C63 buying tips...

[DSB SL AMG]

Hi Guys,

One of my mates is thinking about getting a C63, not new but a few years old, of course he's come to me for advice but I am not that upto speed on them, from memory I seem to remember early examples had potential engine probs, 7g issues, and dash rattles...I think mostly fixed on later series models...?

Thought I would do a search both on here and the other side, loads of stuff on mods...but cant piece anything together of much substance on buying what to look for...+ don't see a sticky.

So...if there is a thread plz post it, or comments plz.

If he does get one I will be sure to mention a simple EC map and exhaust 'tweak' gets him upto 500/520HP

Thanks
David.

 

[gs63]

Look out for cracked wheels, I know this is hard to see but look out for wheels with loads of balancing weights. Also cracked and buckled wheels will most of the time cause a vibration. Usually not apparent until 50 mph onwards.

Also check the coolant level to make sure it is not low, Low coolant level may indicate it has some sort of coolant loss which can be the headbolt issues these have.

I am selling my car, it is a 2009 Performance pack with LSD. it also has EC Remap.

31,000 miles with Full MB History. Colour is Black with Black Leather

I have just replaced 2 wheels due to one being cracked and one buckled. I have also replaced rear Brake discs and Pads. All Genuine MB Parts

 

[Ian_Mac]

Look out for cracked wheels, I know this is hard to see but look out for wheels with loads of balancing weights. Also cracked and buckled wheels will most of the time cause a vibration. Usually not apparent until 50 mph onwards. Also check the coolant level to make sure it is not low, Low coolant level may indicate it has some sort of coolant loss which can be the headbolt issues these have. I am selling my car, it is a 2009 Performance pack with LSD. it also has EC Remap. 31,000 miles with Full MB History. Colour is Black with Black Leather I have just replaced 2 wheels due to one being cracked and one buckled. I have also replaced rear Brake discs and Pads. All Genuine MB Parts

What valuation will you be placing on yours?

 

[gs63]

I was going to put it up for £26,995..??

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Bump! where's the C63 boys...

 

[Lee C63]

As far as i know the only potential Achilles heel are the head bolts on pre 2011 cars and to be fair i bet there is only a handful that have issues (remember thats all M156 engines)
And if you are worried just change them out for the new style or go all out and put in ARP studs.

 

[Simon_M]

Generally solid as a rock. Facelift cars have rattley interiors.

Just wait for a nice one, there are plenty around now.

My tip is check state of brakes are the discs can be expensive on PP and PPP cars.

Just please don't ask what the differences are between std vs PP vs PPP!

S

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Just please don't ask what the differences are between std vs PP vs PPP!

What's the difference between standard vs PP vs PPP?

 

[BenR]

I believe on the PP cars they're composite brakes? think they're a 2 piece disc rather than the normal discs on the standard C63s..

 

[paneraiseeker]

What's the difference between standard vs PP vs PPP?

p.

 

[Felstmiester]

Don't get to fussy about pp or ppp. Depending on your budget will depend on if you go with facelift or not wich will depend on if you have the option of going for a ppp. Extra bhp ( a remap will take a non ppp to same bhp ) harder suspension, two piece front discs, red calipers, carbon boot spoiler and alcantara steering wheel and LSD as standard I think??. Pp early model the same but no extra bhp and no red calipers. Mines a pp and the suspension is harsh for everyday use. Luckily I don't use mine much else that's the one thing that would do my head in.

Oh and lastly. Don't be fooled by people saying all pp cars have LSD because they don't! You will see loads of c63's advertised as pp's with the seller listing it as having LSD and 9 times out of ten it won't have. It took me ages to find one that actually had it.

 

[nico2014]

Don't get to fussy about pp or ppp. Depending on your budget will depend on if you go with facelift or not wich will depend on if you have the option of going for a ppp. Extra bhp ( a remap will take a non ppp to same bhp ) harder suspension, two piece front discs, red calipers, carbon boot spoiler and alcantara steering wheel and LSD as standard I think??. Pp early model the same but no extra bhp and no red calipers. Mines a pp and the suspension is harsh for everyday use. Luckily I don't use mine much else that's the one thing that would do my head in.

Oh and lastly. Don't be fooled by people saying all pp cars have LSD because they don't! You will see loads of c63's advertised as pp's with the seller listing it as having LSD and 9 times out of ten it won't have. It took me ages to find one that actually had it.

Thanks for the post, Could someone explain what is LSD?

 

[NiC63]

Thanks for the post, Could someone explain what is LSD?

LSD = limited slip differential powers both drive wheels under nearly all conditions, instead of just one. With an ordinary open differential, standard on most cars, a lot of precious power is wasted during wheelspin under acceleration. This happens because the open differential shifts power to the wheel with less grip (along the path of least resistance).
The LSD, however, does just the opposite. It senses which wheel has the better grip, and biases the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and constantly, and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel. Power to the ground!
The LSD powers both drive wheels under nearly all conditions, instead of just one. With an ordinary open differential, standard on most cars, a lot of precious power is wasted during wheelspin under acceleration. This happens because the open differential shifts power to the wheel with less grip (along the path of least resistance). The LSD, however, does just the opposite. It senses which wheel has the better grip, and biases the power to that wheel. It does this smoothly and constantly, and without ever completely removing power from the other wheel.

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Previous threads on the same subject:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/176929-c63-amg-help.html

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/155824-market-c63-amg-new-forum.html

Any volunteer to write comprehensive article on it? I know, I asked about it previously and no one even bothered to answer.

 

[Simon_M]

Don't get to fussy about pp or ppp. Depending on your budget will depend on if you go with facelift or not wich will depend on if you have the option of going for a ppp. Extra bhp ( a remap will take a non ppp to same bhp ) harder suspension, two piece front discs, red calipers, carbon boot spoiler and alcantara steering wheel and LSD as standard I think??

 

[DSB SL AMG]

I agree... same buying guide questions gets asked weekly on C63, E63/55, CL63/55, SL63/55, CLK etc etc at the mo you have to piece bits together off various MB forums...

Just needs a sticky on each...but not sure who would put it all together other than one of the mods, would take quite a bit of time and effort I would think...

Previous threads on the same subject:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/176929-c63-amg-help.html

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/amg-lounge/155824-market-c63-amg-new-forum.html

Any volunteer to write comprehensive article on it? I know, I asked about it previously and no one even bothered to answer.

 

[automaniaman]

A pragmatic approach is my tip when buying a used vehicle...

 

[PenelopePitstop]

Ok, I will go through the old posts on one of my lazy days at work and will ask someone technical to check what I manage to put together as w FAQ.

A few buying guides found on internet:

C63 buyers guide? - PistonHeads

C63 AMG. More is Less? Options That Make or Ruin Your Car | Cars: We All Fall in Love With Our Models

Mercedes C63 AMG Buyers Guide | Secret Entourage

Will go through them later and see what can be extracted and used in FAQs.