C63 AMG Facelift vs Non Facelift

[Dogbash]

Hi everyone, I am currently looking at changing my E46 M3 to a C63 AMG. I went for a test drive on Saturday but the only car they had was a 62 plate with 600 miles on the clock. The car was awesome, an absolute beast to drive and now I definitely want one!

The problem is that I can't afford a brand new car and will be looking at cars between 08 and 10 plate. I know that in 2011 the C63's gearbox changed to the new MCT gearbox. On the car I drove it had this gearbox and as such had the Sport, Sport+, Comfort and Manual settings. My question is: Do the older models have these settings? Also, is the gearbox nearly as good?

Thanks,
Andrew

[Dogbash]

Bump

[Dogbash]

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[ascayman]

Yes they do and no it isnt

Also the interior on the face lift is a much, much nicer place to be.

[Andy665]

If you're looking to fund a new car then Mercedes have £6k to throw at you in terms of deposit subsidy if you look at PCP, good rate at the moment too at 4.5% APR

Should you then decide to settle after a month or fund elsewhere then you have effectively got 6k off the ar for nothing

[Dogbash]

Thanks for the reply. I have also been considering an E90 M3 or Porsche 997 Carrera S. The BMW doesnt really do it for me, I havent driven a Porsche yet though so can't comment.

Thanks,
Andrew

[stabilio]

I had an 08 model and from what i remember it only had comfort, sport & manual - not sport +.
The gearbox wasn't bad but manual is the only way to drive it It doesn't change up automatically at redline and was occasionlly a bit slow when downchanging and required a second flick of the paddle sometimes to make it work.

Also had a SMG E46 M3 and the AMG is a much better gearbox as the E46 took some learning to get it right.

My Nissan GT-R R35 had a brilliant gearbox which was far better than than the AMG but if i had the choice, I'd take another C63 over the GT-R for everyday use. Its a great car with decent rear seats, 4 door only (if going for older model) and decent boot... oh and the noise! I still miss the start up on it.
Thirsty thing tho averaging 16-17 mpg where I hear the new model is a bit better.

I still think it needs wider rear arches though.

[Dogbash]

Hi stabilio and thanks for the reply. My M3 is manual and this will be my first ever automatic car. The noise on startup is rather special and I don't think it would ever fail to put a grin on your face.

Where were the controls for changing the modes on your car? On the new one which I drove there was a small twisty knob in front of the gear stick.

Thanks,
Andrew

[stabilio]

I haven't driven the new model but heard its a step up, re gearbox. The controls were a line of buttons to the right where the handbrake usually is.
Out of interest, what price is the AMG you're looking at for the older model? Under 30k now?

[Dogbash]

Hi again, they start at around £25,000 for a high mileage car. I am looking at between £30-£35,000 which should get me an 09-10 plate car with 20-30000 miles on the clock.

Thanks,
Andrew

[Dogbash]

Hi again, does anyone know the shift times for the 7G-Tronic box? I know that the MCT is 100m/s.

Thanks,
Andrew

[crazy about cars]

Dogbash said:

Hi again, they start at around £25,000 for a high mileage car. I am looking at between £30-£35,000 which should get me an 09-10 plate car with 20-30000 miles on the clock.

Thanks,
Andrew

I'm looking at a few C63s as well (mainly at Merc main dealers) but can't find a good example with the price range you've mentioned... do you use PH classifieds?

It's a great car but I've been advised to go for the facelift if I were to get it. I have a R35 at the moment too

[Dogbash]

Hi, there are a few about, see here

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

They are a great car, my only concern is that on my test drive I drove a 62 plate car with the new MCT gearbox. I am concerned whether an older 7G-Tronic car would be anywhere near as good.

Andrew

[crazy about cars]

Dogbash said:

Hi, there are a few about, see here

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

http://classifieds.pistonheads.com/classifieds/use...

They are a great car, my only concern is that on my test drive I drove a 62 plate car with the new MCT gearbox. I am concerned whether an older 7G-Tronic car would be anywhere near as good.

Andrew

Thanks Haven't driven the older one myself but driven a 10 plate E class AMG which I believe is the same box? The box is fine enough - dual clutch system I believe. 62 plates are very expensive although I've been told it's a no brainer to lease it if you change cars often enough.

[Dogbash]

crazy about cars said:

Thanks Haven't driven the older one myself but driven a 10 plate E class AMG which I believe is the same box? The box is fine enough - dual clutch system I believe. 62 plates are very expensive although I've been told it's a no brainer to lease it if you change cars often enough.

Hi again, yes I believe they are offering 6k off the new price if you want to do PCP or finance. How do you find the R35? I looked at these as well but not sure about the interior.

Thanks,
Andrew

[crazy about cars]

Dogbash said:

Hi again, yes I believe they are offering 6k off the new price if you want to do PCP or finance. How do you find the R35? I looked at these as well but not sure about the interior.

Thanks,
Andrew

Performance wise I must say it's top class Interior quality could be better though but I've heard the 2012 cars are much better.

I'm in 2 minds about taking out PCP due to the balloon at the end or no car on drive...