C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Nearing Buy on 09 C63 AMG

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 11, 2008 | 11:17 PM
  #1  
lomita's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
Nearing Buy on 09 C63 AMG

Went to the Lexus dealer and was admiring the ISF lines this afternoon. Looks great, however, upon reviewing several of the C63AMG vs ISF vs M3, YouTube videos, etc., couldn't help but notice the huge roll rates of the Lexus ISF. Suspension looks way too soft, especially in the corners. Upon takeoffs, the entire back end of the car was bouncing up and down. That was the final acid test in making the decision to buy a C63 AMG with sport and performance AMG package options.

There seem to be several opinions on how bad the ride quality is with the PP. Couldn't be any rougher than the wife's sport tuned suspension on her 05Infiniti G35.

Can't imagine why MB wouldn't put a LSD in every car with this amount of HP.

Test drove the C63AMG last week without the PP, felt real good, very nice turning radius, turns on a dime. Am very curious how the ride will be with the stiffer chassis. Anyone have some experience with driving the car with PP and without?
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 12:27 AM
  #2  
paulGT3's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
AMG C63
I came out of a GT3 to a PP car without the stiffer PP springs.
You have got the right car Remember Lexus designs cars for 85 year old grandmas who love their LS430's. So when the Lexus engineers sat down to come up with a sportier car they asked who is their target market. MUCH Younger, say 65 that have come out of Cadillacs and want to move to a foriegn sporty car.
Anyway the answer is I think the ride is stiff enough without the PP springs.
However you really need to test drive both so you can taylor your own tastes.
What if I tell you its a lot softer after I was in a Porsche GT3 which I drove with PASM (stiff) on all the time. My view is tainted. I think you will be very happy either way. But my view is the car is stiff enough for my purposes (including trackwork) without the PP springs.
hope this helps
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 12:57 AM
  #3  
Stangar's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale, CA
Mustang
Until you drive each car, and on the same day, you are just guessing.

Go take a test drive but if you are like me I think the standard suspension on the C63 is very nice and the IS F borders on abusive (especially the rear).

I can't imagine wanting stiffer springs/struts/shocks on the C63 unless you live where the roads are very, very smooth.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 12:59 AM
  #4  
Strafe1's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 583
Likes: 23
From: Colorado
2021 E63 S Sedan
I haven't driven the full PP, just mine with the PP lite (LSD only). Unless you will be on the track frequently, I can't imagine the full PP for daily use, because the standard suspension is plenty stiff.
90 degree turns (at speed) and quick s turns reveal only slight body roll. Compared to my previous C55, it is 50% stiffer, yet more pliable on highway imperfections. For everday driving, I can see where the track suspension can be too much for most people. Just an opinion!
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 02:28 AM
  #5  
lomita's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
The Dilemma

Originally Posted by Stangar
Until you drive each car, and on the same day, you are just guessing.

Go take a test drive but if you are like me I think the standard suspension on the C63 is very nice and the IS F borders on abusive (especially the rear).

I can't imagine wanting stiffer springs/struts/shocks on the C63 unless you live where the roads are very, very smooth.
The dilemma is the dealerships are far and few between that have the PP on a C63 AMG in their inventory and their tendency to not let the car be test driven! Fine, I won't be buying a vehicle which I can't test drive............
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 01:23 PM
  #6  
Stangar's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale, CA
Mustang
Originally Posted by lomita
The dilemma is the dealerships are far and few between that have the PP on a C63 AMG in their inventory and their tendency to not let the car be test driven! Fine, I won't be buying a vehicle which I can't test drive............
With the economy in shambles, go ask for a test drive a couple of days before the election. The C63 is starting to pile up on dealer lots. All new C63's and the number of them that each M-B dealer has, with a description, can be found on www.autotrader.com. Search for your new car and know what they have when you arrive. Some dealers have 9 or 10 of 'em and if you are serious will allow test drives. In SoCal, they are not selling as fast as everyone on this site believes.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 02:11 PM
  #7  
dlbello's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
Originally Posted by lomita
The dilemma is the dealerships are far and few between that have the PP on a C63 AMG in their inventory and their tendency to not let the car be test driven! Fine, I won't be buying a vehicle which I can't test drive............
What you should do is give your dealer a large deposit (2K + which would be refundable unless you sign something saying different) before the test drive so that he understands you're a serious buyer. (I would recommend the the Full PP package, I test driven both and have the Full PP now... its simply GREAT!) For the small price difference vs parts added would be senseless Not to get the PP... Its a sports car so you want as many PP options available for this car, its awesome
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 02:17 PM
  #8  
dlbello's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
BTW... Don't listen to people saying that the lots are filled with C63 cause they are full of it... You may see some left overs from people rejecting the botched PP packages but thats it! I travel alot and have been to many city's across the U.S. visiting mulitable MB dealers and most of what you might see are already spoken for or are on a long back order list depending on dealer, options needed. In my case CF was back ordered and took a while.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 02:51 PM
  #9  
lomita's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
Botched PP?

Originally Posted by dlbello
BTW... Don't listen to people saying that the lots are filled with C63 cause they are full of it... You may see some left overs from people rejecting the botched PP packages but thats it! I travel alot and have been to many city's across the U.S. visiting mulitable MB dealers and most of what you might see are already spoken for or are on a long back order list depending on dealer, options needed. In my case CF was back ordered and took a while.
What constitutes a botched PP package?
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 03:08 PM
  #10  
blazinginder's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,358
Likes: 2
AlabasterWhiteSL ObsidianBlackML
^ assume he meant not the "full" PP
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 03:20 PM
  #11  
paulGT3's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
AMG C63
I got a botched PP, Its simply the car without the PP but WITH the LSD and the
delimited top speed. Sorta of a PP lite.
no springs or Steering wheel or brakes.
The springs are easily replaceable. The steeting wheel is the thing I miss.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 03:25 PM
  #12  
dlbello's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
Exactly Not a Full PP...

***Just the LSD and I think the de-limiter.

***NO Alcantara steering wheel, PP brakes 2 piece rotors, PP suspension
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 03:55 PM
  #13  
lomita's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
LSD without PP

Originally Posted by dlbello
Exactly Not a Full PP...

***Just the LSD and I think the de-limiter.

***NO Alcantara steering wheel, PP brakes 2 piece rotors, PP suspension


I could live with the LSD without PP suspension, however, want to make sure before I drive the stake in. Too bad the LSD isn't offered as a stand alone option.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 05:19 PM
  #14  
paulGT3's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
AMG C63
Lomita
if you are willing to take the LSD only and you live in SoCal then look for one with the PP lite and Make them DEAL!!!
if you can find one you should be able to get some off MSRP.
and being in SoCal that helps but hurts too.
You should be able to find one but the demand is so
high (they arent piling up on the lots-there are USED ones however)
it might be hard to get a GREAT deal
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 08:23 PM
  #15  
beemaze's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Pasadena, CA
C63 / ////AMG
I recently picked up the C63 with full PP package. I also drove a non PP C63 a few months back. So not exactly a back to back comparison. I'm coming off a C55. IMHO, the C63 with full PP is definitely stiffer over the harsh, bumpy road surfaces than either the non PP C63 or C55. That being said, it's not that bad. I would say it's more akin to a Porsche Carrera S I drove with the PASM on sport mode, but not bad at all. The C63 with full PP is very smooth over well paved roads and corners flatter than the C55. I'm very pleased, and knew what I was getting into when I ordered it back in July. There will always be some tradeoffs with a track-tuned type of set up.

Regards.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 08:38 PM
  #16  
Deeroff's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
C63, Scuderia, 599, 16M, AEV Hemi Jeep, '57 Porsche Speedster, '55 300SL, SLS on order
Drove them back-to-back on the same day on the same crappy roads in New York City. Got the Full PP - slighter more stiff, but a bit more controlled too.

And driving it over the last short while in NYC with full PP has confirmed I made the right choice (for me)
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 08:51 PM
  #17  
ashva's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: NoVA
14 E63S
Originally Posted by dlbello
BTW... Don't listen to people saying that the lots are filled with C63 cause they are full of it... You may see some left overs from people rejecting the botched PP packages but thats it! I travel alot and have been to many city's across the U.S. visiting mulitable MB dealers and most of what you might see are already spoken for or are on a long back order list depending on dealer, options needed. In my case CF was back ordered and took a while.
Not sure what cities you visit but there are at least 12 of them between 3 MB dealers in this area (DC). Not sure about turnover at all these dealers but I work near one of them and the same car has been in the showroom for at least 2 months now.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 09:16 PM
  #18  
lomita's Avatar
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
LA Dealers - C63 AMG PP

Originally Posted by ashva
Not sure what cities you visit but there are at least 12 of them between 3 MB dealers in this area (DC). Not sure about turnover at all these dealers but I work near one of them and the same car has been in the showroom for at least 2 months now.
Have the feelers out with several agencies now for a test drive with the PP package option.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback.

We are pretty sure we'll be going with performance suspension.
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 09:34 PM
  #19  
Stangar's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Palmdale, CA
Mustang
Originally Posted by dlbello
BTW... Don't listen to people saying that the lots are filled with C63 cause they are full of it... You may see some left overs from people rejecting the botched PP packages but thats it! I travel alot and have been to many city's across the U.S. visiting mulitable MB dealers and most of what you might see are already spoken for or are on a long back order list depending on dealer, options needed. In my case CF was back ordered and took a while.
There must be a lot of transplants from Missouri in NYC. The OP lives in SoCal somewhere and within 50 miles of Beverly Hills there are 49 (forty nine) 2009 C63's presently available. Checkout the link: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/search...nerid=47002480
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 10:59 PM
  #20  
dlbello's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
Originally Posted by Deeroff
Drove them back-to-back on the same day on the same crappy roads in New York City. Got the Full PP - slighter more stiff, but a bit more controlled too.

And driving it over the last short while in NYC with full PP has confirmed I made the right choice (for me)
+10 You got it right Did the same test driven both several times in the course of my travel's... If you have the chance and time, you'd be fool not to Just my 2 cents
Reply
Old Oct 12, 2008 | 11:20 PM
  #21  
dlbello's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
I see the posts from the guys in LA and DC area,,, Those are 2 city's I had not been in, in a while. Also the break down of banks, stock market and the economy has taken a toll in past several weeks. Since I got my car, its now been close to 4 weeks from my last visit to these dealers... But I'm still willing to bet that some of those cars were ordered with the full PP and were Botched (lite PP) and rejected by the buyer... I've seen it here in NY and they are also sitting in show rooms. The PP package is well spent money for what your getting as a Full C63 sport package.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2008 | 01:04 PM
  #22  
passcheco
Guest
 
Posts: n/a
Large dealer = more cars

Besides over 50% of all AMG comes here (USA), the irony is that here we have the darn speed limit, also California refunds your deposit no question asked a dealer can manipulate inventory and get more cars in and sale cars at MSRP all day long, so what if one here or there gets sold at below MSRP changes are they make up on finance charges or trade.
Reply
Old Oct 14, 2008 | 01:18 PM
  #23  
Childish///AMG's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 2,987
Likes: 0
C32 AMG 2002, C 63 AMG 2009
I really want to get a "New" car
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 06:01 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE