DRW79

Hi guys,

I posted this in the w218 forum as well, but wanted to get an amg perspective also!!

So long story short, I ordered a 2010 CLS63 from Carmax and it’s due to arrive in a few days (40k miles, good condition). I’d need to get either a winter set of wheels or all seasons put on it as I live in Chicago and the car comes from California with summer tires. I have a very short commute, but just to be safe.

However I just saw a 2014 CLS550 come up at Carmax for only a couple of thousand more and damn, it looks good. It’s a 4matic too, which would make life a little bit simpler.

Basically both would be bought with the maxcare warranty for five years, which would hopefully give close to worry free motoring and both would be within a thousand or two dollars all in with the warranty.

So I guess the question is, is the previous generation AMG worth the same as a newer generation 550 if they both had a five year warranty and given the 2wd / 4wd. Which would you choose and why?

Thanks!!

Dokus

Well, i would say that depends on you and what you are going to use the car for. In my opinion the cls63 is a special car while the 550 is not as much.

The cls 63 is old tec but a sweet engine while the 550 most likely have more new stuff.

The 550 will most likey be a little cheaper to run.

Do you live in the us? How much do you drive?
If i would live in the us i would daily the cls63 since gas is cheap.

DRW79

I’m in the US, near Chicago.

I have a pretty short commute and don’t drive a ton on a weekly basis.

im not overly fussed about the tech, but the comment about the special nature of the car definitely resonates.

I drove the 550 today and it was great, but nothing too special. I get to drive the 63 on Monday or Tuesday!

coolcamden

The 63 is an AMG.

Different league. Everyone should own an AMG at one point in his life. Get it, I promise you won’t regret.

DRW79

Thanks. I’m leaning towards it to be honest!

the warranty from CarMax should make this a pretty worry free ownership experience (at least that’s my hope)!

coolcamden

The 63 is a N/A engine that’s beloved by many over the years. (But it’s not as conducive to tunes). However, It’s what?.. 5 model years older so the interior and tech won’t compare. Its parts and components are more expensive, just on a net cost comparative purpose... the body style of the 2010 is prior generation to the newer 2014 too.

Whatever your decision, it can’t be wrong, they are both great cars. I just have an affinity to AMG’s.

kbanks45

I'm stuck between the w219 and the w218. I have the w219 with only 56k on it. I've had it for 4 years. I didn't like the rear of the w218 until lately it's grown on me. Thinking about swapping myself while my miles are somewhat low on my w219... I'd say go for what you really want, you only live once...lol

DRW79

Agreed completely!

I still think the w219 looks good though. Especially the AMG versions.

im going to see the AMG tomorrow and will know more then.

kbanks45

Yeah it does. I wanted that car so bad when it first came out. So when I bought mine back in 2014 I had the chance to get the w218, but chose the w219 the last year of that bodystyle, 2011. I really was upset at what Mercedes did to the rear of the w218 when I first saw it, but it's grown on me over the years...lol I never would put 22's on my w219... Looks terrible, but after seeing a w218 lowered on 22's I'm having second thoughts. If those are 22's, they could be 21's.....lol

kbanks45

w219 looks like trash with 22's, but I love whatever size that is on that w218... If they are 22's, I like very much.. That's what they were listed as.....lol

hyperion667

Parts and upkeep will cost you more on the AMG, but the driving experience is also MORE.

C280 Sport

CLS550 with a tune can keep up with a CLS63. However, the sound of the AMG is hard to beat. Also, having 4Matic in Chicago is a must have.

DRW79

So I pulled the trigger and got the AMG!

I drove both back to back and everyone was right. The ‘special’ factor of the AMG won out.

i got a five year Carmax warranty that’s supposed to be pretty decent and should give me closer to worry free motoring.

initial impressions are that the noise is beyond addictive, but not so intrusive that I’d be afraid to do a long drive. I was worried about the aftermarket wheels, but the car is genuinely comfortable and not jarring at all. I know I’ll need to get all seasons at a minimum soon, but the ride quality was a pleasant surprise.

The car is deceptively quick. The noise tells you you’re going quickly, and the speed builds fast, but it doesn’t necessarily FEEL as quick as the numbers suggest (if that makes any sense).

The observations around the lack of tech were spot on (no Bluetooth audio, no back up camera etc), but for the most part, I’m not too worried about it.

All in all I’m pretty happy with the purchase. Also, super grateful for the advice and guidance from the folks here. It’s good to be back in a Benz. Will post pictures of the car when I get a chance to clean it up properly.

Thanks!!

Dokus

Good to hear. I think you made the right choice. Regarding the tec there are diffrent upgrades you can do. For Bluetooth you can buy Bluetooth from commandonline bypassing the cd changer and giving you Bluetooth with steeringwheel function while keeping the command headunit. Otherwise you could go with a android headunit.

DRW79

Thats awesome. Thanks. I’ll definitely check that out.

lost27

Congrats on the purchase and welcome to the AMG family. Since you got the 5 year Carmax warranty, find a good local independent shop that knows the M156 and ask them to do a post-purchase inspection on it. Use your warranty to fix all the things that should be fixed as preventative maintenance on your new ride and enjoy it!

hyperion667

Oh hell yeah! Pictures!!

swohio

Good Choice! That's a grown-*** man car. You'll be hooked now. Add the trinkets you want in time - like the back-up camera and bluetooth. Not one time will you wish you had picked up the CLS 550.