Questions RE: C63 Performance Package
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1996 BMW M3
Questions RE: C63 Performance Package
Hi All...
I am new to the MB World Forum, and new to MB/AMG. Very impressed.
Got a few pre-purchase questions on the C63, specifically regarding the Performance Package option. Especially wanting the LSD option without the "hammering ride" being reported by reviewers.
I've read the comments on the PP thread, but I have read a few US/UK car-reviews offering varying opinions on the "pros and cons". I would like to get a few more educated opinions from anyone who has driven the C63 with/without the PP for more than just a short drive.
The most frequent criticism(s) is the ride quality (already very firm in the standard C63) as being way too stiff, harsh, punishing...like getting punched in the kidneys repeatedly over less than perfect roads. Also, one review said something about an "annoying whine from the LSD". Huh???
1.) Why would the differential "whine" so audibly in this car?
2.) Any ride complaints from C63 owners with the PP?
3.) Is there a noticeable "whining" from the LSD?
4.) Does MB, Brabus, RennTech offer alternative suspension setups that improve handling and/or ride over the stock setup? (Both Non-PP and PP)
I have read up quite a bit on this car. It has lead me to consider it over the E92 BMW M3, which I was also patiently waiting for. Although it's still a phenomenal car...I am not thrilled with BMW seemingly being overtaken by its marketing department.
-NO SPARE TIRE. (M Mobility and high tech can of Goo). This is for flats?
-NO OIL DIPSTICK. (Ie...Owners, Don't Open The Hood Anymore)
-BUILD QUALITY. Of Late, BMW's feel more tin-can than vault-like MB's.
Thanks. Looking forward to getting a C63 soon, just need some help w/ the PP option.
I am new to the MB World Forum, and new to MB/AMG. Very impressed.
Got a few pre-purchase questions on the C63, specifically regarding the Performance Package option. Especially wanting the LSD option without the "hammering ride" being reported by reviewers.
I've read the comments on the PP thread, but I have read a few US/UK car-reviews offering varying opinions on the "pros and cons". I would like to get a few more educated opinions from anyone who has driven the C63 with/without the PP for more than just a short drive.
The most frequent criticism(s) is the ride quality (already very firm in the standard C63) as being way too stiff, harsh, punishing...like getting punched in the kidneys repeatedly over less than perfect roads. Also, one review said something about an "annoying whine from the LSD". Huh???
1.) Why would the differential "whine" so audibly in this car?
2.) Any ride complaints from C63 owners with the PP?
3.) Is there a noticeable "whining" from the LSD?
4.) Does MB, Brabus, RennTech offer alternative suspension setups that improve handling and/or ride over the stock setup? (Both Non-PP and PP)
I have read up quite a bit on this car. It has lead me to consider it over the E92 BMW M3, which I was also patiently waiting for. Although it's still a phenomenal car...I am not thrilled with BMW seemingly being overtaken by its marketing department.
-NO SPARE TIRE. (M Mobility and high tech can of Goo). This is for flats?
-NO OIL DIPSTICK. (Ie...Owners, Don't Open The Hood Anymore)
-BUILD QUALITY. Of Late, BMW's feel more tin-can than vault-like MB's.
Thanks. Looking forward to getting a C63 soon, just need some help w/ the PP option.
Last edited by Llans737; Nov 25, 2008 at 05:27 PM.
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I drive a C63 without PP and it can be harsh if you are on bad road. My advice to you is drive both of them, opnions can be very subjective. Right now you have a great opportunity to do just that because of the economy some folks have cancel they orders and some dealers may have three or four cars. Good luck. 
Super Member
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From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
If you've driven or owned a sports car which sits low to the ground then the feel is similar. I had the same worries with it being too stiff but at the end after test driving PP with and w/out I went with the PP only because I was looking for a true sports car feel Not a cruiser.
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SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
If you've driven or owned a sports car which sits low to the ground then the feel is similar. I had the same worries with it being too stiff but at the end after test driving PP with and w/out I went with the PP only because I was looking for a true sports car feel Not a cruiser.
Super Member
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From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2008
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1996 BMW M3
Thanks for the responses.
The closest dealership in Houston is still pampering the only C63 (White/Saharah Beige) they have on the showroom floor. No PP, no Navigation ($62,800.00).
NOT AVAILABLE FOR TEST DRIVE.
Currently unable to compare the two cars directly. Having to rely strictly on the commentary/opinions of the various car magazine reviews. I realize opinions generally are somewhat subjective, even biased to some degree, but most seem to be of the opinion that the C63's ride is somewhat "harsh/punishing".
Regardless, I'm still sold on the C63 and MB, just trying to decide whether to go with/without the PP. I own an older BMW 1996 M3 and was anxiously awaiting the E92 M3. Of course, I am aware of the concensus of those reviews declaring the M3 the "overall victor" (except for Road & Track), but I just love the C63...PERIOD!
- Have any of you with the PP heard any "whine" coming from the Diff? A UK online review stated something about a recall due to incorrect fluid, or something to that effect.
- Does the MB aftermarket offer any alternative(s) suspesion upgrades which might strike a balance between performance and comfort (Adjustable). One often made argument in favor of the BMW, is the advantage of having an electronically adjustable suspension (Normal/Comfort/Sport).
Again, thanks in advance for any insights. Glad to hear the ride is liveable as a daily driver for most here. Of course, that's easy to forgive when the rest of the car is so ridiculously awesome. If other "quality" suspension options are available for the C63, even more so!
The closest dealership in Houston is still pampering the only C63 (White/Saharah Beige) they have on the showroom floor. No PP, no Navigation ($62,800.00).
NOT AVAILABLE FOR TEST DRIVE.
Currently unable to compare the two cars directly. Having to rely strictly on the commentary/opinions of the various car magazine reviews. I realize opinions generally are somewhat subjective, even biased to some degree, but most seem to be of the opinion that the C63's ride is somewhat "harsh/punishing".
Regardless, I'm still sold on the C63 and MB, just trying to decide whether to go with/without the PP. I own an older BMW 1996 M3 and was anxiously awaiting the E92 M3. Of course, I am aware of the concensus of those reviews declaring the M3 the "overall victor" (except for Road & Track), but I just love the C63...PERIOD!
- Have any of you with the PP heard any "whine" coming from the Diff? A UK online review stated something about a recall due to incorrect fluid, or something to that effect.
- Does the MB aftermarket offer any alternative(s) suspesion upgrades which might strike a balance between performance and comfort (Adjustable). One often made argument in favor of the BMW, is the advantage of having an electronically adjustable suspension (Normal/Comfort/Sport).
Again, thanks in advance for any insights. Glad to hear the ride is liveable as a daily driver for most here. Of course, that's easy to forgive when the rest of the car is so ridiculously awesome. If other "quality" suspension options are available for the C63, even more so!
Last edited by Llans737; Nov 26, 2008 at 06:24 PM.
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2009 Black C63 AMG
I've got a 2009 with PP. I also had a 2007 BMW 335i with a KW coilover suspension. I feel that the rides are very similar. As far as I know, KW offers a V3 coilover kit for the C63 that is adjustable. I only have 500+ miles on mine, but I have not heard any noise, whine or otherwise, from the diff. Hope that helps. Good luck on your buying experience.
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From: Hong Kong/Charlotte
2010 C63
From your questions it sounds like you may want the LSD but are worried about the ride with the PP. Kleemann (and possibly others - Quaife?) offers an aftermarket LSD. My local M-B dealer is also a Kleemann distributor and offered to install the Kleemann LSD on a non-PP car before delivery. That might be a nice compromise - something to look into, anyway.
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From: Houston, Texas - USA
2009 C63 AMG
I'm a new owner and with just the limited seat time I've had, I will say that the non-PP ride is rough enough. Its like Porsche hard! The saving grace is the body structure on the C is the tightest I've ever owned. The C63 will hit bumps and you'll feel it, but the structure won't quiver, flex, or rattle! Amazing. Tighter than my old E55.
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1996 BMW M3
< The C63 will hit bumps and you'll feel it, but the structure won't quiver, flex, or rattle! Amazing. >
This is one of the things I appreciate most about MB. Everything about the car seems rock-solid. Sitting in the C63 (show-room only so far) and closing the door produces a solid, vault-like sound. Nothing rattling and sounding loose beneath the door panels.
I think I will probably opt for the Performance Package. The differential is the primary reason. For the money, all that is included seems worth the extra "coin of the realm".
If the "everyday" ride proves to be a bit too harsh, there are at least a few good options in suspension mods becoming available for the car.
Thanks for the input. Looking forward to owning one soon!!!
This is one of the things I appreciate most about MB. Everything about the car seems rock-solid. Sitting in the C63 (show-room only so far) and closing the door produces a solid, vault-like sound. Nothing rattling and sounding loose beneath the door panels.
I think I will probably opt for the Performance Package. The differential is the primary reason. For the money, all that is included seems worth the extra "coin of the realm".
If the "everyday" ride proves to be a bit too harsh, there are at least a few good options in suspension mods becoming available for the car.
Thanks for the input. Looking forward to owning one soon!!!
