CaptainKirk

Considering to buy a new C63 Saloon.
Mainly for use as a daily commute but possibly as an occasional track car.

What are these like for use on the track?
I do not intend to buy the PP. Needed?
How often would I be pushing 150km/h on the track considering that I am a newbie track driver.

I am living in London.

lunarx

Definetly want LSD and Sport Suspension.

Threadjack:
Also, anyone know of C and E use same brake pads and rotors?

gthal

Very capable on the track. I would get the PP for the LSD alone... that or invest in an aftermarket alternative.

cptdaz

Depending on what the price difference and your financial situation are. I wouldn't say LSD is an absolute essential for trackday especially for someone very new to track scene. And if you are going to use the car as a DD then you'll end up hating the PP suspension setup. IMO, stock suspension seems like it would do the job just fine on the track, but TBH I haven't had the chance to take the c63 on a trackday yet. I think your best choice is a non-PP car and customize to your personal driving style at a later time.

VaclavSV

PP is great on the track. LSD makes a huge difference! I test drove a 2011 without the PP and the handling was noticeably worse! You will be able to drive any C63 on the track regardless, but having the LSD under warranty is a plus IMO.

gthal

I was under the impression only the old P30 suspension was notably stiffer and that the P31/PP suspension was similar to the base car. I could be wrong but having driven a C63 without the PP and mine with the PP, I didn't notice an appreciable difference in ride quality. Having said that, the suspension in my 2012 coupe with PP is similar or only very slightly more stiff than my M3 was. Not uncomfortable IMO but others may feel differently.

cptdaz

Maybe Europeans get different options, but for 2012 sedan, the performance package doesn't include LSD (which is offered separately at $2k) and doesn't have a different suspension, not according to the MBUSA website anyways.

CaptainKirk

I meant mph not km/h.

cptdaz

Depends on the track layout; some have long straights others don't. If the soft speedo limiter is the only thing you're concerned with, you can get rid of it with an ECU flash which is cheaper than the price tag for a PP.

ralawren

We run on a 2.5 mile track with a .75 mile straight in Wash. DC area and the M3's, 135's hit 135 to 150 MPH at the very end of the straight. I can't imagine you going much more than 135 your first time out.

I am going to track my new C350 Coupe and will probably be at 125 to 130 tops.

cptdaz

What track is this?? I'm in in the Washington DC area. We are not talking about 495 right?

Seriously the closest track is Summit Point and that's a good hour and half from DC and main circuit is only about 2 miles with one .5 mile straight (but 150 is a cake since t10 is a fast one).

Case1906

+1, yeah I'd like to know where this track is. Maybe it's a secret test track for BMWs.

Case1906

This a very good track car with or without LSD. Without it will be a bit more of a challenge to get the power down. You will not be as quick without the LSD, but it might be better for learning car control.

The biggest issue (at least for some of us on certain tracks) is tranny and/or engine 'overheating' which results in the a temporary loss in manual shifting. This is disappointing and I know it has been addressed by AMG at least on the Black Series with larger coolers. I still have a hard time believing that this issue didn't show during the testing of the C63. It had to, but a decision must have been made that very few owner would actually use the cars in a way to trigger the problem.

derek

Just get ready to spend $$$ on consumables!!!

cptdaz

+1, less mechanical assists you run the better driver you'll become. It's especially critical on a beast of a machine like c63 that the driver learns to be smooth on the throttle.

While c63 is no doubt a helluva fun car on track, I don't think it is so great for beginners who will most likely trying utilize brute hp out of the corners and in straights instead of maximizing cornering velocity.