Any reason not to buy a W205 C63?

[Buffy d]

In short, there's nothing else I want, I want one badly, I have wanted one badly for a long time, so is there any reason I shouldn't?

The only other cars on my 'want' list (996 Turbo, SL55, R33 GT-R) are not in any way viable as everyday cars and are arguably significantly more expensive to look after.

The C63 appears to offer everything I want in one package, and it appears to be incredibly reliable. I have scoured the internet, and it seems that, even after 7 years, there are no major, serious issues to be aware of on the W205.

I just can't see a logical reason that's stopping me from treating myself and buying something I really want and which I can see myself owning for a long time…

Edited by Buffy d on Friday 25th March 09:36

[Buffy d]

sanguinary said:

From what I understand, it's potential for ruinous bills exceeds the 204.

Great car, not as raw as the 204, but the interior is much more on spec for a modern car.

It has a very clever electronic rear diff, only found on the C63 I understand. Very expensive if it fails. Very, very expensive!

But, to be fair, they do appear to be fairly robust. Just keep some cash aside, just in case!

I'm quite surprised to hear that. From searching online there don't appear to be any common problems that occur and that you need to be aware of, but I could be wrong! Do you have any examples of that?

The e-diff is only on the S and I'd be buying a non-S model

[Buffy d]

SmithCorona said:

What is it you are coming from? It's an OK car. I'm not sure they are a long term proposition.

I have a supercharged E92 M3, so the C63 would be joining that The reason the C63 appeals to me is that it's also got massive V8 performance, but in a slightly softer and less raw package than the E92 M3.

I had a CLS55 as an everyday car for a year as I always wanted something with the M113K engine, but it wasn't for me. It felt gigantic, it was too soft and you felt too isolated from the driving experience, and it also felt slow compared to the M3.

The C63 would be replacing my E86 Z4 3.0si Coupé. I love it, and it's small and fun to drive, but it has some shortcomings: it is a little short on space and practicality for an everyday car, and it also has the worst ride of any car I've ever owned, the electric power steering isn't great and neither is the gearbox, and it's noisy and unrefined. I do really enjoy driving it, but, ironically, it actually feels more hardcore than the M3 and I want my everyday car to be a little softer

[Buffy d]

C63sxb said:

I had a 21 plate for 3 months, from new. The build quality was pony, as was the dealer based near Gatwick.

Spent more time with them in that period than with me.

Shame, as I had wanted one for ages and it was stunning in Silver.

I had a M5 comp while I was waiting for another car. So much better than my C63s and I would have another one of those in a heartbeat.

I have read some reports that build quality isn't exactly stellar. What went wrong on yours?

I do like the M5 (F10 is in budget), but I've driven them before and just find them too big for me personally. I know the W205 isn't small, but it's about half a size down from the F10.

[Buffy d]

hungry_hog said:

I have a W205 C63s saloon and owned an F80 before

They are quite different.
The F80 is more raw with a better steering feel and feels more planted. I also think it looks more aggressive (matter of taste if you like that)
The C63s sounds (much) better, steering is quite light, is a fair bit quicker (on the straight at least).

I think on paper the F80 is a better car, but I enjoy the C63 more

I appreciate this view and it tells me a lot and certainly makes the C63 sound like the right car for me

While I love BMWs, the F8x M3/4 do nothing for me. I've driven them before, and while I think they look better than the C63 (the F80 in particular), I think they sound awful and noise is such a big part of a car like this for me.

I have a supercharged E92 M3, which isn't going anywhere, so I don't need the C63 to be the last word in absolute involvement or driving dynamics, because I already have a car like that

[Buffy d]

Welshbeef said:

Do you have a readied thread on that great sounding supercharged v8 M3?

I don't, maybe I should make one

[Buffy d]

Welshbeef said:

Is there any formal laptimes by same test driver of the M3 and C63 to clarify what the difference is. Factually for nearly everyone the result wouldn’t make one jot of difference

There's this evo head-to-head video if that's any good? F80 M3 was marginally faster:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hf67GoQhFMk