New E53 delayed, spec reduced

[John]

That's actually really useful to hear, and I'm so glad you've enjoyed your C63S.

The E63S was ridiculous, as I suspected it would be. It put a smile on my face the moment I started it up. That engine is pornographic. The ride, even in comfort, was arguably the wrong side of 'firm' for a family car, but I can probably live with that. I had a decent 30 minutes in it hooning around St. Albans, both on open roads and in some heavy traffic on residential streets, so it gave me a decent idea of how it would perform across a range of roads.

Fundamentally I know it's a stupid option - it will drink petrol, cost more to insure, will be less comfortable for passengers, and I'll rarely have the opportunity to probably unleash it - but is very, very tempting. And as you say, you only live once - I had enough near misses in Afghanistan to appreciate that!

I can't shake the feeling that I would be constantly on edge that my children or dog would scratch / stain / throw up over it though - that it's almost too nice a car to be used to ship them around, or drive to the beach / park / rugby club etc. But then I think how much fun it would be to take the wife away for a long weekend of walking in Wales or the Lakes, and give the car some tap in the process. The 540i would be a much more sensible option, and is still good fun to drive, albeit not in the same league as the E63S. Argh, decisions! The E53 would have been perfect I think (sitting somewhere in between), but that ship is sailed.

I'm going to sleep on it and then decide tomorrow! If anyone has any final views on the usability of an E63S as a family car, (e.g. ride on UK roads, and is the fuel economy really that atrocious?), let me know!

I used to be someone who was concerned about prospective car damage but having not allowed that to rule my choice of car, over the years I've learnt to accept that whatever you buy is probably going to be damaged from a number of different sources but you can always get it fixed.

It doesn't change what car you are in and the fact you get to enjoy it all the time which far outweighs the pain of having a compromise or even crap car that you don't really want (which would potentially still need to be repaired / cleaned etc.).

I've got the most expensive car I've ever owned and yet we use it as much as possible - including eating in it when the need arises. There was a time many years ago I tried to avoid using my cars but you are only here once so make the most of it. It's got a few bumps here and there but I couldn't care less! I will get them fix when the need arises but most people wouldn't be able to see them anyway. It's only close up and most cars have similar in any case.

I still enjoy driving it as much as I always have done.

MPG won't be great obviously with an AMG but my honest view is that although they are obviously worse, they are not that much worse than most moderately-sized petrols... especially if you aren't doing huge mileage.

Having had an E55K in the past and sometimes getting early-teens MPG, it really boils down to are you happy with the amount you spend on fuel vs. the enjoyment you get out of it. If you are then don't think about it.

When that balances changes and you are no longer enjoying it enough to warrant the cost, it's time for a change...

 

[Will]

That's actually really useful to hear, and I'm so glad you've enjoyed your C63S.

The E63S was ridiculous, as I suspected it would be. It put a smile on my face the moment I started it up. That engine is pornographic. The ride, even in comfort, was arguably the wrong side of 'firm' for a family car, but I can probably live with that. I had a decent 30 minutes in it hooning around St. Albans, both on open roads and in some heavy traffic on residential streets, so it gave me a decent idea of how it would perform across a range of roads.

Fundamentally I know it's a stupid option - it will drink petrol, cost more to insure, will be less comfortable for passengers, and I'll rarely have the opportunity to probably unleash it - but is very, very tempting. And as you say, you only live once - I had enough near misses in Afghanistan to appreciate that!

I can't shake the feeling that I would be constantly on edge that my children or dog would scratch / stain / throw up over it though - that it's almost too nice a car to be used to ship them around, or drive to the beach / park / rugby club etc. But then I think how much fun it would be to take the wife away for a long weekend of walking in Wales or the Lakes, and give the car some tap in the process. The 540i would be a much more sensible option, and is still good fun to drive, albeit not in the same league as the E63S. Argh, decisions! The E53 would have been perfect I think (sitting somewhere in between), but that ship is sailed.

I'm going to sleep on it and then decide tomorrow! If anyone has any final views on the usability of an E63S as a family car, (e.g. ride on UK roads, and is the fuel economy really that atrocious?), let me know!

I’ve been through similar thoughts before. I’ve had old cars, brand new cars, used cars that are immaculate and some that were more ‘well used’

When I bought the GL63 (approved used) it was absolutely immaculate - I mean almost perfect which was incredible for its age (6) and 21k miles.

We have four children so a part of me felt guilty taking a car that was this perfect and putting our lot in there with all the stuff that goes with that. We use ours for holidays, takes us out for days out and all the usual other stuff. I was never worried about the fuel consumption/maintenance/insurance side of things - just wanted a nice car that ticked all the boxes for us (space and seating wise)

I try and look after it as much as possible and two years later it’s pretty good, has a few small signs of use but generally is still immaculate. It’s done another 8k or so since we bought it - not huge mileage granted.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t worry about using something nice as an everyday/family car. Get it detailed and look after it as much as you can, get things fixed when they need it. We’ll not be driving petrol cars like this again so make the most of it - it’s only a car, who cares if it gets a few stone chips, wear and tear or the odd battle scar. That’s what body shops and detailers are for

 

[bolidemichael]

It's a shame that they don't offer a 550i Touring in the UK, for the V8 experience.

 

[Rich764089]

It's a shame that they don't offer a 550i Touring in the UK, for the V8 experience.

Very true. Always thought that. And always surprised at the lack of estate M cars. Particularly with MB and Audi always offering them, and then selling well.

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

One other question - how come RS6s have held their value so much better than the E63S, given they start at about the same price? Equivalent mileage 2020 models are c.£95k for the RS6 and c.£75k for the E63S.

Can you really ignore those E63s seats though?

On that point, how did you find them?

I wasn't a fan of the bucket seats to be honest - the E63S I'd buy isn't the one I test drove though, it's much further away (and has the regular seats). I thought they were comfortable enough but just a bit annoying when getting into and out of the car - fine if you're getting into a sports car for a thrash around Silverstone or something but not if you're doing the school run or a trip to Sainsbury's.

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

I’ve been through similar thoughts before. I’ve had old cars, brand new cars, used cars that are immaculate and some that were more ‘well used’

When I bought the GL63 (approved used) it was absolutely immaculate - I mean almost perfect which was incredible for its age (6) and 21k miles.

We have four children so a part of me felt guilty taking a car that was this perfect and putting our lot in there with all the stuff that goes with that. We use ours for holidays, takes us out for days out and all the usual other stuff. I was never worried about the fuel consumption/maintenance/insurance side of things - just wanted a nice car that ticked all the boxes for us (space and seating wise)

I try and look after it as much as possible and two years later it’s pretty good, has a few small signs of use but generally is still immaculate. It’s done another 8k or so since we bought it - not huge mileage granted.

I guess what I’m trying to say is don’t worry about using something nice as an everyday/family car. Get it detailed and look after it as much as you can, get things fixed when they need it. We’ll not be driving petrol cars like this again so make the most of it - it’s only a car, who cares if it gets a few stone chips, wear and tear or the odd battle scar. That’s what body shops and detailers are for

Thanks - this is EXACTLY the sort of reassurance I was hoping for.

 

[Steve84N]

Audi RS cars have always held their value more than AMG. I noticed it when I was considering a B8 RS4 or my S204 C63.

I don't think it's because they are better, they have just as many problems or more in some cases. However, I'm guessing it's down to supply and demand like most things. Audis appeal to all sorts of people, including a lot who aren't really into driving whereas the AMGs are bought by a smaller audience.

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

Update: I cancelled the E53 and have opted for the E63S.... Hopefully collecting it on Friday, if I can find some diesel for my Audi before then as it's a 150 trip to the dealer!

Mercedes said the E53 had gone into production at long last on Monday, and then when I spoke to them on Tuesday they said, sorry, actually it hadn't, but the good news was the 'Export HOLD' notice on the order which had appeared on Monday had been removed. Delivery date had slipped to November and they still weren't certain what items would be included / excluded (there were discrepancies between the Oasis printout and the 'Change of specification' notice), so I finally decided enough was enough and took the plunge with the E63S.

Next order of business is to order a boot protector to try to make it hound-proof, and some rear set protectors to do the same for the nippers.... If anyone has any recommendations on either front, I'm all ears! I plan to get a PPF applied too, and possibly have it detailed.

 

[Deleted member 113659]

Update: I cancelled the E53 and have opted for the E63S.... Hopefully collecting it on Friday, if I can find some diesel for my Audi before then as it's a 150 trip to the dealer!

Mercedes said the E53 had gone into production at long last on Monday, and then when I spoke to them on Tuesday they said, sorry, actually it hadn't, but the good news was the 'Export HOLD' notice on the order which had appeared on Monday had been removed. Delivery date had slipped to November and they still weren't certain what items would be included / excluded (there were discrepancies between the Oasis printout and the 'Change of specification' notice), so I finally decided enough was enough and took the plunge with the E63S.

Next order of business is to order a boot protector to try to make it hound-proof, and some rear set protectors to do the same for the nippers.... If anyone has any recommendations on either front, I'm all ears! I plan to get a PPF applied too, and possibly have it detailed.

Great outcome. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about the E63s.

Shame you’ve been messed around so much. Totally destroyed the New car experience for you.

Don’t forget the restraints to avoid this when giving it full beans.

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

Great outcome. Looking forward to seeing and hearing about the E63s.

Shame you’ve been messed around so much. Totally destroyed the New car experience for you.

Don’t forget the restraints to avoid this when giving it full beans.

View attachment 119215

I dread to think what the hound will make of it! I think I'll have to limit launch control and more spirited driving to when it's just me in the car, although my kids are total speed freaks (clearly in the DNA...).

 

[Rich764089]

Update: I cancelled the E53 and have opted for the E63S.... Hopefully collecting it on Friday, if I can find some diesel for my Audi before then as it's a 150 trip to the dealer!

Mercedes said the E53 had gone into production at long last on Monday, and then when I spoke to them on Tuesday they said, sorry, actually it hadn't, but the good news was the 'Export HOLD' notice on the order which had appeared on Monday had been removed. Delivery date had slipped to November and they still weren't certain what items would be included / excluded (there were discrepancies between the Oasis printout and the 'Change of specification' notice), so I finally decided enough was enough and took the plunge with the E63S.

Next order of business is to order a boot protector to try to make it hound-proof, and some rear set protectors to do the same for the nippers.... If anyone has any recommendations on either front, I'm all ears! I plan to get a PPF applied too, and possibly have it detailed.

Awesome!

 

[John]

Normality is resumed.

 

[bolidemichael]

I think that you've made a great decision. Ed at Divine Detailing comes highly recommended on here.

 

[Engadine]

I dread to think what the hound will make of it! I think I'll have to limit launch control and more spirited driving to when it's just me in the car, although my kids are total speed freaks (clearly in the DNA...).

Great news for those of us following this thread. I am sure that in a year's time you wont be saying you wish you had bought the E53. You have a legendary engine, and a nice big luxury car attached!

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

I think that you've made a great decision. Ed at Divine Detailing comes highly recommended on here.

Thanks - I'll give him a bell!

 

[G7Wagen]

Thanks - I'll give him a bell!

Congrats... you weren't getting what you paid for with the E53.. the 63s is the smart move.. did you sell your space in the new car queue to Romans?

 

[Bagsofsmoke]

Wow. What a car. I drove her home yesterday (c.150 miles back to London). Some lovely A and B roads to start with and then the A1, followed by London. I managed 25 mpg without being too much of a hooligan, which was much better than I was expecting. The ride was also much better than many reviews suggest. It's a bit fidgety over bumpy roads at speed but I like the feedback from the chassis, and it's not uncomfortable at all. The engine is absolutely pornographic. I passed one car without even thinking about it - it practically teleports you further up the road. Only issue is the battery which is still showing low voltage (presumably as a result of having been sat in the dealership for a while, although I thought the long drive back would have fixed that). Easily sorted though.

Thank you to everyone on this thread who contributed - you helped me immensely in making the (right!) choice.

 

[Deleted member 113659]

Wow. What a car. I drove her home yesterday (c.150 miles back to London). Some lovely A and B roads to start with and then the A1, followed by London. I managed 25 mpg without being too much of a hooligan, which was much better than I was expecting. The ride was also much better than many reviews suggest. It's a bit fidgety over bumpy roads at speed but I like the feedback from the chassis, and it's not uncomfortable at all. The engine is absolutely pornographic. I passed one car without even thinking about it - it practically teleports you further up the road. Only issue is the battery which is still showing low voltage (presumably as a result of having been sat in the dealership for a while, although I thought the long drive back would have fixed that). Easily sorted though.

Thank you to everyone on this thread who contributed - you helped me immensely in making the (right!) choice.

Awesome. Wishing you the very best of health to enjoy.

 

[Rich764089]

Wow. What a car. I drove her home yesterday (c.150 miles back to London). Some lovely A and B roads to start with and then the A1, followed by London. I managed 25 mpg without being too much of a hooligan, which was much better than I was expecting. The ride was also much better than many reviews suggest. It's a bit fidgety over bumpy roads at speed but I like the feedback from the chassis, and it's not uncomfortable at all. The engine is absolutely pornographic. I passed one car without even thinking about it - it practically teleports you further up the road. Only issue is the battery which is still showing low voltage (presumably as a result of having been sat in the dealership for a while, although I thought the long drive back would have fixed that). Easily sorted though.

Thank you to everyone on this thread who contributed - you helped me immensely in making the (right!) choice.

Beautiful car
Glad to hear you're enjoying and think it was the right decision
Interesting to hear your thoughts on the ride... it's such a subjective thing it's difficult to gauge without driving yourself.
Enjoy!

 

[Petrol Pete]

Nice !

A bit concerned that a 150 mile drive did not 'sort' the battery out . keep an eye on that. As you already know modern MB's like a healthy battery.

Go drive it some more , use the low battery as an excuse to go for a 'joy ride'