Is the C63 losing it's luster?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
I would say that an AMG is still a very desirable product. Cars such as the C63 AMG are the pride and joy for AMG engineers, although they may have their power output reduced by Mercedes-Benz executives who want to keep more expensive AMG vehicle owners happy.
The reason why the C63 AMG is losing its luster (or appears that way) is simply because of the competition that is out there on the market. You have the RS4 which is fairly new, the brand new BMW M3 that will come out at the same time as the C63 AMG, from Japan an all new Lexus IS-F that will be a serious competitor (whether you agree or not), and Stateside the Cadillac CTS-V does pack a serious Corvette engine under the hood.
Combine these all with the fact that the C63 AMG doesn't come with an LSD (something the beloved M3 has) and the fact that you can get a C350, CLK550, or a 135i/335i that is already very adequately fast - the extra horsepower that the C63 has just doesn't seem that appealing any longer. I mean, the difference between 380 hp (CLK 550 which is available any day of the week) to 450 hp (on the C63) just isn't noticeable in every day driving.
The C63 AMG is not losing its luster, it's just as bright as it has been. There are just a lot of other bright new stars out there that are all just as bright.
The reason why the C63 AMG is losing its luster (or appears that way) is simply because of the competition that is out there on the market. You have the RS4 which is fairly new, the brand new BMW M3 that will come out at the same time as the C63 AMG, from Japan an all new Lexus IS-F that will be a serious competitor (whether you agree or not), and Stateside the Cadillac CTS-V does pack a serious Corvette engine under the hood.
Combine these all with the fact that the C63 AMG doesn't come with an LSD (something the beloved M3 has) and the fact that you can get a C350, CLK550, or a 135i/335i that is already very adequately fast - the extra horsepower that the C63 has just doesn't seem that appealing any longer. I mean, the difference between 380 hp (CLK 550 which is available any day of the week) to 450 hp (on the C63) just isn't noticeable in every day driving.
The C63 AMG is not losing its luster, it's just as bright as it has been. There are just a lot of other bright new stars out there that are all just as bright.
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
OK, we are receiving reports in regards to post language and behavior. If this continues, and I don't care how many or how few posts someone has, I will start signing vacation slips without warning. In the meantime reread the TOU on that subject matter.
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Amdeutsch
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Do we understand each other? I thought so!
Thank You.
Amdeutsch
MBWorld Management Team
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: California, USA
E63 P30, CL500 Sport
I've posted this before in a different thread, but I think it applies here too. I think we should wait to see what Mercedes' plans are for the C63. No one really knows for sure. But I believe that Mercedes will offer the Performance Package option later down the road. After the car has been released and the hype goes down, Mercedes will release the PP option to spike sales back up again, and so on maybe with other options....... They did this on the E63. The Performance Package option could not be ordered on the 2007 E63 until the last 2 months of production for 2007 models (build dates March to end of May). Notice the E63 first came out in June of 2006, so that's almost one year after the car was released.
But lets say the worst case scenario they don't make it available in the U.S., then I'm sure some of the major tuners will have a package equivalent to the Performance Package available soon after. All you would really need is the LSD and suspension. If Quaife can make one of their LSDs for the C63 and then RennTech or Kleemann put out a stiffer suspension than the Performance Package, then viola...... you got yourself a PP option.
But lets say the worst case scenario they don't make it available in the U.S., then I'm sure some of the major tuners will have a package equivalent to the Performance Package available soon after. All you would really need is the LSD and suspension. If Quaife can make one of their LSDs for the C63 and then RennTech or Kleemann put out a stiffer suspension than the Performance Package, then viola...... you got yourself a PP option.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 763
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From: South Florida
2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG S
I hate keyless go. My wife has it in her IS 350.
The NAV is no big deal.
The performance will become available although the price may be a total joke.
I really like the interior.
I could use parktronic in my SLK 350 but with the seating position of the C63 it isn't a deal breaker.
I'm still interested in one. It is either the C63, M3 or I get the SLK55.
The NAV is no big deal.
The performance will become available although the price may be a total joke.
I really like the interior.
I could use parktronic in my SLK 350 but with the seating position of the C63 it isn't a deal breaker.
I'm still interested in one. It is either the C63, M3 or I get the SLK55.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
OK, we are receiving reports in regards to post language and behavior. If this continues, and I don't care how many or how few posts someone has, I will start signing vacation slips without warning. In the meantime reread the TOU on that subject matter.
Do we understand each other? I thought so!
Thank You.
Amdeutsch
MBWorld Management Team
Do we understand each other? I thought so!
Thank You.
Amdeutsch
MBWorld Management Team
I knew it was going to be risky, but didn't expect such behavior on a benz forum.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 383
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From: Peoria, Arizona
RENNtech C32 AMG
HAHAHAHAAH! Have you been to the dealer in the past 3 months? Ask what car the technicians HATE the most. All the ones at my dealer say the new S. So much technology packed in there and so much more to fix. As for the new C/CL, give it some time, it hasn't been a half year since its release in the US, this car is nearly ground up new and it's components haven't had enough time to break yet. It's not like it comes broken from the factory, it takes time for it to happen!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Don't you get it!! It's an OPTION. If you "hate" it then don't order one with it but I think it is totally ridiculous that if you want it you can't get it!! I feel the same about all the other options that the E/CLS have that are missing from the C63. Why buy a C63 when there are literally hundreds of fully optioned used E63's / CLS63's available for the same price. I think Mercedes really F'd this one up! Just my opinion.
I do agree though, that more options should be available on the new C-Class.
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Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
HAHAHAHAAH! Have you been to the dealer in the past 3 months? Ask what car the technicians HATE the most. All the ones at my dealer say the new S. So much technology packed in there and so much more to fix. As for the new C/CL, give it some time, it hasn't been a half year since its release in the US, this car is nearly ground up new and it's components haven't had enough time to break yet. It's not like it comes broken from the factory, it takes time for it to happen!
Any car will have problems, even Lexus has problems it's just a matter of how many and how frequently. The new S-Class has been out for about 2 full years now, the new CL for about 1.5 and the C-Class for about 6 months. The previous S, CL and C (220, 215, and 203 respectively) all had significant problems at this point in their lifecycles.
Even the idiotic JD Power who I despise has awarded the new S-Class the best (a tie with the A8) for Inital Quality in 2007.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 383
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From: Peoria, Arizona
RENNtech C32 AMG
Oh no, never said they were bad cars at all! They are great cars, it just comes with the territory, more electronics, more things to go wrong.
BTW the previous gen CL was so much more sexy with its sharp lines!
BTW the previous gen CL was so much more sexy with its sharp lines!
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 358
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From: Vancouver Canada
07 ML63 Silver Dead at 85k, 14 RS5, 05 SL600
keyless go worth it.
Keyless go is a necessity for me now. Not so much for starting but for getting in as well. I just returned from Mexico and the rain was heavy and my key was buried somewhere in the suitcase. Walk up to the door and touch the handle, toss in the bag and jump into the ML. Foot on the brake and push the button. All this with the key in the bottom of the suitcase in the back. Same thing with hands full of bags and the key in the pocket. Its a safe bet that keyless go will be available soon.
In real world DD grunt is what matters and the C63 has plenty of it. I find it a bit of a moot point that the M3 is marginally faster on a corner than the C63. It means that on the road to Whistler I can take a 50mph corner at 100 mph instead of 98mph? At anywhere near sane speeds on the road the C63 is more than capable. Torque = fun in daily driving. If you are tracking the car it is a different story. Very few of us have the skills to truly appreciate the capabilities of the new M3, although I'm sure everyone thinks they are the best driver out there.
How does the ML63 dilute the AMG line up
? Sounds like someone hasn't driven it and so doesn't have a clue
. No need to say the ML63 is a waste. Best performance SUV out there for the money (IMO). As Dr D pointed out as fast or faster on Evo magazines test track than the M5, M3, 
or any AMG they ever tested but the SLK55. Not bad for a 5300lb SUV. I think it was less than 2 seconds slower than the 997TT. It may mot have the "feel" of the other AMG's but it is much more capable than one might think.
I'm sure the C63 will be a great car and after 1-2 years it will be even better.
Signed MB *****!
In real world DD grunt is what matters and the C63 has plenty of it. I find it a bit of a moot point that the M3 is marginally faster on a corner than the C63. It means that on the road to Whistler I can take a 50mph corner at 100 mph instead of 98mph? At anywhere near sane speeds on the road the C63 is more than capable. Torque = fun in daily driving. If you are tracking the car it is a different story. Very few of us have the skills to truly appreciate the capabilities of the new M3, although I'm sure everyone thinks they are the best driver out there.
How does the ML63 dilute the AMG line up
? Sounds like someone hasn't driven it and so doesn't have a clue. No need to say the ML63 is a waste. Best performance SUV out there for the money (IMO). As Dr D pointed out as fast or faster on Evo magazines test track than the M5, M3, or any AMG they ever tested but the SLK55. Not bad for a 5300lb SUV. I think it was less than 2 seconds slower than the 997TT. It may mot have the "feel" of the other AMG's but it is much more capable than one might think.I'm sure the C63 will be a great car and after 1-2 years it will be even better.
Signed MB *****!
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Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,894
Likes: 8
From: Connecticut
2003 CLK55
OK, we are receiving reports in regards to post language and behavior. If this continues, and I don't care how many or how few posts someone has, I will start signing vacation slips without warning. In the meantime reread the TOU on that subject matter.
Do we understand each other? I thought so!
Thank You.
Amdeutsch
MBWorld Management Team
Do we understand each other? I thought so!
Thank You.
Amdeutsch
MBWorld Management Team
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 383
Likes: 0
From: Peoria, Arizona
RENNtech C32 AMG
Keyless go is a necessity for me now. Not so much for starting but for getting in as well. I just returned from Mexico and the rain was heavy and my key was buried somewhere in the suitcase. Walk up to the door and touch the handle, toss in the bag and jump into the ML. Foot on the brake and push the button. All this with the key in the bottom of the suitcase in the back. Same thing with hands full of bags and the key in the pocket. Its a safe bet that keyless go will be available soon.
In real world DD grunt is what matters and the C63 has plenty of it. I find it a bit of a moot point that the M3 is marginally faster on a corner than the C63. It means that on the road to Whistler I can take a 50mph corner at 100 mph instead of 98mph? At anywhere near sane speeds on the road the C63 is more than capable. Torque = fun in daily driving. If you are tracking the car it is a different story. Very few of us have the skills to truly appreciate the capabilities of the new M3, although I'm sure everyone thinks they are the best driver out there.
How does the ML63 dilute the AMG line up? Sounds like someone hasn't driven it and so doesn't have a clue. No need to say the ML63 is a waste. Best performance SUV out there for the money (IMO). As Dr D pointed out as fast or faster on Evo magazines test track than the M5, M3, or any AMG they ever tested but the SLK55. Not bad for a 5300lb SUV. I think it was less than 2 seconds slower than the 997TT. It may mot have the "feel" of the other AMG's but it is much more capable than one might think.
I'm sure the C63 will be a great car and after 1-2 years it will be even better.
Signed MB *****!
In real world DD grunt is what matters and the C63 has plenty of it. I find it a bit of a moot point that the M3 is marginally faster on a corner than the C63. It means that on the road to Whistler I can take a 50mph corner at 100 mph instead of 98mph? At anywhere near sane speeds on the road the C63 is more than capable. Torque = fun in daily driving. If you are tracking the car it is a different story. Very few of us have the skills to truly appreciate the capabilities of the new M3, although I'm sure everyone thinks they are the best driver out there.
How does the ML63 dilute the AMG line up
? Sounds like someone hasn't driven it and so doesn't have a clue. No need to say the ML63 is a waste. Best performance SUV out there for the money (IMO). As Dr D pointed out as fast or faster on Evo magazines test track than the M5, M3, or any AMG they ever tested but the SLK55. Not bad for a 5300lb SUV. I think it was less than 2 seconds slower than the 997TT. It may mot have the "feel" of the other AMG's but it is much more capable than one might think.I'm sure the C63 will be a great car and after 1-2 years it will be even better.
Signed MB *****!
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Melbourne
2007 GL500, 2007 E280
On The Upside To All the USA Members At least your not Paying $81,000 USD
For a PRE-OWNED 07 C280
Thats What us Aussies Have to deal with, Mb Prices Here are Crazy
Id Hate To think what the Price of the C63 is gonna be when it comes out over here, I know the C55 Was Priced at Over $145,000 USD Though
For a PRE-OWNED 07 C280
Thats What us Aussies Have to deal with, Mb Prices Here are Crazy
Id Hate To think what the Price of the C63 is gonna be when it comes out over here, I know the C55 Was Priced at Over $145,000 USD Though
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 426
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From: Rostock,Germany
i like to ride my bike
didn't you? That interior has to be the worst of all MBs in the past 10 years,
especially the pre facelift interior. Plus, the interior didn't change much
for every single AMG except for seats and maybe trim. So why hate about that??
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Are you guys serious?? I mean, you all sat in your w203s for a while now
didn't you? That interior has to be the worst of all MBs in the past 10 years,
especially the pre facelift interior. Plus, the interior didn't change much
for every single AMG except for seats and maybe trim. So why hate about that??
didn't you? That interior has to be the worst of all MBs in the past 10 years,
especially the pre facelift interior. Plus, the interior didn't change much
for every single AMG except for seats and maybe trim. So why hate about that??
I have had many different people in my car all of who own very nice and much more expensive cars than myself and they always compliment how nice the interior is on my C55.
Have you been in a C350?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 5
From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
Are you guys serious?? I mean, you all sat in your w203s for a while now
didn't you? That interior has to be the worst of all MBs in the past 10 years,
especially the pre facelift interior. Plus, the interior didn't change much
for every single AMG except for seats and maybe trim. So why hate about that??
didn't you? That interior has to be the worst of all MBs in the past 10 years,
especially the pre facelift interior. Plus, the interior didn't change much
for every single AMG except for seats and maybe trim. So why hate about that??
The new C-Class is a definate downgrade from the W203...if I had to single out two things it would be the texture and "sheen" of the dash plastics and the lack of wood which makes it all look pretty low rent. Everything works well and feels solid and quiet, but it doesn't look all that stunning.
What's so bad about this W203?
Last edited by pmb600; Jan 15, 2008 at 01:55 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
Likes: 1
From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
Yeah I also have to disagree here...the interior on the W203 is very nice. Mine is post-facelift and I have also gotten compliments before. The Laurel wood in the W203 luxury versions (same wood used in CLS) is really nice and a lot better than the light burl walnut used in the CLK and E-Class (non-sport models). The wood is only one component, but I think it really makes or breaks the interior. The sport versions with alluminum looks a little cheaper, but still very nice. Also the texture of the plastic on the dash has a nice graining and texture.
The new C-Class is a definate downgrade from the W203...if I had to single out two things it would be the texture and "sheen" of the dash plastics and the lack of wood which makes it all look pretty low rent. Everything works well and feels solid and quiet, but it doesn't look all that stunning.
What's so bad about this W203?
The new C-Class is a definate downgrade from the W203...if I had to single out two things it would be the texture and "sheen" of the dash plastics and the lack of wood which makes it all look pretty low rent. Everything works well and feels solid and quiet, but it doesn't look all that stunning.
What's so bad about this W203?
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 491
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Don't have a Mercedes right now...
Of course the hype around the C63 is going to die down some, the car has been tested and compared over and over....so now it is time for it to go on sale. How do you measure luster here? The car will no doubt have a waiting list at most dealers and sell out initially so this is really a personal thing.
That said, the lack of options on U.S. C-Class models compared to Canadian models is ridiculous. I'd love to know MBUSA's reasoning behind this. I bet they correct this for the 2009 model year.
M
That said, the lack of options on U.S. C-Class models compared to Canadian models is ridiculous. I'd love to know MBUSA's reasoning behind this. I bet they correct this for the 2009 model year.
M
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,046
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
This is a good point and I haven't thought about that. Maybe I should go buy some gold... Backup my funds!
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C32 AMG
I'm wondering when this is going to start to hit home. At this point, American car makers should be mopping up on cars that are made overseas. The domestically made foreign cars should do fine.
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,719
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
My opinion is that AMG cars should be all about the engines, suspension and performance, not the "doo dads" that seem to amuse the boys and girls.
Almost a Member!
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Mercedes
If that were true, then we would all be buying Subaru WRX STi's instead of AMG Mercedes. The doo dads and interior feel have a lot to do with it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 2,719
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From: Scottsdale, Arizonai
'85 190E 2.3-16 '99 C280 '11 GLK350
Well I guess we disagree. A Subie, while a nicely built car, has a long way to go to being the car a base model Mercedes is. How many WRX are going to be on the road in 20 or 30 years . . . and would you want to be driving one?
Before the Daimler merger, the reputation of AMG tuned cars were based on performance and now, with the all AMG design 6.3 motor, they seem to be getting back to that heritage. The old cars were badass, looked and drove that way, that's what should matter in any AMG built car.
Before the Daimler merger, the reputation of AMG tuned cars were based on performance and now, with the all AMG design 6.3 motor, they seem to be getting back to that heritage. The old cars were badass, looked and drove that way, that's what should matter in any AMG built car.
