OverBudget

Hi Guys,

Lurking today, because I have been hanging out in the C63 forum. I ordered a 2009 C63 in March, it got built in July, but the factory screwed up on the initial performance package installs and omitted the upgraded suspension, brakes, and steering wheel. I'm OK with that, except that the proposed credit is lame.

I've been thinking about bailing on my dealer and buying an 07 or 08 CLS63 with the $65,000 instead. Cornering is not important to me, just straight line acceleration. I also figure that I could mod the 6.2 in the CLS just like I could in the C. The only problem I see is that I have 3 young kids (10, 8, & 6). If I wanted to go somewhere with the wife and kids, it looks like there is only 2 seat belts in the back with the console in the middle. Anybody know of anyone that has made room for 3 in the back? Any other thoughts on my proposed upgrade/downgrade? Lastly, were the CLS63's only made in black, silver, and white exteriors?

Thanks in advance,

Kar don

CLS AMGs came in all colors, those are just the most popular ones. I can only fit 2 people in my CLS, 3 is a squeeze.

C63AMG is a hot ride but id rather have a CLS63.

OverBudget

Kar don,

When you say 2, or 3 is a squeeze, are you talking about the whole car or just the backseat? If the backseat, is there a 3rd set of seatbelts?

My kids are still small (10, 8, & 6)...

coolcamden

You could mod the CLS as well as the C63, which is not much. If you want to mod, go for a used 55.

You can not go for 3 with a hump in the middle in the back, regardless of a kid's age. Also there is no seat belt for the center position.

Search through the forum, both here and on the W211 for 63 upgrades. Like I said earlier, there isn't much.

You can get more than those 3 colors in the CLS63. Go to the MBZ website among other places.

Personally, I'd go for the CLS63. It's based on a higher level platform, and is generally more opulent. The C63 is more like a boyracer image, but then that's purely my perception.

Good luck.

Kar don

im talking about the whole car... the CLS is a small vehicle, front seat room is excellent thought (which is why i got it)

coolcamden

Hmmm... I've put our 5'10" son and my 6 ft friend in the back on many occasions with no problem.

OverBudget

I appreciate the comments. I think the right interior guy could remove the rear center console and put in another 3rd seat belt, but that might be more work and cost than I want to deal with...

I'm torn, the factory and my dealer aren't treating me right and so I'd like to walk, I love the body lines of the CLS63 yet need the room for 5, I would would like to have the luxury of the CLS63, but really wanted the Mars Red color and sportyness of the new C63...

So... I just need a CLS63 painted Mars Red with performance package, sahara leather, aluminum trim and rear seat modification... and manual transmission, and upgraded wheels, and this isn't going to happen...

Kar don

dude you are confused. What about an E63?

Dogshine

That makes as much sense as trying to do that in a M6 or the back of a 911. Unfortunately for you, the cls is probably the wrong car if you need to put 3 kids in the back seat.

OverBudget

I admit it - what I was thinking about doesn't work.

I guess I'll stick with the C63 order...

newguycls55

I have seem a few dealer selling 06 M5 for less than 60k.... thats a great deal if you need 3 back seat.... but the CLS will give you more attention... Most of my Neighbor cant tell the different between their 5 series and my wife M5...

Madsen

Funny enough I was in exactly the same situation as you describe. A new C63 or a slightly used CLS63.

Both cars are really attractive but in terms of combining luxury with performance the CLS is way ahead of the C63. I imagine that the C class might be more fun on the track but that was not really important to me.

With only two kids taking up the back seat I chose a full option 2007 CLS63 in the end with 12.500 miles on the clock.

In your situation I would probably check out the E63 or if you have the liquidity you should be able to pick up a S63 for about $100K.

Best of luck

Ken

retardedmunk

I would certainly look into a E63....I would take one over the C63 anyday or a really nice E55 like a 2006 which can be had now for under $45k......besides the C63 doesnt have keyless the first model year.... no keyless ....a damn nissan has keyless

The CLS is one of the most desirable cars built in the last few years....the
C63 is not more then a C class with more power....it is still a boxy car with no lines and it kinda looks like the old IS300.....for $70k out the door? why the car will be $20k less next year and the CLS55 and 63 are just hitting their lows now.....and nice CLS'S can be had for under $60k.... so spend more money to get a more powerful C class ? makes no sense When I was at a car show about a month ago I had my CLS55 there ...My CLS looks wicked with the wheel combo and stance... a C63 was right next to me and I met the guy ...his Wife was very interested in my car as well as himself ....I told him my car cost me less then $60K with the way it is set up and a 100k warranty to boot....and he was amazed....his wife asked why he didnt look into the CLS model before he bought the C63......he didnt even realize my car comes with massaging seats with air condition....he was impressed...and the whole keyless option had him pissed as to why his car did not have it

OverBudget

The feedback is great (although it is just making it harder):

C63: Doesn't look as nice as the CLS, but comes in Mars Red which I liked. The C63 has better weight and handling, although those aren't that important. They both have the 6.2L, but I would have to do headers and ECU to get the C63 engine to the CLS63 level. Doesn't come in manual transmission, although I think I could get used to the paddles...

CLS: The CLS is heavier, but more optioned and luxurious. Doesn't come in Mars Red which I liked, but I could settle for white I think. It doesn't have a manual tranmission and doesn't seat 5. It has keyless entry.

M5: I like the idea of a the 500hp V10 with manual transmission and sport option suspension that seats 5, but the looks don't do much for me. In addition, the only BMW experience I have had is driving a 2003 M3 which felt cheap to me.

The more I think about this, I really would just like to get the CLS63 if I could take the rear console out and have a 3rd seatbelt installed. The automatic and paint color are things I could get over, but my wife would be pissed if I bought a car and couldn't take the whole family in it even though her rig can do so... I also don't know why I should consider the E63, if it is $25k more than the C63 but isn't that much different...

Isn't there any custom interior guys out there that someone could recommend?

rjhoskins

I totally understand where you are coming from. In 2005 I was trying to decide between an '06 M5 or an '06CLS. The decision you are trying to make sounds just like mine--I am married and have 3 young children thus the M5 makes more sense. But the CLS just looks so much better than literally almost any other 4 door sedan/coupe on the road today. What did I do???? I bought the M5. While I have not regretted my decision (the M5 has been an absolute wonderful car), every time I see a CLS AMG on the road, I think of what could have been.

Good luck with your decision.

Ryan

retardedmunk

they r selling at auctions for high 50's now

AntonioDestiny

CLS63>C63

UGOTMOPPED

Not sure if you sat in the back of the C63...since there are none really. I have the upgraded AMG seats, 5'10...and sit average distance from stearing wheel..I can't see how 3 can fit back there comfortably....it's very tight...very.

MB_Forever

+1 You can get a used but nicely equipped E63 for $60 to $65k or even a very good 2005 or 2006 E55 for $45 to $55k

twistedangel

I was in the same position as you a little while back (literally) ... I was looking at M5, C63, and CLS63.

Four doors was important (albeit I don't have kids to put in the back), as was HORSEPOWER and ride quality.

After much deliberation, running through specs, interior shots, KEYLESS ENTRY and other options, etc ... I quickly eliminated the C63 when I saw the depreciation figures on AMGs within the first few years. We've also had BMWs, and it always haunts you how much money you lost when you drive these performance machines off of the lot. Money really wasn't an issue with purchase price ... it was just a matter of senseless loss with depreciation.

It came down to a very slightly used 2006 M5 (13k mi) for $52k or 2006 CLS55 with 12k miles on it for $57k.

Fundementally, I've had BMWs as daily drivers for a long time. Their trademark "road feel" can wear you down overtime. There really isn't anything you can do about it ... it's BMWs philosophy on sports cars. However the younger kids in the family love to ride in them. They "feel" like they are in a special car when they get tossed around (these are all boys).

I got the CLS55 because it behaves well as a cruiser, but can be a brute when you need it to be (the active suspension) - which is amazing considering just how low profile the tires are! I still slow wayyy down for speed bumps and dips sometimes ... I don't know if I will ever get over the fear. The M5 will be a bruiser 24/7.

As far as the rear console is concerned ... I'm sorry to tell you that I don't think the return is there for you. Unless your kids are really happy with being crammed together, it will be a costly mess in more ways than one. I don't see a simple way of making it work.

The E55 or 63 may be a good fit for you. Personally, I don't like the body of it, but that's a matter of taste. It should fit your needs better than the CLS.

The CLS is an attention getter - no doubt. Out here in SoCal, the highway patrol WILL pace me. The E Class has more a of a "sleeper" appeal = less stress about getting tagged.

The CLS does come in a burgundy red metallic - not "Mars Red" though.

Enjoy your new ride - whatever you get!

2K6E55

+1. This is the reason why I passed on my C63... No back seat at all!

CLS FTW.

Shake

Interesting thread to read through. I think the C63 should be fine considering your kid's ages, but a CLS won't do because of the center issue.

I would look into a used E63 or maybe a used S65. If you are set on mars red, then I would just wait for the C63, but personally after seeing all the ///AMG resale values, I would never buy an AMG new as it takes a huge depreciation hit right when you take it off the lot.

Tough choice and good luck.

fasttommyv

+ 1 on the used S65. Some of the 06's have been dipping well into the 60's, but I dont know what can be said about the condition and quality of those. But I think that it should be an option though. You will have plenty of space for 5 adults, and 605 hp that is modable as well. Its my dream car....

OverBudget

No offense guys, if I could have made the 5 passenger issue work, I would have went with a CLS63 or modded CLS55, but I wanted Mars Red, wanted room for 5, and I liked that I was getting a new car that I could mod easily for $60k. I know it will depreciate right away, but in the end I am happy.

Maybe I'll replace it with a CLS63 years down the road. Thanks for the comments guys.

360_iti

I too was seriously considering the C63 to replace my current car some time next year. But I think I'm leaning towards the CLS now. Part of it is because the boy racer image that the C63 has gained over the last few months (at least imo). It reflects on the quality of threads in the C63 forum.