In the market for a C450. Am I going to miss out if I do the "sensible" thing and jus
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
A full brake service on a W204 C63, and on the W221 S63/S65 runs $6,000 ($1500/wheel). Every 30k miles or so unless the car is being regularly tracked, then much less. MB's require that the rotors be replaced with the pads. The pads don't contact the first outer 1/4 inch of the rotor so as they wear they leave a step and can't be turned. MB rotors are also very soft relative to standard rotors.
I believe the C450 shares the C63's brakes. I don't have specific numbers for the W205 C450/63 but if you're used to a super reliable car that's inexpensive to repair, your first Benz, particularly an AMG car, is going to be a shock. Any dealer service center can quote you a brake job.
I've been driving MB's since 2007 and I won't touch an AMG car for that reason, although I do admire them. I think my last brake job on my 2010 S550 was a little over $600. Had it been an S63, $3,000.
My Dad used to say, "If it flies, floats or f***s, rent it." Add AMG to the list. How about a nice loaded up C300 Sport to get your feet wet?
I believe the C450 shares the C63's brakes. I don't have specific numbers for the W205 C450/63 but if you're used to a super reliable car that's inexpensive to repair, your first Benz, particularly an AMG car, is going to be a shock. Any dealer service center can quote you a brake job.
I've been driving MB's since 2007 and I won't touch an AMG car for that reason, although I do admire them. I think my last brake job on my 2010 S550 was a little over $600. Had it been an S63, $3,000.
My Dad used to say, "If it flies, floats or f***s, rent it." Add AMG to the list. How about a nice loaded up C300 Sport to get your feet wet?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2016 C450
The cost is pretty shocking. Are brakes included in the factory warranty? I am guessing not since it is part of normal wear.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 987
Likes: 66
.
A full brake service on a W204 C63, and on the W221 S63/S65 runs $6,000 ($1500/wheel). Every 30k miles or so unless the car is being regularly tracked, then much less. MB's require that the rotors be replaced with the pads. The pads don't contact the first outer 1/4 inch of the rotor so as they wear they leave a step and can't be turned. MB rotors are also very soft relative to standard rotors.
I believe the C450 shares the C63's brakes. I don't have specific numbers for the W205 C450/63 but if you're used to a super reliable car that's inexpensive to repair, your first Benz, particularly an AMG car, is going to be a shock. Any dealer service center can quote you a brake job.
I've been driving MB's since 2007 and I won't touch an AMG car for that reason, although I do admire them. I think my last brake job on my 2010 S550 was a little over $600. Had it been an S63, $3,000.
My Dad used to say, "If it flies, floats or f***s, rent it." Add AMG to the list. How about a nice loaded up C300 Sport to get your feet wet?
I believe the C450 shares the C63's brakes. I don't have specific numbers for the W205 C450/63 but if you're used to a super reliable car that's inexpensive to repair, your first Benz, particularly an AMG car, is going to be a shock. Any dealer service center can quote you a brake job.
I've been driving MB's since 2007 and I won't touch an AMG car for that reason, although I do admire them. I think my last brake job on my 2010 S550 was a little over $600. Had it been an S63, $3,000.
My Dad used to say, "If it flies, floats or f***s, rent it." Add AMG to the list. How about a nice loaded up C300 Sport to get your feet wet?
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
2016 C450
I hope you are right. It looks like my next car will be a regular E-class. Paying a few thousands for brake replacement leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
prius. :(
Hah yeah, I had the same car for 12 years. Bought the wife a new Fiat. We got pregnant, started talking about getting rid of the Fiat because it's just an unsafe car in my cities traffic and no room for Baby.
Then a guy t boned me and totaled my ride. My wife wanted a Prius so I picked up one of those at the year end sale. I hate it. When I get ready for the MB I'm gonna go on and pay off the Fiat and get what I want.
Then a guy t boned me and totaled my ride. My wife wanted a Prius so I picked up one of those at the year end sale. I hate it. When I get ready for the MB I'm gonna go on and pay off the Fiat and get what I want.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by iluvdaBenz
I hope you are right. It looks like my next car will be a regular E-class. Paying a few thousands for brake replacement leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
The advent of the C450, which is kind of a hybrid between the 300 and full on C63, is cool because it brings AMG game to a car that doesn't have the typical AMG price premium.
I'm coming from the S Class/CL Class world where the AMG versions can easily double the price of a $100,000 base car. The S and CL 65 have hand built biturbo V12s for cryin out loud.
AMG used to be a very exclusive club. Now MB is whoring out the brand a bit, but it does make for some interesting cars, like the C450.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,562
Likes: 197
From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Is the cost difference that much on a c63? I haven't even looked at any of the 4XX series cars. I have a c55 right now and my next car will be a N/A c63. I did get to drive the cla45 at the privet lounge event earlier this month and while it was quick the feel of m c55 was so much nicer. I have owned a lot of MB at this point and there is no replacement for a true AMG.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 19
2016 C300
is it just me or do i feel like AMG = hand built engine. in this regard i don't think the c450 or c43 deserve the AMG name.
i really thought the AMG badge was exclusive to the highest performing variant of a model in that there are no compromises.
However, once daimler-benz bought out the brand, they seem to try to cash in at every opportunity.
i'm not saying the c450/c43 are bad cars, i wish i could afford one (well, technically i could, but i got other financial responsabilities.....).
But i sort of have the feeling that the AMG badge does not belong in there.
i really thought the AMG badge was exclusive to the highest performing variant of a model in that there are no compromises.
However, once daimler-benz bought out the brand, they seem to try to cash in at every opportunity.
i'm not saying the c450/c43 are bad cars, i wish i could afford one (well, technically i could, but i got other financial responsabilities.....).
But i sort of have the feeling that the AMG badge does not belong in there.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 630
Likes: 188
C450, GLS 63 and a few other things
First off, the two piece front rotors on the performance package of the C63 W204 is an expensive rotor. Last I saw, they were like $950 per rotor (for the fronts) which will up your costs considerably. The 1 piece rotor (which I believe also fits) and is on the standard W204 C63 is under $200. The rears are less than that. So, I can definitely see the front total job being $3k if you are putting in $2k of rotors. The rears can't be that much, no way. I'd like to see a bill where someone actually paid $6k for brake jobs on brakes that did not include carbon ceramic rotors.
Second, if you are replacing rotors without them needing to be replaced (which they usually won't need at 30k miles or whenever the first pad change is) you are flushing money down the can. I know many shops always want to turn or replace rotors, and sometimes it is needed, but more often than not it isn't. I have heard MB's policy is to replace the rotors with the pads before, which is why you shouldn't do it there (brake pads, and even rotors are pretty easy DIY job).
Third, the C450 brakes aren't the same, as noted. They should be much less, even at dealer prices.
So, please don't be scared off by a $6k brake job that doesn't exist in the C450. Also, if the dealer is charging too much for brakes, then go somewhere else, it isn't rocket science.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 698
Likes: 80
From: Philly and NYC
2019 E63S & 2022 X7 M50
Originally Posted by Mike5215
Yeah, if you can envision it as your DD I say go for it. Must be doing something right to be in the market for a $60,000 car in your 30's.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 72
Likes: 5
'15 Black w205 C300, '02 E46 M3, '94 FD3S RX7
That cost is really stupid. If you want to get suckered and go to a dealer to get the brakes done fir $6k at 30k miles, call yourself crazy.
First off, the two piece front rotors on the performance package of the C63 W204 is an expensive rotor. Last I saw, they were like $950 per rotor (for the fronts) which will up your costs considerably. The 1 piece rotor (which I believe also fits) and is on the standard W204 C63 is under $200. The rears are less than that. So, I can definitely see the front total job being $3k if you are putting in $2k of rotors. The rears can't be that much, no way. I'd like to see a bill where someone actually paid $6k for brake jobs on brakes that did not include carbon ceramic rotors.
Second, if you are replacing rotors without them needing to be replaced (which they usually won't need at 30k miles or whenever the first pad change is) you are flushing money down the can. I know many shops always want to turn or replace rotors, and sometimes it is needed, but more often than not it isn't. I have heard MB's policy is to replace the rotors with the pads before, which is why you shouldn't do it there (brake pads, and even rotors are pretty easy DIY job).
Third, the C450 brakes aren't the same, as noted. They should be much less, even at dealer prices.
So, please don't be scared off by a $6k brake job that doesn't exist in the C450. Also, if the dealer is charging too much for brakes, then go somewhere else, it isn't rocket science.
First off, the two piece front rotors on the performance package of the C63 W204 is an expensive rotor. Last I saw, they were like $950 per rotor (for the fronts) which will up your costs considerably. The 1 piece rotor (which I believe also fits) and is on the standard W204 C63 is under $200. The rears are less than that. So, I can definitely see the front total job being $3k if you are putting in $2k of rotors. The rears can't be that much, no way. I'd like to see a bill where someone actually paid $6k for brake jobs on brakes that did not include carbon ceramic rotors.
Second, if you are replacing rotors without them needing to be replaced (which they usually won't need at 30k miles or whenever the first pad change is) you are flushing money down the can. I know many shops always want to turn or replace rotors, and sometimes it is needed, but more often than not it isn't. I have heard MB's policy is to replace the rotors with the pads before, which is why you shouldn't do it there (brake pads, and even rotors are pretty easy DIY job).
Third, the C450 brakes aren't the same, as noted. They should be much less, even at dealer prices.
So, please don't be scared off by a $6k brake job that doesn't exist in the C450. Also, if the dealer is charging too much for brakes, then go somewhere else, it isn't rocket science.
Brake jobs are so easy to do its ridiculous. And aftermarket rotors wont cost nearly what OEM do. Never seen a brake job that was over $500 with new rotors and pads, if you do it yourself
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 100
From: Pittsburgh, PA
2018 GLC63
is it just me or do i feel like AMG = hand built engine. in this regard i don't think the c450 or c43 deserve the AMG name.
i really thought the AMG badge was exclusive to the highest performing variant of a model in that there are no compromises.
However, once daimler-benz bought out the brand, they seem to try to cash in at every opportunity.
i'm not saying the c450/c43 are bad cars, i wish i could afford one (well, technically i could, but i got other financial responsabilities.....).
But i sort of have the feeling that the AMG badge does not belong in there.
i really thought the AMG badge was exclusive to the highest performing variant of a model in that there are no compromises.
However, once daimler-benz bought out the brand, they seem to try to cash in at every opportunity.
i'm not saying the c450/c43 are bad cars, i wish i could afford one (well, technically i could, but i got other financial responsabilities.....).
But i sort of have the feeling that the AMG badge does not belong in there.
This video says a lot... while you watch this, imagine an assembly line instead of hand-built: http://www.mercedes-amg.com//video/e...erview_eng.mp4
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
An AMG car and the high cost of maintenance shouldn't scare you necessarily, but know what you're signing up for. If you're a DIY guy, get some hard numbers on parts up front. If you plan on having an Indie do your brake work, get some hard numbers from him up front.
I can tell you that if you go to a reputable shop and ask them to put non OEM spec brakes on your high performance AMG car, or ignore the manufacturers requirement that the rotors be replaced, they'll spin you right back around and out the door. No way they'll take that liability because you bought a car you can't afford to maintain.
Just do a little leg-work, before you buy the car, and know what you're in for. That way when you're staring at a four figure brake job you're not left muttering under your breath that a guy on the internet said it would only be a few hundred dollars.
I can tell you that if you go to a reputable shop and ask them to put non OEM spec brakes on your high performance AMG car, or ignore the manufacturers requirement that the rotors be replaced, they'll spin you right back around and out the door. No way they'll take that liability because you bought a car you can't afford to maintain.
Just do a little leg-work, before you buy the car, and know what you're in for. That way when you're staring at a four figure brake job you're not left muttering under your breath that a guy on the internet said it would only be a few hundred dollars.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 721
Likes: 74
From: NYC
2016 c450 / 2016 VW Jetta 1.8t / 2006 Wrangler X
Maybe M-B knew what they were doing with the AMG Sport line. It is as if they saw a market in the 25-39 year old upwardly mobile demo. They targeted young people who grew up with the first AMG badged cars, and listened to exhaust clips on-line perfectly with this car. I loved the new C but never had any intention on buying one until the 450 came out. I was groomed to like this car. I probably say this all the time, but red seat belts, suede seats, black unfinished wood trim, blacked out exterior trim, and an exhaust that crackles had me sold. I was hustled into spending $150 per mo more than I ever imagined. Thanks Mercedes for motivating me to make more money!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 295
Likes: 19
2016 C300
the way i put a car purchase/lease = monthly payments must not exceed 25% of my disposable income. The current C class i drive got slightly on top at about 28%, but i couldn't resist.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 232
Likes: 10
From: Ontario, Canada
2016 C450 AMG, 2012 C350 4Matic Sport
Nope, it's not just you. To keep the integrity of the name, they really need to abide by the "one man, one engine" philosophy. (And that is coming from a C450 owner).
This video says a lot... while you watch this, imagine an assembly line instead of hand-built: http://www.mercedes-amg.com//video/e...erview_eng.mp4
This video says a lot... while you watch this, imagine an assembly line instead of hand-built: http://www.mercedes-amg.com//video/e...erview_eng.mp4
I would believe the hype if all the parts were machined and assembled by one man, and the engine was balanced and blueprinted to perfect tolerances. But I don't think that's the case.
Don't get me wrong - I think all AMG's are amazing cars, with amazing engines. But not because one guy hand-assembled the engine.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
True. And what happens if the one man building your engine comes home early from work one day and finds his wife in bed with his brother in law. Then he's at work the next day putting your engine together all pissed off. No thanks.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 630
Likes: 188
C450, GLS 63 and a few other things
Disagree - one man-one engine is just brilliant marketing. How is a hand assembled (from assembly line machined parts, including from outside suppliers) engine any better than one that has been assembled by, say, 10 different pairs of hands? Does it perform any better? More reliable? How does having the guys signature on a plate on your engine do you any good? Can you call him up if you have a problem?
I would believe the hype if all the parts were machined and assembled by one man, and the engine was balanced and blueprinted to perfect tolerances. But I don't think that's the case.
Don't get me wrong - I think all AMG's are amazing cars, with amazing engines. But not because one guy hand-assembled the engine.
I would believe the hype if all the parts were machined and assembled by one man, and the engine was balanced and blueprinted to perfect tolerances. But I don't think that's the case.
Don't get me wrong - I think all AMG's are amazing cars, with amazing engines. But not because one guy hand-assembled the engine.
Shhh... AMG has separated lots of people from their money with that motto, don't let anyone know it's more hype than substance (not the cars themselves, that's all substance, just the motor building part).
If you order a Corvette Z06, you can pay extra to be the "one man" in the one man one engine routine for your car. If they let any customer do it, there can't be that much magic into who built your motor (and yes, I know it is highly supervised/directed).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by NYbenzzz
not me! i'm 35 and i no longer need to go fast. as much as i hate the engine on my c300, its perfectly capable for my daily commute.
the way i put a car purchase/lease = monthly payments must not exceed 25% of my disposable income. The current C class i drive got slightly on top at about 28%, but i couldn't resist.
the way i put a car purchase/lease = monthly payments must not exceed 25% of my disposable income. The current C class i drive got slightly on top at about 28%, but i couldn't resist.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 721
Likes: 74
From: NYC
2016 c450 / 2016 VW Jetta 1.8t / 2006 Wrangler X
It is very difficult finding faults in the platform. The CLA was the best thing that ever happened to the C class. Raising the floor on the C gave Mercedes plenty of wiggle room to get the luxury part right. The outgoing E doesn't compare to the W205 C in interior feel IMO. If I had to find one interior flaw, I'd say the headliner could be a better material.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by z28lt1
Shhh... AMG has separated lots of people from their money with that motto, don't let anyone know it's more hype than substance (not the cars themselves, that's all substance, just the motor building part).
If you order a Corvette Z06, you can pay extra to be the "one man" in the one man one engine routine for your car. If they let any customer do it, there can't be that much magic into who built your motor (and yes, I know it is highly supervised/directed).
If you order a Corvette Z06, you can pay extra to be the "one man" in the one man one engine routine for your car. If they let any customer do it, there can't be that much magic into who built your motor (and yes, I know it is highly supervised/directed).
For the pure AMG engines, they make so few relative to regular engines, it probably doesn't make sense to tool up a whole line for them. What's a departure for AMG is to tune a corporate V6.
Normally they're taking big V8s or V12s that are already pretty serious performers and taking them up a notch. The value in them is that you get the big bump in power and performance in a car MB still warranties if it explodes.
MB apparently is still deciding what the AMG Sport line is going to be. In the process they orphaned the C450, burned the resale value a bit and sort of screwed the owners. There will be a clear delineation between the 2015 C450 and the subsequent C43 in terms of appeal and value on the secondary market. It's inevitable.
I would have preferred to have the C400 stick around and the C43/450 launch independent of it. Now the C400 is another orphan. Two cars in two years on a new platform. It doesn't seem like MB is certain what they're doing with the W205.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 987
Likes: 66
.
30 years old + finished up paying off my school loans (paid $28K from August-December last year) + recently got another huge promotion = time to waste $70K on a car
I could easily, and would be better served to, just save the money...but I plan to have plenty of it coming in for many more years, so I might as well live a little now. If I don't, I'll just regret it later.
I could easily, and would be better served to, just save the money...but I plan to have plenty of it coming in for many more years, so I might as well live a little now. If I don't, I'll just regret it later.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,036
Likes: 100
From: Pittsburgh, PA
2018 GLC63
Disagree - one man-one engine is just brilliant marketing. How is a hand assembled (from assembly line machined parts, including from outside suppliers) engine any better than one that has been assembled by, say, 10 different pairs of hands? Does it perform any better? More reliable? How does having the guys signature on a plate on your engine do you any good? Can you call him up if you have a problem?
I would believe the hype if all the parts were machined and assembled by one man, and the engine was balanced and blueprinted to perfect tolerances. But I don't think that's the case.
Don't get me wrong - I think all AMG's are amazing cars, with amazing engines. But not because one guy hand-assembled the engine.
I would believe the hype if all the parts were machined and assembled by one man, and the engine was balanced and blueprinted to perfect tolerances. But I don't think that's the case.
Don't get me wrong - I think all AMG's are amazing cars, with amazing engines. But not because one guy hand-assembled the engine.
So the process from the video is the process used for all Mercedes engines, except it's more than one person building them?
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 240
Likes: 8
2013 BMW 328i
I kind of think the C450/c43 is what AMG ends up with if they don't have to do a lot of custom stuff to a C class.
I mean C63, has a longer front end, a lot of custom body panels to make the track width wider, etc. They are expensively custom.
The C450 is a C205 with a different suspension, and engine, but its all stuff that fits in the existing frame / body panels. its bolt on stuff. Yeah its not a "true" AMG. but honestly I want it that way, the more options you have the better. Its getting 75-80% of the stuff for a small premium over the normal car (the C300, or maybe C400 since they still sell it in europe). I don't particularly like that they are calling it a full line AMG, but the number is lower so whatever.
realistically a C63 base which aren't easy to find is 50% more than a C300 and the C63 s is what 75% more money. and a C450 is what 25% more. I'd rather keep my money and have my "AMG parts on a normal C class AMG lite car" than a much more customly modded C class, that costs way more.
I mean C63, has a longer front end, a lot of custom body panels to make the track width wider, etc. They are expensively custom.
The C450 is a C205 with a different suspension, and engine, but its all stuff that fits in the existing frame / body panels. its bolt on stuff. Yeah its not a "true" AMG. but honestly I want it that way, the more options you have the better. Its getting 75-80% of the stuff for a small premium over the normal car (the C300, or maybe C400 since they still sell it in europe). I don't particularly like that they are calling it a full line AMG, but the number is lower so whatever.
realistically a C63 base which aren't easy to find is 50% more than a C300 and the C63 s is what 75% more money. and a C450 is what 25% more. I'd rather keep my money and have my "AMG parts on a normal C class AMG lite car" than a much more customly modded C class, that costs way more.
