604 C63

And how have you felt about it? I'm SO tortured. I have an 09 P30 with mileage climbing and the new model is just a. little. too. pricey for me. My options are to go to a 2013/2014 with lower mileage or grab a C450/C43.

Thoughts? Tips based on personal experience?

Mike5215

Not to crap on the 204 (as I'm about to crap on the 204) it's just not a great platform to begin with, irrespective of the AMG performance bits. It's sort of a crude little thing. The 205 comes out of the gate with a better chassis and more refinement throughout.

On the other hand, coming from a big V8, you might find the exhaust note of the 450 underwhelming, although the performance is there. Have you taken a 450 out yet?

Xtrema

There is no better exhaust sound than w204 C63. Even the w205 C63 can't compare.

You will definitely miss that on the C43/C450. C43 does sound better than C450 tho from all the vids so far.

Mike is right about the chassis tho, it's way ahead of w204.

Mike5215

Did the 204 get the NA 6 liter vs the TTV8? Those turbos can really choke back the exhaust note. In another thread I was mentioning how while looking at the audio system in the AMG 205s we found two odd things. One is that the factory amp is branded AMG. The other is something showing an "engine sound control unit" on the audio schematic. Makes me wonder if, to compensate for the tamer note, some artificial rumble wasn't being piped back into the cabin.

604 C63

Thanks guys for the replies so far. I have been driving this car for almost 5 years, and have always liked that raw, "beast on a chain" aspect of it. It's just so visceral and you feel on the edge of sensory overload sometimes. Kind of felt like MB turned the car over to the worlds best hot rodders, and it played the part, what with the DTM racer front end and the exhaust. What others may call character defects I have always thought of as a personality. A tough guy in a very nice suit. Mike Tyson in silk pyjamas. I don't think I have ever owned any consumer product that I have enjoyed this much, and thought that every damned day from day 1 til now. I've loved it. But it's getting to be time.

Yes, I have driven the C450. Great car, a lot more polished, but I didn't fall in love with it other than the fact that it's nice to have a smoother ride and some luxury. And that WOULD be nice. So I'm just wondering for those who made the same move, have they regretted it or have they grown to love the new car but maybe for different reasons? Would a tune bring back some of that muscled up vibe? I can't help but notice that even the w205 c63 doesn't get spoken of by auto journo's in the same revered tones as the old one. And there are already so damn many of these things, and not only do all C models look a lot alike but so do all current MBs of any line. I live in Vancouver and there are fleets of them.

My sense is the 205 is more polished but in a lot of ways they buffed the personality right out. Before this car I had a 335 BMW that was like that.

Knowing how I feel, if you were in my shoes, what would you do? I have spent a lot of time on these boards and I have a lot of respect for the advice I've received so I turn to you again.

Maybe this should have been the original post lol.

604 C63

Yes. Prior gen was the normally aspirated 6.2. See my sig for a screen cap from a Chris Harris vid showing difference in piston size

604 C63

I have only seen coupe vids so far, and it's my understanding that they are dialled for a little more sportiness (makes sense), but that the only difference between c450 and c43 sedans will be a) badging b) 9 speed trains vs current 7 and c) power split percentage will change from 33/67 to 31/69.

I may be wrong.

alexasa

iTrader: (1)

Maybe I'm missing the joke or reference, but it's naturally aspirated, not normally.

Arthrodesis

The sound is there on a W205 c63s.

But I do agree that you are going to miss the v8 if you do decide to go with the c450.

Mike5215

The 205 flat out has less *****. It's a slightly feminized version of the W204. Trading refinement for testosterone. Given how much you love the car I would hold on to it as long as possible. I gave up a ballsy muscle car for my first S ten years ago and I still miss it.

604 C63

Im sorry but the editor position has been filled. Would you like to review some cars? lol.

jbounnoi

sometimes i regret it... but filling up once every every 2 weeks is nice verses every 3-4 days lol i do enjoy the interior of the w205 vs my c63, but i do miss the power and exhaust note. with that in mind i have been looking at amg's lately and getting rid of my GLK just havnt found the right one yet.

604 C63

I've never been bothered by the mileage, since it is what it is, but any improvement would be welcome it's true.

jbounnoi

haha ya, to be honest the c400 i have now picks up pretty quick and the c450 has a little more power then it so i think you'll be fine. you wont have the exhaust note, but the overall package inside and out you'll be happy!

BRBM

I did about 3 months ago; no regrets whatsoever. In fact, at some point I'd like to post a detailed comparo of my findings......but I probably want to drive it for a bit more 'fore I do so.

In short, always had the 450 on my mind since the 2009 C63 did not check one box...........the 67/33 4matic. While I would have found myself in your situation at some point, it was sped up (alot) after getting an offer I could not refuse on both the trade-in value and the 450 discount. (I was well 'above' water on the C63 and they offered even more than expected.)

So I made the move.

Of course you will miss the brutal shove, overall performance and sound of the M156. But that should about it. I had the base 451/443 hp-torque model, so I'm only giving up 15-20% of the power, while still getting so-called V-8 power (the equivelent of 4.5 V8 in MB's I suspect is the rationale for the badging). Still, C&D testing the 507 and getting slightly less numbers than when they compared your P30 (power package to 481 hp, right?) to an E92 M3, the performance drop off would be about the same.

Anyway, on the thread "Is the 450 worthy of an AMG badge?" I posted all the benefits of stepping down a step or half-step from the full-on, insane, W204.

Check my posts.

Not sure if you'll make the move 'fore I do my C63-C450 comparo, but if you do we can both do one. If not, maybe you can use my experience to make a decision one way or another.

Lastly, 604 C63, don't be tortured. A boosted 3.0 V6 it may have, but even the 450 with no performance exhaust sound good. You just won't wake the neighbors. And it pulls quite well, not to mention, it's easy to get past the slight turbo lag under 2000 rpm......aka, Put your damn foot down!! Step on it!!! It zips right into the powerband.

Oh, and you can flat out floor it in wet weather coming out of a corner. No wiggle, no nothing, and certainly no C63 trying to kill you or dropping you into a ditch to die.

604 C63

This was really outstanding BRBM. Thank you. Ill check for those posts.

I've decided that I am going to order a C450/C43. If a sweet 507 comes in while Im waiting, well, then I consider that, and if one doesn't then I'll just take it as a sign and proceed with the car as ordered.

Basically, Im tired of the mental wear and tear of this, and let's face it.....this is a good problem to have. Any guy who is 'tortured' over which Mercedes he buys has a pretty good life and needs to work on being a little less hyperbolic. I need to work a little more on the gratitude and a little less on the "woe is me".

Thank you for your help. Feeling better!

teksurv

If you love the feel of the big NA V8, I would go for a '14 to get the facelifted interior and possible warranty extension. Otherwise I'd wait for a CPO W205 63S.

BRBM

Anytime 604. And I'm with you on the decision becoming a tiresome "problem"; I, too, have my moments. Then after we've worn ourselves out - just like one my Zen Masters once told me, it hits us (the light bulb). We check ourselves and realize it's just a decision, and if anything, one of those good problems to have.

So, glad I could help lift you up. To your credit, many don't have the courage to open themselves up to gratuitous cheap shots by saying their tortured soul needs a different perspective. I commend you for that, 'cause one stinkin' day before the offer came I had absolutely no intention of doing anything but keeping the C63 long term.

And not to talk you to death, there are some reasonable priced/relatively dependable ECUs upgrades available. They'll you into the 400-450 hp range and 450-530ish torque range, i.e., RennTECH and OE Tuning. Translation? A poor man's C63, arguably better with the 4matic.

You know, skip the aftermarket custom wheels, get the optional 19" as a relatively low cost option.............use the extra cash towards the ECU upgrade. ($1000-1500 for the OE; low 2000s for RennTECH. Links in one of my posts.)

Me? I've got a black on black 450 with the night package, black 18" stock wheels with the silver 5-star outline and border around the circumference. The taillamps are smoked and chrome strip under the trunk emblem also blacked out for a nice clean flow from front to back. Dark & lovely.

H&R springs come in the next month or 2 for $600 installed by my local, wheel-tire-suspension-brake specialist. Been there, done that with the 19s & 20s on pretty low profile tires and may stick with the 18s. Being in the proper 18-20" range, they look balanced overall in terms of wheel-tire aesthetic, and from what I've seen, getting rid of 1.2" of fender well gap should do the trick. (Some have posted pics here.....David Kazman in Israel comes to mind; looks decent.) In other words, 17s are too small and 21s are too big.

Then, with no spare, planning to go with some wider Yokahama Advan Sport run-flats (255/35 rears and either 225 or preferably 245/40 fronts) to see how that looks. If not, then I'll consider some gunmetal 19" Vossen CV3s.

That's how I got over my brief and mild self-torture, which lasted about 2 minutes 'fore I said screw it.....and okay, I admit, I'm addicted to amazing V8 sounds. So, got to planning how to make my 450 unique and special. And I'm sure you may well do the same.

Good luck!!

uptownman

I had a 2011 C63 and it was great! Great sound, etc...
Went to an E63 & now a C400 4matic! (Yes a C400, the C450 wasn't out yet..)
I test drove a C450 months after and it's exactly what I would have wanted as it has a lot of the AMG tuning and fun stuff!
In regards to power, best I was able to pull in my stock C63 (non performance pack) was a 12.6 in the 1/4 mile because I actually got traction... After that, 12.9 & 13 flat...
That being said, my C400 ran a 13.20 bone stock.. Consistent because of the 4matic... Go look at my other posts & you'll see what it ran with a tune!
So if I had gone from my C63 to a C450/C43 today, I would have been happy! (The c400 has no exhaust sound at all! Lol)
Hope that helps!

604 C63

BRBM - I know nothing about moderation, and I have always said my drug of choice is "more". Doesnt matter what it is, Im trying to go to the next leve. Hence tuning a C63. I would probably throw a tune in this too (done it my last several cars) and some H&Rs and a couple small things like tint, then call it a day. Ill lease this one to force me to not go hog wild Love that classic AMG 5 star rim, but I will probably go with the 5 spoke split I think they call it in the titanium, just to change it up a bit.

Thanks for all the great advice, and the kind words. Much appreciated, especially as I try to evolve somewhat We can start a 12 step group for former V8 owners. "Hi, my name is 604 and I am addicted to snarling 8 cylinders".

604 C63

Believe me, I know those numbers you are running and they really turned my head on this whole process. I am in the Pac NW, otherwise known as the Wet Coast, so the 4matic would be a big help no matter what the time of year.

CanadianLP

I am in! Coming from a 5.0 v8 Infiniti fx50s with a Borla exhaust, I miss the v8 rumble a lot....but that is about it. Loving every minute in the MB so far!

BRBM

Anytime, 604.........car nut to car nut, I'm still learning stuff too, i.e., we are both evolving (aren't we always?) and can appreciate any thoughtful input. Clearly are cut from the same cloth, especially that damn addiction. Can't count the amount of times I downshifted the 63 in manual just hear the sound - whether engine braking or dropping it into 4th or 5th on the highway to make a ROARING pass.

Keep up the good work.

Man, Uptown!...(no pun intended)...you ain't never lied. 'Fore the 450 came on the scene I had my eye on that 400 and would have gladly scooped one up. 'Cause, as you probably already know, the difference between 400 & 450 aftermarket tunes are ever so slight. My preferred RennTECH ECU takes you up to 392 hp / 432 lb ft. But only up to 402/454 for the 450?

Yeah, I get you on the exhaust, but that C400 ain't nuthin' to sneeze at.....with probably a reasonably priced aftermarket solution. I mean, until that car an S4 or 335/40i xDrive might have easily been my choice over a C350. Not so much any more.

Aw damn. My favorite Infiniti FX.......standard ATTESSA 4WD and standard rear active steering (like my G35) if I remember correctly? To go with a 5.0 liter?! Broke my heart when they ended the V8 version. Had my sights set one.

So needless to say, I like your tastes regarding how you stock the garage, Canadian LP.

Can somebody put me down after this cat on that intervention list!!!

inhartwetrust

BRBM - why not get a C43 with the Performance Exhaust? Better sound, slightly faster, improved fuel economy.

CanadianLP

Yes Sir, correct. H&R lowering springs, track pads from Racing Brake, lightweight wheels and real summer rubber. That was so much fun around the track. Actually I was thinking into buying a summer car next year - and then I thought...why not keep the FX50 and turn it into a track car? That would be fun and different...Big V8 SUV on the track...lol...I kept videos of the tack day and I posted on youtube to be sure I would not lose all the memories of the big V8!


But truth to be told, I maximized the Platform last year. I managed to cook the brakes and AWD system lol.


Now for the c450, I have Volk G25 forged wheels coming up with Michelin PSS tires and I am looking to measure the brake rotors and see if the lightweight 2 pièces rotors from Racing Brake would fit. That would make for a lightweight and very responsive street/light track car.


Anyway, cars...what would we be without them??