g-f

I have a 106,000km C63 that is starting to have some maintenance issues coming up.

My dealer has a nice '15 C400 with only 18,000km. Took a test drive, it is not as powerful and the seats do not compare at all, but besides that, the C400 is a nice drive and I would save about 300$/month which is not a big deal but still is money in my pockets.

Plus this is my last ICE car as I ordered a Tesla3 and plan to buy a Corvette next year.

The offer is tempting, would you do it?

chrisridebike8

I was surprised how much I enjoyed the C300 sport that I had for a loaner. I liked the new comand system a lot. And the interior is very nice. The car felt very comfortable but not floaty. Like you said, it lacks the power of the M156. But I think I could live with a W205 every day.

simandang

IMO a serious downgrade. The C400 is a car that has already been replaced that is why the offer is so tempting. I was looking at the C450 (also replaced) and CLA45 before getting into the C63 and while they were nice cars.... that was just about it to say. They are literally giving those cars away since they are discontinued. The C400 is made in Alabama FYI. If you are getting a telsa 3 and a corvette I would keep the the C63 as well personally as it's a historic car. You have a FL C63 too so it should have the newer tech.

What kind of issues are coming up that is going to cost big money? At only 65k miles.

g-f

The C63 needs new shocks. The a/c doesn't blow cold and has started to stink. Car is out of warranty in march and my lease ends in 11months.

I'm a bit afraid to own a car like that out of warranty and even if I get the lease to completion, I will still need a car for 12-18months before the Tesla 3 arrives.

But very good point about the value. Being discontinued, the C400 value could plummet (still holding good value in my area though).

I also considered a Golf R, same money but would be brand new. Probably safer value, but even more of a step down I think.

CarHopper

Get rid of the c63. I'm in a similar boat... The c63 is an awesome car, and most of my options from here are downgrades, but it just makes sense if you know what I mean. I'd rather be in the c400 knowing I'll be out of it in the near future than risk any catastrophic expensive failures in the out of warranty c63.

chrisridebike8

New shocks and an AC recharge with a new cabin filter (should clear up the smell) shouldn't cost that much. Well worth the cost of M156 admission. I'd imagine the AC thing might even be free with the warranty. Ultimately it's your decision but I know what car I'd have in my garage...

AMG3.2

Hmm. If that's what makes sense for you, then the W205 my be a great option.

Personally, $2000 worth of work wouldn't make me sell my C63, especially if I'm going to take a hit on depreciation on my next car which would be newer, but the choice is all yours.

beejAMG

if the lease is ending in 11 mos and will be out of warranty before then, id get rid of it. no point spending more on the car if youre gonna return it at the end of the lease period. and youll be saving monthly on the C400 until your tesla arrives.

glennhl

I'd get another C63 with fewer miles. You are going to miss the C63 terribly!

edisonwu

I have driven a 15 C300 (or may be it's a C350) for a week or so. The vehicle has no way to compare with my C63 W204 in ANY respect.

604 C63

I went down this exact same road. 09 was out of warranty, had a couple of stupid insurance claims on it that had me not wanting to put money in it, and then Im pretty sure the ECU was toast and causing me some issues. Didnt want to invest in a high mileage car with claims. Tried real REAL hard to talk myself into a C450, which would be a great lease choice due to low rates and high residuals. Couldn't do it. Bought a low mileage 12 P31 and put a 3 year extended warranty on it.

I have not regretted it for a second. My theory is that while the w205 is a nice car, it kinda lacks personality and soul, and while it has some very nice features I cannot miss that which I did not have. I could however miss the hell out of that gorgeous M156 motor, and the sound and torque it creates. It was the right call, and I know it every day I fire up.

badu

interestingly, I have been thinking about gettina GOLF R with stick also.

g-f

Forgot to say I have had a check engine light going on and off (left bank running lean) for the last 6-9 months. P2417 I think. I changed the evap solenoid but it didn't cure it. From what I read on the forums, the next step is to change the intake gasket. I have an extended warranty but dealer told me this wasn't covered.

I know I'm gonna miss the C63. But I think the only thing making me hesitate is this gem of an engine. Timing vs my Tesla, money spent, warranty work all leads to the C400. If I had my Z06 right now this would be an easy decision though.

Still gonna think it over. I'm gonna need to make a decision in the next 24-48h max.

chrisridebike8

How the hell does your warranty not cover a gasket?! What does it cover then?! Stop being a pushover and make them fix your car!

g-f

That is a great point!

In fact I had to fight with the service department for a while now. My extended warranty is a type 1 (or something like that) as opposed to a type 2 and it doesn't cover everything. They always tell me the problem is not covered by my type1 warranty.

When I went for my CEL, they said no, we don't run a diagnostic unless you pay 150$. I didn't want to pay. I told them it's a lease and it's warrantied so check out your damn car but they didn't care. So I passed.

But the next time I was in for an oil change I got the mechanic to run it for free. The problem was the evap solenoid and not covered. So I paid out of pocket for an evap. The CEL is still there. Now they still don't want to run a diagnostic unless I paid 150$. Anyhow, I think I know I need a new gasket because I read it in here that this was the fix, that or changing the MAF.

Long story short, you made me realise, do I want to buy another car from them?

chrisridebike8

That's messed up. What dealer is that? Under my CPO warranty I had them replace the rear brake pads (squeaky), the driver's seat cover, and the driver's door lock actuator. A week before the warranty was up i had them go over the car completely and give it a clean bill of health. I can understand your frustration. I wouldn't want another car from that dealer either.

g-f

It's a dealer in the great white north.

Now, maybe the gasket would be covered I don't know. But because I didn't buy the evap from them but used from ebay, I wondering, will they give me a hard time and say I bought a defective evap?

Thrilla

If it's a lease and under warranty, they should could cover all these repairs. Call MB corporate and let them know.

I agree, I would be hesitant to get another car from this dealer since they don't seem to want to stand behind their product.

nobbyv

FWIW, I sold my MKVII Golf R to buy the C63. The Golf R is a "practical" choice, but is nowhere near as fun (though straight line performance of a chipped Golf R is about the same as the C63). I'd say keep the C63, personally.

simandang

The key to owning a car like this out of warranty is to be good friends with a couple of mechanics. Or at least invest in a basic tool to read CEL so you know whats wrong and order your own parts to take to a shop.

Phil Chow

Wouldn't buy another car from this dealership, seems like they're trying to shaft you.