The AMG private lounge discussion / chat sessions contain the following information: (posted by AMG R. Allen)

1. The 2009 C63 AMG will have very few changes to the Model Year 2008 (other than the VIN tag letter change!) We are definitely planning to offer P30 Perfromance Package by then which will have the LSD, big brakes etc. Pricing should be well below the other P30 packages.

2. Production changeover to the '09s will be this Summer, so the 08 model year will be relatively short. While we don't have a fixed changeover date, as Rob mentioned, the Performance Package won't be available on the 08 models.

With a changeover expected in a handful of months at best, the announced pricing crazy low, an affordable P30 package, the 2008 model is already a dud or will be a confirmed dud once the 09's come out, and the desirability will be nil.

http://www.mercedes-amg.com/privatel...?t=1900&page=3

 

I can see why some would wait just for the additional features for next year but if I had the chance to get one I'd buy one now.

 

It would be interesting to see actual data on how many AMG models are sold with the performance package. I would guess it to actually be in favor of the non performance package variety. That is neither right or wrong - I just think there a certain number of buyers out there where the edge the performance package provides (handling AND ride comfort compromise) does not matter to them.

 

Yeah I agree, I don't really care for the performance package.
1. I'm probably never going to drive the car faster then 155mph
2. I don't really need the bigger brakes and LSD since the car will not see
much track time
3. I rather get the 18" wheels because I think they're nicer and because
of the bigger brakes I probably couldn't fit them on the car if I got the
performance package.
4. No hp gains.

I really would like a pano roof though.

 

The performance package will be a plus to those who want it, but it's not going to be a negative to people who do not care about it. It's not as if there will be a harsher suspension (as if there could be!) or fewer amenities in the car.

Nobody orders cars from the factory anymore. So, I believe dealers will order the performance package, and they'll have no trouble selling it because it will appeal to any buyer. Those of us who would seek out the performance package will probably end up paying a premium.

 

How many MB buyers just go ahead and order just about every option to have the car "fully loaded." I think people buy options just because they are there.

And on the C63, there won't be that many options anyway. It's what, Multimedia, Premium, and Performance. So if you don't get the Performance Pack, its not as if it got lost in the shuffle of options.

 

I hope they add the MCT for 09 other than that...

the C class has been out for about 1 year now and the engine has been out for close to 2 years.

this car won't have too many bugs.

no sense in waiting for the performance pack.. we all love our AMG's with out LSD. Nice to have one.. but not needed to go to work

 

If you use that standard, then almost nothing that makes an AMG and AMG is needed to go to work!

I would definitely wait, but that's because I've been known to visit a track every now and then.


And I agree with the point that people just load up options because they are there. In fact, people buy AMGs because they are "top of the line" and that's all they care about. Then they complain that the brakes squeal and the ride is harsh.

 

watch, they'll raise the base price for 2009...

 

i hear you..

The car obviously needs an LSD for the track.. just watching the Top Gear review.. and the way the M3 out handles the C63 makes it very clear.

But the M3 does not the MDM and EDC to be surperior. Those are options and make the price point much higher.

The C63 base is pretty good from the box

I would say.. an M3 with MDM/EDC and C63 with performance pack would be around the same price and very close in terms of performance.

 

I think the one used in Top gear had an LSD. It looked like it had the performance package.

 

What do you think would happen to the value of the 08's if MCT is available on the 09's?

 

To some small segment of the C63 buyer's market, it will be worth less. But as noted above, SO MANY people buy C63s just because they are the top-of-the-line, and they have no interest in the transmission's performance. Overall, I think the transmission alone will have minimal effect.

 

I agree with the statement that some people buy AMGs just because they are top of the line...

But I don't think it holds true for the C63. Who buys a top of the line C class, just to buy the top of the line C? I feel that a buyer like that would rather spend the same amount of money on a fully loaded E550.

 

My $.02. I didn't order this car for racing or for the track, I have absolutely no need for PP and didn't order it as such. If I wanted a track car, quite honestly, I would not be getting a Benz. I am in the market for a luxury - performance car. This car has the lux (albeit not E or S class level), it has the braun, it has the sound and it has the looks (edit: at least the proper combination to give me wood every time I'm around it). As far at me meeting an E92 M3 out on the streets (edit: which is fugly and does not give me wood), I could give two S**TS. Like I said, if I wanted a race car and felt the need to beat everyone on the streets... it wouldn't be a Benz.

 

Performance pack is a no brainer for me. Any car with 450+ hp without LSD is crazy. Step on the gas and one wheel peel. Defintely not cool.

 

Okay, my honest question is, how many of you actually do the "peeling out" from a stop like the infintile high schoolers? My car loses rear wheel traction when I am taking a turn, stepping on the gas, and sliding my rear end around... at that point in time there is no doubt that both wheels have lost grip. I don't ever think I'll have a need to "peel out" from a stop. Isn't it kind of juvenile?

edit: I don't know about you, but when accelerating I don't think I want to break traction... call me crazy...

 

+1

 

Okay fine, you Chumps! You got me, you called my bluff... I want the damn LSD but I don't want to pay for the rest of the crap. I wish it were a stand alone option... I may end up having to do a mod later, but not going for the package.

 

+2

 

I have an 09 on order and the only thing I see on the 030 Performance Package is:

251: Delimitation of top speed to 174 mph
471: Limited Slip Differential Lock

nothing about bigger brakes, bigger wheels.... yet.


I had a chance to buy an 08 right now, but it didn't have the 030 package, so I passed... plus I'm getting an 09 in August.

 

The car accelerates just fine without the LSD.

The US car rags didn't have the LSD in their test cars and the 0-60, 0-100 and quarter mile times were outstanding.

 

I have one on order w/ PP also. It says the same as yours. I have read that for the US it also includes enhanced brakes and 10% stiffer suspension, it may also include the alcantara steering wheel. No bigger wheels.

 

wow, i'd be pissed if it didnt have the upgraded brakes, suspension, and steering wheel..

especially the steering wheel...lol

 

Even if the performance package was available in 2008, I would have passed on it also. I would have wanted the alcantara steering wheel and the carbon fiber interior, but then I would have had to wait. It's hard to assume that 2008 would be that much more devalued considering there was only about 2-3 production per dealership. SF only had two for 2008 and I was #2