skoobz2001

Hey folks - seems like a really nice group you have here after browsing around for a bit.

Here's my story. Currently drive a 2008 Jeep GC SRT8 with a few performance mods (13.5s 1/4 mile at 106mph at 2200') and my wife has a 2010 Lexus RX 350 for hauling the baby around town. Previous to the Jeep, I had a 2002 C230 coupe, which I LOVED. You just can't ever really get over the build quality of a Benz compared to anything else...

The Jeep's warranty is about to end, and as much as I love it, I'm ready to cut ties with it. I want something that performs at least equivalently and that I can do the odd track day with. I want to be able to drive in a Canadian winter (with winter tires), and have the room for a kid in a front facing car seat in the back. I do drive hard, but after 3 years of straight line speed, I'd like some cornering ability again!

So... is the C63 for me? Thanks for your feedback! I have a test drive booked on Saturday (sans PP, but the dealership has a PP in grey coming in the next few weeks).

Even Money

I had my nephew in a car seat, front facing in the back; it was tight, but would work if you had to. If you have LSD and good winter tires, winter shouldn't be an issue. You'll want the car for sure after you test drive. FYI, I bought the car while overseas w/out a test drive.

bushburninc63

Are you going to get are, Yes.

RAKLAW

I has a 2006 300 C SRT for 18 months. ..you will love the 6.2.litre motor far and away more than the hemi. The fit and finish of MB & AMG far exceed a Chrysler product.

Bonk

I have a forward facing Britax Marathon in the back passenger side. It's a big car seat and with an almost 3-yr old in there it is a tight fit but I only occasionally drive with a kid. If you're going to be hauling a kid and passenger frequently you may want to see for yourself how much space there is (or isn't) before you decide.

It's no worse than a 3-series but coming from an SUV it'll definitely be tighter.

Haven't driven in the winter yet but I did opt for the LSD with that in mind.

mikekuriger

even a C55 would make you happy. at 1/2 the price!

skoobz2001

The fit and finish are a huge part of it for me. I HATE how domestics start to rattle after a couple years. And I don't particularly trust the power train without a warranty...

_AMG_

I love old school AMG's including the c55.

arctichaze

I have both cars (SRT8 and C63) there is no comparison other than straight line acceleration. The Jeep feels like a fast tank and the C63 is a nimble sprinter. Admittedly the C63 WILL never land all of its power from a dead stop because a its a rear wheel drive vehicle. When the Jeep launches its like a damn sling shot. The Jeep is lucky to have 12MPG even if I don't stomp on it. The C63 does 17-18MPG under the same conditions and its a lot easier for me to accept that.

skoobz2001

This might be a stupid question, given the differences, but if you had the C63 and not the SRT8 - would you miss the Jeep?

NickZag

There are several of us that track our C63's from drag to road courses to autocross and really enjoy it. As far as speed, the C63 runs a 1/4 mile a full second quicker then your SRT8 at 12.5 on a quarter mile (stock). With a simple tune, you'll even do better. Dad63 here has probably the quickest of everyone and runs mid to low 11's I believe. There is also plenty of room in the back seat for a car seat.

That being said, you did mention Canadian winters. If you want something that does well in the winter, the C63 might not be your best bet.

arctichaze

I hate how low the lip of the Jeep is. The C63 is basically a 5 seater sports car that can handle good around the corners. So I would keep the C63 100%

jvanbrecht

Only if 3 of those people are midgets can you fit 5 people in this car :P

Anyone over 5 feet, and your looking at a 4 seater..... 6 foot and over, its a 3 seater because the guy/girl in the back has to sit with her/her *** behind the passenger seat, and his/her legs behind the driver seat..

Trust me, I know, my wife is 6'1 and tried the back seats... she is not impressed.... Also.. really uncomfortable to make out in the car....

Anyways, its an awesome car, and while yes, it has 4 doors, and potentially 5 seats, the front bucket seats are extremely thick and the plastic backs just don't leave enough space for seating...

Although, drop the rear seats.. and a Great Dane and a Dalmation can both fit comfortably in the car

skoobz2001

Well, I drove it and I loved it. The PP model was in and it is amazingly quick. Now I have to see what I can get for the Jeep - or wait and order a C63 for next year...

arctichaze

The Jeep holds its value because its a limited run car. Good luck with the Sale. Dont trade it in. Go private party with the sale.

skoobz2001

Well, I lucked out and the dealership had a non-P31 with Sottozeros on it, so I got to test drive on atrocious snow and ice - and the car performed just fine. I left a deposit on an Obsidian 2011 P31 with everything except the CF trim (in stock). I ordered some Michelin X-Ice2's on MSW rims from TireRack, and Weathertech winter mats. Rubber is here, mats will be here next week.

I'm waiting another week on trying to sell my SRT8 and have had quite a bit of interest - but if it's not sold by next Thursday, I'm taking the trade-in the dealer offered me on it - I'm way too excited to wait much longer for the C63.

Is there anything else I should be asking the dealer about or picking up before I get my car? I'm not going to do any of the "dealer packages" (paint sealer etc.) but am considering the Diamon-Fusion windshield treatment (just the application, not the warranty) and will take it to my guy for tint all around. Is the 3M clear bra worth it? (We have a lot of gravel on the road here...) Any other suggestions?

Can't wait to get back to the Benz!!!

propain

You must drive on the highway a lot. My C63 averages 14 MPG since the day I got it. Most weeks I'm lucky if I can do better than 11 MPG. That's pretty much 50% hwy 50% city driving.


The C63 is leaps and bounds ahead of the Jeep. The things you will miss:

Cargo space
Driving in any condition other than warm and dry.

skoobz2001

Well, I got it on Saturday afternoon! Obsidian 2011 with P31 and the non-Parktronic Premium package! I'll post pics after it gets tinted tomorrow!

I can't believe how sturdy a car it is - loving the handling so far, and it's on crappy ice and snow-covered roads half the time! I'm looking forward to getting on the summer rubber and letting it out come springtime.

OrientBlue3

Congrats on the purchase. You'll love P31. Did you get the LSD?

khmergod

Grats!

skoobz2001

Sure did! It's actually part of P31 in Canada! Makes the snowy roads MUCH more doable.

OrientBlue3

Good to hear. That's how P30 was with LSD standard. Nice to see they do that with P31 for you boys up north.

1st amg

Congrats and welcome to the group.....you will love the car now, but wait until you drive this car with all the windows down this spring, you will be in awe of how this monster sounds....but for now, after you have broke the car in, drive with your two rear seats down, you will love the louder noise...what part of Canada are you from?

skoobz2001

Thanks for the welcome guys! I'm really excited to be back in a Benz - the build quality seems absolutely stellar!

I'm in Edmonton. We had 2+ feet of snow over the last few weeks, but the day I picked up my car it was 3 degrees C and gorgeous out!

kart125

I've just joined this forum and it's a pleasure to join the MB family! I've been around on saabcentral for the last 3 years and discovered how forums can be a great source of information...

I had the bad luck of falling in love last week at the Montreal Auto Show... the c63 AMG Affalterbach Edition was such a stunner that I left the show and headed to the dealer... and walked out with a deposit on the last of 2 the dealer ordered.

I was surprised to get a call this afternoon saying the car will be here in less than 2 weeks (I expected a late spring delivery).

I'm so excited that I will not be able to sleep until it gets here! U didnt do a test drive yet so it will be a great thing to finally drive one... I dont think I will change my mind and was happy to hear it's not a bad winter driver (I'm walking away from a XWD Saab which is an absulute beast in winter). I'm also considering the ever wanted M3 and the S4 so I have to decide soon...

Any pros/cons/maintenace issues I should be aware of?

Thanks a lot!

Louis