C63 or E63 wagon?
Discussion
Hi folks,
In the market for a replacement of my venerable estate, but looking for something that can pick up its skirts and bu**er off - as such, AMG wagons seem like a good fit, especially as I love a thumping great V8
Budget wise, anywhere between 20k and 30k.
I'm in a bit of a quandry over whether to go for a C63 oe an E63. The E63 appeals for space/luxury, but then have twin turbos to think/worry about (would be looking at a 2010-2014 model). Same budget applied to a C63 gets me a newer car and the N/A 6/2L V8 as far as I can tell. But how much smaller than the E class are they? I don't have a huge family, but have got used to having a nice big estate to chuck everything in and go.
There's the usual plethora of options to muddy the water, so would welcome any recommendations in terms of 'must haves' too which will serve to narrow the search somewhat.
Given that all in my price range will be well out of warranty, what's the view in terms of reliability of the N/A vs turbo cars - or nothing really in it?
Would welcome advice and recommends - thanks
In the market for a replacement of my venerable estate, but looking for something that can pick up its skirts and bu**er off - as such, AMG wagons seem like a good fit, especially as I love a thumping great V8
Budget wise, anywhere between 20k and 30k.
I'm in a bit of a quandry over whether to go for a C63 oe an E63. The E63 appeals for space/luxury, but then have twin turbos to think/worry about (would be looking at a 2010-2014 model). Same budget applied to a C63 gets me a newer car and the N/A 6/2L V8 as far as I can tell. But how much smaller than the E class are they? I don't have a huge family, but have got used to having a nice big estate to chuck everything in and go.
There's the usual plethora of options to muddy the water, so would welcome any recommendations in terms of 'must haves' too which will serve to narrow the search somewhat.
Given that all in my price range will be well out of warranty, what's the view in terms of reliability of the N/A vs turbo cars - or nothing really in it?
Would welcome advice and recommends - thanks
Short answer, e63, if you are looking at the w212 vs w204. This is coming from an ex w204 and current w205 63 estate owner (with a X218 CLS SB in between).
The w204 estate is much smaller than the E, with rear legroom not great and neither interior feel/quality; it is solid enough but a bit utilitarian, although the facelift improves on this.
The w212 5.5 is a great engine and not that prevalent. Whilst I love the 6.2 in the w204 I think you would have to be careful to pick the right example as some of these have a bit of a reputation and may have suffered at the hands of owners.
The w204 estate is much smaller than the E, with rear legroom not great and neither interior feel/quality; it is solid enough but a bit utilitarian, although the facelift improves on this.
The w212 5.5 is a great engine and not that prevalent. Whilst I love the 6.2 in the w204 I think you would have to be careful to pick the right example as some of these have a bit of a reputation and may have suffered at the hands of owners.
JIMMYJ4ZZ said:
Short answer, e63, if you are looking at the w212 vs w204. This is coming from an ex w204 and current w205 63 estate owner (with a X218 CLS SB in between).
The w204 estate is much smaller than the E, with rear legroom not great and neither interior feel/quality; it is solid enough but a bit utilitarian, although the facelift improves on this.
The w212 5.5 is a great engine and not that prevalent. Whilst I love the 6.2 in the w204 I think you would have to be careful to pick the right example as some of these have a bit of a reputation and may have suffered at the hands of owners.
Thanks Jimmy, not being that familiar with the model year nomlecature, I think I understand what you're saying!?The w204 estate is much smaller than the E, with rear legroom not great and neither interior feel/quality; it is solid enough but a bit utilitarian, although the facelift improves on this.
The w212 5.5 is a great engine and not that prevalent. Whilst I love the 6.2 in the w204 I think you would have to be careful to pick the right example as some of these have a bit of a reputation and may have suffered at the hands of owners.
So essentially, I'd be better off with an E63 W212 (4th Gen 2009-2016) - more specifically an S212 as it's the wagon style (quick check of wikipedia)
Interesting comment re. the 'reputation' of the 6.2l in the W204s - I would have thought that a twin-turbo in a W212 would be just as likely to have been used/abused though - or is the average E63 owner more of a 'gentleman' than a holligan?
Yes, in my opinion at least. It depends what you want from the car, but I find the C class quite small especially coming from the CLS SB which is based on the w212 e class platform.
I think the 5.5 is less open to abuse due to its intial cost and its more gentlemanly styling. I wouldn't worry about the build quality of the engine. Alternatively, you can get pre facelift e class 212 with the 6.2 engine if you look hard (sorry to confuse matters further) these earlier engines can be prone to head issues but should have all been fixed under warranty (or privately) by now and affected serial numbers are available.
If you want comfort and speed I think e63, controversially with the benefit of nearly 10 years hindsight, I now prefer the pre-facelift for its more classic Mercedes looks. If you want more focussed and hooligan then c63 is the answer; please don't take my reticence to recommend the c63 as a negative - it is a great car, better noise, possibly better throttle response but also a bit firmer and bumpier .
CLS63 Shooting Brake could be the extremely sweet middle ground. Brilliantly made, rare and great looks vs. capacity...
EFA
I think the 5.5 is less open to abuse due to its intial cost and its more gentlemanly styling. I wouldn't worry about the build quality of the engine. Alternatively, you can get pre facelift e class 212 with the 6.2 engine if you look hard (sorry to confuse matters further) these earlier engines can be prone to head issues but should have all been fixed under warranty (or privately) by now and affected serial numbers are available.
If you want comfort and speed I think e63, controversially with the benefit of nearly 10 years hindsight, I now prefer the pre-facelift for its more classic Mercedes looks. If you want more focussed and hooligan then c63 is the answer; please don't take my reticence to recommend the c63 as a negative - it is a great car, better noise, possibly better throttle response but also a bit firmer and bumpier .
CLS63 Shooting Brake could be the extremely sweet middle ground. Brilliantly made, rare and great looks vs. capacity...
EFA
Edited by JIMMYJ4ZZ on Tuesday 18th September 17:59
JIMMYJ4ZZ said:
Yes, in my opinion at least. It depends what you want from the car, but I find the C class quite small especially coming from the CLS SB which is based on the w212 e class platform.
I think the 5.5 is less open to abuse due to its intial cost and its more gentlemanly styling. I wouldn't worry about the build quality of the engine. Alternatively, you can get pre facelift e class 212 with the 6.2 engine if you look hard (sorry to confuse matters further) these earlier engines can be prone to head issues but should have all been fixed under warranty (or privately) by now and affected serial numbers are available.
If you want comfort and speed I think e63, controversially with the benefit of nearly 10 years hindsight, I now prefer the pre-facelift for its more classic Mercedes looks. If you want more focussed and hooligan then c63 is the answer; please don't take my reticence to recommend the c63 as a negative - it is a great car, better noise, possibly better throttle response but also a bit firmer and bumpier .
CLS63 Shooting Brake could be the extremely sweet middle ground. Brilliantly made, rare and great looks vs. capacity...
EFA
Thanks Jimmy. I think that an S212 E63 is best bet for my needs. Now the challenge is to fine a good one at a fair price! Maybe the recent increase in the price of fuel at the pumps will encourage owners to part with them. I don't use a car that much as I commute by motorbike, so less of an issue for meI think the 5.5 is less open to abuse due to its intial cost and its more gentlemanly styling. I wouldn't worry about the build quality of the engine. Alternatively, you can get pre facelift e class 212 with the 6.2 engine if you look hard (sorry to confuse matters further) these earlier engines can be prone to head issues but should have all been fixed under warranty (or privately) by now and affected serial numbers are available.
If you want comfort and speed I think e63, controversially with the benefit of nearly 10 years hindsight, I now prefer the pre-facelift for its more classic Mercedes looks. If you want more focussed and hooligan then c63 is the answer; please don't take my reticence to recommend the c63 as a negative - it is a great car, better noise, possibly better throttle response but also a bit firmer and bumpier .
CLS63 Shooting Brake could be the extremely sweet middle ground. Brilliantly made, rare and great looks vs. capacity...
EFA
Edited by JIMMYJ4ZZ on Tuesday 18th September 17:59
Would love a performance pack equipped car, but I expect these are pretty rare beasts - at least, with moderate mileage.
Good luck in your search, this period of MB they made so many minor revisions to model spec it is really hard to tie down.
I would determine your non negotiable options and then aim for that and buy on condition/the seller - there is a great thread on here doing the rounds about used dealers and the things they say in adverts that puts you off buying from them, with an amg/m/rs I imagine these tips are even more valuable!
I would determine your non negotiable options and then aim for that and buy on condition/the seller - there is a great thread on here doing the rounds about used dealers and the things they say in adverts that puts you off buying from them, with an amg/m/rs I imagine these tips are even more valuable!
Stig,
I have just sold my late 2011 C63 estate with PPP, the 125 edition face lifted version, after owning it for just over 6.5 years. I bought it from new and expected to keep it for 3 years (the original length of the PCP) and then get something "more sensible". But I just loved it and people's reaction to it and was loathed to sell it. I am picking up a new E63S 4matic estate tomorrow.
The C63 estate for me was the perfect car. A bit small in the back for my two large sons, but they never complained. I would get circa 21 mpg across the piece, except when hoofing it, and apart from when they change the 16 spark plugs service costs at MB dealer are what you would expect. Interior is great, just keep the steering wheel alcantara looking clean and it has fabulous front seats. With 62,000 miles on the clock the MB dealer offered me £18,000 for it (cost 6.5 years ago £58K with discount) but sold it to independent dealers for £21K. Not bad depreciation in my view.
Why am I getting the E63S? Well the interior is more S class, the 612BHP and 850Nm of torque move it up a league. Doubt I will need the extra space in the back very often (I like the estate cos it looks better IMO, and I carry my bike in the back). I expect to keep it for another 7 years too. Good luck with your search.
I have just sold my late 2011 C63 estate with PPP, the 125 edition face lifted version, after owning it for just over 6.5 years. I bought it from new and expected to keep it for 3 years (the original length of the PCP) and then get something "more sensible". But I just loved it and people's reaction to it and was loathed to sell it. I am picking up a new E63S 4matic estate tomorrow.
The C63 estate for me was the perfect car. A bit small in the back for my two large sons, but they never complained. I would get circa 21 mpg across the piece, except when hoofing it, and apart from when they change the 16 spark plugs service costs at MB dealer are what you would expect. Interior is great, just keep the steering wheel alcantara looking clean and it has fabulous front seats. With 62,000 miles on the clock the MB dealer offered me £18,000 for it (cost 6.5 years ago £58K with discount) but sold it to independent dealers for £21K. Not bad depreciation in my view.
Why am I getting the E63S? Well the interior is more S class, the 612BHP and 850Nm of torque move it up a league. Doubt I will need the extra space in the back very often (I like the estate cos it looks better IMO, and I carry my bike in the back). I expect to keep it for another 7 years too. Good luck with your search.
The C63 is a better drive that the E, due to a lower centre of gravity and less weight, but as mentioned the rear seats can be somewhat tight for anybody. The engine is epic and a number of companies can enhance the performance and improve the amazing sound too from the exhausts. Nothing much to worry about beyond regular servicing, tyres and wheels plus decent petrol. I love my C63 and was underwhelmed with the E63 regarding its looks. The latest cars with the turbo just doesn't float my boat. A decent car with under 40,000 miles should cost no ore than £28,000 tops with a full history and few owners.
V8rumble said:
Stig,
I have just sold my late 2011 C63 estate with PPP, the 125 edition face lifted version, after owning it for just over 6.5 years. I bought it from new and expected to keep it for 3 years (the original length of the PCP) and then get something "more sensible". But I just loved it and people's reaction to it and was loathed to sell it. I am picking up a new E63S 4matic estate tomorrow.
The C63 estate for me was the perfect car. A bit small in the back for my two large sons, but they never complained. I would get circa 21 mpg across the piece, except when hoofing it, and apart from when they change the 16 spark plugs service costs at MB dealer are what you would expect. Interior is great, just keep the steering wheel alcantara looking clean and it has fabulous front seats. With 62,000 miles on the clock the MB dealer offered me £18,000 for it (cost 6.5 years ago £58K with discount) but sold it to independent dealers for £21K. Not bad depreciation in my view.
Why am I getting the E63S? Well the interior is more S class, the 612BHP and 850Nm of torque move it up a league. Doubt I will need the extra space in the back very often (I like the estate cos it looks better IMO, and I carry my bike in the back). I expect to keep it for another 7 years too. Good luck with your search.
Thanks rumble (an approriate name I have just sold my late 2011 C63 estate with PPP, the 125 edition face lifted version, after owning it for just over 6.5 years. I bought it from new and expected to keep it for 3 years (the original length of the PCP) and then get something "more sensible". But I just loved it and people's reaction to it and was loathed to sell it. I am picking up a new E63S 4matic estate tomorrow.
The C63 estate for me was the perfect car. A bit small in the back for my two large sons, but they never complained. I would get circa 21 mpg across the piece, except when hoofing it, and apart from when they change the 16 spark plugs service costs at MB dealer are what you would expect. Interior is great, just keep the steering wheel alcantara looking clean and it has fabulous front seats. With 62,000 miles on the clock the MB dealer offered me £18,000 for it (cost 6.5 years ago £58K with discount) but sold it to independent dealers for £21K. Not bad depreciation in my view.
Why am I getting the E63S? Well the interior is more S class, the 612BHP and 850Nm of torque move it up a league. Doubt I will need the extra space in the back very often (I like the estate cos it looks better IMO, and I carry my bike in the back). I expect to keep it for another 7 years too. Good luck with your search.
). Shame I wasn't in the market when you were selling or it may have a found a new owner with me - especially as it was PPP.Would love an E63S, but trying to keep a rein on the budget. Let me know when you sell it
belleair302 said:
The C63 is a better drive that the E, due to a lower centre of gravity and less weight, but as mentioned the rear seats can be somewhat tight for anybody. The engine is epic and a number of companies can enhance the performance and improve the amazing sound too from the exhausts. Nothing much to worry about beyond regular servicing, tyres and wheels plus decent petrol. I love my C63 and was underwhelmed with the E63 regarding its looks. The latest cars with the turbo just doesn't float my boat. A decent car with under 40,000 miles should cost no ore than £28,000 tops with a full history and few owners.
Must admit that I do like the C, but have two growing sons (and all the gubbins that goes with them) to accommodate. JIMMYJ4ZZ said:
Whilst I love the 6.2 in the w204 I think you would have to be careful to pick the right example as some of these have a bit of a reputation and may have suffered at the hands of owners.
I would agree if we were talking coupés or saloons, but not estates. Yes, I own an estate.
belleair302 said:
For interior space you may need to look at an Audi....if this matters above all else.
Interesting comment as an S6 Avant (V8 as whilst I love the idea of the V10, the associated age and therefore maintenance puts me off) is also a consideration. But I thought E class estates were enormous inside?As a 6'0 guy I have found sitting in the rear of an E Class estate somewhat hard work. Uncomfortable seats and with somebody in front without the seat fully towards its rearward runners tight on legroom and my legs are not that long. Yes bigger than a C Class but not by much. 3 inches isn't enough.
We've had an e55 estate for 3 years or so now and its great. Airmatic is nice, yes I've had to replace an airbag but hey ho. Obviously it goes very well and takes a family worth of stuff. Very recently we have added a c55 estate too. Smaller, harder suspension, fewer toys but great all the same. The E is the nicer, better car for journeys the c is more sporty, far more pointy and still a decent size boot.
For day to day stuff go with the c but for mainly longer trips an e class all the way.
For day to day stuff go with the c but for mainly longer trips an e class all the way.
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