W204 C63 AMG - What do I need to know?
Discussion
Hi Folks,
Very rare post to the forum's for me... and looking to enthusiastically change that.
I'm an extremely happy new owner of a W204 C63 AMG Estate that I picked up privately a couple of weeks ago.
The spec is 2014, low miles (18k), Iridium Silver, pretty much immaculate and still under Mercedes/AMG warranty. Just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions...
a) There are a lot of squeaks coming from the central dash. Is this normal? I know the suspension is very firm, so it's seem inevitable.
b) Engine heat. I know we are experiencing some very hot weather, but when I pull up on my drive way the (single?) fan is working very hard. Is this normal? I know it's a bloody big engine, and so I suspect it is normal but just wanted to check.
c) Tyres... it is currently running on Conti's. When the time comes to replace them (soon I expect), I was thinking of switching to Michelin's... any experiences that can be shared me on this one?
d) Finally - is there anything else that I should be aware of?
All in all.... I absolutely love this machine. I know that Chris Harris made a point of how much of a masterpiece this engine is... but I tell you, it really is!!!
Pictures available on request
Very rare post to the forum's for me... and looking to enthusiastically change that.
I'm an extremely happy new owner of a W204 C63 AMG Estate that I picked up privately a couple of weeks ago.
The spec is 2014, low miles (18k), Iridium Silver, pretty much immaculate and still under Mercedes/AMG warranty. Just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions...
a) There are a lot of squeaks coming from the central dash. Is this normal? I know the suspension is very firm, so it's seem inevitable.
b) Engine heat. I know we are experiencing some very hot weather, but when I pull up on my drive way the (single?) fan is working very hard. Is this normal? I know it's a bloody big engine, and so I suspect it is normal but just wanted to check.
c) Tyres... it is currently running on Conti's. When the time comes to replace them (soon I expect), I was thinking of switching to Michelin's... any experiences that can be shared me on this one?
d) Finally - is there anything else that I should be aware of?
All in all.... I absolutely love this machine. I know that Chris Harris made a point of how much of a masterpiece this engine is... but I tell you, it really is!!!
Pictures available on request
h17jde said:
Hi Folks,
Very rare post to the forum's for me... and looking to enthusiastically change that.
I'm an extremely happy new owner of a W204 C63 AMG Estate that I picked up privately a couple of weeks ago.
The spec is 2014, low miles (18k), Iridium Silver, pretty much immaculate and still under Mercedes/AMG warranty. Just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions...
a) There are a lot of squeaks coming from the central dash. Is this normal? I know the suspension is very firm, so it's seem inevitable.
b) Engine heat. I know we are experiencing some very hot weather, but when I pull up on my drive way the (single?) fan is working very hard. Is this normal? I know it's a bloody big engine, and so I suspect it is normal but just wanted to check.
c) Tyres... it is currently running on Conti's. When the time comes to replace them (soon I expect), I was thinking of switching to Michelin's... any experiences that can be shared me on this one?
d) Finally - is there anything else that I should be aware of?
All in all.... I absolutely love this machine. I know that Chris Harris made a point of how much of a masterpiece this engine is... but I tell you, it really is!!!
Pictures available on request
Congrats and great choice! I recently bought a PPP saloon myself and no doubt you will love it!Very rare post to the forum's for me... and looking to enthusiastically change that.
I'm an extremely happy new owner of a W204 C63 AMG Estate that I picked up privately a couple of weeks ago.
The spec is 2014, low miles (18k), Iridium Silver, pretty much immaculate and still under Mercedes/AMG warranty. Just wanted to introduce myself and ask a few questions...
a) There are a lot of squeaks coming from the central dash. Is this normal? I know the suspension is very firm, so it's seem inevitable.
b) Engine heat. I know we are experiencing some very hot weather, but when I pull up on my drive way the (single?) fan is working very hard. Is this normal? I know it's a bloody big engine, and so I suspect it is normal but just wanted to check.
c) Tyres... it is currently running on Conti's. When the time comes to replace them (soon I expect), I was thinking of switching to Michelin's... any experiences that can be shared me on this one?
d) Finally - is there anything else that I should be aware of?
All in all.... I absolutely love this machine. I know that Chris Harris made a point of how much of a masterpiece this engine is... but I tell you, it really is!!!
Pictures available on request
a.) These cars do tend to rattle a lot. Not the best build quality unfortunately. Not much can be done except removing trim yourself to resolve as paying someone else will cause a small fortune. Just try and ignore it. I have an OCD for these things but I've just accepted my headliner trim will rattle like hell.
b.) That's normal. My fan is always working overtime.
c.) Michelin PS4 is the best option according to the C63 UK Facebook community.
d.) Just enjoy it and get used to visiting the petrol station a lot! :-)
Congrats, it’s a terrific car.
I’d agree with the above, some squeaks on this model are seemingly inevitable, but never annoyingly so in the four years I had mine (except for the accelerator pedal, which was replaced at three years under warranty).
Fan noise from the engine bay is normal, especially in warm weather (you could roast a chicken using the air being blown out!). The Conti 3’s were rubbish, the 5’s much better and the 5P’s really good, however I believe the new Michelins beat them for steering feel.
Nothing much to watch out for, other than your bank balance as the fuel system sucks it dry!
I’d agree with the above, some squeaks on this model are seemingly inevitable, but never annoyingly so in the four years I had mine (except for the accelerator pedal, which was replaced at three years under warranty).
Fan noise from the engine bay is normal, especially in warm weather (you could roast a chicken using the air being blown out!). The Conti 3’s were rubbish, the 5’s much better and the 5P’s really good, however I believe the new Michelins beat them for steering feel.
Nothing much to watch out for, other than your bank balance as the fuel system sucks it dry!
Edited by jahill on Thursday 9th August 00:33
Heat:
Have you discovered the dash "AMG" screen with water and oil temperature?
Trim:
I migrated from a CLS63 and the perceived quality of the C63 (PPP+LSD) is noticeably taxi in comparison
And as all have said: FUEL!
I use Tesco 99 as long as I can get it (and lots of it). It's less economical than the CLS despite being lighter and less powerful
Have you discovered the dash "AMG" screen with water and oil temperature?
Trim:
I migrated from a CLS63 and the perceived quality of the C63 (PPP+LSD) is noticeably taxi in comparison
And as all have said: FUEL!
I use Tesco 99 as long as I can get it (and lots of it). It's less economical than the CLS despite being lighter and less powerful
Yes, I’m constantly disappointed by their sound systems. Both my C63’s had/have the high end spec and both sound a bit crap (taking into account how much they cost).
But this is true of most cars - BMW may have improved their system as it needs to replicate the sound of a proper engine ;-)
But this is true of most cars - BMW may have improved their system as it needs to replicate the sound of a proper engine ;-)
Echo the AMG screen on the dash where the Speedo is. Shows oil and water temperature and usefully shows the oil temperature in blue until warmed and you can rev it above 4K. Also shows the gear selected.
I live in this display. Left twice on the steering wheel control.
If oil is going much above 105 and water above 100 you may have an issue, otherwise, TADTS.
I live in this display. Left twice on the steering wheel control.
If oil is going much above 105 and water above 100 you may have an issue, otherwise, TADTS.
Thanks for the responses, people! Much appreciated.
Relieved to know there is nothing to worry about - except for my bank balance on refuelling! Fully prepared for that though, so I’m still thoroughly enjoying my trips to the local petrol station where the car seems to get a lot of attention! 😬
I had found the AMG screen and I think it’s great. On the heat levels... on a spritited drive, I’ve been around the 112c mark (oil) which is above what has been noted in the previous post. Should I be worried?
And it looks like I’ll be changing to Michelin’s when the tyres need replacing. What’s the average life span for tyres in this group?
Interesting question.... I love fast estates.... where do I go from here? I know I’ve only had this car a few weeks, but it doesn’t stop me from planning / dreaming. 😎
A silver 507 estate would certainly be of interest if one popped up.
Relieved to know there is nothing to worry about - except for my bank balance on refuelling! Fully prepared for that though, so I’m still thoroughly enjoying my trips to the local petrol station where the car seems to get a lot of attention! 😬
I had found the AMG screen and I think it’s great. On the heat levels... on a spritited drive, I’ve been around the 112c mark (oil) which is above what has been noted in the previous post. Should I be worried?
And it looks like I’ll be changing to Michelin’s when the tyres need replacing. What’s the average life span for tyres in this group?
Interesting question.... I love fast estates.... where do I go from here? I know I’ve only had this car a few weeks, but it doesn’t stop me from planning / dreaming. 😎
A silver 507 estate would certainly be of interest if one popped up.
Welcome to the club - I have a red estate and still bringing the smiles in 20 months later. 44k now and no issues.
I'd highly recommend getting some 18" AMG wheels and decent tyres, makes the world of difference to the ride quality. 19" alloys take an absolute beating our roads. I've got GY Eagles as I've run them previous cars and loved them, I'm sure the PS4 is also a great tyre.
I've had the resonator deleted on mine, which makes the sound as it should be (to my ears), you also leave all the cats in place, which will prevent MOT issues down the line
Don't forget if you ever feel a bit down on power
, the engine is the same as the E63 with the power above 5k reduced, this can be released with a remap giving you @530bhp
I also live on the AMG dash display. These cars are epic and truly the last of their kind. Enjoy in good health.
Where do you go from here? Not clear for me either.. Panamera Turbo? Space-X?
I'd highly recommend getting some 18" AMG wheels and decent tyres, makes the world of difference to the ride quality. 19" alloys take an absolute beating our roads. I've got GY Eagles as I've run them previous cars and loved them, I'm sure the PS4 is also a great tyre.
I've had the resonator deleted on mine, which makes the sound as it should be (to my ears), you also leave all the cats in place, which will prevent MOT issues down the line
Don't forget if you ever feel a bit down on power
, the engine is the same as the E63 with the power above 5k reduced, this can be released with a remap giving you @530bhpI also live on the AMG dash display. These cars are epic and truly the last of their kind. Enjoy in good health.
Where do you go from here? Not clear for me either.. Panamera Turbo? Space-X?
Phew. Yes, for normal driving, it’s 105c for my journey to work. And then temporarily higher if I’m driving it hard.
18” wheels... where is the best place to source those? MB directly? I understand the reasoning... but a bit of a shame because the 19”s look sooo good! Anyone got some pics of a silver estate on the 18”s?
Back to concerns, I’ve got a rather strange ‘grinding’ noise on the occasional start up. It lasts no longer than a second, and it’s on the initial fire up. Anyone else heard this before? It’s such a hard noise to explain... imagine waggling around a gear stick with your foot on the clutch.
I’ve just booked up to drive over to Honfleur in a couple of weeks... excited. Anyone else done the same trip and any recommended roads?
18” wheels... where is the best place to source those? MB directly? I understand the reasoning... but a bit of a shame because the 19”s look sooo good! Anyone got some pics of a silver estate on the 18”s?
Back to concerns, I’ve got a rather strange ‘grinding’ noise on the occasional start up. It lasts no longer than a second, and it’s on the initial fire up. Anyone else heard this before? It’s such a hard noise to explain... imagine waggling around a gear stick with your foot on the clutch.
I’ve just booked up to drive over to Honfleur in a couple of weeks... excited. Anyone else done the same trip and any recommended roads?
I've got a 2013 C63 estate in blue on the 18" wheels (pics if needed!) and I would say the ride is much more compliant, although I think it looks better on the 19" wheels when side by side.
The rattles are very normal but certainly frustrating from a premium brand! It seems to be worse when the car is warming up, seems like the plastics expand once the heat comes into the cabin.
The heat you mention from the engine is quite bad - I got out of the car the other day and it burn my legs with the residual heat coming from under the car! As others have mentioned, when you squeeze such a big motor into a car like this the heat has to go somewhere!
Enjoy your car - other have said a remap is good but I would vote for a diff. Mine has a Quaiffe and it's much more controllable when exiting junctions!
The rattles are very normal but certainly frustrating from a premium brand! It seems to be worse when the car is warming up, seems like the plastics expand once the heat comes into the cabin.
The heat you mention from the engine is quite bad - I got out of the car the other day and it burn my legs with the residual heat coming from under the car! As others have mentioned, when you squeeze such a big motor into a car like this the heat has to go somewhere!
Enjoy your car - other have said a remap is good but I would vote for a diff. Mine has a Quaiffe and it's much more controllable when exiting junctions!
Waser said:
Congrats and great choice! I recently bought a PPP saloon myself and no doubt you will love it!
a.) These cars do tend to rattle a lot. Not the best build quality unfortunately. Not much can be done except removing trim yourself to resolve as paying someone else will cause a small fortune. Just try and ignore it. I have an OCD for these things but I've just accepted my headliner trim will rattle like hell.
b.) That's normal. My fan is always working overtime.
c.) Michelin PS4 is the best option according to the C63 UK Facebook community.
d.) Just enjoy it and get used to visiting the petrol station a lot! :-)
a.) These cars do tend to rattle a lot. Not the best build quality unfortunately. Not much can be done except removing trim yourself to resolve as paying someone else will cause a small fortune. Just try and ignore it. I have an OCD for these things but I've just accepted my headliner trim will rattle like hell.
b.) That's normal. My fan is always working overtime.
c.) Michelin PS4 is the best option according to the C63 UK Facebook community.
d.) Just enjoy it and get used to visiting the petrol station a lot! :-)
1) yeah i agree, weirdly not the uber sunroof though, which is something ive found usually rattles in mercs. Its not an audi, but its far more kitted out than my tts was. The sound alone makes me wonder why people even spec the harmon kardon sound system..
2) Yes fantastic in heat, 507 bonnet or louvres? instead of black series cooling kit at 5k?
3) PS4
4)Its not that bad, i got 29.1 on Monday to London on the m4, 99 miles @ 78 mph avg 29.1... Finished at 8pm - went wrong way on tube, got a parking ticket and yeah this tanks now on 22 which isnt bad for the bang per buck...
Best car i've owned, or is it - think its a toss up between the evo and this !
Im not sure it needs a remap. But it definitely needs a diff - thats next on my list and er, to clean it and give the leather something to chew on !
2) Yes fantastic in heat, 507 bonnet or louvres? instead of black series cooling kit at 5k?
3) PS4
4)Its not that bad, i got 29.1 on Monday to London on the m4, 99 miles @ 78 mph avg 29.1... Finished at 8pm - went wrong way on tube, got a parking ticket and yeah this tanks now on 22 which isnt bad for the bang per buck...
Best car i've owned, or is it - think its a toss up between the evo and this !
Im not sure it needs a remap. But it definitely needs a diff - thats next on my list and er, to clean it and give the leather something to chew on !
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