Anyone else disappointed with their C63 (W205)?

[Porkupine]

carbonblack said:

I’m glad I got one knowing full well the new one would be a 4cyl.

You are not the only one...these are now last of a dying breed. Last chance really to experience it while they are still semi-modern.

As above, very difference experience to a Porsche. Depending on the model and how well you have set it up, the P cars are on rails. But almost too good for the road and I found they were not an event to drive daily. The AMG 63 is as everyone says, an event every time you start it, never mind drive it. It is a very complete proposition, again depending which form you buy. Both great options

[naefeart]

I really enjoyed my Cayman, but it has ruined me since. I used it daily and even for nursery drop-offs, until my daughter grew too big (long) that I was uncomfortable at how close she was to the dash, should the airbag deploy. I needed something more practical, but even with big power the M5/RS6 I ran were just too heavy to be any real fun. I'm hoping the AMG will bridge this gap somewhat.

Something I don't miss however, is the Porsche dealers, the P. tax on everything and the stringent rules you had to adhere to, to keep your warranty intact (specific tyres and no grills to protect your condensers etc).

I had an order in for a new 4.0 GTS, but cancelled as we now have another daughter and it was never going to work practically. The C63S is the last hope of driving something with a bit of theatre, before it all goes EV.

[carbonblack]

For me, I think the V8 is too much of a draw compared to a Cayman or 991, at least for now.

When a 991 turbo or 4L Cayman is £50k, I might be swayed

Oh, and I forgot, the W205 sound-system with Burmester really is a disappointment. That is something on my list to get sorted.

[Freakuk]

naefeart said:

I really enjoyed my Cayman, but it has ruined me since. I used it daily and even for nursery drop-offs, until my daughter grew too big (long) that I was uncomfortable at how close she was to the dash, should the airbag deploy. I needed something more practical, but even with big power the M5/RS6 I ran were just too heavy to be any real fun. I'm hoping the AMG will bridge this gap somewhat.

Something I don't miss however, is the Porsche dealers, the P. tax on everything and the stringent rules you had to adhere to, to keep your warranty intact (specific tyres and no grills to protect your condensers etc).

I had an order in for a new 4.0 GTS, but cancelled as we now have another daughter and it was never going to work practically. The C63S is the last hope of driving something with a bit of theatre, before it all goes EV.

The Porsche experience is something I don't miss and playing games to get an allocation, exactly why I switched brands although I love the cars.

[Dave3166]

Sold my W204 C63 yesterday to a garage. Really was a great car, loved every minute of driving it even though it was my weekend car. Comfortable, well put together, no complaints at all.
After 5 plus years of ownership its now time i feel to move on to the next car.
Not a mercedes Benz though.
Been there, done that.

[tril]

Interesting thread. I've had a 2016 W205 C63 for about a year now and echo some of the points around build quality, especially the centre dash stack and instrument binacle, lots of rattles and creaks.

I do really enjoy the car and specifically went for a non-S for the mechanical diff, wanted a relatively modern RWD V8 before they're gone and the F10 M5 doesn't appeal for many reasons, so really not a lot of options!

I came from a modified 8V RS3 which I absolutely adored - sounded amazing, extremely fast yet accessible performance. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy the C63 but it really hasn't got under my skin in the way I was hoping it would. I like that it can get quite hairy quite quickly but the ride is annoyingly ste and it doesn't feel anywhere near as fast as my old car. I'm going to get it tuned but I'm not convinced that will solve anything, maybe a bit more sound would? Who knows.

Have really considered a 997 S as a replacement recently but not sure I'm ready to make such a big change in practicality. I'll give it another year as I'm moving out of London in 2 weeks, maybe that will change things. If not, I'm getting back into an RS3. At the very least that car feels much better screwed together!

[naefeart]

tril said:

Interesting thread. I've had a 2016 W205 C63 for about a year now and echo some of the points around build quality, especially the centre dash stack and instrument binacle, lots of rattles and creaks.

I do really enjoy the car and specifically went for a non-S for the mechanical diff, wanted a relatively modern RWD V8 before they're gone and the F10 M5 doesn't appeal for many reasons, so really not a lot of options!

I came from a modified 8V RS3 which I absolutely adored - sounded amazing, extremely fast yet accessible performance. Don't get me wrong I really enjoy the C63 but it really hasn't got under my skin in the way I was hoping it would. I like that it can get quite hairy quite quickly but the ride is annoyingly ste and it doesn't feel anywhere near as fast as my old car. I'm going to get it tuned but I'm not convinced that will solve anything, maybe a bit more sound would? Who knows.

Have really considered a 997 S as a replacement recently but not sure I'm ready to make such a big change in practicality. I'll give it another year as I'm moving out of London in 2 weeks, maybe that will change things. If not, I'm getting back into an RS3. At the very least that car feels much better screwed together!

Interesting to hear that your C63 doesn’t feel as fast as your old RS3, how much power was it running, 450-500 bhp I imagine? If so, I’m not surprised the Merc doesn’t feel as quick. I’m not sure a remap would make a massive difference here - as you’re still limited by rwd traction - but perhaps ask those owners who have done it.

I note you’re not the first person to mention the Merc hasn’t gotten under your skin, this worries me a little as I think it should have by now if it’s ever going to. It’s a shame but the build quality issues mentioned should have been resolved long before this model was even introduced. I’ve not had a Merc before, but I don’t remember such issues with the Audis and BMWs I’ve had in the past, though each have their own ‘features’.

Audi got the 8V RS3 right in many ways (I had the lowly S3 version), the build quality/all-weather traction/gearbox and sound were excellent. It arguably had a better put-together interior than even the new RS3 and I don’t remember a single squeak or rattle in my 2-3 years of ownership. I did however feel the optional Super Sports seats were a very poor upgrade; the base was too flat and didn’t hold you, plus the leather quality was below par imo. In the end I also felt I was passed my days of driving a little hatchback and wanted something with more presence.

Funnily enough I almost bought a 997s before I decided on the C63. I figured I should own a 911 at least once, found a late, low mileage example with the right options (really quite difficult actually), but it turned out the FSH wasn’t quite so full, despite it only having had two owners. The was from a supposed reputable specialist dealer, who was certainly asking top dollar. In the end I asked for my deposit back as I didn’t want the risk, especially as these cars are getting on… even the youngest are over 11 years old now. I’m sure they are great cars, but the practicality was always going to be tight for me, plus I feel I’ve missed the boat now.

My car finally arrives this week, I’m hoping for good things

[tril]

naefeart said:

Interesting to hear that your C63 doesn’t feel as fast as your old RS3, how much power was it running, 450-500 bhp I imagine? If so, I’m not surprised the Merc doesn’t feel as quick. I’m not sure a remap would make a massive difference here - as you’re still limited by rwd traction - but perhaps ask those owners who have done it.

I note you’re not the first person to mention the Merc hasn’t gotten under your skin, this worries me a little as I think it should have by now if it’s ever going to. It’s a shame but the build quality issues mentioned should have been resolved long before this model was even introduced. I’ve not had a Merc before, but I don’t remember such issues with the Audis and BMWs I’ve had in the past, though each have their own ‘features’.

Audi got the 8V RS3 right in many ways (I had the lowly S3 version), the build quality/all-weather traction/gearbox and sound were excellent. It arguably had a better put-together interior than even the new RS3 and I don’t remember a single squeak or rattle in my 2-3 years of ownership. I did however feel the optional Super Sports seats were a very poor upgrade; the base was too flat and didn’t hold you, plus the leather quality was below par imo. In the end I also felt I was passed my days of driving a little hatchback and wanted something with more presence.

Funnily enough I almost bought a 997s before I decided on the C63. I figured I should own a 911 at least once, found a late, low mileage example with the right options (really quite difficult actually), but it turned out the FSH wasn’t quite so full, despite it only having had two owners. The was from a supposed reputable specialist dealer, who was certainly asking top dollar. In the end I asked for my deposit back as I didn’t want the risk, especially as these cars are getting on… even the youngest are over 11 years old now. I’m sure they are great cars, but the practicality was always going to be tight for me, plus I feel I’ve missed the boat now.

My car finally arrives this week, I’m hoping for good things

Yeah my RS3 was running just under 500hp. I knew it wouldn't feel quite as quick but the linear vs peaky power delivery really hits home, the RS3 gets to ~3000rpm and launches you forward relentlessly while the C63 feels more linear and less extreme.

Really the two things that annoy me most about the Merc is the sub-par build quality, as you say the 8V was very well screwed together and I didn't have a single rattle anywhere in 4 years, and the dreadful suspension. My RS3 had magnetic dampers which were great, but the C63 doesn't and feels extremely harsh and crashy over our crap roads. Maybe 18s would help but I think it's mainly the damping being too hard.

I upgraded for a similar reason, wanted something a bit bigger, a bit different and the 'next step' from the RS3, and the C63 definitely does mostly tick that box. Don't get me wrong I really do like it but it hasn't got me like the RS3 did.

I hope you enjoy yours, I hear the squeeks and ratles can be dependent on the trim you go for, i.e. any of the non-piano black ones are better for it.

[HammyHamster]

carbonblack said:

Oh, and I forgot, the W205 sound-system with Burmester really is a disappointment. That is something on my list to get sorted.

What's wrong with it out of interest?

[naefeart]

tril said:

Yeah my RS3 was running just under 500hp. I knew it wouldn't feel quite as quick but the linear vs peaky power delivery really hits home, the RS3 gets to ~3000rpm and launches you forward relentlessly while the C63 feels more linear and less extreme.

Really the two things that annoy me most about the Merc is the sub-par build quality, as you say the 8V was very well screwed together and I didn't have a single rattle anywhere in 4 years, and the dreadful suspension. My RS3 had magnetic dampers which were great, but the C63 doesn't and feels extremely harsh and crashy over our crap roads. Maybe 18s would help but I think it's mainly the damping being too hard.

I upgraded for a similar reason, wanted something a bit bigger, a bit different and the 'next step' from the RS3, and the C63 definitely does mostly tick that box. Don't get me wrong I really do like it but it hasn't got me like the RS3 did.

I hope you enjoy yours, I hear the squeeks and ratles can be dependent on the trim you go for, i.e. any of the non-piano black ones are better for it.

My car arrived yesterday and early perceptions are promising. No rattles or squeaks other than the passenger seat belt buckle - thankfully easily fixed. The black ash wood trim looks better in person and is silent. Tried the car on a mixture of roads and surfaces; the ride is certainly on the firmer side (even in comfort mode) but its perfectly complaint on anything but the worst of roads. Feels very planted so far, but I haven't pushed it too hard yet. The ride generally compares well to my old F90 M5 which was firm but comfortable enough. However, that had a rather brittle feel on poor surfaces, thankfully the Merc doesn't have this. Neither car's ride can ride can touch my wafty Jag XJ which is expectedly cosseting in the extreme, but with the associated downsides.

The performance is nice and brisk, it doesn't have the outright trust of the 600hp M5 (no surprise) but I actually 'feel' like the Merc is going just as fast when pressing on. I'm putting this down to the sound and boy does it sound great. I understand the PFL may sound louder, but I'm honestly over the moon with this aspect. Any louder and I think it would draw too much negative attention. My M5 was so quiet and dare I say it, dull in comparison. That was my main issue with that car, it just wasn't massively exciting to drive normally, which is how I drove 80% of the time. I'm already happy that the C63s will be more entertaining, more of the time in this area.

Other points, well I'm still getting to grips with the digital instrument cluster, it's great that its configurable but there's perhaps a bit too many options. Spent some time with it last night and i think I've settled on a default configuration but we'll see. The Burmester sounds seems ok, I haven't properly set it up, but it seems comparable to the HK system in the M5. I do think it might be better than the Meridian system in the Jag, but it's early days. Scrolling though my USB music library is a bit awkward however, those soft touch 'buttons' take some getting used to, but then I always feel the tried and tested physical knob is the best solution here.

Bad points, gladly few so far - the fuel guage in the AMG sport display is rather small and basic, I would prefer a bit more detail here like you get in the other instrument displays. Lastly - and current bugbear - Mercedes didn't bother to put a grip or pedal type finisher for your left foot rest. The 'hump' is there, but it's just carpet. Other manufacturers give you a rubber pad or grip to rest your foot on, without it you just stomp dirt and grit into the carpet. C'mon Mercedes, were you just trying to save a buck?

Overall though, very chuffed.


edit - question: how do you get your tyre pressure display to show PSI or something more instantly recognisable than the kPA figure?

Edited by naefeart on Thursday 2nd February 11:02

[HammyHamster]

naefeart said:

My car arrived yesterday and early perceptions are promising. No rattles or squeaks other than the passenger seat belt buckle - thankfully easily fixed. The black ash wood trim looks better in person and is silent. Tried the car on a mixture of roads and surfaces; the ride is certainly on the firmer side (even in comfort mode) but its perfectly complaint on anything but the worst of roads. Feels very planted so far, but I haven't pushed it too hard yet. The ride generally compares well to my old F90 M5 which was firm but comfortable enough. However, that had a rather brittle feel on poor surfaces, thankfully the Merc doesn't have this. Neither car's ride can ride can touch my wafty Jag XJ which is expectedly cosseting in the extreme, but with the associated downsides.

The performance is nice and brisk, it doesn't have the outright trust of the 600hp M5 (no surprise) but I actually 'feel' like the Merc is going just as fast when pressing on. I'm putting this down to the sound and boy does it sound great. I understand the PFL may sound louder, but I'm honestly over the moon with this aspect. Any louder and I think it would draw too much negative attention. My M5 was so quiet and dare I say it, dull in comparison. That was my main issue with that car, it just wasn't massively exciting to drive normally, which is how I drove 80% of the time. I'm already happy that the C63s will be more entertaining, more of the time in this area.

Other points, well I'm still getting to grips with the digital instrument cluster, it's great that its configurable but there's perhaps a bit too many options. Spent some time with it last night and i think I've settled on a default configuration but we'll see. The Burmester sounds seems ok, I haven't properly set it up, but it seems comparable to the HK system in the M5. I do think it might be better than the Meridian system in the Jag, but it's early days. Scrolling though my USB music library is a bit awkward however, those soft touch 'buttons' take some getting used to, but then I always feel the tried and tested physical knob is the best solution here.

Bad points, gladly few so far - the fuel guage in the AMG sport display is rather small and basic, I would prefer a bit more detail here like you get in the other instrument displays. Lastly - and current bugbear - Mercedes didn't bother to put a grip or pedal type finisher for your left foot rest. The 'hump' is there, but it's just carpet. Other manufacturers give you a rubber pad or grip to rest your foot on, without it you just stomp dirt and grit into the carpet. C'mon Mercedes, were you just trying to save a buck?

Overall though, very chuffed.


edit - question: how do you get your tyre pressure display to show PSI or something more instantly recognisable than the kPA figure?

Edited by naefeart on Thursday 2nd February 11:02

Congrats! Glad you like the car, I'm loving mine. Interesting that you moved from an F90 M5 - I do like to look of those and the 4 wheel drive is appealing with that much power, but it's a big heavy car which doesn't make nice noises like the C63.

You can't get the TPMS readout in the car to display PSI (unless you have it 3rd party coded). However you can have the Mercedes Me App show in PSI. I'm used to the kPA reading personally, it's probably more accurate.

Regarding the metal footrest, you can get these from ebay I think: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153288354523

Post up some pics of your car if you get a chance.

[SuperNiceBig]

Just have to agree with everyone's positive and the few negatives about this car. Wonderful Jekyll and Hyde character and noise. Tend to keep cars for a few good years, and this is a weekend car, so not racking up the mileage. Anyone else have 19inch front wheels and 20inch rears? Is it factory spec' on a 2016 Premium model? Give's it a nice stance, but firm ride. New tyre's yesterday, went for Michelin's PS4's.
PS Just ordered Foot rest pedal, thanks Hammy.

[naefeart]

HammyHamster said:

Congrats! Glad you like the car, I'm loving mine. Interesting that you moved from an F90 M5 - I do like to look of those and the 4 wheel drive is appealing with that much power, but it's a big heavy car which doesn't make nice noises like the C63.

You can't get the TPMS readout in the car to display PSI (unless you have it 3rd party coded). However you can have the Mercedes Me App show in PSI. I'm used to the kPA reading personally, it's probably more accurate.

Regarding the metal footrest, you can get these from ebay I think: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/153288354523

Post up some pics of your car if you get a chance.

Thanks for the dead pedal link Hammy, looks like that will do nicely. Ordered!

Shame re the kPA reading, I’ll just have to get used to it, appreciate you clearing that up. Had a good blast today on the way to work, totally loving it!



Will need to get some better pics as the weather improves.

[Porkupine]

SuperNiceBig said:

Just have to agree with everyone's positive and the few negatives about this car. Wonderful Jekyll and Hyde character and noise. Tend to keep cars for a few good years, and this is a weekend car, so not racking up the mileage. Anyone else have 19inch front wheels and 20inch rears? Is it factory spec' on a 2016 Premium model? Give's it a nice stance, but firm ride. New tyre's yesterday, went for Michelin's PS4's.
PS Just ordered Foot rest pedal, thanks Hammy.

Lovely pic.
I just changed all four tyres on my estate yesterday and went for Pilot Sport 4S MO1. Really has trasnformed the car to be honest. It is smoother over bumps and grippy and slippy. Haven't really pushed it yet on the new tyres but I can already see they are the right choice.

You are correct that the coupe has mixed wheel sizes.

[HammyHamster]

naefeart said:

Thanks for the dead pedal link Hammy, looks like that will do nicely. Ordered!

Shame re the kPA reading, I’ll just have to get used to it, appreciate you clearing that up. Had a good blast today on the way to work, totally loving it!



Will need to get some better pics as the weather improves.

Lovely car, great colour, enjoy!

[HammyHamster]

Porkupine said:

Lovely pic.
I just changed all four tyres on my estate yesterday and went for Pilot Sport 4S MO1. Really has trasnformed the car to be honest. It is smoother over bumps and grippy and slippy. Haven't really pushed it yet on the new tyres but I can already see they are the right choice.

You are correct that the coupe has mixed wheel sizes.

I mentioned on mbclub forum that for some reason you can't get PS4S in MO1 specific fitment on the rear 20" size. You can on the front. There is a BMW star fitment (designed for the M3/M4) which probably do when the time comes.

[HammyHamster]

Here's mine by the way:

[James McScotty]

I've recently switched from a MT 981 CGTS, owned and dailied for five years, to a 30-year old W124 300E Auto.

Radical, or what?

I won't miss Porsche aftersales service, nor will I miss active transmission mounts going pop. I replaced three, and there's only two on the car.

The final straw for me was a long and very, very noisy trip to Scotland in the Cayman. I'd always fancied a big old-school Benz, the ride is sublime, the straight-six engine is smooth and quiet and having that bonnet star leading the way makes every journey a special occasion. Granted, it's slow, but it's such a nice place to be, and spending a little more time in a nice place is, er, nice.

[naefeart]

HammyHamster said:

Here's mine by the way:

That’s a mean looking FE. I’m guessing those lads are wrapping your chrome bits… bit of a screw up by MBUK, I’d not want to be that person haha. Have you PPFed the car, I’m guessing you have to be more careful looking after the matt paint?

Interesting point re the tyres, does it matter if they are Mercedes spec or not? Hopefully it doesn’t invalidate the warranty like it supposedly does with Porsche.

[Porkupine]

If that is the chrome being wrapped, I would be interested to hear how that went. Was considering it on mine, but 50/50 at this point. ANy before and after pics would be brilliant!