C63 Estate - the "sensible" family car
Discussion
TL:DR; Dad sells impractical V8 GT, tries to fill gap with a range of (mostly) nice cars that are too small and impractical still and ends up with another V8 that everyone can enjoy, even if they didn't want to.
After a long series of cars that my very tolerant family invariably have descibed as "noisy" (Aston Martin Vantage), "compact" (Z4MR), "not enough room" (Mini JCW), "but its green and smells funny" (shed 2002 Honda Accord) and "where do I sit Daddy" (all of them), I've finally relented and purchased a sensible family car. Well a family car. Ok, a car I can just about squeeze everyone in alongside the family bus (Touran - nice but slow / dull)
The biggest challenge since selling my rather beloved Aston was finding a car that ticked the emotion box (by which I think I really mean noise and feel) at sane speeds - the Z4MR was lovely, but only came alive a long way into the rev range and sounded a bit tame, the JCW again is a hoot and sounds great but still didn't do it for me day to day and with my seat in the right position, even my youngest couldn't sit behind me without complaining alot (making it a very impractical 3 seater). So I got the AT bug and spent evening after evening looking for a responsible, practical family car.
Once I'd rationalised my next car to be something everyone could get into, my immediate thought was an M5 (I've had 2 M Cars and 3 other BMW's) - but the total lack of drama at reasonable speeds quickly took it off the list, I also considered the NA V8 M3 saloon, but they are rare and very expensive for their age for a nice spec / low mileage example.
I then got some "advice" that suggested an estate was the way forward if I expected the car to be usable for us all - so out went the M cars and I looked at the new ST with Sync 2 (nice enough), the Golf R estate (lovely and golfy quality inside) and randomly the X3 35d because I like BMW's.
But then two things came to mind 1) Depreciation 2)That emotion thing. I was pretty sure that a £21k Focus (cheapest Sync2 ST estate) or a £30k Golf (cheapest R estate) would lose around £10k in 3 years / 20k miles and would be competent, but not set my world alight whilst losing £300 a month - not ideal.
So my attention then moved to large engined family estates, which totalled a list of: Jaguar XFR, E63 & C63 as no one else seems to be in the game (try finding a reasonably new 3 series with a 3L NA petrol engine!). I was politely informed that a Jag would not be tolerated "for at least another 10 years", so I was left with the 2 Mercs.
This led me to seeing if I could fit 3 seats into the back of a C63 (I could) and if they were comfortable (they were) and if it could play their music loudly (it does) and if it made the Boss sick (it didn't) - so with a couple of days going back and forth, a deal was struck.
I'm still not sure how I got away with it, but I picked up my 2013 C63 estate last weekend in shy-and-retiring Opal Fire Red with only the mildest of rebukes from the ministry of war and finance.
It's a poverty spec car, which means it's only got full leather, heated seats, sunroof, electric everything, adaptive lights, sat nav with traffic, online apps, jukebox, DVD player, about 20 types of connectivity for phones / music and some snazzy 19" alloys (which I think may have been an option to be fair) and remote opening boot that I've only nearly hurt myself / children with three times this week pressing buttons at random on the remote when approaching the car.
It was really well prepared by Mercedes Guildford, with brand new Continental tyres, brakes with lots of meat on them and the next major service included in March. It was most enjoyable interrupting the showroom starting it up to leave (one small child scared in the process) and I was pleasantly surprised to get the full car reveal experience in the showroom on a second hand car.
Early impressions are very favorable. I can't work out how to see the MPG, so that's good. The noise is fantastic and it feels properly built - no annoying rattles or squeaks, the buttons all feel nice (even the cheap looking silver ones for the heated seats), it pulls like a train, it has only modest levels of traction in anything but the dryest of conditions and has that "emotion" I missed, in spades. It's very early days but it feels like a keeper and really is the last of a breed - even now it seems absurd to explain to anyone whose not a petrolhead that I do indeed have a 6.2l engine in my family car!
Oh and to return to the man-maths, I think the total cost of ownership vs. a nearly new Focus / Golf is very favorable, at least that's what I'll tell myself as I spend the majority of my free time topping up the tank with petrol
After a long series of cars that my very tolerant family invariably have descibed as "noisy" (Aston Martin Vantage), "compact" (Z4MR), "not enough room" (Mini JCW), "but its green and smells funny" (shed 2002 Honda Accord) and "where do I sit Daddy" (all of them), I've finally relented and purchased a sensible family car. Well a family car. Ok, a car I can just about squeeze everyone in alongside the family bus (Touran - nice but slow / dull)
The biggest challenge since selling my rather beloved Aston was finding a car that ticked the emotion box (by which I think I really mean noise and feel) at sane speeds - the Z4MR was lovely, but only came alive a long way into the rev range and sounded a bit tame, the JCW again is a hoot and sounds great but still didn't do it for me day to day and with my seat in the right position, even my youngest couldn't sit behind me without complaining alot (making it a very impractical 3 seater). So I got the AT bug and spent evening after evening looking for a responsible, practical family car.
Once I'd rationalised my next car to be something everyone could get into, my immediate thought was an M5 (I've had 2 M Cars and 3 other BMW's) - but the total lack of drama at reasonable speeds quickly took it off the list, I also considered the NA V8 M3 saloon, but they are rare and very expensive for their age for a nice spec / low mileage example.
I then got some "advice" that suggested an estate was the way forward if I expected the car to be usable for us all - so out went the M cars and I looked at the new ST with Sync 2 (nice enough), the Golf R estate (lovely and golfy quality inside) and randomly the X3 35d because I like BMW's.
But then two things came to mind 1) Depreciation 2)That emotion thing. I was pretty sure that a £21k Focus (cheapest Sync2 ST estate) or a £30k Golf (cheapest R estate) would lose around £10k in 3 years / 20k miles and would be competent, but not set my world alight whilst losing £300 a month - not ideal.
So my attention then moved to large engined family estates, which totalled a list of: Jaguar XFR, E63 & C63 as no one else seems to be in the game (try finding a reasonably new 3 series with a 3L NA petrol engine!). I was politely informed that a Jag would not be tolerated "for at least another 10 years", so I was left with the 2 Mercs.
This led me to seeing if I could fit 3 seats into the back of a C63 (I could) and if they were comfortable (they were) and if it could play their music loudly (it does) and if it made the Boss sick (it didn't) - so with a couple of days going back and forth, a deal was struck.
I'm still not sure how I got away with it, but I picked up my 2013 C63 estate last weekend in shy-and-retiring Opal Fire Red with only the mildest of rebukes from the ministry of war and finance.
It's a poverty spec car, which means it's only got full leather, heated seats, sunroof, electric everything, adaptive lights, sat nav with traffic, online apps, jukebox, DVD player, about 20 types of connectivity for phones / music and some snazzy 19" alloys (which I think may have been an option to be fair) and remote opening boot that I've only nearly hurt myself / children with three times this week pressing buttons at random on the remote when approaching the car.
It was really well prepared by Mercedes Guildford, with brand new Continental tyres, brakes with lots of meat on them and the next major service included in March. It was most enjoyable interrupting the showroom starting it up to leave (one small child scared in the process) and I was pleasantly surprised to get the full car reveal experience in the showroom on a second hand car.
Early impressions are very favorable. I can't work out how to see the MPG, so that's good. The noise is fantastic and it feels properly built - no annoying rattles or squeaks, the buttons all feel nice (even the cheap looking silver ones for the heated seats), it pulls like a train, it has only modest levels of traction in anything but the dryest of conditions and has that "emotion" I missed, in spades. It's very early days but it feels like a keeper and really is the last of a breed - even now it seems absurd to explain to anyone whose not a petrolhead that I do indeed have a 6.2l engine in my family car!
Oh and to return to the man-maths, I think the total cost of ownership vs. a nearly new Focus / Golf is very favorable, at least that's what I'll tell myself as I spend the majority of my free time topping up the tank with petrol
Edited by krisdelta on Friday 18th November 09:17
FELIX_5 said:
That's a great choice, nice to see a C63 estate in red as well. Just out of interest, was an RS4 / RS6 not on your radar, if you wanted an estate?
I drove the B8.5 S4, which I really liked, but the incremental cost to a C63 of the same vintage was only about £1k and tough to ignore for the noise and general naughtiness. I considered the RS4 too, but nice ones were more than 5k over my budget so decided driving one might not be a great idea just in case it was amazing. Thanks for the positive comments everyone. I did see that Chris Harris vid on the RS4 - thank you, it does make a lovely noise - but I'm happy I didn't tempt myself, that's how I ended up with a V8 Vantage.
I might like a bit more noise, but really need to give it a couple of thousand miles - it still feels barely run in - I'm not convinced the first owner used much of the rev range.
My to-do list so far is split into two areas.
Maybe (things I probably wont get away with doing soon / easily)
Quaife Diff
18" wheels or upgrading rear tyres to 265 to give the rims some protection.
Some kind of exhaust tinkering
Definitely, (when no one from the finance ministry is looking):
OEM 20% window tint b-pillar backwards (weird that it's not standard like on the Touran)
Black wing mirror covers to match front splitter / wheels.
I've also spotted since yesterday that it reads road signs! The base spec on these is unbelievable. Comand is well thought out and it's easy to flip from Katy Perry based music (not mine - honest) on an SD card, to the more manly music found on my phone. I like listening to music, and thought I would miss the HK set up which isn't optioned on many of the estates - but the base stereo is more than adequete, the bass isn't mega crisp - but has plenty of depth for a "basic" system and I don't feel short changed.
I've adopted the "leave door open when starting car" ritual, this is not universally enjoyed by any cold passengers, but the dual zone climate was quite persuasive for The Boss. 26 for me 21 for her, everyone happy.
I've got a nice run down to Dorset tomorrow to stretch it's legs and get a decent layer of muck on it. It will give me a good indication of how much moaning I'll get when we go to France next month.
I've also made my first of many many visits to the local petrol station - I think we'll be exchanging Christmas cards - I can see it's going to be my new "favorite" place to be. Are bulk fuel deals available anywhere?
I might like a bit more noise, but really need to give it a couple of thousand miles - it still feels barely run in - I'm not convinced the first owner used much of the rev range.
My to-do list so far is split into two areas.
Maybe (things I probably wont get away with doing soon / easily)
Quaife Diff
18" wheels or upgrading rear tyres to 265 to give the rims some protection.
Some kind of exhaust tinkering
Definitely, (when no one from the finance ministry is looking):
OEM 20% window tint b-pillar backwards (weird that it's not standard like on the Touran)
Black wing mirror covers to match front splitter / wheels.
I've also spotted since yesterday that it reads road signs! The base spec on these is unbelievable. Comand is well thought out and it's easy to flip from Katy Perry based music (not mine - honest) on an SD card, to the more manly music found on my phone. I like listening to music, and thought I would miss the HK set up which isn't optioned on many of the estates - but the base stereo is more than adequete, the bass isn't mega crisp - but has plenty of depth for a "basic" system and I don't feel short changed.
I've adopted the "leave door open when starting car" ritual, this is not universally enjoyed by any cold passengers, but the dual zone climate was quite persuasive for The Boss. 26 for me 21 for her, everyone happy.
I've got a nice run down to Dorset tomorrow to stretch it's legs and get a decent layer of muck on it. It will give me a good indication of how much moaning I'll get when we go to France next month.
I've also made my first of many many visits to the local petrol station - I think we'll be exchanging Christmas cards - I can see it's going to be my new "favorite" place to be. Are bulk fuel deals available anywhere?
Thanks for the info on speed limits - they do pop up at very random intervals (as well as when the limit changes), I wondered if it just told me everytime it saw a sign.
I've got comand online, I've not bothered with it as I've heard its all done via 2G to a server in germany - madness! I think the standard spec on these is phenomonal though, the Satnav works well and reacts to changing traffic quickly.
The run down the motorway was smooth and except for some child based bickering (about seeing the satnav!!!) everyone was comfortable, so a big relief we can use it instead of the Touran for more interesting trips out and about.
I'm quite surprised that the tyre noise dominates - I did expect the estate body to draw in more of the exhaust noise, something I'll have to fix before long I think. Perhaps I can just leave the tailgate open?
I've got comand online, I've not bothered with it as I've heard its all done via 2G to a server in germany - madness! I think the standard spec on these is phenomonal though, the Satnav works well and reacts to changing traffic quickly.
The run down the motorway was smooth and except for some child based bickering (about seeing the satnav!!!) everyone was comfortable, so a big relief we can use it instead of the Touran for more interesting trips out and about.
I'm quite surprised that the tyre noise dominates - I did expect the estate body to draw in more of the exhaust noise, something I'll have to fix before long I think. Perhaps I can just leave the tailgate open?
ParanoidAndroid said:
Nice write up, not sure what your budget was but did you consider or look at the CLS63 SB? I'll be moving from my current CLS 350 SB to a CLS63 SB next time round, I've really fallen for the car and the ultimate V8 AMG version will only add to that!
I love the look of the CLS SB, but I didn't want an E-Class size car unless I couldn't fit the kids in the C-Class. One of my daily joys is navigating a 6'6" width restricted bridge at an angle, twice, which is unpleasant in the C but probably impossible without scuffing something in the E. Edited by ParanoidAndroid on Thursday 24th November 11:50
ParanoidAndroid said:
krisdelta said:
I love the look of the CLS SB, but I didn't want an E-Class size car unless I couldn't fit the kids in the C-Class. One of my daily joys is navigating a 6'6" width restricted bridge at an angle, twice, which is unpleasant in the C but probably impossible without scuffing something in the E.
Makes sense, CLS a big car. I'm 6'4 so space behind me is pretty much non-existent on a C. Thanks for the comments folks. It's interesting the amount of positive comments the colour gets, so how come so few are built in colours that aren't black, white or a shade of grey?
I would like some 18" wheels as I've already caught the rears a couple of times. Not a problem I've had on previous cars in such quantity in a short time. Very irritating.
Day to day it continues to impress, loads of space, comfortable and easy to pull into gaps in traffic. I'll post some pics when it's got properly grimy
I would like some 18" wheels as I've already caught the rears a couple of times. Not a problem I've had on previous cars in such quantity in a short time. Very irritating.
Day to day it continues to impress, loads of space, comfortable and easy to pull into gaps in traffic. I'll post some pics when it's got properly grimy
A brief update - car is going really well and it's been put into use to move a huge amount of packing material from a table and chairs to the tip. Seats down in < 1 minute and car filled. Perfect. I'm struggling to get grime to stick to the car - I think I may relent and clean it this week as it's "dull" rather than "dirty" - I've got some new quick detail stuff so will give it a going over after a cheeky 2-bucket session.
I've got it booked in for the windows to be tinted from the B pillar backwards next week and then it's time to get it prepped for it's trip to Eurodisney.
I am going to keep my eyes open for some 18"s to smooth out the ride, didn't even get a raised eyebrow when I mentioned it from the chief - happy days!
I'm still a bit frustrated about the lack of noise in the cabin, barely a rumble as you're driving around. The ability it has to pile on speed is fantastic though and I'm getting into the rhythm of using the paddles when I want to take over from the (very good) auto box.
I'll post up some before / after pics of the tinting - not going all gansta, far too old for that nonsense.
I've got it booked in for the windows to be tinted from the B pillar backwards next week and then it's time to get it prepped for it's trip to Eurodisney.
I am going to keep my eyes open for some 18"s to smooth out the ride, didn't even get a raised eyebrow when I mentioned it from the chief - happy days!
I'm still a bit frustrated about the lack of noise in the cabin, barely a rumble as you're driving around. The ability it has to pile on speed is fantastic though and I'm getting into the rhythm of using the paddles when I want to take over from the (very good) auto box.
I'll post up some before / after pics of the tinting - not going all gansta, far too old for that nonsense.
Hello folks, time for an update - just completed an 800 mile midweek trip to Eurodisney (the joy!). Managed to pack in stuff for four nights away from home comfortably into the boot without breaching the load cover, with enough room for a case of champagne "on the way back". It managed the very cold weather (-4 to +2 degrees) very well on the standard rubber.
As you can imagine it handled the autoroutes with ease, the sheer lack of effort required to pass slower traffic and wafting away with a lovely noise (children and ministry of fun on board remember!) from the toll booths.
I had one squeaky bum moment when I made use of the empty dual carriageway leaving Disney to stretch the legs of the car and the police shot up behind me - but luckily they were up to something more important than a speeding "roasbeef". The trip resulted in a heady average of 23mpg, which may interest anyone trying to "justify" such a car - more efficient than the new 4l Bi Turbo I hear...
I've had the rear windows tinted to the 20% OEM level to prevent my fellow road users having to see my children bickering / picking their noses / asking for the next Katy Perry song - it works and I've had significantly less people shaking their heads as they pass me on the motorways now.
Having diverted my route back via Hauvilliers (near Epernay) to drop into a small Champagne producer (closed over festive period) and have lunch at a very nice little restaturant (also closed after Christmas - I should probably have tried calling first)
I then ventured into Epernay which was also very quiet, but managed to find somewhere for lunch with the kids.
Despite parking in an almost empty road (not the one pictured above - brief stop while I sussed the Champagne place was closed) - I came back to this bit of exceptional french parking that made my blood boil for a short period of time.
Probably someone angry about Brexit. I had a moment of pondering taking a baseball bat to their car, but I realised they were already being punished enough by being French, driving a s
tbox diesel French people carrier and not getting enough hugs. Plus, where on earth do you buy a baseball bat in Epernay?!
So I'm now back home and got an emotional embrace from the local petrol station owner - hadn't seen me for a week - was really worried about me! I've got a lot more glitter in my car than I'm comfortable with (top tip - Elsa dresses from tesco shed ALOT of glitter) but I'm pleased to say the car is noticably more vocal with a few miles under it's belt. It's back to commuting duty for the moment, I'll report back in a while.
As you can imagine it handled the autoroutes with ease, the sheer lack of effort required to pass slower traffic and wafting away with a lovely noise (children and ministry of fun on board remember!) from the toll booths.
I had one squeaky bum moment when I made use of the empty dual carriageway leaving Disney to stretch the legs of the car and the police shot up behind me - but luckily they were up to something more important than a speeding "roasbeef". The trip resulted in a heady average of 23mpg, which may interest anyone trying to "justify" such a car - more efficient than the new 4l Bi Turbo I hear...
I've had the rear windows tinted to the 20% OEM level to prevent my fellow road users having to see my children bickering / picking their noses / asking for the next Katy Perry song - it works and I've had significantly less people shaking their heads as they pass me on the motorways now.
Having diverted my route back via Hauvilliers (near Epernay) to drop into a small Champagne producer (closed over festive period) and have lunch at a very nice little restaturant (also closed after Christmas - I should probably have tried calling first)
I then ventured into Epernay which was also very quiet, but managed to find somewhere for lunch with the kids.
Despite parking in an almost empty road (not the one pictured above - brief stop while I sussed the Champagne place was closed) - I came back to this bit of exceptional french parking that made my blood boil for a short period of time.
Probably someone angry about Brexit. I had a moment of pondering taking a baseball bat to their car, but I realised they were already being punished enough by being French, driving a s
tbox diesel French people carrier and not getting enough hugs. Plus, where on earth do you buy a baseball bat in Epernay?! So I'm now back home and got an emotional embrace from the local petrol station owner - hadn't seen me for a week - was really worried about me! I've got a lot more glitter in my car than I'm comfortable with (top tip - Elsa dresses from tesco shed ALOT of glitter) but I'm pleased to say the car is noticably more vocal with a few miles under it's belt. It's back to commuting duty for the moment, I'll report back in a while.
They look good in white, thanks for sharing! I was just keen to avoid black when I was looking.
I'm still loving the ease of the practicality for 5 people and the accessibiity of the power when it's only me.
I'm now 9 months and @5k in now and my only niggle is a rattle in the roof lining behind / around the sunroof which it's going into the dealer to be sorted (under warranty is my expectation!) at the beginning of September.
It's an utterly ridiculous car, and the fact you can get a roofbox on it, fill the boot, pop the kids in the back makes it all the more special for not being boring when it could be so easily as a family car (like our Touran).
I'm still mystified as to why it sounds 11/10 outside but only 5/10 inside...
Edit to add - pic of it having managed the cruise to Cornwall with alarming ease over Easter, if you look closely you can see the 50k flies I executed with the roofbox... yuk
I'm still loving the ease of the practicality for 5 people and the accessibiity of the power when it's only me.
I'm now 9 months and @5k in now and my only niggle is a rattle in the roof lining behind / around the sunroof which it's going into the dealer to be sorted (under warranty is my expectation!) at the beginning of September.
It's an utterly ridiculous car, and the fact you can get a roofbox on it, fill the boot, pop the kids in the back makes it all the more special for not being boring when it could be so easily as a family car (like our Touran).
I'm still mystified as to why it sounds 11/10 outside but only 5/10 inside...
Edit to add - pic of it having managed the cruise to Cornwall with alarming ease over Easter, if you look closely you can see the 50k flies I executed with the roofbox... yuk
Edited by krisdelta on Saturday 19th August 00:29
sagarich said:
Do any of the drive mode setting alter exhaust noise/tone? Or are they purely dynamic and ride quality settings?
On the C63 it's just the throttle / gearbox attitude. On the E you can play with suspension too. The newer 4l models have (I believe) an optional switchable sports exhaust. So, an update on the "noisy" car - a year and approx 7k miles in.
It's still a great all rounder, easy to drive and park, easy to get 5 people in, easy to use £70 of fuel in the blink of an eye. So far, so normal.
Over the summer I (and vocal passengers who shall remain nameless) were starting to tire of the "sporty" ride, courtesy of the very low profile tyres on the 19" wheels that are a factory option on the car. With the increasing volume of potholes and degrading road surfaces, it felt like it was "skipping" if during a turn or accelerating - not particuarly inspiring, especially in the wet.
A very nice PH'er (Carlton Banks) sold me a set of the standard 18" wheels from his collection, which I've had shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymettric 3's - this has transformed the car - it's far far better on the roads and just feels more controlled. The ride has smoothed out and it feels more drivable and is much nicer to be in.
This means tyre roar is much reduced, comfort is up and the engine / exhaust noise comes more to the fore - just how it should be.
Yes, it's slightly less sexy on the 18" wheels, but this is an estate car and it is a family car - so I'll find a way to fight off the lady folk who persist due to the awesomeness of my family wagon.
In terms of problems, it's only a rattle in the roof liner that's caused me woe in the last year, it took 3 visits to the dealer to fix - and I'm writing this before I test drive it now its just returned from it's third visit- assuming that it is indeed fixed.
In all fairness to Guildford Mercedes, their customer service has been exceptional and despite being dubious of main dealers with a couple of poor experiences under my belt, they've provided top notch aftersales support and picked up and dropped the car back each time even though I am not convinced it's a warranty item.
Next step is to consider how to release a bit more noise from the car without upsetting anyone and I think investing in an LSD can only be worthwhile too.
It's still a great all rounder, easy to drive and park, easy to get 5 people in, easy to use £70 of fuel in the blink of an eye. So far, so normal.
Over the summer I (and vocal passengers who shall remain nameless) were starting to tire of the "sporty" ride, courtesy of the very low profile tyres on the 19" wheels that are a factory option on the car. With the increasing volume of potholes and degrading road surfaces, it felt like it was "skipping" if during a turn or accelerating - not particuarly inspiring, especially in the wet.
A very nice PH'er (Carlton Banks) sold me a set of the standard 18" wheels from his collection, which I've had shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymettric 3's - this has transformed the car - it's far far better on the roads and just feels more controlled. The ride has smoothed out and it feels more drivable and is much nicer to be in.
This means tyre roar is much reduced, comfort is up and the engine / exhaust noise comes more to the fore - just how it should be.
Yes, it's slightly less sexy on the 18" wheels, but this is an estate car and it is a family car - so I'll find a way to fight off the lady folk who persist due to the awesomeness of my family wagon.
In terms of problems, it's only a rattle in the roof liner that's caused me woe in the last year, it took 3 visits to the dealer to fix - and I'm writing this before I test drive it now its just returned from it's third visit- assuming that it is indeed fixed.
In all fairness to Guildford Mercedes, their customer service has been exceptional and despite being dubious of main dealers with a couple of poor experiences under my belt, they've provided top notch aftersales support and picked up and dropped the car back each time even though I am not convinced it's a warranty item.
Next step is to consider how to release a bit more noise from the car without upsetting anyone and I think investing in an LSD can only be worthwhile too.
sam303 said:
So, hang on, are we saying it's possible to get 3 kids seats in the back of a C63?
I'd always assumed this was impossible due to the width of child car seats. If someone can confirm that it's not, then the C63 may just have shot to the top of my 'next car' list...
Indeed, 3 kids in the back is totally possible. I have 1 stage 2 - and two on mifolds, but can equally do 1 stage 2,1 booster and 1 mifold. You won't get 3 stage 1/2's in a row in a C class. You'll need two of them to be more than 15kgs I'd always assumed this was impossible due to the width of child car seats. If someone can confirm that it's not, then the C63 may just have shot to the top of my 'next car' list...
A long overdue update on the family friendly beast. We're now 26 months into ownership and 46k miles in total. The car remains rock-solid, the engine still stops with the beautiful immediacy of well balanced internals and it soaks up school runs, tip trips, moving furniture about, all without any fuss.
Last March I had the resonator deleted from the exhaust, which has given it a healthy boost in noise, still very sensible (proportionally) around town but far more vocal when using the performance, nice cracks and bangs on downshifts in S+. Just what it needed as from the drivers seat it seemed terribly reserved. Insurance impact? £0 MOT impact? None - cats all remain in place.
After being disappointed with the (very nice looking) 19" wheels and them eating the tyres thanks to skimming the very inside edge, I'm 14 months into the standard 18" wheels with Eagle F1 tyres and its far far nicer all-around, with very little wear on the tyres to boot, despite enthusiastic use of the power at times.
Besides the scheduled service at Mercedes Guildford (pain free and not too horrific price-wise) last March, I've had one fault, which caused the rad fan to run at full pelt in December. It was diagnosed within an hour despite no codes being thrown, down to the refrigerant pressure sensor and a princely £396 changing hands as it involved draining / refilling and general piddling about in a shiny workshop.
In early June it took me over to spa for a track day in a friends F-Type, in June it transported me and a mate in comfort and ease to Le Man, it's so so nice to cruise in - and effortless when the opportunity to press-on appears.
In November it got put into service as a Wedding car - my sister wanted some spectacle and a thorough clean made it a very elegant, if noisy way to get to a wedding reception.
In the cold it's been managing a very tidy 15mpg, with a lifetime average of 17.3mpg. However, on a run - it will reach the heady heights of 23mpg if you need to justify it to someone.
I didn't bother taking it out in the snow as the wide wheels make it almost impossible on compacted ice vs the family bus.
To make long journeys more palatable for young passengers I've got two Wanpool iPad mounts for the hard back seats, they velcro to themselves so no holes or glue. Recommended! https://www.amazon.co.uk/WANPOOL-Universal-Headres...
As my little-uns are getting bigger my thoughts have gone to what it could be replaced by, but I'm struggling for what would be pragmatic given how capable it is. I don't like the current E-Class, the GL63 appeals a little but its H-U-G-E, Panamera - lovely but not enough seats, Rapide - lovely but not enough seats.
For now we'll "manage" with what we've got, its still a thrill to drive at any pace.
Oh and price wise these have dropped a good amount in the last year, so a nice facelift estate with @50k miles is only about £25k - super value in my book.
Last March I had the resonator deleted from the exhaust, which has given it a healthy boost in noise, still very sensible (proportionally) around town but far more vocal when using the performance, nice cracks and bangs on downshifts in S+. Just what it needed as from the drivers seat it seemed terribly reserved. Insurance impact? £0 MOT impact? None - cats all remain in place.
After being disappointed with the (very nice looking) 19" wheels and them eating the tyres thanks to skimming the very inside edge, I'm 14 months into the standard 18" wheels with Eagle F1 tyres and its far far nicer all-around, with very little wear on the tyres to boot, despite enthusiastic use of the power at times.
Besides the scheduled service at Mercedes Guildford (pain free and not too horrific price-wise) last March, I've had one fault, which caused the rad fan to run at full pelt in December. It was diagnosed within an hour despite no codes being thrown, down to the refrigerant pressure sensor and a princely £396 changing hands as it involved draining / refilling and general piddling about in a shiny workshop.
In early June it took me over to spa for a track day in a friends F-Type, in June it transported me and a mate in comfort and ease to Le Man, it's so so nice to cruise in - and effortless when the opportunity to press-on appears.
In November it got put into service as a Wedding car - my sister wanted some spectacle and a thorough clean made it a very elegant, if noisy way to get to a wedding reception.
In the cold it's been managing a very tidy 15mpg, with a lifetime average of 17.3mpg. However, on a run - it will reach the heady heights of 23mpg if you need to justify it to someone.
I didn't bother taking it out in the snow as the wide wheels make it almost impossible on compacted ice vs the family bus.
To make long journeys more palatable for young passengers I've got two Wanpool iPad mounts for the hard back seats, they velcro to themselves so no holes or glue. Recommended! https://www.amazon.co.uk/WANPOOL-Universal-Headres...
As my little-uns are getting bigger my thoughts have gone to what it could be replaced by, but I'm struggling for what would be pragmatic given how capable it is. I don't like the current E-Class, the GL63 appeals a little but its H-U-G-E, Panamera - lovely but not enough seats, Rapide - lovely but not enough seats.
For now we'll "manage" with what we've got, its still a thrill to drive at any pace.
Oh and price wise these have dropped a good amount in the last year, so a nice facelift estate with @50k miles is only about £25k - super value in my book.
Edited by krisdelta on Tuesday 5th February 13:44
Castor said:
How odd - as previously mentioned on this thread, I have a C63 estate, same specs, same wheels, same mileage, etc. Mine had the radiator fans stuck on issue in the summer on a family trip to the Isle of Wight - luckily for me there is a Merc garage on the island and the same part you replaced was also my problem!
It seems like you are running a few months ahead of me... please let me know what problems to look out for!!
Resinator delete in on my list but I need to hear one to make my mind up
PM me and I'll email you over an "after" vid of the resonator, if that helps? No other problems to report so far, interesting you've had exactly the same problem - not what I'd expect on a non-servicable item so soon in it's life - but hey ho! It seems like you are running a few months ahead of me... please let me know what problems to look out for!!
Resinator delete in on my list but I need to hear one to make my mind up
Carlton Banks said:
Kris, great update.
I’m planning on selling my estate and ironically we have had a baby so have had this car at the wrong time in life.
However, planning on getting a smaller car for the wife to drive and still be fun eg s3 or RS3 and then get another w205 c63 estate in a couple of years
R
Congratulations to you both! Whilst it’s a pretty practical car, the rear doors and hard back seats aren’t ideal for a Stage 0 seat – as much as it would be nice. I've not fallen for the 205's interior with the large lump of shiny plastic down by the knee and the afterthought main screen. If they can emulate the new 3 series integrated look in the next design - it would look far tidier, IMHO.I’m planning on selling my estate and ironically we have had a baby so have had this car at the wrong time in life.
However, planning on getting a smaller car for the wife to drive and still be fun eg s3 or RS3 and then get another w205 c63 estate in a couple of years
R
Carlos24 said:
I love these and think that they are better looking than the saloon or coupe, big brawny estates rock! Having just got into an XFR myself I think that an XFR or XFR-S estate could be worth a look if you do decide to change.
My friend had a saloon C63 with secondary decats and that thing sounded mental!!
My friend in Germany had an XF Sportbrake, I found the touchscreen and general stuff I’d use every day to be frustratingly difficult to access – the XFR does sound good though. Plus the ministry thinks Jaaagggs are for old men, which apparently, despite being grumpy I’m not. My friend had a saloon C63 with secondary decats and that thing sounded mental!!
e46m3c said:
Thanks for the thread. Helped my make my mind up. Just picked up a mint w204 14 plate estate. What a car. Very happy so far. It’s just one of those cars that feels right from the off. Characterful but not tiring. Fast but practical. Might be a long termed. Looking forward to some fun this year
Nicely done! I used “last of a breed” to justify my E46 M3, My V8V and my C63 – if it stays into 2020 it’ll be my longest owned cartinnitusjosh said:
I have the saloon and am thinking of trading in for something bigger. Agree that I am absolutely stumped as to what to replace it with... Best option at the moment for the budget seems like an ML63 from the same era (although without the 6.2l engine 
)
Perhaps the answer is to invest to keep it bang up to date, the GL63 is worth a look, the noise (5.5l turbo) is insane for the size of car. )ZX10R NIN said:
Great read OP the OH still misses her C63 luckily we still get to enjoy the 6.2 in the form of my CLK63 which has had a bit of fettling engine wise.
The engine is up there with the S54 in the M3 / Z4M I’ve had, just so so much brawnier. If I ever have to replace it, I hope I can just by another car – rather than sell it. Here is a pic from yesterday - not bad for a 6 y/o car.
Edited to add pic and missing text
Edited by krisdelta on Sunday 10th February 12:02
A small update as I've spent most of the last month out of the country, the car continues to behave well and I've just booked it in for it's 3rd B service at Guildford Mercedes - I did consider getting it done at an independant but the difference was only £100.
£454 for a "B" service on a monster like the C63 is seriously good value in my view at a main dealer - cheaper than a years road tax! A large part of this is the discount on labour costs over 3 (or 5?) years old.
I want to get the car detailed this spring, so looking for local options that don't cost a billion pounds.
Taking a look at values, I've racked up 15k in the last 30 months of ownership (I am disappointed in myself too - usually higher mileage!)
I think £22k on the used market is probably about right, although I may get more - the cheapest 2013 car is 23.5k with 60k miles.
So far that would make £7800 depreciation / £3100 a year. I think my man maths vs a Golf R estate are spot on...
£454 for a "B" service on a monster like the C63 is seriously good value in my view at a main dealer - cheaper than a years road tax! A large part of this is the discount on labour costs over 3 (or 5?) years old.
I want to get the car detailed this spring, so looking for local options that don't cost a billion pounds.
Taking a look at values, I've racked up 15k in the last 30 months of ownership (I am disappointed in myself too - usually higher mileage!)
I think £22k on the used market is probably about right, although I may get more - the cheapest 2013 car is 23.5k with 60k miles.
So far that would make £7800 depreciation / £3100 a year. I think my man maths vs a Golf R estate are spot on...
The car sailed through the service, they couldn't find anything worn or upset needing to be replaced - not bad going for a now 6 year old monster of a car.
It's covered just over 47.5k miles now and only one sensor has gone awry in that time, besides that - purely consumables and lots and lots of petrol, so much petrol!
The Goodyear Eagles are lasting well, 18 months and 9k miles with plenty of meat left in them still. Better than the OEM Conti's on the 19's which ate themselves on the inner edge in 6k miles.
I did a tip run on the weekend with a single divan base, mattress and bedroom carpet just dropping the rear seats - so many boxes are ticked by this car and lets remind ourselves - cheaper over 3 years than a Golf R or Focus ST Estate
It's covered just over 47.5k miles now and only one sensor has gone awry in that time, besides that - purely consumables and lots and lots of petrol, so much petrol!
The Goodyear Eagles are lasting well, 18 months and 9k miles with plenty of meat left in them still. Better than the OEM Conti's on the 19's which ate themselves on the inner edge in 6k miles.
I did a tip run on the weekend with a single divan base, mattress and bedroom carpet just dropping the rear seats - so many boxes are ticked by this car and lets remind ourselves - cheaper over 3 years than a Golf R or Focus ST Estate
As the summer holidays draw to a close, the sensible car has taken it all in its stride. Snacks whilst on the way home from holiday club, sand covered...everything after a day at the beach, food, drinks and grumpy kids as we wafted through France (25mpg - yeah, wafted). One wipe down with a damp microfibre cloth and a touch of Sonus leather conditioner and I can pretend all is well with the world, if I close my ears and eyes, at least.
The great thing about a car with no mpg is that when you put a roof box on it makes no difference. It’s always like someone has stuck a screwdriver through the fuel tank. The best I saw on a tank was 28mpg in France, the drive south was slow due to rain and roadworks.
I can strongly recommend a Tag if you’re driving in France, during holidays it can save 10 minutes at a toll station, swanning though a TAG lane at 20mph is amongst the best feelings you can get whilst fully clothed.
The great thing about a car with no mpg is that when you put a roof box on it makes no difference. It’s always like someone has stuck a screwdriver through the fuel tank. The best I saw on a tank was 28mpg in France, the drive south was slow due to rain and roadworks.
I can strongly recommend a Tag if you’re driving in France, during holidays it can save 10 minutes at a toll station, swanning though a TAG lane at 20mph is amongst the best feelings you can get whilst fully clothed.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff