WolfAMG

I placed my order last week. My dealer had no prices for the options. One of the options was accessory code 318. The 318 package included accessory codes 242: Power passenger seat w/memory and 275: Power Dr. Seat & Steering Col. w/Memory.

So there is a power seat and memory option package. Could be a no cost option, but it was definitely an option when I ordered or my dealer is misinformed.

pmb600

Could be that it wasn't finalized like you said, but in my experience, I don't think they would have committed online that the only options were the ones I mentioned and then 2 months later make the power seats optional.

I guess only time will tell...

amg07

I think what makes the 138 package special is the memory for the seats and steering column, plus the Nappa.

So without this package you would get the same power seat capability that comes with the C350 (8 way power but no memory) and the C63 would have the basic leather (not MB Tex, but the full non-Nappa leather). So what they said in Jan is still true, but now just refined a bit.

WolfAMG

Could have something to do with the M3 base price as others have mentioned.

amg07

Yes I would agree that the final pricing and package/option prices were positioned to compete well with the M3 pricing.

whoover

It seems more likely that is is just a memory option. The base leather that MB uses is nappa. V12 models and upgraded S-class use a more supple aniline leather, but the bulk of Mercedes leather is nappa.

amg07

I don't think many buyers would pay $2950 just for the memory feature. I think the leather provided in the 138 package is an upgraded, softer leather that they brand or describe as "Nappa". Now whether nappa leather is accurate as a more generic term for all the leather MB uses, I can't say one way or another on that.

It does appear that with the price competition for the C63 that MB decided to make certain things optional to keep the price down / offer choice to the customer, that have been standard on other AMGs. After all the C63 is the lowest priced AMG in the US lineup. For example, the SLK 55, based around 65K does include "Nappa" leather as standard and there is no other optional leather offered.

whoover

Since MB has only ever had one (nappa) leather available for C-class cars, it's more likely that this package is only memory seats and the price is much less than $2,950. That seems to come from a single review that contains other inaccuracies as well. The price of these two options (codes 242 and 275) in Europe works out to about $1,000 when taxes are deducted. Standard leather and optional memory seems the most likely scenario considering the base price. We will see when the information is released by mbna.

ShelleE55

Logon to the Private Lounge to see the info posted by mbusa.

whoover

I don't see content or prices of any options except the Performance Package for 2009 ($3,900). Do you have a link?

pmb600

That is not correct. Nappa leather has only been available/standard on the more expensive Mercedes-Benz models in the past. For example W220 S-Class: S430 had Leather, S500 and S55 had Nappa Leather. You may be right about the designo leathers and 600/65 AMG leathers being aniline. I know that those have been referred to as "exclusive leather" but I think that is the term they just use to mean that everything (dash, doors, etc.) is covered in leather as well, not sure if that also means aniline.

pmb600

Unfortunately most of the AMGs have things that are optional, that in my opinion should be standard. For example, the CLK/E/CLS 63 AMGs all have OPTIONAL bi-xenons and nav. I think that is outrageous for the supposed "range-topper" of each of those classes in the year 2008 on $100K cars! Besides, AMG customers are the most likely to be enthusiasts who will want these options anyway. Why make these optional? If anything it only hurts the resale that there can be AMGs floating around that potentially could not have these pretty typical luxury car features.

974AGK

Price for extras in UK £ / to + $ divide by 1.96

As per atatched file

robertc63

In Australia they were released at $20,000 less than the C55, if you own a 55, very hard to upgrade, Price out here is $140K Aust M3 $150K Aust

robertc63

Also C63 comes fully loaded with all options excluding 19" wheels. Only option Carbon Fibre Interior, Keyless entry, Rear Blind. All headlights,parktronic sat nav DVD no TV AMG sills, mats, bi xenons, metallic paint are all standard equipment

amg07

I totally agree.

whoover

This would seem to be correct. I did a bit more research and the MB leather terms are different in North American and Europe, causing my confusion.

There are three leather treatments for all MBs, worldwide. Ignoring designo, there is standard leather (interior color code 2xx), premium leather (interior color code 8xx) and exclusive leather (interior code 5xx). In Europe, premium is called Passion and exclusive is called Exclusive Passion. It's really safest to ignore the marketing terms and go by the interior color codes.

2xx leather is the thicker, coarser "standard" leather. 8xx gets softer, aniline leather (called nappa by MB in North America) on seating surfaces only. 5xx gets aniline/nappa leather on seating surfaces and matching "premium" (regular) leather on many other surfaces (like the dash) that get plastic with the 8xx interior.

It sounds like MB is making 8xx interiors optional on US C63s. It would be the first time that the aniline/nappa leather is available in a C-class here, I think.

I really like feel of the aniline/nappa leather seating surface. I'd consider it.

PHYBENZ

The base leather MB uses is NOT nappa, no way.

borand

Wow, you guys are lucky in the US. I made a calculation that I could buy a fully loaded C63 in the US for $ 100k and still go breakeven and export to Sweden. That is including everything as 25% tax, customs fee, transport, modifications to make it street legal in Europe etc. So if I can get a fully loaded for $ 70 k I would save a nice $ 30 k ! Now this seems very interesting...

whoover

BTW, I just checked the C55 and it has nappa seats and shift knob. I can't believe I never noticed (it's my wife's car). So the memory seats / nappa seating $3,000 option on the C63 is a hidden price increase from the C55.

Martin

amg07

Here is some official information from the AMG Private Lounge:

2008 C63 AMG Additional Information

2008 C63 AMG MSRP $53,800
Destination Fee $ 825
Gas Guzzler Tax TBD

Standard Equipment (Highlights)

Mercedes-Benz Tex/Cloth Interior
Power Glass Sunroof
AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7-Speed Transmission
Heated Seats
Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control
Bluetooth Connectivity
SIRIUS Satellite Radio
Split Folding Rear Seats

Optional Equipment (2008)

Premium 2 Package $1,080
Bi-Xenon headlamps
Heated Headlamp Washers
Power Rear Window Shade

Multimedia Package $2,950
COMAND Navigation
7" Power Retractable Display
6-Disc CD/DVD Changer
Harman/kardon LOGIC7 Audio
Voice Control
PCMCIA Slot

Seating Package $2,950
AMG Nappa Leather Upholstery
Memory Seats

Stand Alone Options

Metallic Paint $ 710
TeleAid $ 650
6-Disc CD Changer (Non-Multimedia Package vehicles) $ 450

mrdci

No mention for the iPod interface?

amg07

"Power glass sunroof" is listed in the standard features section. I wonder if the iPod is a VPC installed option and that is why it is not listed. Anyway the iPod will most likely be the same price as for the standard C - $375.

nrgy

Do you know if it has been confirmed that all initial C63s coming to the U.S. will have the Seating Package included whether specified or not?

amg07

No, not for sure. But the way I look at is if the base price was announced at 56,800 and the seat package contents were included in the base, would we be unhappy? I think probably not since it still is competitive relative to the competition.

I would not imagine any dealers ordering a car without that option since the base option just provides "Mercedes-Benz Tex/Cloth Interior". So in a way, I think it will be a defacto configuration item.