PatSC23

I know the torque numbers and HP numbers, but i havent ridden in it nor have i driven it. Mine is due in in May and Im just trying to get a gauge on the power of this thing.

Im a capable driver, but then again anyone is in a regular car (almost anyone). Does anyone find the C63 difficult to drive in terms of keeping control? I know mashing the pedal will cause tons of wheel spin, but how does this thing react on corners while downshifting and accelerating? Downshifting and accelerating in a straight line? Im just curious to see how prone this thing is to fishtailing or does the ESP kick in and control all that?

I previously had an E46 M3 and found it to be rather tame and very capable on corners and turns but the torque numbers on that were very low.

Just looking for some input and insight, im getting the car no matter what. Any input from guys that came from an E46 M3 would be great too - (non lsd C63 on order)

Merc63

This is why they have a little thing called ESP.

I doubt you could spin out if you tried with it on. Don't take it off if you can't drive that well.

PatSC23

thats what i figured -

with the ESP, is it disengaged with a button or when you drive in Manual mode?

tyanger

There's a ESP sport setting which should let you slide and have some fun, but probably not let you kill yourself.

I read that even if while in 'ESP off' setting if you lose control and hit the brakes, it will turn itself back on. I've never actually tried to do that, but that's what I've heard.

Yes, its a button on the center stack

Manual/Sport/Comfort transmission setting is a separate button independent of ESP (traction control) on/sport/off setting

PatSC23

thanks - honestly I'd probably never turn ESP off - good to know that I can choose any of the 3 driving modes with a little security blanket -

yooker

Real men drive with everything off, including ABS

GBlansten

Signed,

James Dean

hkmp5roxs

I've driven ESP OFF and have lost control (damn rain) and applying the brakes made the esp kick back on and saved me from a costly little error.

PatSC23

great advice

SebringSilver

Including the ignition??

dlbello

wan888

I experienced the same with those crappy original contis ... with this torque, you feel like you're on ice when you have the ESP off ... even in Sports mode, the wheel spin is totally annoying.

I have my 19" changed to the Toyo RE88 and all problem solved. You just need some very grippy tires for the torque we have.

Imagine, driving a viper with bald tyres ...... it's not your skill, it's just no grip.

yooker

ESP kicks back in when applying brakes?

PatSC23

even better - im getting 19's right away so i will take my time researching the proper rubber for them

can the R888 be daily use tires for summer time? How well do they do in rain?

SebringSilver

But wouldn't smoother (rather than sudden) acceleration help exorcise much of that unwanted wheelspin? Isn't a deft right foot all that's needed, in reality?

I understand that we have a lot of torque in this car, and that it's probably under-spec'ed in terms of tire width. But I'm sure pretty much all of us are good enough drivers that we can modulate the throttle better, in order to stem much of that wheelspin when it's not called for. I love the fact that I can lay down two long strips of rubber on the tarmac IF I wanted to. But I love even more the fact that I can choose to be moderate, and still derive a lot of driving pleasure from this car.

Remember, power without control is nothing.

Besides, the environment, and your pocketbook, will love you for it.

Danny_Boy

Unless its raining I always drive in M mode with the ESP turned to sport.

manofadventure2

Don't pay any attention to all the bravado, you'll soon get used to the power, it's a mercedes-it's much easier to drive than an E46 M3! Especially with that 7 speed auto box...and there is no reason to switch off the ESP unless you're on a track.
I dissagree with everyone who said get the 19" wheels, the suspension is already quite hard with the 18" wheels, and my top tip- get a set of winter tyres for the colder months- they are worth thier weight in gold! It will massively improve your grip (and don't forget to put the summer tyres back on in summer!).
I'm currently on continental wintercontact 235's in the front and 255's in the back (on 18" rims), the guys at the AMG factory recommended me continental wintercontact 225's all round, but I figured that was overkill given that English winters are much milder than German ones.

nrgy

Hey wan888, how are those Toyo R888s holding up? How many miles/km have you put on them and how much tread is left? Thanks!

GMW

I've decide to keep it in C for normal driving. That way, if you don't fully push the accelerator pedal down, you won't get much/any wheelspin. (Unless you are driving on loose soil, gravel, wet road or turning into a corner from a stop)

Otherwise, you can more easily modulate the power with your foot. S mode is just crazy. You will spin quite a bit and it will eat tyres faster. C also give you a nice deep gurgling sound as you always start in 2nd gear. C also keeps you from driving like a complete maniac.

Merc63

I plan in being in manual mode with ESP off all the time. Waooohooo May wont come fast enough.

PatSC23

ill be using the 18's for snows and getting 19's for summer so i dont need to swap out tires all the time - im ok with a harsh ride as Im on 22's right now and practically rubber band tires -

also planning on upping the stock sizes to 245f 275r if it fits to get some more grip ...

essarai

anyone with some concise feedback on the pZeros??

tyanger

I'm sure you've seen the trend that the stock P Zeroes wear out extremely fast on the rear wheels. Performance and handling wise I don't think there's a problem with them (but then I never drive on a track) other than they wear out really fast (anywhere from 600 miles to 4000 miles). I replaced my rears at 2800 miles. Since the front tires are almost brand new I went to a pair 265/35 18 P Zero Nero M+S. I haven't really notice a change in performance, but of course it's winter and I have to drive accordingly. I'm planning on switching away from Pirelli next go around (Hopefully all 4 tires will wear out at the same).

PatSC23

whats the proper tire setup if u go 275 in the rear? 245/275?

PatSC23

this is with esp off correct? With ESP on you wouldnt spin i thought -