When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Just wanted to share my experience at the track this weekend. Ran at Streets of Willow, did three 20 minute sessions, car went into limp mode 2 out of 3 sessions. Ambient temperature ranged from 90-100F degrees.
First session, car ran fine, didn't really push it until the last few laps, but I noticed oil temp was approaching 275F. Second session was an hour later, got more confident with the track, and pushed the car hard for 3 laps. Oil temp hit peak of 284, car went limp. No warnings, no chimes, just no power. Did a cool down drive and temps dropped, but by the time I tried to get back on track, the checkered flag was out. Third session was another hour later. Oil temp started at 190F, was able to push it 4 laps, but once again, car went limp as soon as oil climbed to 280. I called it quits after that.
It was extremely frustrating having to wave M3's, a 335i, even a VW by on the straights, knowing that they couldn't pass me otherwise. I know there's a few expensive solutions out there, including upgrade to BS oil cooler, but I'm pretty pissed knowing that there's so much potential for the car to do well if it would just stop overheating. The CLA45 in my group was running oil temps of 220 all day. He didn't believe it when I told him that was my normal operating temp.
Oh yeah, last complaint: traction. Jesus the stock Conti Sportcontact 5's got super greasy by the end. I was sliding all over the track, even with full traction control on. Too bad they don't make the Hankook RS-3's in my size. I think I'm going to go with the Nitto NT05's next.
If you have any suggestions, I'd love to hear them. Hope everyone had a safe weekend!
I've not seen any alternatives other than going the upgraded cooling system (C63 package 440 - there is a thread on this on this site). I saw someone mention in another thread the MKB cooling system, but have no detail other than the MKB website is http://www.mkb-power.de/en/ ).
I think if you want to track the car you need to spend the money to get a decent cooling solution fitted to your car.
It sucks and I don't think you should have to upgrade the cooling system in a car like the C63, but it's true. The Achilles heal of this car manifests itself after a couple laps at a track.
By the way, once your oil reaches 270 F, consider it shot. If you keep driving, especially hard driving, it's ability to lubricate is greatly diminished and you run the chance of ruining the engine at temps that high.
Has anybody here installed the cooling package 44O? I see that the parts are now available online for under 1,500$.
I was quoted around AUD 5.5k to get it installed by a MB dealer here in Australia. Was going to give it another summer to see if I can put up with the sound the cooling fan makes. If it was cheaper I would go for it.
ECS Tuning. I simply searched for parts numbers 2045005700 and 2048800600. Both are available. Only concern is the latter number comes up as radiator grill rather than Panel Set. But the first come comes up as optional cooling set.
I checked with ECS Tuning. They do indeed have the 2 necessary kits available and the prices are correct - 600 something for the coolers and hardware, 700 something for the plastic panels, airducts etc.
The reason why the panel kit is called radiator grille is just because that is how the automatic import from the Mercedes catalogue works.
It looks straight forward to install, estimate is 8 hrs.
Thanks for the recommendations guys. I know there was a thread awhile ago about a member having some success with different oil, and someone else mentioning a tune parameter that allows the fan to kick on earlier, so I'm going to look into those as well.
So disappointing that the car can't even last 4 laps. I'm hoping it'll do better at a bigger track where I can get into higher gears.
I checked with ECS Tuning. They do indeed have the 2 necessary kits available and the prices are correct - 600 something for the coolers and hardware, 700 something for the plastic panels, airducts etc.
The reason why the panel kit is called radiator grille is just because that is how the automatic import from the Mercedes catalogue works.
It looks straight forward to install, estimate is 8 hrs.
I have read that the 2012 and later cars have higher oil and water temps and go into limp home more often. Were there other older C63's there that were not going into limp home? Between the head bolt issues on 2010 and older and limp home problems of 2012 and later, looks like the 2011 is the sweet spot for the C63.
Thanks for the recommendations guys. I know there was a thread awhile ago about a member having some success with different oil, and someone else mentioning a tune parameter that allows the fan to kick on earlier, so I'm going to look into those as well.
I can't imagine the fan engaging earlier would have any material impact on preventing limp mode. With the car doing everything it can to cool itself down (ie fan at max speed), it is not able to contain temperatures when its on the track. Starting the fan earlier might slow the heating progress marginally (assuming that at speeds the fan is even useful - ie the car at speed is already pushing a lot of air over the oil cooling unit), but I doubt it would have a material difference to preventing limp mode.
It seems like the cooling issues/problems are hit and miss on the facelift cars.
When thrashing the car in 90+ degree (Fahrenheit) weather, these are the temperatures I regularly see:
Regardless, I wish you nothing but the best of luck OP. Keep representing us AMG owners at the track. We need more C63s out there.
I would consider getting the new Cooling Package (which others have mentioned above). It is definitely worth the cost if you plan on tracking the car frequently in warm weather.
It sucks and I don't think you should have to upgrade the cooling system in a car like the C63, but it's true. The Achilles heal of this car manifests itself after a couple laps at a track.
By the way, once your oil reaches 270 F, consider it shot. If you keep driving, especially hard driving, it's ability to lubricate is greatly diminished and you run the chance of ruining the engine at temps that high.
anyone have any info to back this up? how true is this?
I have read that the 2012 and later cars have higher oil and water temps and go into limp home more often. Were there other older C63's there that were not going into limp home? Between the head bolt issues on 2010 and older and limp home problems of 2012 and later, looks like the 2011 is the sweet spot for the C63.
The sweet spot is the 2012 facelift cars + cooling package, or a black series that comes standard with the cooling package. There are so many mechanical improvements in the FL car compared to the non FL cars, I wouldn't even look at a non FL car again.
Originally Posted by zibby43
It seems like the cooling issues/problems are hit and miss on the facelift cars.
There's no hit and miss, they all do it. It just depends on how hard you're driving and shifting at the track. While a few reports have people hitting limp mode on the streets, it's very rare.
The sweet spot is the 2012 facelift cars + cooling package, or a black series that comes standard with the cooling package. There are so many mechanical improvements in the FL car compared to the non FL cars, I wouldn't even look at a non FL car again.
Thanks for the info. As far as mechanical changes, isn't the main one the tranny with the wet clutch instead of the torque converter? From what I have read, not sure if the MCT tranny is really an improvement. What other mechanical changes were made?
The MCT is a big improvement, there's less drivetrain loss, so you're putting more power to the ground.
The suspension was tweaked for the facelift and IMO is the biggest difference behind the wheel between the cars. The handling characteristics at the limit was improved, and was oversteer is much more predictable in the facelifted cars. The oversteer characteristics was my biggest complaint on my 2010 C63.
From the press release:
The AMG sports suspension includes a redesigned front axle, reinforced rear axle and wider front and rear track has undergone thorough modification and offers greater driving enjoyment and ride comfort at all times. The new stiffer elastokinematics, revised axle kinematics with more negative camber and new rear-axle anti-roll bar with a larger cross-section, result in higher agility and greater lateral acceleration. Additionally, new spring and damper rates have optimized both the responsiveness of the suspension as well as the road noise and tire vibration characteristics.
The MCT is a big improvement, there's less drivetrain loss, so you're putting more power to the ground.
The suspension was tweaked for the facelift and IMO is the biggest difference behind the wheel between the cars. The handling characteristics at the limit was improved, and was oversteer is much more predictable in the facelifted cars. The oversteer characteristics was my biggest complaint on my 2010 C63.
From the press release:
Thanks for the info, looks like the 2012 is a great car. Still, the jury is out on the MCT though. I've read where the wet clutch is the reason the tranny overheats. And the torque converter has a lock up feature that takes out all losses of the torque converter during cruise.
Did you drive the two in comparison? I have the same automatic torque converter transmission in my SLK55 and now the MCT in the C63 - no comparison - for active/sporty driving the MCT is head and shoulders ahead. I am pretty confident you'd say the same thing if you test drove both.
There's no hit and miss, they all do it. It just depends on how hard you're driving and shifting at the track. While a few reports have people hitting limp mode on the streets, it's very rare.
How big of a role does the ambient temperature play? I've been fortunate enough to have cool weather while at the road course.
The photo I shared above was after romping on the throttle for about 45 minutes on some empty back roads. After the oil temperature hit about 224 degrees F, it started to drop before leveling off at 215.
I have seen 240 degrees while driving to the airport in slow traffic with 90 degrees external temperature. I have seen 245 before after driving home from work on the interstate and then stopping momentarily at a red light. I have ordered a tune and am planning to go to a street race course later in fall.
I have ordered the optional cooling kit. I can keep you informed about how it goes.
Did you drive the two in comparison? I have the same automatic torque converter transmission in my SLK55 and now the MCT in the C63 - no comparison - for active/sporty driving the MCT is head and shoulders ahead. I am pretty confident you'd say the same thing if you test drove both.
Heck no, no way I'm driving a 2012 now, then I'll be disappointed with my 2011!
09-09-2014, 01:50 AM
