C63 Test Drive

[Skrambles]

I'm going to test drive a C63 tomorrow - a 2009 saloon with just under 20k miles. I'm new to Merc and would be grateful for any help on things/problems to look out for when driving the car.

Also, the car has the Performance Pack, Diff Lock, 19" wheels and Enhanced Audio (dealer said it has Harman Kardon but this is not listed on the website spec for the car - is it just called Enhanced Audio?). Are there any must haves spec-wise?

Only experience I have of these cars is hearing the awesome sound of that v8, so all pointers are very welcome.

[2 5HAN]

Firstly keep the windows open and enjoy it lol

On a more serious note
Tyre wear on rears, check to look for even wear
The wheels are very prone to damage due to the profile of the Tyres so worth a double check
The drivers seat lumbar takes a battering if the previous owner/s where on the larger side
My 63 had a H/K system so I would guess that is what they still use?
Worth doing a couple or slow downs to an almost stop and feel for the gear change from second down to first, a friend of mine with a 2009 had quite a lumpy change down and the gearbox needed reprogramming.
A few owners who have had cars with the PP have noticed a shaking / rattle in the steering column so may be worth checking out
Other than the usual checks such as servicing etc I would say they have been fairly reliable cars
Enjoy

[Skrambles]

Thanks for the tips. The car was in fairly good condition externally and the interior was ok tho not pristine. New tyres had obviously been put on all round. As expected, the engine sounded fantastic. The auto was very smooth with no issues at low speed. Steering also felt good.
I'm still weighing up whether to go for an m3 saloon, an m5 or the c63.

[christer]

I would also consider a BMW550 - much less "in your face" than the AMG and with pretty good turn of speed and great automatic gearbox etc. I had one for 18 months and I probably only realised after I sold it how very good it was.

Good luck!

[ecain63]

What M5 are you looking at? E60 or E61?

[Skrambles]

Thanks for replies. Eddie, I'm looking at e60's and still trying to locate a good late 08 (or newer). The wife's car is an x5, so I don't need a touring (which, as you know, is a rare beast anyway). I will also be looking at the facelifted c63 (saloon).

[Skrambles]

@ Christer - 550 is probably too "sensible" for me!

[Palmball]

2 5HAN said:

A few owners who have had cars with the PP have noticed a shaking / rattle in the steering column so may be worth checking out

Mmm........

I've had two C63's and absolutely LOVED them.... Since selling my last one a year ago I've had a 911 Turbo, Maserati GTS, M3 and an XFR and I still miss the C63. The only reason I have not bought another is this reason and IMO does spoil the drive somewhat. Some owners don't notice it but as it was a characteristic in both my C63's (a 2009 PP with standard fit firmer suspension and a 2010 PPP where Mercedes didn't fit the firmer suspension) and whilst not a huge vibration, the occasional wobble void be felt almost everytime I drove it and after a while it grated somewhat.

Like I said, some people don't notice it, some do and it doesnt bother them, I tried to get used to it such was the greatness of the rest of the car so, enjoy the test drive, be aware of this and if you notice it, decide whether it's a deal breaker or not for you!

(This is a very odd trait and the only explanation I can come up with is that having looked up underneath the car, there's almost no space underneath that engine and the way the steering column fits past the exhaust manifold is tight....it looks a lot tighter and possibly more compromised on RHD cars than on LHD's so maybe there just isn't the space to fit the rack/column robustly enough).