C63 AMG - general info/issues etc

[snipez999]

Currently driving a 535d BMW (yeah yeah so shoot me LOL). Due to change cars in June and looking around at various possibilities eg. BMW 550i; M3 (probably too small); C63 AMG.
I like my Beemers, having owned an E46 330d before the 5 series, and I love the sporty ride and level of comfort/gadgets.
Done some minor research on the AMG (Youtube videos are quite informative - she likes drifting a bit and perhaps not as tight as the BMW equivalent) but not yet had any contact with anyone who owns one.
So, a few Qs please.
I will be buying new so presumably car comes with 3 year warranty.
Is there option of a 3 year service/labour/parts inclusive package (like BMW do)?
What are oil service and general service intervals like?
Average oil service costs?
What is 'must-have' level of interior gadgetry (on BMW this is pro satnav at least)?
Should I talk myself out of paying 5 grand for the 30bhp power hike, bigger brake upgrade or does this fall into 'must have for residuals' category?
Are there any major issues or recalls to be aware of?
I cover around 1000 miles a month, mixed, what is my expected mpg?
(Unfortunately I also have a lead-filled right boot)
Any general issues/niggles/regrets?
Is there a facelift or updated model release due shortly which I should be aware of?
Finally, what are the high points about owning one of these beasties?
(I wish my Beemer weren't as reliable, as the ladies on the Service desk are something else!)
Thanks for bearing with me; appreciated.

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

Not got one, but as I take an interest, here's a starter for ten:

3 year warranty - yes.
Service package - yes on new cars.
Service intervals - check but likely fixed at 10,000 miles or 12 months
Service costs - hugely variable between dealers (avoid London, Birmingham and Manchester as they're the most expensive of all), but you shouldn't pay more than £280 - or less if supplying own oil - for the "small" (A) service.
Must-haves - some will insist on the LSD or performance pack, and others will avoid like the plague. A bit Marmite.
5 grand - no, do it. You know you want to.
Major issues - not read of any, but best check with dealer - known recalls shouldn't apply to a new car.
MPG - sub 20mpg I reckon.

I hope this is of use.

 

[Palmball]

Well snipez999 - I think I can give a fairly rounded opinion. I currently own a 2009 C63 AMG with the Performance Pack (not the extra 30bhp one though) and have just sold it!

I tried to find something else but couldn't get away from just how good these cars are....so I've bought another one and am just waiting for my new C63 AMG with the PPP (the one with the extra 30bhp ) to be built next month!

Also, I too came from BMW having owned an e92 M3 followed by a 6-month stint with an M6. I've also had plenty of experience of '35d' engined BMW's. So, how does it compare to them?

Well, I haven't driven the faster C63 yet but even with a measly 451bhp it is noticeably faster than the M3 and very similar to the M6 (if not as manic as the M6 at the top end). The main difference though is the torque - the C63 has bags of it right from 2k rpm whereas the M3 and even the M6 had to be driven very hard to go anywhere near as fast. Think similar to your 535d low down in the rpm range with some real heavyweight power at the top end. Also, neither BMW had the crazy sound of the AMG - if you've not heard one yet you need to soon! Overall, performance wise, it's basically a very good 'European' muscle car!

Now, despite having the PP and LSD, it does not handle as well as the M3 but it is not that far behind - it's a bit heavier and has less grip but it does like to powerslide a lot more - great fun for me, but maybe not for everyone if you don't like that sort of thing! Personally, I think you must go for the LSD option as a car with this power and no LSD is very frustrating; think orange light on dash every time you pull out of a side street! Overall though, I do a few track days a year including a couple of trips to the Nurburgring and I don't miss the M3 one bit! Trust me...drive a C63 with PP and you will not miss the BMW 'sporty ride'!

In other aspects, the interior is nicer than the 3er and it's a lot better build; indeed, I was always disappointed by the quality (i.e. lots of rattles) in my M3 but it was noticeably better in the M6 which I guess is more to the standard that you'll be used to in owning a 5er.

So, hopefully this gives you an idea on what it's like to drive and here are some answers to your questions:

I will be buying new so presumably car comes with 3 year warranty.
Yes, and the dealers in my experience are pretty good.

Is there option of a 3 year service/labour/parts inclusive package (like BMW do)?
I actually don't think there is on the AMG's but I have never asked so could be wrong!

What are oil service and general service intervals like?
12k miles and the prices seem very similar to what BMW charge for their M cars. So, a bit more than non-AMG/Mpower but not too bad compared to what you'd pay on your 535d.

What is 'must-have' level of interior gadgetry (on BMW this is pro satnav at least)?
Should I talk myself out of paying 5 grand for the 30bhp power hike, bigger brake upgrade or does this fall into 'must have for residuals' category?
Right - this bit can be expensive - I've ended up adding the cost of a decent hot hatch to the basic price of my car to get exactly what I want so it can get silly! Key things IMO are:

Comand (Merc's iDrive & sat Nav system)
LSD (A MUST!)
Intelligent Lighting (so cheap at a couple of hundred quid but the best and cleverest lights you'll have ever seen!)
Harman Kardon sound upgrade

I could go on and recommend everything I opted for but I guess everything else is a nice to have rather than a must have. I can't comment on the PPP yet as I won't know of the £5k is worth it until I get it next month....but I bloody hope it is! You will notice that PP equipped cars hold onto their value much better but you'll never recoup anything close to the initial outlay!


Are there any major issues or recalls to be aware of?
Not that I've experienced - it's established enough now to have had early problems ironed out.

I cover around 1000 miles a month, mixed, what is my expected mpg?
(Unfortunately I also have a lead-filled right boot)
This bit WILL shock you. Prepare to double you current costs. I average 17mpg on mixed driving so thats about 220 miles on £75 of fuel. If buying fuel bothers you at all...do not buy this car!

Any general issues/niggles/regrets?
Not really so far...and I'm a fussy bugger! Seriously, one of the best car's I've owned.


Is there a facelift or updated model release due shortly which I should be aware of?
The C-Class is about to get a facelift with LED running ligts but the C63 is staying as-is and isn't changing.

Finally, what are the high points about owning one of these beasties?
Low points are definitely the fuel costs - it's a pain TBH filling up so often. At 1000 miles a month, you're going to filling up once per week.

However, I'll say it again...it's a Euro muscle car! Everytime you start it up it will make you smile. It also has a lot of street cred; it really stands out as something special and doesn't slip into the background. It sounds great, goes very fast, handles well and has a nice interior.

All you've got to do is go drive one and you'll know pretty soon if it's right for you or not! I made my mind up (coming out of an M6!) within the first few minutes of driving it!

 

[Gridlock]

Not been in one but if it puts the same smile on Palmball's face that mine does for me every time I start it, you can't go wrong

The 63s sound awesome, there's definitely some naughty Germans at Affalterbach

 

[Howard]

We were at Brooklands the other day and the sound of the 63's on the wet circle and hooning up the long left hand straight was just incredible ...

Worth it for the noise alone !

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

Never driven one, but purely on size will the C class be big enough for your needs, as its a step down in size terms from a 5?

How about a E63?

 

[snipez999]

Cheers Palmball, that is all spot on and just the sort of feedback and direct comparison (knowledgeable one at that) that was needed.
Many thanks for this. It gives me a lot to go on and makes me feel more confident about my shortlist of test drives.
I would be looking to change in time to run her in on the drive through to Le Mans. That 6.2 engine note would certainly draw some attention in the queue for the Chunnel Guess that means I should get my skates on as far as shopping round goes. I am likely to simply use Broadspeed.com again as they were spot on the last time, unbeatable price.

A210AMG, it's around 8 inches shorter and 4 inches slimmer than the 5 series. Would probably stop me kerbing my bl00dy wheels! LOL
Only got to last me 3 years then it'll be traded in for the new shape V10 M5 (unless I beocme a total convert in the meantime). E63 AMG is a tad expensive when you add on the 12 grand of extras I have eyeballed so far!

 

[scumbag]

no idea.



press that link in my signature.

 

[Fizzer]

Cheers Palmball, that is all spot on and just the sort of feedback and direct comparison (knowledgeable one at that) that was needed.
Many thanks for this. It gives me a lot to go on and makes me feel more confident about my shortlist of test drives.
I would be looking to change in time to run her in on the drive through to Le Mans. That 6.2 engine note would certainly draw some attention in the queue for the Chunnel Guess that means I should get my skates on as far as shopping round goes. I am likely to simply use Broadspeed.com again as they were spot on the last time, unbeatable price.

A210AMG, it's around 8 inches shorter and 4 inches slimmer than the 5 series. Would probably stop me kerbing my bl00dy wheels! LOL
Only got to last me 3 years then it'll be traded in for the new shape V10 M5 (unless I beocme a total convert in the meantime). E63 AMG is a tad expensive when you add on the 12 grand of extras I have eyeballed so far!

On the subject of Le Mans is there anyone else from here going this year? Myself, mrs Fizzer, my mate and his partner (albeit in a BMW) and the "other woman" (CLS) will be on the ferry from Dover on the 12th June :bannana: sorry for the hi-jack, just caught my attention

 

[Palmball]

Guess that means I should get my skates on as far as shopping round goes. I am likely to simply use Broadspeed.com again as they were spot on the last time, unbeatable price.

I've been quite vocal on this forum as to how I found it difficult to get a deal on one of these; I too have used Broadspeed before when buying another car and very good they were too. However, I found I could negotiate a better discount than they quoted on the C63 direct with a dealer (an extra £1k off the Broadspeed price!) but even then, I still don't think the deal was brilliant compared to what I'd get off, say, a new M3. But then the M3 doesn't hold it's value as well so what you gain at one end, you lose at the other.

You will find dealers very averse to discounting AMG's as they tend to be made to order. Many wouldn't budge from list so I just didn't bother with them....persevere - it can be done! If you decide to buy and cannot get a dealer to do a better price than Broadspeed then let me know and I'll put you in touch with the guy who's sorting me out at the dealer I've used.

Also, if you want to take delivery of the car in June and want a brand new factory order you need to be getting your order in ASAP - I believe I grabbed one of the last two C63 allocations for the UK when I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago for the batch they are building in March and the next lot after this aren't due until early summer!

 

[scumbag]

Although there are batching allocated slots, for the saloon, of which they do make a number, they are set up to probably be a 4 or 5 month wait regdarless of when you order. It's the estate where you can find the allocated batch having been filled and you wait another 3 months to get in the next build alocation.

That said, they don't build c63's 7 days a week so if you ordered now, June would probably be reasonable. but you could order the same spec as a dealer ordered one, in which case that will be sourced for you, so you could get one from the latest build right now.

the pp+ models will be built to order only.

 

[st4]

A210AMG, it's around 8 inches shorter and 4 inches slimmer than the 5 series. Would probably stop me kerbing my bl00dy wheels! LOL
Only got to last me 3 years then it'll be traded in for the new shape V10 M5 (unless I beocme a total convert in the meantime). E63 AMG is a tad expensive when you add on the 12 grand of extras I have eyeballed so far!

What about a used one? Which will have depreciated a bit

 

[snipez999]

Call me odd but I prefer to buy new and be the first one to rag 10 bells out of the thing.

 

[Gridlock]

Don't we all - but it's the price that can be put on such an intangible benefit that surprises me.

 

[Palmball]

What about a used one? Which will have depreciated a bit

Those with PP haven't depreciated that much actually - compare the C63 to it's rivals and it's very good at holding onto it's money...probably the best in it's class.

For instance, you can easily buy 08 plate M3's for mid £30k's but last time I checked there were still no C63's, regardless of age or mileage, for under £42k. And these are quite similarly priced cars when new. PP C63's are nearly always mid-high £40k's at the least.

Also, if you want PPP then new, or a demo with very little discount, is the only way to go. I hate buying new and losing all that money hence my current one was an ex-demo at a very good price but I just couldn't resist the opportunity to sell mine for reasonable money and have a chance to get a PPP equipped one.

 

[Palmball]

snipez999 - have you ordered it yet

 

[RBYCC]

Interesting how different the AMG vehicles are priced in the UK compared to the USA.

I just purchased a 2008 CLK63 AMG Black Series ( 1 of 367 imported in USA ) with under 6K miles for 51301.77 Sterling ( today's exchange rate ) which includes covered delivery to my door from the dealer ( about 600 miles )
Vehicle is being purchased from a Mercedes Dealer and is CPO ( Certified Pre Owned ) which gives it an extra year of warranty on top of the existing warranty.

Mercedes Benz Financial Services USA financed the deal at 1.99% for 66 months.
At that rate no reason to pay cash !

 

[chiefski26]

wellcome to rip off britain ..................

 

[Gridlock]

^^ That makes me want to cry

Hope you're enjoying the car, I had the pleasure of helming a Lincoln Town Car rental when I was out there last year so you must be very, very happy with your AMG

 

[snipez999]

Taken o a look on MB approved used site for comparitive purposes. 2 cars with PPP and neither with carbon kit nor LSD, otherwise similar spec to my Broadspeed quoted price. Dealer price just under 60k. Broadspee3d price for new build car with everything I want including carbon/LSD 62k. Net £0 saving, in fact net minus a grand saving with the spec. Unfortunately I am not prepared to skimp on spec.