C63s (205) Potential Buyer

[simonwhite2000]

With ICE cars end looming I really want to scratch the V8 itch before it is too late. Having toyed with the idea of everything from an M5 to a Mustang I think I am pretty set on a C205 coupe or S205 saloon.

That then leads me to pre or post facelift. I am leaning heavily towards pre facelift mainly because they sound so much better.

Does anyone have any advice or feedback on these cars? Any serious issues with them I could run into?

I am also re-searching if the bigger facelift media screen can be retrofitted. I think I have also seen some people who have retrofitted the digital cockpit however the analogue dials don't bother me.

Any feedback or advice welcome!

[simonwhite2000]

off_again said:

simonwhite2000 said:

With ICE cars end looming I really want to scratch the V8 itch before it is too late. Having toyed with the idea of everything from an M5 to a Mustang I think I am pretty set on a C205 coupe or S205 saloon.

C63S W205 owner here - did the same myself. I expect that my next big purchase will probably be an extended range plug-in hybrid or electric car. So yeah, why not go out in style!

simonwhite2000 said:

That then leads me to pre or post facelift. I am leaning heavily towards pre facelift mainly because they sound so much better.

I have the pre-facelift model and yes, there are some differences in the way that the exhaust will work. A lot is posted on the internet about the differences, but in reality, even the post-facelist models sound good. And there are some adjustments that can be made to make the newer models pop and bang more. However, it is absolutely mode dependent so when you go for a test drive, make sure you are in Sport or Sport+ mode to find out the differences are.

I am sure you are aware, but the C63 didnt come with the performance exhaust as standard, but some were spec'ed with it. C63S models came with it as standard and its well worth getting one with it!

simonwhite2000 said:

Does anyone have any advice or feedback on these cars? Any serious issues with them I could run into?

They are great, what is more to say? The C is definately the more raw version of the 63 though. The E is mental and higher power, but also a little softer and more controlled. Its all relative of course, because the E is still mental, but the 205 model really lifted things up from the 204 model. They really do handle well and reward when driven. The gap between the M3/4 and C63 is a lot smaller in this generation.

Serious problems? Not really. The front end is vulnerable though - those oil coolers, intercoolers and radiator can get cracked easily, so check out the current damage and be aware of this. The front is low too, so be careful on curbs etc. But the engines are solid and very reliable. Take to basic tuning well, but if you want to go down this route, make sure its with a proven company who knows what they are doing - its easy to trigger limp home mode on them with mis-fires etc. This often takes a dealer to fix. Just be careful here.

Oh, and other than normal 205 model issues, they are solid. Fit and finish should be good, but interior panels might squeak, so be aware of it. Quality of the materials should be good though. There might be some electronic issues, but its pretty rare. I had a sunroof issue though, which is a common on the 205 models - can pop the brackets and it needs to be removed to fix it - dealer fix and can cost a bunch to fix! Check the sun roof works OK.

Gearbox needs careful maintenance so make sure this is done, but its solid and doesnt suffer major issues. Its the same one that is used in multiple higher power models, so its understressed.

simonwhite2000 said:

I am also re-searching if the bigger facelift media screen can be retrofitted. I think I have also seen some people who have retrofitted the digital cockpit however the analogue dials don't bother me.

Mmmm, good question and probably worth a full description. Dont go with a replacement with the full Merc system - its just not worth it. You can get an addon box though. They were expensive but much more reasonable these days. Brings Carplay and Android Auto to the screen (not touchscreen) and works well, nicely integrated. Will send a link if you are interested. Dont go with the Android replacement screen though - too many limitations from when I looked though. Works well, but you will loose features that are native. I can dig into this more though, let me know.

Thank you for such a detailed response. Really appreciate it.

I have watched quite a few vids on YT especially Raz on Remove Before Race - this vid particularly - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sgz_XHj4dsQ&ab... - to get different opinions on pre or post facelift.

I wont be buying for a little while yet as have a very cheap BMW 840i M Sport GC on lease at the moment. Just for reference past cars have been 4 X B9 Audi S5's with one being tuned full Milltek etc. Why 4? First coupe was stolen after 6 months, then I had a soft top, then a Sportback, then went back to a heavily optioned coupe. Before that Golf R.

The facelift is quieter from the videos although not massively - the main bit missing is pops, bangs, crackles and the over-run noises. I know you can get devices that keep the valves open but that only helps the volume. I wonder if an ECU tune such as Litchfields will add not only add approx 70 bhp but also free up some frutier exhaust noises?

If I went pre-facelift I would want to add the new grille and bumper trims and the updated rear valance which i imagine isnt cheap. Factor in the newer dash screen and digital cockpit i might consider the facelift more if the exhaust noises can be improved. I might seem obsessed with the noise factor but that is really what has always made me crave a V8.