New member and a question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC
2009 C63 AMG
New member and a question
Hi all,
First off, I'm happy to finally join your fold and be an mB owner. I received my C63 last weekend and have been enjoying it so far. This car replaced my 04 M3 w/ SMG. That SMG was a love/hate thing.
I test drove an E92 M3 and while I think it's a great car also, I couldn't justify "upgrading" from the E46 version...there just wasn't that big a difference for the price.
Handling-wise, I feel the C63 more involving up to 80%...as a DD, it is way more communicative. I do concur that on the track, one can push the M3 harder. It's less nervous at the limit...more neutral. But, of course, that made it a dull daily drive.
Anyhoo, as mentioned, I have a 2009 C63 (not the 2009.5 build), tenorite grey, charcoal interior, it came with the performance pkg, amg pkg, and media interface (I think that's all the options?). One item I do miss that is now on the 2009.5 is Parktronic. I had it on my M3 and have it on my Cayenne GTS. It does make parking a breeze.
So my question is: Is there a part that I can order to retrofit Parktronic onto the C63? That is, without going aftermarket? TIA.
Now the gratuitous shots:
L8TRz...
-H
First off, I'm happy to finally join your fold and be an mB owner. I received my C63 last weekend and have been enjoying it so far. This car replaced my 04 M3 w/ SMG. That SMG was a love/hate thing.
I test drove an E92 M3 and while I think it's a great car also, I couldn't justify "upgrading" from the E46 version...there just wasn't that big a difference for the price.Handling-wise, I feel the C63 more involving up to 80%...as a DD, it is way more communicative. I do concur that on the track, one can push the M3 harder. It's less nervous at the limit...more neutral. But, of course, that made it a dull daily drive.
Anyhoo, as mentioned, I have a 2009 C63 (not the 2009.5 build), tenorite grey, charcoal interior, it came with the performance pkg, amg pkg, and media interface (I think that's all the options?). One item I do miss that is now on the 2009.5 is Parktronic. I had it on my M3 and have it on my Cayenne GTS. It does make parking a breeze.
So my question is: Is there a part that I can order to retrofit Parktronic onto the C63? That is, without going aftermarket? TIA.
Now the gratuitous shots:
L8TRz...
-H
Super Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 850
Likes: 1
From: NYC
2009 C63 AMG Black on Black PP Package CF fully loaded
Hey Tia,
Your car looks Great!!! I'm glad you're one of the few that went with the CF trim which makes the interior look so much better, especially in black. My pics are posted on the picture thread, Good Luck!!!
Your car looks Great!!! I'm glad you're one of the few that went with the CF trim which makes the interior look so much better, especially in black. My pics are posted on the picture thread, Good Luck!!!
Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 76
Likes: 0
C63
congrats!! The CF trim looks soo nice!! I am still waiting for mine, and i think the 2009 January production already have the new mirrors and parktronic, this is just what sale told me. But the thing is Jan production must be April delivery for US and Canada
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
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From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
EPC shows different bumper cover models for parktronic vs non for both front and rear. That, the wiring harnesses, and the displays - should be doable, but probably labor intensive.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,424
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From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
im in the same boat - I had an '02 SMG M3 and i loved/hated it
I loved it for the downshifts and throttle blips, cornering and accelerating - with an Eisenmann Exhaust you couldnt beat the sound of the blip with the windows wide open...i havent take delivery of my C63 yet so I have only heard about the C63 exhaust note...
wen my warranty came up it was time to dump the SMG b/c I had a recurring error that could never get resolved - that i hated b/c it was a great car and I feel I was forced out of it b/c of BMW's incompetency
Congrats and great choice - if you do a search on the W204 board, there is a thread about a parktronic aftermkt install -
I loved it for the downshifts and throttle blips, cornering and accelerating - with an Eisenmann Exhaust you couldnt beat the sound of the blip with the windows wide open...i havent take delivery of my C63 yet so I have only heard about the C63 exhaust note...
wen my warranty came up it was time to dump the SMG b/c I had a recurring error that could never get resolved - that i hated b/c it was a great car and I feel I was forced out of it b/c of BMW's incompetency
Congrats and great choice - if you do a search on the W204 board, there is a thread about a parktronic aftermkt install -
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Northern NJ
2009 C63
not parktronic - but an alternative - I know SMG spoiled me too!
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...k-sensors.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...k-sensors.html
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,375
Likes: 8
From: Seattle, WA
C55
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC
2009 C63 AMG
im in the same boat - I had an '02 SMG M3 and i loved/hated it
I loved it for the downshifts and throttle blips, cornering and accelerating - with an Eisenmann Exhaust you couldnt beat the sound of the blip with the windows wide open...i havent take delivery of my C63 yet so I have only heard about the C63 exhaust note...
wen my warranty came up it was time to dump the SMG b/c I had a recurring error that could never get resolved - that i hated b/c it was a great car and I feel I was forced out of it b/c of BMW's incompetency
Congrats and great choice - if you do a search on the W204 board, there is a thread about a parktronic aftermkt install -
I loved it for the downshifts and throttle blips, cornering and accelerating - with an Eisenmann Exhaust you couldnt beat the sound of the blip with the windows wide open...i havent take delivery of my C63 yet so I have only heard about the C63 exhaust note...
wen my warranty came up it was time to dump the SMG b/c I had a recurring error that could never get resolved - that i hated b/c it was a great car and I feel I was forced out of it b/c of BMW's incompetency
Congrats and great choice - if you do a search on the W204 board, there is a thread about a parktronic aftermkt install -
BTW, you can really notice the impending understeer on turn-in with the C63. The M3 exhibit more of a mid-corner understeer. And I feel that the Cayenne with the bypass pipes sounds a bit throatier/meaner than the C63. Love them both but the Porsche has a more taut sound to it.Yup...unfortunately it turned into a track/autox-only car. Here's a teaser:
LOL...I just noticed that. Nice...I'm not a hawt chick! My wife will be impressed.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 4
From: Surf City, USA
What I like!
Nice track car and best C63 color choice 
I agree with your thoughts on the C63's handling feel.
Here is my C63 after a few laps, next to my track S2000, with some crazy E55 driver walking in the pits
Welcome to the forum and congrats!
I agree with your thoughts on the C63's handling feel.
Here is my C63 after a few laps, next to my track S2000, with some crazy E55 driver walking in the pits
Welcome to the forum and congrats!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 655
Likes: 4
From: Surf City, USA
What I like!
I was pleasantly surprised at the C63 on the track -- actually, REALLY surprised. I was expecting a 4000lb car to feel sluggish -- even "tricky" after all the reviews. I only drove at 7/10ths (it's my luxo-cruiser not a track car), but it felt very neutral and super stable at high speed. I was on more of a hi-speed configuration, with mainly sweepers and straights, so nimbleness wasn't really put to the test, but I was amazed at how balanced the car felt, especially after all the reviews casting it as a "handful." If you are smooth with the car, there is no drama (keep in mind though, I was not over-pushing the limits, but when you do, it is easy to control) I only did 7 or 8 laps, ambient temps were around 90+ degrees and my oil temps were creeping into the 260 range, so I came in. Even after just a few laps, my fronts were wearing quite a lot on the outside edges. Needs more negative camber. I was very impressed with the car's handling though. It's not as confidence inspiring as maybe the M3 is, but it does get the job done. Kind of like a Porsche vs Vette
Afterward I thought..... completely strip out the car, put on r-compounds and race suspension... and it would be AMAZING. But who's gonna do that?
OH yeah... this car gets up to high speeds sooooooo much quicker than my S2000 (obviously) it's crazy.
Afterward I thought..... completely strip out the car, put on r-compounds and race suspension... and it would be AMAZING. But who's gonna do that?
OH yeah... this car gets up to high speeds sooooooo much quicker than my S2000 (obviously) it's crazy.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC
2009 C63 AMG
I was pleasantly surprised at the C63 on the track -- actually, REALLY surprised. I was expecting a 4000lb car to feel sluggish -- even "tricky" after all the reviews. I only drove at 7/10ths (it's my luxo-cruiser not a track car), but it felt very neutral and super stable at high speed. I was on more of a hi-speed configuration, with mainly sweepers and straights, so nimbleness wasn't really put to the test, but I was amazed at how balanced the car felt, especially after all the reviews casting it as a "handful." If you are smooth with the car, there is no drama (keep in mind though, I was not over-pushing the limits, but when you do, it is easy to control) I only did 7 or 8 laps, ambient temps were around 90+ degrees and my oil temps were creeping into the 260 range, so I came in. Even after just a few laps, my fronts were wearing quite a lot on the outside edges. Needs more negative camber. I was very impressed with the car's handling though. It's not as confidence inspiring as maybe the M3 is, but it does get the job done. Kind of like a Porsche vs Vette
Afterward I thought..... completely strip out the car, put on r-compounds and race suspension... and it would be AMAZING. But who's gonna do that?
OH yeah... this car gets up to high speeds sooooooo much quicker than my S2000 (obviously) it's crazy.
Afterward I thought..... completely strip out the car, put on r-compounds and race suspension... and it would be AMAZING. But who's gonna do that?
OH yeah... this car gets up to high speeds sooooooo much quicker than my S2000 (obviously) it's crazy.
My initial feeling is exactly as you described it. It's quite an amazing car given it's mass. I completely fell in love with the C63 after testing it. And this was soon after driving the E92 M3. I think the E46 M3 is a better track car...way more balanced (but damn their understeer). And it's like you said: Porsche vs Vette. When I drove my friend's Z06, I loved the power and grip but the handling/feedback was lacking. I have to trust and know that it grips but I can't really feel its threshold (I feel it might just snap out from under me). That said, the power is intoxicating.
But my track car is the FD...@ 2900lbs and 425rwhp (~500 @ crank), it just feels more fun.
Here are the self-promoting FD pix...
And finally...@ an autox event:
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC
2009 C63 AMG
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, BC
2009 C63 AMG
No plans this year (semi retirement/hiatus). Just got twins...they take up most of my time and resources. If I go, I tend to haul out the FD cuz I like it so much. The C63 is fun but is not a forgiving car for Mission. It'll love Portland.
-H
-H
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 770
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley, CA
'93 RX-7, SLK55
Nice color combo.
-Matt
