]

identti said:

Great write up! I’m also looking at getting a family wagon for similar reasons (currently drive a 987.2 Cayman S).

I’m currently weighing up an S204 with LSD or S205 non S (also just seen your old W204 C63 is up for sale on Autotrader, which looks lovely).

Test drove an immaculate S204 yesterday and the engine is obviously phenomenal, but the gearbox was a bit of a let down in manual mode - massive delay between pulling the upshift paddle and it actually changing up (the ZF 8 speed in my old M135i was miles better and doing what you wanted and doing it smoothly).

How is the gearbox in the S205 compared to the S204?

I saw my old C63 for sale too. If it had come up for sale this time last year, I would have bought it back.

My ZF experience was when my local BMW dealer gave me a M140i for a day and it's a brilliant auto box and better than the S204 in my opinion. Difficult to compare S204 and S205 as I had a DCT M4 in between and the shifts in that were instant, especially on track when pushing on and neither C63s are as good. I've no complaints though in daily use and when I drop a couple of gears for a squirt down a slip road or an overtake. Downshifts can be a little slow though.

[JAMSXR]

I found the S205 gearbox significantly better than the S204, but still not quite on par with the ZF. Personally I would be going for the Bi-Turbo as a daily, slightly less drama but more competent, reliable and efficient. Sports/valved exhaust is a must! Mine was used for kids, dogs and track days.

[Mark83]

JAMSXR said:

I found the S205 gearbox significantly better than the S204, but still not quite on par with the ZF. Personally I would be going for the Bi-Turbo as a daily, slightly less drama but more competent, reliable and efficient. Sports/valved exhaust is a must! Mine was used for kids, dogs and track days.

S205 is certainly more efficient. The sail function in comfort mode is great for improving the mpg although doesn't work with cruise control, or I've not found a way. The lack of engine braking takes some getting used to though and still struggle to gauge approaching traffic.

Noisy exhaust was a must have for me. 360 camera too. HUD was a nice to have as it's like hen's teeth on the C63s but do really miss it from my M4. Comfort seats are also really comfortable on long drives so don't be put off by them.

What brake pads did you use on track? I've used RS29s on my M3 and M4 and they handled the weight well. I fancy stretching its legs and taking it on a DN track day next year but different pads are a must.

[JAMSXR]

I just used the OEM pads, they managed a couple of Goodwood morning sessions. It would have been ideal to have a more track oriented compound but I was not pushing too hard.

I also added CarPlay as found the standard Nav rubbish, like most cars.

Only kept the car for 12 months but I do miss that V8. It’s an engineering masterpiece.

[Thomas_]

identti said:

Great write up! I’m also looking at getting a family wagon for similar reasons (currently drive a 987.2 Cayman S).

I’m currently weighing up an S204 with LSD or S205 non S (also just seen your old W204 C63 is up for sale on Autotrader, which looks lovely).

Test drove an immaculate S204 yesterday and the engine is obviously phenomenal, but the gearbox was a bit of a let down in manual mode - massive delay between pulling the upshift paddle and it actually changing up (the ZF 8 speed in my old M135i was miles better and doing what you wanted and doing it smoothly).

How is the gearbox in the S205 compared to the S204?

I have a W205 C63 with the 7 speed. It's not quite as good as a ZF i would say having had a 335d previous to this but its not far off. They're a bit clunky when cold but much better when up to temp which the dash allows you to see. It's certainly better then the W204 box.

Whilst the 6.2 is the best souding, the BiTurbo isn't far behind and certainly gives much better economy. So much so mine is a daily.

[TheDoggingFather]

Love a fast wagon and these are a super fast wagon, great colour too!

[Mark83]

Service and MOT day.



I dropped it off this morning and they just called. I tentatively pick up... "so it needs quite a bit more doing to it than it was originally booked in for (A2 service). It also needs spark plugs and rear diff oil so can we keep it until tomorrow or re-book in?"

Opting for the service plan saved me a four figure bill as an early Christmas present!

Edit - failed its MOT for cords exposed on the inner edge of the front tyres. I check the main tyre treads regularly to make sure the tyres are good. Wouldn't have seen this unless I got under the car or took a wheel off. That's two decent treaded Michelin Pilot 4S tyres in the bin. A quick Google and I'm not alone. Lots of info online of the same issue. Seems it's toe related so will get an alignment done too.

Edited by Mark83 on Thursday 7th December 16:51

[Mark83]

Two new front Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres fitted this morning for £430. Frustrating to see how much tread there was across the tyres but how little there was at the inner sidewall.

And the geometry that caused it...



MOT chap was a little over-zealous with the brakes and gave me advisories. Pads are maybe 50% worn, no lip on front discs or visible issues, rear discs have a small lip so I'll agree with that one. Brakes are a DIY job for the spring.

Edited by Mark83 on Saturday 9th December 13:21

Edited by Mark83 on Saturday 9th December 17:28

[Thomas_]

Mark83 said:

Two new front Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres fitted this morning for £430. Frustrating to see how much tread there was across the tyres but how little there was at the inner sidewall.

And the geometry that caused it...



MOT chap was a little over-zealous with the brakes and gave me advisories. Pads are maybe 50% worn, no lip on front discs or visible issues, rear discs have a small lip so I'll agree with that one. Brakes are a DIY job for the spring.

Edited by Mark83 on Saturday 9th December 13:21

Edited by Mark83 on Saturday 9th December 17:28

I should get mine checked. I've just put some coupe 19's on mine (saloon) from running 18's and the front edge of mine were worn although not too bad.