W204 C63 AMG - What do I need to know?

[noodleman]

You’ve had an S4 before...

The choice is obvious.

[Bincenzo]

krisdelta said:

Hey Mark, still enjoying the Aston? All the facelift cars have the updated headbolts that were issue on some earlier engines IIRC and interior is far far nicer.

They seem pretty robust overall, the services alternate between A and B, the latter being more pricey and the MCT needs an oil change every 37k. Pretty heavy on tyres and the 19” wheels prone to cracking due to the minuscule rubber and crappy uk roads.

Brakes aren’t cheap, but I’ve only used about 20% of mine in 12k. LSD is pretty rare, but a simple retrofit. I’ve had the resonator deleted to aid V8 deliciousness whilst avoiding MOT censure.

Hello chum, yes, still in one, although I think I’ve probably moved on a couple since I last saw you. Is the LSD essential for general driving, or just for allowing some slip angle to develop?
How’s the gearbox, as I’ve heard stories of it being a little bit too clever for its own good and interfering, even when in manual?

19s definitely look better but if they are prone to damage, it may be better to go with 18s.
I assume this car will be an utter nightmare in any snow? Not frequent I know, but I had a shocker in my Jag last year when it snowed and vowed to get something more suitable. I can’t imagine this is it. At least the RS4 has 4wd.

[phlap]

Bincenzo said:

A really useful thread, thanks. I’m looking at either an RS4 Avant or the C63 estate as a daily driver. Budget around £25-30k, although like to keep it at the lower end if I can get a good example.

I’m a massive fan of performance cars and have a relatively dull A/B road commute so like to liven it up with some spirited driving wherever possible.

I’ve had an S4 Avant before and have driven a fair amount of Audi S/RS product but have never stepped into an AMG. I understand the interior build quality is very differoent and that there are some issues with pre 2011 engines. Other than that, is there anything I should really look out for. I’ m used to a fairly expensive running costs.

Thanks in advance for any top tips. I have enquiried about one for sale at an Indy in Manchester. If anyone spots a good example, please let me know.

Also thanks for info on this thread which was very helpful.
I defected from multiple RS Audis to a C63 PP Estate in July. Same choice as you: RS4 Avant or C63? I went for the C63 for a change as much as anything else and the jury is still out to be honest. I was expecting EPIC noise and it sounds nice at normal speeds but more baritone than V8 rumble. The ride (on 19s admittedly) is just on the acceptable side of rock hard but the traction is much better than expected. Handling and steering great. MIne has done 36k and has a few buzzes and rattles I didn't have in my 11 year old B7 RS4. Using the S+ and manual modes makes a big difference as C and S seem to keep it below 2000 rpm to get a semblance of fuel economy. Overall I'm happy but not blown away. Also looking for a decent specialist in Cheshire / Manchester if anyone can help.

[krisdelta]

Bincenzo said:

krisdelta said:

Hey Mark, still enjoying the Aston? All the facelift cars have the updated headbolts that were issue on some earlier engines IIRC and interior is far far nicer.

They seem pretty robust overall, the services alternate between A and B, the latter being more pricey and the MCT needs an oil change every 37k. Pretty heavy on tyres and the 19” wheels prone to cracking due to the minuscule rubber and crappy uk roads.

Brakes aren’t cheap, but I’ve only used about 20% of mine in 12k. LSD is pretty rare, but a simple retrofit. I’ve had the resonator deleted to aid V8 deliciousness whilst avoiding MOT censure.

Hello chum, yes, still in one, although I think I’ve probably moved on a couple since I last saw you. Is the LSD essential for general driving, or just for allowing some slip angle to develop?
How’s the gearbox, as I’ve heard stories of it being a little bit too clever for its own good and interfering, even when in manual?

19s definitely look better but if they are prone to damage, it may be better to go with 18s.
I assume this car will be an utter nightmare in any snow? Not frequent I know, but I had a shocker in my Jag last year when it snowed and vowed to get something more suitable. I can’t imagine this is it. At least the RS4 has 4wd.

I'm doing ok without an LSD for now - it's on the list for 2019. It's still alot of fun and an LSD is only going to improve that. It's not going to rival the Vantage for feel or adjustability, but it's a lovely car to hustle along irrespective.

The gearbox took me a little while to get used to, I find in Sport and Sport + overiding with the paddles stops it doing anything silly if I'm pressing on and want gear "X". It's just different, but still a fantastic gearbox. You just allow the time you'd normally be dipping the clutch and pushing the gearstick for the paddles to make the change, you'll do it without thinking after a while. Downshifts under braking in S+ (either full auto or on the paddles) are sensational.

I have driven it in snow a few times - I'd strongly recommend against it unless on all-season or winters - similar to anything zesty and RWD, however it did handle -4 or so in France (no snow) on summer rubber with no bother.

My thread on it is here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

I'd purchase it all over again if I was shopping today.

Edited by krisdelta on Monday 10th September 22:48

[Don1]

phlap said:

Also thanks for info on this thread which was very helpful.
Also looking for a decent specialist in Cheshire / Manchester if anyone can help.

Here is the Wiki of specialists: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[phlap]

Don1 said:

Here is the Wiki of specialists: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Great. Many thanks