awesome looking car! when installing the panamericana is there any issues if you have the intelligent drive package, I was hearing that if you have that then it might not work? just curious because I was thinking of doing the same thing on my 2020 but opted against it because of what I heard.
Dang, that's a good question. I actually don't have the intelligent pkg on my car so I'm not too sure on that.
I kind of agree with the updated LED head lights, but if you look at it at night, the light pattern is awesome and unique with those 2 smaller LED's on the side of the main headlight. The "alien eyes" headlights from Pre-facelift or the non upgraded LED ones look more aggressive during the day. What package is the drive mode steering wheel? I have Command but didn't get the extra button, but just the touch pad thing.
I think the front end update looks more aggressive and miles better than the pre-facelift. The diffuser/quad pipe and the digital screen is what sold me. Gorgeous design. I wish I got the AMG sport seats now, everyone said its uncomfortable but I come from all my cars being on coil overs that everything just feels so squishy.
Hi, @c43PDX . Thanks for your reply and your thoughts on the changes that MB made on the facelift. Hmm, Idk, I still like the pre-facelift more in terms of front grille (I get it, it was standard on the coupe c300, and the cla 250 and that the new facelift has the prior c63 pre-facelift grille), I also prefer the pre-facelift fully optioned Intelligent light system design with the two eyeballs on each side and the turning signal is like an eyebrow. I like how it dims the DRL when signaling during the daytime (and separate compared to the facelift the DRL and turn signals being integrated), I actually don't like the bumper flicks but I do like how there are vents to cool the tires, the wheels also has a raised lip for improved aerodynamics.
To the rear, there is a lot to like about, that fake diffuser is very aggressive and looks very nice and those quad (although fake) exhaust pipes are very nice indeed, definitely completes the look that the pre-facelift should had compared to the prefacelift c43 which basically used c300 exhaust tips and add a slat in the middle.
The taillights however, it is brighter which is good, I do agree it is aggressive at night but I do prefer the more Mercedes-original looking and S-class inspired taillights compared to the Nissan Maxima (MY09 I think) inspired taillights on the facelift. Well, at least the right taillights resemble a "C" for C-Class.
To each to their own though.
That being said, I do also prefer the interior changes on the facelift, that steering wheel, the 64 ambient light colours compared to 3 on pre-facelift, the updated graphics on the COMAND (it is no MBUX but still pretty good) and a lot of things are refined and "slightly" faster in terms of navigating around the system and the animations.
I am glad you like the facelift though, since I think you have one? So I am glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for sharing your opinion on the facelift.
Yes, the digital drive mode selector on the steering wheel is the AMG Drive Unit and like the other member mentioned above, it is part of the AMG Driver's Package (if you are in Canada) starting for MY20.
I test drove two C43 one is 2019 and the other is 2020 and I did notice the tone of the performance exhaust is different, I do prefer the pre-facelift in that regard but I understand why some might prefer the facelift sound as well. I also hear that whining diff noise that I had been struggling to get fixed on my 2017 C43. I am hoping it is just my weird luck to test drive two facelift vehicles and experience the same problem and not that it is common problem (still unfixed) on the facelift.
Hi, @c43PDX . Thanks for your reply and your thoughts on the changes that MB made on the facelift. Hmm, Idk, I still like the pre-facelift more in terms of front grille (I get it, it was standard on the coupe c300, and the cla 250 and that the new facelift has the prior c63 pre-facelift grille), I also prefer the pre-facelift fully optioned Intelligent light system design with the two eyeballs on each side and the turning signal is like an eyebrow. I like how it dims the DRL when signaling during the daytime (and separate compared to the facelift the DRL and turn signals being integrated), I actually don't like the bumper flicks but I do like how there are vents to cool the tires, the wheels also has a raised lip for improved aerodynamics.
To the rear, there is a lot to like about, that fake diffuser is very aggressive and looks very nice and those quad (although fake) exhaust pipes are very nice indeed, definitely completes the look that the pre-facelift should had compared to the prefacelift c43 which basically used c300 exhaust tips and add a slat in the middle.
The taillights however, it is brighter which is good, I do agree it is aggressive at night but I do prefer the more Mercedes-original looking and S-class inspired taillights compared to the Nissan Maxima (MY09 I think) inspired taillights on the facelift. Well, at least the right taillights resemble a "C" for C-Class.
To each to their own though.
That being said, I do also prefer the interior changes on the facelift, that steering wheel, the 64 ambient light colours compared to 3 on pre-facelift, the updated graphics on the COMAND (it is no MBUX but still pretty good) and a lot of things are refined and "slightly" faster in terms of navigating around the system and the animations.
I am glad you like the facelift though, since I think you have one? So I am glad you are enjoying it! Thanks for sharing your opinion on the facelift.
Yes, the digital drive mode selector on the steering wheel is the AMG Drive Unit and like the other member mentioned above, it is part of the AMG Driver's Package (if you are in Canada) starting for MY20.
I test drove two C43 one is 2019 and the other is 2020 and I did notice the tone of the performance exhaust is different, I do prefer the pre-facelift in that regard but I understand why some might prefer the facelift sound as well. I also hear that whining diff noise that I had been struggling to get fixed on my 2017 C43. I am hoping it is just my weird luck to test drive two facelift vehicles and experience the same problem and not that it is common problem (still unfixed) on the facelift.
Its not so much the design elements of the facelift front bumper but I think they look or actually wider on the bottom that makes the car have a wider stance. I've never overlapped the PFL and FL models from the same angle and over lapped the photo's.
As for the P.E. note difference, I have not driven a PFL so its hard to say. What I've been told is PFL is more raw, and FL is more "refined" but quiet. Also I was told suspension tuning is much different and that FL rides smoother.
I'm trying to keep this car with a clean build like I always do with my other cars, and enhance what is lacking on this car, while maintaining a OEM+ look.
My criticism of the style of this car would be:
has a feminine vibe, but can be taken as elegance
car looks narrow (I prefer wide and low vs narrow and tall)
wheel fitment issues with UCA's in the front and narrow fender clearance in the rear
Top end feels weak
I think those are fixable with some modifications. Here's how it stands now:
VTF adjustable springs
15mm F / 20mm R spacers
ASR exhaust flap controller
Vinyl wrapped all chrome pieces
Double fin grill painted black
Amber delete on headlights/tail lights
paddle shifter extention
225/40/19 + 255/35/19 Yokohama Advan V601 summer tires (OEM is trash)
ceramic coated
Its not so much the design elements of the facelift front bumper but I think they look or actually wider on the bottom that makes the car have a wider stance. I've never overlapped the PFL and FL models from the same angle and over lapped the photo's.
As for the P.E. note difference, I have not driven a PFL so its hard to say. What I've been told is PFL is more raw, and FL is more "refined" but quiet. Also I was told suspension tuning is much different and that FL rides smoother.
I'm trying to keep this car with a clean build like I always do with my other cars, and enhance what is lacking on this car, while maintaining a OEM+ look.
My criticism of the style of this car would be:
has a feminine vibe, but can be taken as elegance
car looks narrow (I prefer wide and low vs narrow and tall)
wheel fitment issues with UCA's in the front and narrow fender clearance in the rear
Top end feels weak
I think those are fixable with some modifications. Here's how it stands now:
VTF adjustable springs
15mm F / 20mm R spacers
ASR exhaust flap controller
Vinyl wrapped all chrome pieces
Double fin grill painted black
Amber delete on headlights/tail lights
paddle shifter extention
225/40/19 + 255/35/19 Yokohama Advan V601 summer tires (OEM is trash)
ceramic coated
Sick ride man, thanks for sharing and I like your mods.
Hmmm I thought only the coupe got a wider stance or was it for the C63 well anyways, yes I agree that the damping got better the ride quality improved a lot.
As for the sound, refined is a good way to describe it and I would call it stealthier if I were to describe it.
I prefer the raw sound pre-facelift makes the pops and crackles are arguably better too.
Installed the panamericana today. Taking the emblem out was honestly the biggest problem. Aside from that, straightforward. If you have a front camera, you may need to adjust and calibrated
thumbs up. nice job. also the grey looks like it has a hue of blue to it the way the photo was edited/shot. haha they should make it an official color. looks great
thumbs up. nice job. also the grey looks like it has a hue of blue to it the way the photo was edited/shot. haha they should make it an official color. looks great
Good eye! I think I ticked 1 click on the hue setting for the bottom phone to match the 1st photo. Top one is unedited, all camera & thanks a lot! More carbon fiber goodies are next.
cool! What brand and specs did you go with on thise rims and tires?
Question for you bud,
I am looking at the same wheel spec. In fact, i really like how the M117 look. I also do plan on lowering the car. In regards to the spacers, you mentioned 3-5mm. Is that in the front or rear? Also, what size spacers are you running for your car specifically and are you experiencing any problems with the ride?
I am looking at the same wheel spec. In fact, i really like how the M117 look. I also do plan on lowering the car. In regards to the spacers, you mentioned 3-5mm. Is that in the front or rear? Also, what size spacers are you running for your car specifically and are you experiencing any problems with the ride?
sorry, your question might have been intended for somebody else. I don’t have spacers on my setup.
So I don't tint my tails, I find you lose daytime visibility of your lights. It takes a few hours, but buy multiple rolls of 1/8 inch black pinstripes, align the first strip with whatever is in the design of the light so that they are straight and then cover the light.
Then I remove every second one.
Have thought of buying film and cutting stripes and then installing as 1 piece, but since this works for me, have been doing it for last 6 cars and like the look, so it becomes an act of passion.
Will post additional pics of the wagon after I get a few more minor items updated.
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
