C63 08' model vs current model?

[stabilio]

Hi all

I used to have a 08 plate c63 saloon a few years back and am thinking of getting another - only this time an estate.
Is it worth spending an extra 10k-15k on the current facelift version over an older model?
I do prefer the new front lights and rear diffuser over the old model... but not for an extra 10k.
Also, how does the new gearbox compare to the older one which was a little slow a times.
I hate to ask about MPG but is there much difference between the different version?

Cheers.

[f328nvl]

http://www.honestjg.com/2013/12/c63-amg-ppp-first-...
http://www.honestjg.com/2013/05/c63-amg-german-bas...
http://www.honestjg.com/2013/02/c63-amg-507-editio...
http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-more-is-le...
http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/c63-amg-second-imp...
http://www.honestjg.com/2013/01/mercedes-c63-amg-e...

my experiences.

[ecain63]

The pre-FL is really very good as i'm sure you already know. The FL, is better still. Gearbox is quicker and the standard options list is longer. New P31 engines are very strong too.

I have one of the last pre-FL cars (60 plate P31 Saloon) and i have promised myself in a year or so to upgrade to one of the last carrent P31 FL cars before the new C45 (or whatever they'll call it) comes out. I don't fancy a turbocharged C-class just yet so i'd much rather get a late, low mile W204 C63 to keep the gas man happy.

[67Eleanor]

The main ones I can remember are the Gearbox, improved dash/interior, tweeked body kit, Led running lights, launch control and as mentioned the standard equipment list is longer now.

I am hoping to get myself one of these soon so I have been keeping my eyes on prices. The cheapest MB dealer prices for FL models have now dipped just below £35k where you can get an 08 for £25kish

I think the interior of the FL model is a massive improvement over the pre FL car. I test drove a brand new C63 then sat in a pre FL model which felt very dated.

[Cavey]

I've been very impressed with the quality of the interior of my FL C63. For years I've been disappointed with Mercedes dumbing down of the quality of thier interiors but they finally seem to have made some progress. Haven't had a pre FL C class to compare with directly but just little things like the weighting of the heater dials and the interior backlighting are very pleasing. Little things.

[Big Brin]

This is a puzzle I have been mulling over too....an 08/09/10 vs current model;

I have been looking at options and trying to decide whether to go for a pre or post Face Lift car. The interior ergonomics of the newer car are better.....and I read the gearbox is better.....but I'm told by Merc main dealer the engines are the same.....aren't the pre and the post FL cars fundamentally the same...? The unique selling points for a C63 to me, at least, are the engine, the noise and four seats.....I ain't a Stirling Moss and I doubt I am going to really appreciate the differences between 'bells and whistles'. My car will go to the shops with my wife once / twice a week and then will be the family transport of choice for the weekend. It might do 5k miles a year. I'm not intending to track the car and just want the knowledge I have 457 (or 487) HP on tap....why wouldn't the earlier car suit at circa 10K less....? But then, just knowing that you have the latest and best is surely worth the extra....; if it is indeed better?! Certainly the Mrs prefers the 10K less option....?

Yours, not quite decided yet......Brin

[67Eleanor]

I suppose it boils down to personal choice. I do not think there is any one major item that makes the FL model a huge deal better than the pre FL but for me it's the combination of all the small things that is steering me towards the FL model.

I mentally score cars and in the desirability section under interior the pre FL would score very low for me. Seats are good but dash/controls seems very cheap but that may not bother the next punter.

I intend to use the car daily and I consider the interior, useable options/features, sound system more important than paint colour or the difference between 18"/19" alloys. Other people will buy the car and need to have the PP or the LSD but those are not essential to me.

I suggest you go to a dealer a test both a FL and Pre FL... Only way to really know.

[ghibbett]

67Eleanor said:

I suggest you go to a dealer a test both a FL and Pre FL... Only way to really know.

Absolutely this.

[JEA1K]

I prefer the looks of the fl car ... just looks fresher internally and externally but I think with a £10k ish potential differential overlooking pre fl cars would be daft ... its 90-odd% the same car with a few tweaks.

Lets be honest its ALL about the engine with a C63!

[magnum555]

Didn't the early ones have engine issues?

[ecain63]

magnum555 said:

Didn't the early ones have engine issues?

Only a few 08 and 58 plate cars. All were fixed and rectified under MB warranty. It was a head bolt issue.

[cramorra]

I had the same problem - as I wanted PPP I had to go for pre facelift - what Merc calls MOPF...
There were two FL a small one 2009 (liitle known) and a large one in 2011
prefacelift 2 gear box is slower and has less options(launch contro, sport plus) but sturdier - there are issues with the speedhsift plus and geraboxes especially on SL (who have the same) were changed a lot under warranty
pre - facelift 1 PPP have a LSD on board whereas it's an extra now and red brake calipers where an option, however composite brakes not
The interior as said already puts the post 2011 facelift car in a different class (but I forget it as I drive it)
post 2011 facelift cars have smaller radiators and if driven hard on track are known to develop cooling problems (there is a mof you can get from the usual tuners)
the PPP was discontinued soon after facelift two for an ediction 507
I enjoy my 10 plate late prefl car but am tempted to get a 507 in a few years....

[RG63AMG]

I had a C63 ppp saloon, great car, my new one Is the C63 507 Coupe, much more planted, seems just better, more grip, more feel, and nicer to drive, I cant say its this or that, just better all round.

[2 5HAN]

I had a 2008 saloon when they first came out and loved the car for the 18 months or so I had it.

Last year I bought a 62 Plate Estate with LSD, the difference is noticeable, the newer car is so much more refined and the ride that much better.

I have wondered if the fact of it being an Estate has anything to do with it but having spoken to a few people I think that there are a number of factors for the difference.

The steering has a better weight to it, the ride is better and the gearbox is of course completely revised and feels great for it, the addition of RS and S+ are a bonus but to be honest I never felt the old car was lacking.

The biggest difference I would say is the way that the car is much more planted and firm on the road, I found the older car was for ever twithching and grabbing at the road.

Interior changes in terms of equipment and the screen design etc are nice too.

Rear tyre wear seems to be better too. I managed no more than 3000 miles a set in the old car.

Mine is going to be up for sale If you fancy a black 62 plate well spec'd estate.

[turboman786]

Ive recently bought an 08 c63 with performance pack

Very impressed with the car and xant say that the rather ordinary interior bothers me at all........a remap will have it 520 bhp and thatll do me nicely!

[Slarty Bartfast]

Go for the one you can afford, whichever you end up with, roll the window down and you wont notice the difference...