iamcpap

Guys, I am new to the Mercedes game as I have just sold my M3 Sedan. I am looking to pick up a 2011 E63 around 30k miles. What I have quickly learned is the way Mercedes options their cars is TOTALLY different than the was BMW does it. Seems like EVERY car has some different option I've never seen before on the VIN decoder.

Most important question though. Do I NEED this package? Or is this more of a WANT package? I go to the track once or twice a year and drive spirited in open traffic, but nothing crazy.

P30 Package on a 2011 adds the following: ALWAYS
19" Wheels
AMG Limited Slip
AMG Sport Suspension
Top Speed Raise

I know the steering wheel was an additional option and I don't really care about Distronic and Lane Departure as long as the car has a backup cam or parking system.

The car will have a warranty, so you don't need to tell me that part...

Let me know your opinions, thanks.
Chris

Vrodman

25 extra HP too.

However, I just bought a low milage 2011 without the package, but every other option almost, and I love it. If you are coming from an M3, you should be quite happy with the 2011 even without the P30.

It participates quite well for the type of driving you described.

Good Luck.

Let us know when you join the club!

AHI

Limited slip diff is the most important part! Bar none

Go for P30

jvp12

2011 with 33500 miles
P30
p02
Carbon trim
Illuminated door sill
Parktronic
Amg upgrades steering wheel
MSRP 109,205
paid 48500
Had 3 months left on Mersedes CPO and took it to them and had them go thru the car. Left it with them for 1 months told them to fix or replace everything.
After the bill got way up there they got scared and we took the car to a nother dealer who fixxed and exchanged a few more part. Did the work really need to be done, not really but the dealers make money and if you have a good relationship with the service manager they will take care of you. because the car was still under the new car warranty I was able to get a exclusionary 5 more years and a total 100,000 miles coverage.
Came from a 2004 BMW M3 the a 2006 M5. The E63 rules over those two. such a better ride and the transmission is 100% better. Enjoy your cars

jvp12

I puuled the vin recorder before i bought my car and it was a mess. hard to figure out what the car had and did not have. a few thigs were wrong so I emailed mercedes usa and asked for the window sticker for my car and had it 24 hours later,. now that customer service.

Vrodman

True. But,

What many people dont realize is tat the base version is also limited slip. It is just a different locking ratio.

I stomp on my base version with 518 hp fairly often and I dont have any issues related to differential. Even with traction control disabled. Well, nearly disabled.

Celicasaur

I hear this in random circles but still never quite sure if it actually has the power. I guess I'll never know because i don't have any friends with an E63, let alone non P30

iamcpap

Can anyone confirm that the non P30 cars have LSD? I googled but can't seem to find a definitive answer. Which seems to be the case a lot with Merc questions.

iamcpap

I have a 2011 ZCP coupe then went to a 2008 sedan and I love both. I think the E9X was better than both the E46 and E60, IMO. I want an F10 M5, but have wanted to try an E63 for a while now. Sounds like you bought a car very similar to what I am looking for. I see 2012 P30's going for 55k and I get that itch a little, but know I should stick to a 2011.

Thanks for the input!

tw2

Most AMG's have an aftermarket LSD available (quaife / wavetrac). I agree it is a very important component but it's not hard to rectify on a base model if it doesn't come with it.

iamcpap

This goes back to my question, do base non P30 cars have an LSD. I know I can swap it, but don't really want to get into major mechanical changes on this car. I modified both of my M3s pretty extensively and would be TRYING to keep this one to cosmetic mods only.

Vrodman

Ask any service adviser at any dealer. I dont post answers like this without research.

I mean think about it: do you think you can put 500+ HP into one wheel without spinning it?

And it's not just a function of traction control.

tw2

Sorry I don't know the answer to your question, someone else will chime in. All I can say is that cars I have had before with stock LSD's, often aftermarket alternatives are a lot better. Of course they might be a lot better now, I suspect the one in the w205 C63 is quite good. Regardless I wouldn't let lack of OEM LSD stand in the way of a good deal.

You are putting it equally to two wheels and only if traction is overcome, then it all goes to one wheel.

tfsiii

I think 2011s were very similar to 2012s , and the P30 option for my 12 did not include lsd. It was a separate(2500$) option. They do not come with lsd unless optioned as such. I remember reading that lsd was part of the option package in earlier models. Nice thing about the new P (S) models, is lsd does come stock. Iirc, P30 for 12 models includes more hp/torque, 155 speed limited upped to 186, square bottom steering wheel, beefier suspension bits, carbon fiber engine cover, and red painted calipers. for 2012, it was a 7500$ option package. regards, and good luck