Heisenberg

I've never custom ordered a vehicle before but am seriously considering doing so for a 2013 CLS63, as I have been spoiled by my Designo Graphite CLS55 and really want the Designo Platinum White interior.

Anticipating that I will get a Renntech or some other ECU tune and maybe MBH downpipes, is there any good reason to opt for the P30 package ? It doesn't seem so:

• I assume there will be no further benefit from the extra power with the P30 after the flash, which also will remove the electronic speed limiter, I think.
  
• I'm not sure the LSD would be very beneficial, as I don't take the car to the track and live in Arizona where the roads are good and almost always dry. Is it still worth getting ? It can be ordered as a separate option for $2,030. I know there are aftermarket options too, which are more expensive plus there will be labor to install. How do they compare with the AMG ?
  
• I anticipated installing a lowering module, coming from the CLS55, but seeing how the suspension has changed on the W218 I guess the KW kit is what is now used instead ? That probably would offset any benefit of the 'sport suspension' with the P30.
  
• I could care less about the red brake calipers.

Seems I probably answered my own question on the P30... only real remaining benefit would probably be the upgraded steering wheel which isn't that big a deal, and I might be able to source it separately. Anything else I'm missing ?

Next, Lane tracking package is only $850 and seems worthwhile, mostly for the blind spot assist. The Driver Assistance Package seems to only add Distronic+ and is $2,950 - is it worth it ? $2,100 seems like a lot to pay for that feature. My CLS55 does not have it, and I cannot say that I have missed it but of course no way to know unless I try it.

Night Vision Assist seems very costly at $1,780. I don't drive a ton at night but am always worried about hitting animals, pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Have had a few close calls with bicyclists in particular with my CLS55 although usually they have come from the side. Anyone have this ? Thoughts ?

I do pan on getting Parktronic and Premium 1 Packages, along with the illuminated door sills plus at least Designo Interior. I am intrigued by the matte paint colors but will probably just order standard black.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Vic55

The P30 on the 218 does NOT include the LSD--- with a bump in power you will want an LSD but you can always opt for the aftermarket approach as well for better lockup. The stock LSD is only 30%.

The P30 shocks are stiffer than the standard AMG ones and I actually wanted them on the car. They control alot of yaw and body roll and the KW kit does not offset the dampeners. The KW kit is a coil sleeve kit which replaces the stock spring so you can lower the car in the front. The rear is lowered via links or an adapter that comes with the KW kit but the front and rear shocks remain.

I push my cars hard in turns and at high speeds and Im very happy with the suspension upgrade granted my roads are of high quality. With the P30 pack you also get the carbon fiber engine cover and AMG steering wheel.

When I add what I paid for the P30 vs what I got I was fine but YMMV. I think its 7300 msrp or 6400 net net net cost. I like the red calipers and love the steering wheel. The shocks are key- the fronts retail for 1095 each and the rears for 850 each which is a markup over the stockers and you cant really upgrade the suspension any other way. I have probably typed this 10x's now but getting the stock HP and TQ bump (whether you tune or not), stiffer suspsension, AMG steering wheel, Painted Calipers (which I would paint if not PP), and Carbon Fiber engine cover was worth it for me.

Pertplus

Agree completely although I think mine came with the LSD (but that was probably something that was added irrespective of the P30 package).

otakki

The Night Vision Assist is definitely a worthless option. The location of the screen makes it impossible to keep both your eyes on the screen and on the road unless you have a passenger to monitor the screen. If MB can pair the camera to become a car blackbox camera with a looping recording function, then it might be worth something.

For the price of the Night Vision Assist, I would rather add an extra $250 and get the LSD.

Vic55

This is correct--- its a 2k add all on its own and does not come with any package.

Pertplus

I also got the "front license plate" package for free. That's where they have already bolted on a license plate frame to the front of your car prior to purchasing it. It is supposed to ad +25hp, +30tq and take away $$$ when you get it removed and have the bumper repainted.

Vic55

Damn I hate the package will all that is holy in the land!!!!!!!

With all due respect if my car that I wants has the front plate- I walk. To me, its no different than having damage on the car.

vdubpower

Pertplus

I obviously disagree, but understand your viewpoint. It just bothers me because I went 2.5 years without one on my c63 (without ever receiving a ticket) and wanted that streak to continue. However, had I got a ticket with the cls63, the plates would've been put right on. I wasn't walking away from this car because of a license plate frame considering all the options and the great deal I received. I'm no baller, I need to take advantage of deals when they avail themselves to me.

Vic55

Fair enough... dont repaint the bumper- the nano paint from the factory is incredible and very tough against rocks/chips etc. I would go this route instead:

Click Here for Bumper Plugs

Pertplus

As always, thanks Vic. I saw the E63 wagon on their lot (in white with ceramic brakes) and thought long and hard about getting it. But it was more than the CLS with a steeper depreciation. Plus, I have to keep my copy-cat style subtle.

Vic55

LOL


I think that wagon has been on the lot for longer than when I got mine back in Feb---- they probably would have dumped it for cheap. But its a wagon and the novelty wears off; well it did for me.

I cant believe they wholesale'd your C63 so fast but thats what Fletcher does--- they wont ever hold a specialty modded car.

FYI my wagon was 109k sticker 104k invoice and I paid 96k back in Feb. When I tried to dump it my best offer, prior to my final buyer, was Fletcher at 85k. Thats how fast those damn wagons fall flat on their butts and that was after reaching out to the top 5 benz wholesalers in the state. No actual Benz dealer wanted it for more than 82k- they had no need and it would suck up their B line flooring at higher rates.

Pertplus

That's the main reason I didnt get it, the novelty of being a single guy (with only a small dog) and having a wagon. If I was a father of two and could actually use the wagon's capabilities to its fullest, then that would be a different story.

Yeah, Fletcher Jones did exactly what they did to my E55 --- turn around and flip it to an auction house. More power to them!

Heisenberg

Thanks Vic55 for the great info. I'm probably not going to opt for the P30 for a few reasons (mainly cost) but will definitely get the factory LSD - I was looking at some outdated info showing it was part of the P30 package.

Btw your CLS63 is just fabulous, I'm leaning towards ordering a black one too, with the Designo Platinum interior. Planned mods include ECU flash, MBH downpipes, resonator delete, Meisterschaft 65-style (connected oval) exhaust, KW lowering kit, roof spoiler, and wheels similar to yours

vdubpower

all that and you are concerned with cost?

vdubpower

hah that white wagon at fj has been there almost a yr

Vic55

Your CLS is gonna be crazy... with that mod list Id opt for the Renntech or another aftermarket LSD. The factory one is only a 30% lockup and you will have too much power. I had the LSD from the factory and just a tune and it didnt fair to wheel. I still had way too much wheelspin from a dig.

otakki

That's crazy but good for those lurking in the corner to pick one up used. I'm also flagging this for my future reference since I like wagons a lot.

Heisenberg

Yeah. The red brake calipers and CF parts are not things I particularly want to pay for, and would not upgrade on my own. Extra power is inconsequential if I'm getting 3rd party performance tuning. Sounds like the upgraded shocks improve control but honestly since it will be my daily driver, I don't want to sacrifice any comfort, particularly since I expect the KW lowering kit to deteriorate the standard ride somewhat. I haven't seen the P30 steering wheel for the CLS63 (Vic do you have a pic?) but if I ever desire to upgrade it, DCT custom would probably only be $1k or so.

So for me, I'd rather use the $6-7k for the other mods.

Regarding the LSD, I will probably will order car with the AMG option as it ends up costing well under half of the Renntech once installed.

Vic55

Not my own pic but ...

Pertplus

this is mine