Mercedes E63 AMG: PH Carpool
How to replace a much-missed AMG? Simple, buy another AMG!
Car: W211 Mercedes E63 AMG
Owned Since: February 2014
Previously Owned: (embarrassingly) Suzuki Vitara SWB, Renault Megane 2.0 16V Coupe, Mercedes C43, E46 BMW M3 Cabrio, Sierra Sapphire RS Cosworth (previous Carpool feature)
Fully loaded spec helped swing the deal
"I have always had a hankering for big displacement V8s and really like the current trend of overkill when it comes to cubic capacity. I had previously made my first foray into a shoehorned engine when I bought a W202 Mercedes C43 AMG a few years back. One of my biggest regrets was selling this after only nine months and watching it fly out of sight, only to be left with the V8 burble for the next 30 seconds. Roll on 2014 and the requirement to tend to the itch and move on my E46 M3. I found myself doing a general sweep of the Mercedes-Benz dealer network to look for a suitable replacement for a car that had more than earned its keep. Like it was almost destined, an E63 AMG with every option that I would class as being essential (as well as some I didn't) appeared within my search criteria. I sent a speculative enquiry, then started doing some homework. An E63 was always a back-up for me, with my sights being set more on the C-Class, but the lure of a huge luxo-barge, loaded with toys, over 500hp and a magic carpet ride finally drew me in. It is also a far sight more exclusive, as certainly in Aberdeen the amount of C63s knocking about is comical. I cannot think that I've ever witnessed another E63 in the flesh."
Nothing man maths can't deal with...
"You often read of 15mpg, but I wish I'd known how that would translate in real terms. I am lucky that my daily round trip commute totals eight miles, and I can nurse 10 days from a tank of fuel, but if you go out for a 'play' at the weekend, you can really make a dent in the 80-litre tank in a short space of time. Having said that, nobody buys an AMG if they are worried about fuel consumption and you take the rough with the smooth. A little creative man maths and I can justify this as a daily driver."
Things I love:
"I adore this car and can honestly say it sits at the top of my 'cars owned' list. It is sublimely comfortable, discreet and has acres of shove. I like the way it can creep by and nobody know what it is, but then if you give it a prod, it leaves you in no doubt that you are driving something a little bit special. It is better appointed than my home with DVD, surround sound, massage seats and mood lighting, it has enough power to jump start dead planets and has room for all the extended family (plus luggage). It is also an AMG V8, therefore will always have the upper hand in a shouting competition. The build quality is outstanding, but then coming from an ageing convertible a bag of crisps seems well screwed together."
Things I hate:
"To date, I can honestly say I would not change a thing about this car. I have the security of an MB warranty and the car is spotless. Ask me what I hate about it when I come to replace front discs and pads, as I have priced these out and there will be just enough change for a curry out of two grand!"
Grey wheels non-standard but growing on Neal
"As she was bought from a dealer, costs to date have been no more than the purchase price and fuel. The brunt of the initial depreciation has taken place and I feel I have taken this type of car on in the prime of its life. Fuel consumption from Bury St Edmunds (where I collected) to Aberdeen was nowhere near as bad as you'd expect (a heady 25mpg on the way home). I have also fitted a set of boot badges, as this was an optional factory delete; why you would choose this, I do not know. Road tax is due at the end of April, so I am preparing myself for a bit of open wallet surgery. Again, you take the rough with the smooth and any true petrolhead will pay what it costs to own the car that they desire. The car has the optional AMG Carbon Pack, a £3,100 box tick which for me works well with the panoramic roof, graphite wheels and privacy tints. Speaking of the wheels, I am aware these are not a factory finish colour, but these were refurbished by the dealership and the decision to paint them grey was made for me. I was initially sceptical, but after getting hold of a set of colour coded centre caps, they have really grown on me."
Where I've been:
"An 11-hour door-to-door drive from Bury St Edmunds to Aberdeen has been the only real long haul and with winter behind us, I am planning a tour through the Scottish Highlands into Perthshire in the next month. I am kind of spoiled for choice when it comes to driving roads and I'll be able to see how well the air suspension keep the cars bulk in check."
What's next?
"Being an executive car, it is more muted that its C-Class siblings, so I am toying with the idea of a resonator delete and X-pipe modification, just to up the decibel level and allow that fantastic V8 to sing a little bit louder. Maybe when it comes to replacing the tyres, I'll look at a larger set of AMG wheels, possibly from a CLS55. Maybe I'll just continue to fly under the radar, who knows."
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!
I'm not sure I'd go for bigger wheels, they currently sit perfectly with the dimensions of the car.
18" wheels are fine. Bigger wheels are heavier, and not as comfortable around town.
Use the car's weight to your advantage .. once it's settled, you can use the power
Apart from possibly the exhaust system and wheels - and of course adding rear badges.
You talk about continuing to fly under the radar but you have have deleted the badge delete option by adding rear badges. Why would someone pick this option? Maybe because they are classy and don't want to advertise.
Apart from possibly the exhaust system and wheels - and of course adding rear badges.
You talk about continuing to fly under the radar but you have have deleted the badge delete option by adding rear badges. Why would someone pick this option? Maybe because they are classy and don't want to advertise.
hy! 
Apart from possibly the exhaust system and wheels - and of course adding rear badges.
You talk about continuing to fly under the radar but you have have deleted the badge delete option by adding rear badges. Why would someone pick this option? Maybe because they are classy and don't want to advertise.
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