Considering a C63
Discussion
Following on from a thread in the Audi area, I'm looking for a car to replace my 911 GTS which I've just sold.
I never really fell in love with the Porsche, mainly, I think, because I want something more conventional nowadays, with four proper seats, a big boot, and a solid roof.
I''m looking at an S4, S5, RS5, or a C63 (or, for something different, a Legacy R Spec B..), and wondered if anyone had any tips about what to look out for. It'll be a saloon or coupe, up to £40k, and hopefully as low mileage and high spec as possible. What are the "must have" options, and is there anything to be avoided?
There are some nearly new ones that seem to have dropped out of the Meecedes network in the first year, and which are up for reasonable money, are there any known early issues that could account for this? I'm taking one out on Sunday, with a view to buying ASAP, so any and all advice is appreciated, thanks.
I never really fell in love with the Porsche, mainly, I think, because I want something more conventional nowadays, with four proper seats, a big boot, and a solid roof.
I''m looking at an S4, S5, RS5, or a C63 (or, for something different, a Legacy R Spec B..), and wondered if anyone had any tips about what to look out for. It'll be a saloon or coupe, up to £40k, and hopefully as low mileage and high spec as possible. What are the "must have" options, and is there anything to be avoided?
There are some nearly new ones that seem to have dropped out of the Meecedes network in the first year, and which are up for reasonable money, are there any known early issues that could account for this? I'm taking one out on Sunday, with a view to buying ASAP, so any and all advice is appreciated, thanks.
I just bought my C63 estate 2 weeks ago. They are all pretty well loaded to begin with TBH, but desirable upgrades include limited slip diff, upgraded Harman/Kardon audio, SatNav, parking sensors, and cup holders. Avoid Performance Pack as the suspension is rock hard, sits on 19" wheels, and brake discs/tyres cost much more than the "standard" model which sits on 18" wheels.
I bought mine from MB main agent as it comes with a 1 year Tier 1 warranty which is very important on a car like this. You also get Mobilio breakdown cover so no need for RAC/AA.
Fuel consumption is simply horrific - I'm averaging about 14.8mpg on mixed journeys and the tank has a small range so need to refuel every 150 miles or so. But then again you don't buy an AMG for economy!
There are loads more information - look at mbclub.co.uk forum called "AMG & Performance Lounge"
I bought mine from MB main agent as it comes with a 1 year Tier 1 warranty which is very important on a car like this. You also get Mobilio breakdown cover so no need for RAC/AA.
Fuel consumption is simply horrific - I'm averaging about 14.8mpg on mixed journeys and the tank has a small range so need to refuel every 150 miles or so. But then again you don't buy an AMG for economy!
There are loads more information - look at mbclub.co.uk forum called "AMG & Performance Lounge"
Thanks.
I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
NorthernBoy said:
Thanks.
I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
BMW M5 or if you want nearly the same performance but 40mpg a BMW 535D? Appreciate this is a MB section - but the OP does mention other makes...BMW 5 series fantastic car....I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
BHML said:
Avoid Performance Pack as the suspension is rock hard, sits on 19" wheels, and brake discs/tyres cost much more than the "standard" model which sits on 18" wheels.
I'm averaging about 14.8mpg on mixed journeys and the tank has a small range so need to refuel every 150 miles or so. But then again you don't buy an AMG for economy!
There are loads more information - look at mbclub.co.uk forum called "AMG & Performance Lounge"
With around 40k to spend you may be able to get into a nice facelift. The performance pack is fine, more than fine to be honest. Yes it rides on 19" wheels, but the look so much better than the 18's which offsets the very slightly harder ride and it is very slight. This is a sports saloon/coupe/estate, not an S class. Yes the performance pack car has more expensive brakes, that is because they are better. I'm averaging about 14.8mpg on mixed journeys and the tank has a small range so need to refuel every 150 miles or so. But then again you don't buy an AMG for economy!
There are loads more information - look at mbclub.co.uk forum called "AMG & Performance Lounge"
And now for the most important part. The performance pack gives 30bhp more and that seems to be a conservative estimate.
My advice, go for a facelift pp+ car. The market will be comparatively flooded with ex lease cars without it, running on 18's etc.
Shezbo said:
BMW M5 or if you want nearly the same performance but 40mpg a BMW 535D? Appreciate this is a MB section - but the OP does mention other makes...BMW 5 series fantastic car....
For some reason an M5 doesn't push my buttons. I'm not really sure why. I loved my E36 M3, but when I tried an M5 it left me unmoved. It's strange, as on paper it's perfect.I'm going to try to completely ignore the fuel economy. It really doesn't matter, it just annoyed me once or twice a year on the long runs home.
TackMEU said:
With around 40k to spend you may be able to get into a nice facelift. The performance pack is fine, more than fine to be honest. Yes it rides on 19" wheels, but the look so much better than the 18's which offsets the very slightly harder ride and it is very slight. This is a sports saloon/coupe/estate, not an S class. Yes the performance pack car has more expensive brakes, that is because they are better.
And now for the most important part. The performance pack gives 30bhp more and that seems to be a conservative estimate.
My advice, go for a facelift pp+ car. The market will be comparatively flooded with ex lease cars without it, running on 18's etc.
If I get one, it has to be the facelift for me. The interior matters a lot, and the newer one seems far better in that respect.And now for the most important part. The performance pack gives 30bhp more and that seems to be a conservative estimate.
My advice, go for a facelift pp+ car. The market will be comparatively flooded with ex lease cars without it, running on 18's etc.
I loved the interior on the S5 I drove today, and am Hopi b that I'm as impressed in e Mercedes tomorrow.
Shezbo said:
NorthernBoy said:
Thanks.
I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
BMW M5 or if you want nearly the same performance but 40mpg a BMW 535D? Appreciate this is a MB section - but the OP does mention other makes...BMW 5 series fantastic car....I know that mileage should not matter too much, but I used to get annoyed that my RS4 would not make it from London to Newcastle on a tank, even if I tried to take it easy. I wonder if the Mercedes will.
I'm looking at an S4, too, in my quest to find something that does "sensible" as well as being fun. That'll go al the way there and half the way back on a tank...
Just can't seem to burn loads of fuel in these things. Put your foot down but the gauge does not move.
Must admit I miss the sound of a big petrol car, but being able to do 600+ miles with no fuel stops is a big plus.
And have I mentioned the torque!!!
Just to add it would not take much for me to swap to a C63 (prefer the E63 though because of the extra dog space!).
Drove a CSL63 recently and that was an immense car.
Edited by zip929 on Saturday 21st September 19:12
Having owned my C63 with no LSD for 7 months before having an LSD fitted (Quaife) 2 months ago i can say with experience that its not an essential item, more a nice to have. The differences ive noticed since the diff was fitted are small but as a package they are there. It feels fractionally quicker out of high speed corners and i don't see the traction control light very often at all these days. It also doesn't tram line at all any more but that's not anything to write home about.
Did the car, prior to LSD fitment feel less safe, slower or less capable? Was it lacking in any way? No. Not at all! The standard cars electronic traction control is more than capable of dealing with the rear end at any speed. Did i suffer any single wheel spins without the diff? No. Not one. Drifting these things is easy, with or without a diff.
Does the car feel better or more capable now it has an LSD? Yes a little, but only in very small ways throughout the driving experience. Its not like the diff being fitted was an earth shattering and drive enhancing experience.
Also, the Quaife diff in my car is a lot more aggressive than the OEM diff so any differences ive felt will be more obvious than those of the OEM item. Maybe you could look at saving a few quid on the car by not having a diff and then spend the £1600 or so getting a Quaife fitted.
Food for thought.
Eddie
Did the car, prior to LSD fitment feel less safe, slower or less capable? Was it lacking in any way? No. Not at all! The standard cars electronic traction control is more than capable of dealing with the rear end at any speed. Did i suffer any single wheel spins without the diff? No. Not one. Drifting these things is easy, with or without a diff.
Does the car feel better or more capable now it has an LSD? Yes a little, but only in very small ways throughout the driving experience. Its not like the diff being fitted was an earth shattering and drive enhancing experience.
Also, the Quaife diff in my car is a lot more aggressive than the OEM diff so any differences ive felt will be more obvious than those of the OEM item. Maybe you could look at saving a few quid on the car by not having a diff and then spend the £1600 or so getting a Quaife fitted.
Food for thought.
Eddie
Only had my 2012 C63 for 3 weeks but it more than ticks every box for me.
Did a 200 mile jaunt the other day, mostly motorway but plenty of stop start with some serious fun along the way
Returned 25.2 mpg. Cannot fault that from 6.2 litres.
The speedshift box is brilliant. The interior feels and looks great. I have the 19" wheels so the ride is firm, especially at really low speed where it's crashy, but on the go it feels nothing but taut and balanced.
And of course, the noise
Just love love love it
Did a 200 mile jaunt the other day, mostly motorway but plenty of stop start with some serious fun along the way
Returned 25.2 mpg. Cannot fault that from 6.2 litres.The speedshift box is brilliant. The interior feels and looks great. I have the 19" wheels so the ride is firm, especially at really low speed where it's crashy, but on the go it feels nothing but taut and balanced.
And of course, the noise
Just love love love it
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