C63 AMG Coupe - Must Have / Most Desirable Options

[A Good Name]

Hi all,

I am right at the start of my search for a new car and at the top of my list is a previous gen C63 Coupe.

I am trying to understand what the most desirable options are. I had a look at all the cars listed (on Autotrader) and there were a few at very similar prices but with quite different mileages so want to know if this is down to spec.

I am guessing that the essential options are 1) LSD 2) Performance Pack 3) Pano roof.

Also with regards to 1 and 2, how do you actually confirm if a car has these options when viewing?

Cheers.

[A Good Name]

Sorry, have just seen the thread below which essentially answers all my questions!

Would however be grateful for any answers as to the quickest way to confirm if a car is PPP and LSD.

Thanks.

[PenelopaPitstop]

Check spec from VIN number. To get VIN from plate you can use website selling parts:
1. http://www.blue-print.com/blueprintlive/ register with random name, confirm registration, use catalogue on the left to put reg plate and get VIN
2. get spec from vin here: http://carinfo.kiev.ua/cars/vin/mercedes/vin_check

Performance package is P30.

You will find a lot of info on it on mbclub.co.uk forum, just search for P30, for example:
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/208066-c...
http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/205832-2...

Edited by PenelopaPitstop on Tuesday 2nd August 17:28

[A Good Name]

Thanks! Much appreciated.

[ecain63]

Performance Pack Plus is what you want, not just the Performance Pack. Perf Pack was 2008/2009. Perf Pack Plus was 2010 to 2013. After that the 507 came in and replaced it.

LSD is a nice to have option but a Quaife diff can be fitted by any competent garage and is reasonably priced at circa £1500 all in. It requires no maintenance either. I've had both (in 2 different PPP cars) AMG LSD and Quaife and there is no real difference on the road, the Quaife is a little more snatchy if anything.

When looking, make sure you ask for pics of the VIN and engine bay. Many dealers are unaware of the differences between specs and will claim one thing or another. Under the bonnet a PPP car has a grey inlet manifold cover whereas a standard C63 had a light / cream coloured cover. Brake calipers used to be a good guide but many standard cars had the calipers painted red to try to look the part. Inside the cabin you should look for the alcantara steering wheel grips. Standard cars had an all leather wheel. The PPP cars have alcantara and leather. The rest is only apparent under very close inspection.

If the car has an AMG LSD the rear diff cover will have cooling fins on. The front brake discs on the PPP cars are 1 peice composite ali-steel castings and the shape of the arms between the bell and rotor are the spotters giveaway. PP and BS cars have the 2 peice discs with black bells bolted to a floating rotor. Standard cars have solid steel items.

Does that cover it?

[irfan1712]

a thread i started Christmas time may help, i received some very helpful contributions.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[A Good Name]

ecain63 thank you very much for those tips, extremely helpful!

Thanks irfan1712, I saw your thread just after posting mine! Lots of very useful and informative replies and congrats on your acquisition.

[amg master]

ecain63 said:

Performance Pack Plus is what you want, not just the Performance Pack. Perf Pack was 2008/2009. Perf Pack Plus was 2010 to 2013. After that the 507 came in and replaced it.

LSD is a nice to have option but a Quaife diff can be fitted by any competent garage and is reasonably priced at circa £1500 all in. It requires no maintenance either. I've had both (in 2 different PPP cars) AMG LSD and Quaife and there is no real difference on the road, the Quaife is a little more snatchy if anything.

When looking, make sure you ask for pics of the VIN and engine bay. Many dealers are unaware of the differences between specs and will claim one thing or another. Under the bonnet a PPP car has a grey inlet manifold cover whereas a standard C63 had a light / cream coloured cover. Brake calipers used to be a good guide but many standard cars had the calipers painted red to try to look the part. Inside the cabin you should look for the alcantara steering wheel grips. Standard cars had an all leather wheel. The PPP cars have alcantara and leather. The rest is only apparent under very close inspection.

If the car has an AMG LSD the rear diff cover will have cooling fins on. The front brake discs on the PPP cars are 1 peice composite ali-steel castings and the shape of the arms between the bell and rotor are the spotters giveaway. PP and BS cars have the 2 peice discs with black bells bolted to a floating rotor. Standard cars have solid steel items.

Does that cover it?

the coupes only came with performance pack plus and not performance pack.

[ecain63]

amg master said:

ecain63 said:

Performance Pack Plus is what you want, not just the Performance Pack. Perf Pack was 2008/2009. Perf Pack Plus was 2010 to 2013. After that the 507 came in and replaced it.

LSD is a nice to have option but a Quaife diff can be fitted by any competent garage and is reasonably priced at circa £1500 all in. It requires no maintenance either. I've had both (in 2 different PPP cars) AMG LSD and Quaife and there is no real difference on the road, the Quaife is a little more snatchy if anything.

When looking, make sure you ask for pics of the VIN and engine bay. Many dealers are unaware of the differences between specs and will claim one thing or another. Under the bonnet a PPP car has a grey inlet manifold cover whereas a standard C63 had a light / cream coloured cover. Brake calipers used to be a good guide but many standard cars had the calipers painted red to try to look the part. Inside the cabin you should look for the alcantara steering wheel grips. Standard cars had an all leather wheel. The PPP cars have alcantara and leather. The rest is only apparent under very close inspection.

If the car has an AMG LSD the rear diff cover will have cooling fins on. The front brake discs on the PPP cars are 1 peice composite ali-steel castings and the shape of the arms between the bell and rotor are the spotters giveaway. PP and BS cars have the 2 peice discs with black bells bolted to a floating rotor. Standard cars have solid steel items.

Does that cover it?

the coupes only came with performance pack plus and not performance pack.

Very true. 100% fail

[A Good Name]

I am surprised by how few PPP and LSD cars are for sale. I had, doubtlessly erroneously, assumed that most people would have ticked at least the PPP option (in for a penny in for a pound and all that) but perhaps not? Does anyone know how much PPP and LSD cost as options new?

[amg master]

A Good Name said:

I am surprised by how few PPP and LSD cars are for sale. I had, doubtlessly erroneously, assumed that most people would have ticked at least the PPP option (in for a penny in for a pound and all that) but perhaps not? Does anyone know how much PPP and LSD cost as options new?

i think the ppp was approx £5200 and the lsd was £1500 approx so not cheap options on a already expensive car.

[matc]

I'd imagine most cars on the market at the minute are the pcp hand backs from a couple of years ago, so likely to have very little in the way of options as they were very price sensitive at the time.

Worth spending the time looking for the right spec though - a PP car is fantastic.

[irfan1712]

A Good Name said:

ecain63 thank you very much for those tips, extremely helpful!

Thanks irfan1712, I saw your thread just after posting mine! Lots of very useful and informative replies and congrats on your acquisition.

thanks mate, i really do love it. It'll make you smile like a mentalist for weeks/months on end when you find 'the one'!

with regards to PPP, don't get hung up on it. I made that mistake and missed out on some lovely cars but dismissed them because of lack of PPP.

a Quaife diff can be added after for £1500 or there abouts. A simple remap will exceed the 487bhp of the PPP car, and the brakes - the standards perform tremendous as they are, they just don't need to be any better. Add in the fact the cost of replacing the PPP disc when the time comes makes it a bit eye watering - PPP brakes are only worth while if your going to track the beast a lot in my opinion ( same for the LSD!)

you should read a couple of reviews on AMG owners the LSD and make your own mind up - its hit or miss and seems to be personal pref on wether its needed/can be noticed. head over to MBCLUB UK.
Irfan

[ecain63]

^^^^ whilst the standard engine with a map will match power with a mapped PPP, the PPP engine does feel more happy to rev and feels generally more balanced. On the road, if you measure with accurate equipment the PPP is the quicker car even if evenly matched on paper with a standard engined car.

I agree regarding the brakes. No real benefits anywhere other than on the track. Even then the PPP setup is limited in its ability.

Edited by ecain63 on Thursday 4th August 07:35

[robbo1948]

Hey everyone, newbie here so please go easy!

In my search for a C63 saloon I came across this very helpful thread, appreciate it's age but wondered if anyone could provide some advice regarding the spec I'd like and if it's unrealistic.

I'd like a black saloon with black leather interior, pan roof, DAB, push button start, Burmester and black to the front and rear, there is a perfect example for sale on auto trader, which I believe is a 63 S Premium, described as :

Full Mercedes service history, sports exhaust, panoramic sunroof, full heated red and black interior with drivers memory, Upgrades 19 AMG Alloys, privacy glass, ambient lighting, rear view camera, cruise control, keyless entry and go. Number plate not included Full service history, Black, 2 owners, £37,995

But everything I'm finding has the red internal seats, which whilst I appreciate are desirable to most really don't float my boat.

Am I being too picky or would I be able to find the perfect car? If so what spec gets all the above and black badges, etc.?

Thanks.

Robbo

[Don1]

Get a discount and get the seats redone at Dave the Trimmers.?

[irfan1712]

robbo1948 said:

Hey everyone, newbie here so please go easy!

In my search for a C63 saloon I came across this very helpful thread, appreciate it's age but wondered if anyone could provide some advice regarding the spec I'd like and if it's unrealistic.

I'd like a black saloon with black leather interior, pan roof, DAB, push button start, Burmester and black to the front and rear, there is a perfect example for sale on auto trader, which I believe is a 63 S Premium, described as :

Full Mercedes service history, sports exhaust, panoramic sunroof, full heated red and black interior with drivers memory, Upgrades 19 AMG Alloys, privacy glass, ambient lighting, rear view camera, cruise control, keyless entry and go. Number plate not included Full service history, Black, 2 owners, £37,995

But everything I'm finding has the red internal seats, which whilst I appreciate are desirable to most really don't float my boat.

Am I being too picky or would I be able to find the perfect car? If so what spec gets all the above and black badges, etc.?

Thanks.

Robbo

Forgot i contributed to this two year ago. This thread and all its info is base on the W204 C63 (The 6.2).

It sounds like your looking at the W205, i.e the 4.0 Bi Turbo. Completely different car so none of this thread will be relevant.

I'd recommend checking the Mercedes Used Approved site and seeing if any main dealers have what you're after.. otherwise hold out and don't buy for the sake of it. The car you've listed sounds like a standard car.. its listed - ambient lighting, cruise, rear view cam as upgrades but their all standard features.

if i recall the 'Premium pack' includes keyless go, Burmiester and the pano roof. If these are listed as separate optional extras then they aren't as they just make up the premium pack.

Irfan

[robbo1948]

Thanks Irfan - helpful.

Found a few cars I like but still may need to compromise.... children dictate a 4 door saloon rather than coupe