Choy

Got hold of a sedan 2012 C63 AMG last week and enjoying every minute when I am driving it. It is really a blast every time you start the engine. Below are my initial comparison with my 2008 E92 M:

1. Transmission: M-DCT > MCT
2. Everyday Driving: AMG > M
3. Interior Finish: AMG > M
4. Driver Seat: AMG > M
5. Presence: M = AMG

myerss

Congatulations to this beauty. My C63 is one week old as well and i love every minute! Seems you have chosen magnetite black, too ? I was not sure about the colour since i saw my new car last thursday in reality and i am really happy about the choice. Have fun with it!

About your experiences with the M3 - i fear, if the new M3 will arrive next year, our C63 will lose some more tests.....

gthal

The new M3 is at least 2 to 3 years away in North America. I suspect the C series will also be due for a revamping not too long after.

gthal

Choy...

Could you expand a bit on the M-DCT vs MCT issue? Like you, I am moving from an E92 M3 (with DCT) to a 2012 C63 coupe. My concern (really my only concern because I can fix the anemic tire situation) is the MCT as it compares to the DCT in my M3. Any insight would be appreciated!

Choy

There was a nice informational thread about the difference between the two trans a while back. I posted a thread that asked a question about the two and there were great responses from knowledgable people.

DCT is really smooth and instantaneous. As what you already knew about DCT, it is really an automated manual. You might be familiar about the debate in the Bimmer forum about MT vs DCT. But to put it in proper perspective, for an everyday use (maybe 99%), MCT will be more than enough. That 1% is for people who may track their AMG.

The difference is obvious for me when I am used to the responsiveness of the M-DCT. Maybe it can also be that I am still in the break-in period and the trans mode is in C.

As what they said, it is the nature of the beast and I like the overall package of the AMG. I look at the total package of the car.

Choy

I got the normal non-metallic black. My wife C300 have the magnetite black. Side by side, I prefer the non-metallic black because it shines more. Maybe I am just bias towards my AMG.

That is nice with having competition. They will produce a product that will beat their competitor. But they are gearing towards an FI engine. It is nice and cheaper to increase the power but I prefer an NA engine. From the rumor mill, M3 will use a turbo V6. I will take the old V8 4.0 or the C63 AMG (6.2) engine.

callmiro

You have to put the car in "M"anual Mode to feel the improvements with the tranny....

I don't really understand why the quickness of the shift matters when you are 4 cars ahead of the DCT? No DCT can compensate for the lack of torque....

....(and i have an M3 as well...my wife drives it)

just sayin

Choy

As I said, I am still in break-in period that is why I am in C mode. What M3 model do you have? In a straight line it will be a non-issue but not in a track. I don't plan in tracking this car so that will negate that issue.

callmiro

I hear ya...

But don't limit your car to just a "straight line" comparison. It's more like "on the street the M3 is a non-issue"

I have an '08 M3 and an '09 C63

Have fun killing M3's after your break-in is done...you're gonna love it!

GBlansten

They are both great cars. I'm not sure the upcoming M3 will be as fun though.

Choy

I hope they will and the same with the new C63 model. Both of them will be released on 2014. It is also possible that both of them will be FI engine.

Choy

Update:

1. Transmission: M-DCT > MCT
2. Everyday Driving: AMG > M
3. Interior Finish: AMG > M
4. Driver Seat: AMG > M
5. Presence: M = AMG
6. Engine Sound: AMG > M

kamransahba

+1

Helms

Congrats man, she's a beauty!

gthal

On the street, I agree. However, when you experience the instant shifting and incredible responsiveness of a DCT on the track, it is simply amazing. You click a paddle and the car does exactly what you want immediately... no lag, no delay... perfect upshifts right at redline, perfect rev matched downshifts every single time without exception. The reason shift speed and responsiveness matters, IMO, is because it is about having complete control of the car with no surprises like shift lag. The one thing the M3 does exceptionally well is respond to input exactly as you expect... it is a very consistent, controlled and balanced car. Sure the C63, especially with the performance package, will destroy M3s in a race but my concern (and maybe without justification) is that the MCT tranny will take away some of the absolute control of the car.

The C63 being the faster car isn't the only factor for those who track their cars. Don't get me wrong, I believe the C63 will be an amazingly fast car and very capable on the track but the weak link, even with MCT, is the transmission. It is too bad Merc didn't equip the car with a true dual clutch or give you the option to buy one. I would gladly pay $4,000 more for a true M-DCT equivalent transmission like on the SLS.

The overall package, as Choy points out, is still extremely compelling and I'm very excited for mine, regardless of transmission.

GBlansten

Having gone from a 2009 C63 (which I loved) to a 2011 M3 with M-DCT I really am liking the speed of the shifts both up and down. It would be awesome if MB put a dual clutch transmission in the next AMG C-class. I might come back for that. (Apologies for using the base font and font color)

Jons95c36amg

You mean the exhaust sound-sweet!

Choy

Right on.