Upgrade from C63 non-S to S: what’s it worth?

[Bobby Dazzler]

Which would explain why people think they make a difference.....its the changes in shock/damper rating they are feeling rather than the engine mounts......?

Yes as per post #31 which you quoted earlier, the engine mount settings will change with suspension setting changes, e-differential settings, engine mode settings, transmission mode settings, etc, and so it’s not really possible to isolate the effect of only the engine and transmission mount differences.

Being active does not make the engine and transmission mounts more sporting per se, the purpose is simply to provide multiple operating modes. This often to enables the manufacturer to offer a more compliant setting than standard and a stiffer setting than standard - effective timely extending the operating range - all using a single part.

However it could equally be used to offer multiple softer or multiple stiffer modes. It’s up to the design engineering and marketing departments to decide whether it’s required to fulfill the design brief and/or customer requirements, and if so which modes (or settings) are required to do that. That could differ based upon model.

I haven’t seen any published parameters from Mercedes, however the options list for another model with the option active engine mounts (I’d have to check for the C 63 S) offers the active mounts as a package with other options which are track focussed, ie firmer suspension, Race mode, and sports tyres (Pilot Sport Cup 2).

On that basis I would say that it would be logical for that model to use active (or dynamic) mounts to offer at least one stiffer than standard setting, as it’s packaged with “stiffer” options - and specifically the tyres are cited for track use. Whether the other mode is similar to standard or softer is anyone’s guess.

I can confirm that that car corners as flat as any car that I have ever driven, but that will be the cumulative result of lots of factors, with the mounts being one small part.

 

[Stevie1982]

I bought an S205 C63 estate (non S) unseen at the height of covid. The sealer refurbished the alloys all black instead of keeping the OEM silver rim. It also didn’t have the performance exhaust option despite being advertised as having one. Being so excitable I still went ahead with the purchase as I was desperate for a blue estate.

In hindsight the only I’d change would be the performance exhaust option with is probably a £5k delta in terms of fitting a decent aftermarket setup or swapping the car for an S.

Everything else on the car is absolutely perfect and I hadn’t noticed any differences between the S and my non S - though I’m no a racing driver.

I’d pay the £5k today if I can swap my car like for like for another that’s been as impeccably maintained as mine has been over the past 2.5 years of my ownership - but there’s always a risk with that.

Unfortunately the aftermarket exhaust option is a little OTT for me so I’m pretty stuck - but nevertheless very happy with what I have. A perfect family car really. Even the wife enjoys driving it with the baby in tow.

I’m conclusion if you’re feeling desperately brave to swap then go for. I’d do it and I’d pay £5k for the privilege but I’m not sure I’m brave enough. The grass on the side of my blue C63 estate is plenty green for me.

Shame the facelift regressed in terms of noise. Stupid filters!

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Could you not fit a used one and have it coded in if it needs that?

 

[HappytalkAgain]

An ‘S’ every time for me for the bigger front Discs, painted callipers and those beautiful front seats. (But I understand the seats do not suit folk with back issues).

 

[Wes85]

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Could you not fit a used one and have it coded in if it needs that?

To be honest I thought about that but I’m unsure if the ECU in the boot has the spare ways to allow connecting 2x extra valves. I had a look once but didn’t even know which was the connector for the valve in the upstream X manifold. Anyone on here know or has a wiring diagram?

 

[Stevie1982]

To be honest I thought about that but I’m unsure if the ECU in the boot has the spare ways to allow connecting 2x extra valves. I had a look once but didn’t even know which was the connector for the valve in the upstream X manifold. Anyone on here know or has a wiring diagram?

Sure someone like DMS or MSL could offer some advice

 

[Steve84N]

@Wes85 you need this guy for your exhaust.

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[Wes85]

Sure someone like DMS or MSL could offer some advice

Good point I have sent a couple of queries online. Thank you. I just hope the recommendation is something a little better than a decat or similar.

 

[Steve84N]

@Wes85 go and look at the link to the guy I posted. He's famous amongst various different brands for releasing more sound by modifying the standard backboxes to give you the perfect blend of sound and noise.

 

[TrueSpirit]

some s models are specced with regular sports seats rather than

Really......how does that work...? Mercedes say that active engine mounts introduce compensation movements to neutralize the incoming engine vibrations. Cant see how that would affect chassis taught-ness one way or the other.

I think you could benefit from reading the next few sentences in their literature where they talk about handling and agility benefitting from a stiffer set up and more precise vehicle control etc. Per MB - improved feedback, more direct steering, minimised mass movements of major assemblies etc I would also look up BWI group website that manufactures them for the c class the mounts. They are able to be stiffened up during cornering or softened for straight line driving for example. The 213 e class has even better technology.

It is worth noting that when I had my s c63 built I'm pretty sure the dealer told me I could get sports seats instead of bucket seats. It might be worth anyone looking at buying a 205 to check the interior pics for the seats. The sports seats look great and are supportive too.

I would say the performance exhaust is a must have option unless you're planning on modding the exhaust. It's actually one of the few options I felt was good value for money while some options like carbon fibre pack I can't for the life of me see the benefit when the cost is taken into account. HUD display and 360 camera were some of the other options I picked when i specced my car and thought were great. The premium pack does the whole sunroof and speaker system but no android auto! I was quite surprised.

 

[Stevie1982]

@TrueSpirit if its anything like my old 65 plate A45 you can turn Android Auto on by entering the engineering mode and clicking a few tabs to activate it but you're right why it's not a default option with this era of infotainment system is odd.

Did you spec the sport seats? And have any pictures for comparison?

 

[Wes85]

@Wes85 go and look at the link to the guy I posted. He's famous amongst various different brands for releasing more sound by modifying the standard backboxes to give you the perfect blend of sound and noise.

Thanks Steve I’ll give him a message today

 

[Iggu]

Bit of an update.
The “on paper” (before any negotiations) cost to swap my non-S for the S would be £11k. My existing car has many of the desirable options and extras - pan roof, Burmeister, night pack, Apple CarPlay, Ghost system, tracker, 360 cameras, 19 inch wheels, etc etc and it has 36k on the clock. The S I’ve found has 16k on the clock so there is a difference there to factor in - the only other extra it has that mine doesn’t have is HUD (meh).
So I’d be looking at £11k to swap to a pre-OPF era S with HUD and 20k fewer miles and seats which 50% of owners (on here and other forums) seem to really dislike.
All equals a big “no” for me. If the cost to change was more like £6k then I’d be giving it more thought but I’m never going to get from £11k to £6k so … that’s that.

 

[sgregory124]

Sure someone like DMS or MSL could offer some advice

You’d still need all the wiring for the console

Bit of an update.
The “on paper” (before any negotiations) cost to swap my non-S for the S would be £11k. My existing car has many of the desirable options and extras - pan roof, Burmeister, night pack, Apple CarPlay, Ghost system, tracker, 360 cameras, 19 inch wheels, etc etc and it has 36k on the clock. The S I’ve found has 16k on the clock so there is a difference there to factor in - the only other extra it has that mine doesn’t have is HUD (meh).
So I’d be looking at £11k to swap to a pre-OPF era S with HUD and 20k fewer miles and seats which 50% of owners (on here and other forums) seem to really dislike.
All equals a big “no” for me. If the cost to change was more like £6k then I’d be giving it more thought but I’m never going to get from £11k to £6k so … that’s that.

That’s a shame, but I agree £11k is pretty steep to swap. But pre-OPF though, it’s almost worth changing just for that

 

[Stevie1982]

Bit of an update.
The “on paper” (before any negotiations) cost to swap my non-S for the S would be £11k. My existing car has many of the desirable options and extras - pan roof, Burmeister, night pack, Apple CarPlay, Ghost system, tracker, 360 cameras, 19 inch wheels, etc etc and it has 36k on the clock. The S I’ve found has 16k on the clock so there is a difference there to factor in - the only other extra it has that mine doesn’t have is HUD (meh).
So I’d be looking at £11k to swap to a pre-OPF era S with HUD and 20k fewer miles and seats which 50% of owners (on here and other forums) seem to really dislike.
All equals a big “no” for me. If the cost to change was more like £6k then I’d be giving it more thought but I’m never going to get from £11k to £6k so … that’s that.

Could you not sell yours private and then add the 6k you're willing to spend and buy one. Assuming yours is worth 33-35k or thereabouts, sure the S will come on around 40k-42k?

 

[TrueSpirit]

@TrueSpirit if its anything like my old 65 plate A45 you can turn Android Auto on by entering the engineering mode and clicking a few tabs to activate it but you're right why it's not a default option with this era of infotainment system is odd.

Did you spec the sport seats? And have any pictures for comparison?

Thanks , these seats which I could be mistaken are standard on non-s I've attached

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With OP's price difference of 11k between s and non-s, I'd stick with non-s. If it sounds good to you inside and the exhaust is loud enough then it seems you have a great car

 

[Iggu]

You’d still need all the wiring for the console

That’s a shame, but I agree £11k is pretty steep to swap. But pre-OPF though, it’s almost worth changing just for that

My existing car is pre OPF.
Would not own an OPF version.

 

[Iggu]

Could you not sell yours private and then add the 6k you're willing to spend and buy one. Assuming yours is worth 33-35k or thereabouts, sure the S will come on around 40k-42k?

That’s one way to get the £11k down, but selling cars privately these days …. ugh. Headaches and risk. Not sure I could be fussed with the grief and, based on comments here, I’m really not sure the upgrade is worth even £6k. Are the seats even an upgrade? Downgrade?
Jury is out.

 

[HHamster]

Just to chip in to this with my experience. I'm 6'3" with occasional back issues. I've currently got a facelift C63S coupe with the performance seats. I find them very comfortable and they have loads of adjustability including lumbar adjustments.

However I briefly had a 2022 A45S with the performance seats absolutely hated them. Conclusion: the performance seats in the A45S are absolutely NOT the same as in the C63S.

As further reference, I had a 2012 W204 C63 saloon for 10 years and loved the seats in that, albeit I thought they sat a bit high. The performance seats in my C63S are at least as good imo, possibly better. Definitely have more adjustment.

Regarding other stuff, I think the S is overall a better car, but the non S is still really good. A while back I had a 2018 non S for a weekend, thought it was lovely.

 

[Skd884]

Most who dislike the sports seats may have a high bmi...

 

[ALFAitalia]

LOL.....and of cause having a high bmi often leads to having a back back in the first place......