Mercedes C63 AMG (W204) | Spotted
Red over cream isn't just for Ferraris...
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the first C63’s launch, there won’t be many left who need the appeal of a 6.2-litre C-Class explaining. But just in case: what remains the best looking C in almost 35 years was treated to AMG’s greatest engine and a chassis just about able to contain it. The 204 era of C63 was as smartly pitched, and as popular, as currywurst at Oktoberfest.
All of which was recently brought home in emphatic fashion with the twin test of C63 Black Series and M3 GTS. Some comparisons linger more fondly in the memory than others, and that was definitely one of them. Not many hours pass these days without an S65 or M156 V8 daydream.
But the tête-à-tête also highlighted something else: too many AMGs have boring specs. Yes, black and black with more black is supposed to be foreboding, but it also disguises so many of the design features. And it’s a nightmare to photograph. A white C63 Black Series is still pretty intimidating, after all. It’s a theme common throughout this period, plain to see while scrolling away another day wondering how ruinous a 15-year-old C63 might be: grey with black, black with black, dark silver with black. The M3 is little better. One person’s under the radar and moody is another’s dull, to be frank.
Especially when there’s this one around. Yes, the wheels remain black, but changing the colour of those is a lot easier than a respray. What you’re looking at here is a Designo Fire Opal Red C63 saloon with Designo Porcelain leather. And it looks ruddy marvellous for it; perhaps for just being a bit different, perhaps because the optional hide brightens up quite a stoic interior. But in a sea of monochrome, it stands out for all the right reasons.
There’s more than just the cosmetic spec to be encouraged by. As well as the money spent on the Designo options, the original owner of this C63 went for the £5k AMG Performance Pack, using the lightweight internals for the V8 just like a Black Series to liberate 490hp. There’s no mention of a limited-slip diff, so that might be worth considering, but there are fresh front brakes and new rear Michelins. So they won’t need attention for at least another four months…
Obviously keeping a Mercedes of this calibre in good order is never going to be a cheap endeavour. Encouragingly, plenty seems to have been spent on upkeep already, with the service history comprised of main agent and specialist attention. The plugs are new and the seven-speed auto recently serviced, so it shouldn’t want for much in the immediate future beyond this year’s service. And a whole lotta V Power. The price is £27k, close to the middle of the standard C63s on PH: from £15k to £35k is the ballpark for the moment. Maybe an estate is more useful and maybe a coupe is sharper to drive, but from where we’re sitting there aren’t many more desirable C-Class saloons. Expect that to remain true for another 20 years at least.
SPECIFICATION | MERCEDES-BENZ C63 AMG
Engine: 6,208cc, V8
Transmission: 7-speed auto with wet clutch (MCT), rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 457@6,800rpm (standard)
Torque (lb ft): 442@5,000rpm (standard)
MPG: 23.5
CO2: 280g/km
First registered: 2012
Recorded mileage: 69,000
Price new: £55,560, before options
Yours for: £26,995
My next door neighbour used to run one as a daily and I never got tired of the noise, even on the odd occasion it woke me earlier than I'd intended to rise.
His fun car these days (not daily) is an Aston Vantage, but the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 Mercedes-AMG engine really sounds a bit too soft by comparison. Conversely, 6.2 and a bit litres of naturally-aspirated W204 V8 is as raw and thuggish as they come.
Had extensive test drives before deciding on spec.
Few pointers:
- LSD (rare option) makes a very noticeable difference and would certainly recommend.
- Car rides much better on the standard 18" rims.
- Engine responds very well to a remap (throttle butterfly is restricted to 80% opening over 5000rpm - remap removes this).
Took mine onto the continent twice. Saw 186mph indicated and it was still going.
On the other hand, the pre-facelift's gearbox is different and by all accounts not as good in manual mode (which is where you want it).
I love mine (wagon). It really could be one car for everything.
It's been pretty reliable over 2 years, even with 100k miles, so no huge expenses, other than fuel at 15mpg.
Not interesting.
I miss mine, hugely. Pre-facelift PPP car, in sort of off-white with silver wheels and no tints. I shouldn't have sold it, but at the moment it would be costing me £25 a day in fuel on my commute. A day.
Rear 3/4 by Alex D, on Flickr
I think I prefer the M156 engined cars like the E or CLS63 but still a fantastic car and one we won't see the likes of again.
I had one of those in an E63 right afterwards, and despite it being the better engine in almost every metric, I didn't feel like it had the same magic as the 6.2.
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