Anyone else disappointed with their C63 (W205)?
Discussion
BigR said:
Have just got shot of mine after 2 years of ownership.
The positives were the engine and overall engineering, the noise was very pleasing and the performance of the engine was mightily impressive.
The negatives were the general build quality of the car - i think categorically it was the worst screwed together car I've ever had. It went back 3 or 4 times to fix rattles, all of which were "we used some lube" (it could have been back every week, save for desire to actually use the car and simply not bothering). Guess what? a few hundred miles down the road and the noises were back. Indeed, it often came back with new rattles...
Squeaky brakes? Yes sir, AMG are working on a solution... 2 years later and...??
The gearbox was also difficult with a random change down from 2nd to 1st when you dropped below about 8mph. The result was regular 'kangarooing'. Again, they claimed that they'd done a software update and therefore it was all ok - never was and clearly they never bothered to check or follow my direction of how to experience it.
And finally, the customer service was hit and miss. I think Merc set themselves up by the big "we are Mercedes, of course you're going to get outstanding customer service". If they didn't try so hard, maybe expectations wouldn't be so high.
Will I have another Mercedes again? Maybe in the future at some point, but no real rush. Would I get another C63? Probably not merely because I tend to feel that I've ticked that particular box.
I concur with all of this feedback. The worst thing about the car for me is the rattly interior. I had my front pads changed to the new AMG (supposedly) non squeaky pads about two months ago (after a year of chasing Merc about it). The new ones still squeak The positives were the engine and overall engineering, the noise was very pleasing and the performance of the engine was mightily impressive.
The negatives were the general build quality of the car - i think categorically it was the worst screwed together car I've ever had. It went back 3 or 4 times to fix rattles, all of which were "we used some lube" (it could have been back every week, save for desire to actually use the car and simply not bothering). Guess what? a few hundred miles down the road and the noises were back. Indeed, it often came back with new rattles...
Squeaky brakes? Yes sir, AMG are working on a solution... 2 years later and...??
The gearbox was also difficult with a random change down from 2nd to 1st when you dropped below about 8mph. The result was regular 'kangarooing'. Again, they claimed that they'd done a software update and therefore it was all ok - never was and clearly they never bothered to check or follow my direction of how to experience it.
And finally, the customer service was hit and miss. I think Merc set themselves up by the big "we are Mercedes, of course you're going to get outstanding customer service". If they didn't try so hard, maybe expectations wouldn't be so high.
Will I have another Mercedes again? Maybe in the future at some point, but no real rush. Would I get another C63? Probably not merely because I tend to feel that I've ticked that particular box.
The W204 C63 I owned for two years was simply fantastic. The W205 is a pile of s
te. I have 9 months left in the car and I can;t wait to get rid of it!I am not getting another Merc. Although some of their cars interest me (AMG GT & E63s 4-Matic to name two), I just won't risk the shoddy build quality again, especially since the customer service is also so poor.
Hold up RudeDog!
I had a similar experience with my highly spec'd early C63S and couldn't wait to get out of it (unlike my two earlier C63's) so I empathise with your complaint. However I've just taken delivery of an E63S 4Matic and couldn't be more pleased. Not all Mercedes are the same.
Try one, you'll love it.
I had a similar experience with my highly spec'd early C63S and couldn't wait to get out of it (unlike my two earlier C63's) so I empathise with your complaint. However I've just taken delivery of an E63S 4Matic and couldn't be more pleased. Not all Mercedes are the same.
Try one, you'll love it.
I got new pads put on mine which were allegedly new performance pads that fixed the squeaking but they haven't worked. Its possibly slightly better than before but if squeaking is binary, they squeak. I got a month of my lease refunded as compensation for 12 months of squeaking hell but I had to threaten to stop my monthly payments and return the car to them before they took any action. After they agreed to pay the compensation, I had to chase them for six weeks to do that too!
I'm very disappointed with Mercedes' customer service and thats enough to put me off any of their vehicles.
I'm very disappointed with Mercedes' customer service and thats enough to put me off any of their vehicles.
Had the month refunded also, in the end was given a new car albeit on a new deal. Threatened sadly to drive the car through the showroom window.....
Looking now to p/x as soon as I can afford to change as it is coming back with a vengeance. Mercedes UK say it is part and parcel of a performance car?! My bottom it is
Looking now to p/x as soon as I can afford to change as it is coming back with a vengeance. Mercedes UK say it is part and parcel of a performance car?! My bottom it is
Am I being a bit rude or suggestive to these posts by thinking it seems quite extreme swapping whole cars and what not for squeaky brakes. I mean seriously? surely if there was an issue merc would stat to change pads, calipers, brake components etc before going down the whole car for you sir route.
What about trying something like EBC red stuff/Yellow Stuff pads, and if they work then horah, if not so what, only £100 or so.
Seems quite extreme to be swapping entire cars for squeaky pads, which are and should be a real easy fix as it's usually either the compound, or, the pads in the calipers giving grief.
I have absolutely no idea on the clauses a conditions if your vehicles are on lease or 'not getting my hands dirty' service/warranty plans.
I guess if you've forked out 75G + for a car, then ones motivation to sort problems yourself is nigh on zero....
I only say these comments as I put EBC red stuff on my SLK55 to eliminate horrendous OEM pad dust issues. the Red Stuff pads squeaked a bit for first 500 miles as per their guidelines, but have been squeak free since bedding in and dust is 80% reduced.
Seems a shame ownership experience of the car and brand being ruined by something so minor. Double annoying if 'the revised' pads don't fix things argh !
What about trying something like EBC red stuff/Yellow Stuff pads, and if they work then horah, if not so what, only £100 or so.
Seems quite extreme to be swapping entire cars for squeaky pads, which are and should be a real easy fix as it's usually either the compound, or, the pads in the calipers giving grief.
I have absolutely no idea on the clauses a conditions if your vehicles are on lease or 'not getting my hands dirty' service/warranty plans.
I guess if you've forked out 75G + for a car, then ones motivation to sort problems yourself is nigh on zero....
I only say these comments as I put EBC red stuff on my SLK55 to eliminate horrendous OEM pad dust issues. the Red Stuff pads squeaked a bit for first 500 miles as per their guidelines, but have been squeak free since bedding in and dust is 80% reduced.
Seems a shame ownership experience of the car and brand being ruined by something so minor. Double annoying if 'the revised' pads don't fix things argh !
All I wanted was my brakes fixed so they didn't make such a horrible noise. It's a brand new car under warranty so I shouldn't have to pay more money to fix it myself with third party parts. Mercedes are contractually obliged to fix it so in my mind, thats what they should do. The threat of returning the car is a last resort and I only used it because of their reluctance to provide the fix I wanted (which as you quite rightly pointed out, was a pretty cheap one).
Once a supplier starts messing you around, the practical solution goes out of the window and it then becomes a point of principle.
You might think we are being stupid but reading this thread, three £100 fixes have probably cost MB at least three repeat car sales, probably more. So who's the stupid one?
Once a supplier starts messing you around, the practical solution goes out of the window and it then becomes a point of principle.
You might think we are being stupid but reading this thread, three £100 fixes have probably cost MB at least three repeat car sales, probably more. So who's the stupid one?
anonymous said:
[redacted]
I think part of the problem was that mine was a very early car, second one the dealership had, and I guess there was some ironing out of issues to be done, albeit there seems to be enough evidence to suggest that these issues have continued.I was going to switch to another Merc - a C350 Cabriolet - but got jerked around / lied to by the dealer (delivery miles = approximately 2000 and no sir, I know we said you could have it this week, but the sales manager's going on holiday in it for the next 3 weeks...). So, I went back to my 3rd Maserati Gran Turismo (yes, somewhat different!). And, a 3 yr old car that has no rattles, no squeaky brakes... and is as lovely as the previous 2 I've had. I'm so glad I did this and didn't get in another Merc.
BigR said:
So, I went back to my 3rd Maserati Gran Turismo (yes, somewhat different!).
They are different but the GrandTurismo is the car I toyed with buying alongside both C63's I've had. I am seriously considering it again when my current lease comes to an end next year.So maybe different but definitely something buyers of this type of car are interested in.
I started to get a slight rattle inside the dash recently. It's rare though and not annoying. I'll mention it on its first service.
The brakes do squeal a little, but it is very rare. But I find this normal for this level of car - 6 pots and drilled discs. Depends how and who drives the car I suppose. Maybe more casual drivers who like a burst of performance and leave it in auto suffer more from a every day driving style?
Where as maybe someone who uses manual gears and brakes more like driving on track with a progressive and hard application of brakes would suffer less?
My thoughts on this also seem to be reflected by the driving instructor I had at brooklands. He said most owners don't drive as you would on track. Suppose that is the target market.
Nonetheless, very pleased with my MY17 October 16 build coupe.
The brakes do squeal a little, but it is very rare. But I find this normal for this level of car - 6 pots and drilled discs. Depends how and who drives the car I suppose. Maybe more casual drivers who like a burst of performance and leave it in auto suffer more from a every day driving style?
Where as maybe someone who uses manual gears and brakes more like driving on track with a progressive and hard application of brakes would suffer less?
My thoughts on this also seem to be reflected by the driving instructor I had at brooklands. He said most owners don't drive as you would on track. Suppose that is the target market.
Nonetheless, very pleased with my MY17 October 16 build coupe.
Hi.
I'm contemplating a new W205 C63. Had a test drive and whist did manage to get the traction control light on didn't experience any brake squeal, interior rattles or wind noise. The car was a dealer demo running the std 18 wheels, with 1500 miles on it. Have they got these issues sorted or do they appear with a bit more age.
Thanks.
I'm contemplating a new W205 C63. Had a test drive and whist did manage to get the traction control light on didn't experience any brake squeal, interior rattles or wind noise. The car was a dealer demo running the std 18 wheels, with 1500 miles on it. Have they got these issues sorted or do they appear with a bit more age.
Thanks.
playalistic said:
I've had my coupe since November and am just pushing the 2,000 mile mark now. No brake noise, no rattles and no problems otherwise.
That's reassuring to hear, wonder if it was just an issue with the early build cars? If so still frustrating for this folks who bought one. Andy1a2b said:
playalistic said:
I've had my coupe since November and am just pushing the 2,000 mile mark now. No brake noise, no rattles and no problems otherwise.
That's reassuring to hear, wonder if it was just an issue with the early build cars? If so still frustrating for this folks who bought one. 
RudeDog said:
- The optional 19" alloys (five twin spoke design) on mine are proud of the rubber protector on the tyre which means that they are very easy to scuff. Not sure if this is a design flaw or if they were delivered with the wrong size tyre. Would be interested to know if others have this problem?
Those sound like the same wheels as I have on my common or garden E200 coupe (2016) - 19 inch. They were ok with the standard OE Contis on but with my exactly the same size winter tyres (Toyo Snowprox), as you say the wheel stands proud of the tyre. Mine are now kerbed to fk.235 front, 255 rear, all the wheels are the same size. It's crap of Merc - should have supplied more appropriate width rims.
I'm not having AMG trim again because of this.
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