Hey All. I'm looking over a C63 and I'm a little hesitant to purchase it. It looks pretty clean and is on CarMax :/ but I'm seeing some Brabus badging on it. Anyone have any ideas for things I should look for to feel good about this sale? I see a CF diffuser on the back
2009 model year will have the headbolt issue you need to look out for (research on the forum). This could be a MAJOR issue down the road. That extended carmax warranty is likely a good idea.
Ah those dang pictures uploaded so small. I've been reading around about the headbolt issue, going to do some more searching to get the full picture. Makes me wonder a little why someone put all the time/effort in to brabus badges/CF rear diffuser and then sold it.
Also the CarMax warranty is about 5K for this bad boy. I've gotten it before and it paid off, thats just a big chuck compared to the total cost of the car.
Yes, head bolt issue potentially but 5k for a warranty is costly and too much.
I would not buy warranty for that price just save those funds in a event you have a problem. These cars are solid. Just monitor coolant levels and you are fine. If they get low consider looking into route cause and possibly replace with all new headbolts for 2,500-3,000. You are still way ahead.
looks like the eBay badges probably came as a kit, the cf diffuser and cf trunk lips aren't much either. Interior looks to be clean for 40k miles. Front grill looks like its plastidipped as well as the chrome fog light surrounds. Big chip on the bumper under the grill by the star? see if you can get them to fix that!
That paint chip is confusing me. I can clearly see it in one picture but in the others of the front it's gone.
I'm trying to get CarMax to pay to replace the logos with stock MB ones.
For the warranty, it would take me up to 100K miles.
My biggest concern is the head bolt issue really. I noticed the car was on the site about 2 months ago and just popped back up so I'm curious what was done during that time offline.
That paint chip is confusing me. I can clearly see it in one picture but in the others of the front it's gone.
I'm trying to get CarMax to pay to replace the logos with stock MB ones.
For the warranty, it would take me up to 100K miles.
My biggest concern is the head bolt issue really. I noticed the car was on the site about 2 months ago and just popped back up so I'm curious what was done during that time offline.
Thanks for the help!
If it was on the site then dropped off for two months and came back it was used as a "Presidential Rental" or employee of the month loaner. CarMax has this, ask them if it was and they will tell you right off the bat.
I was also seriously looking at buying this car and test drove this bad boy 3 times :-)
I too was concerned about the head bolt issue and actually paid the MB (AMG dealer) to inspect the bolts. They confirmed at that time the head bolts were the older design. The service tech did provide me his opinion and said that it's not really a big deal and very few engines had this failure, however a newer 2011 model was also available for only 2.5k more, so I went that route.
I also confirmed that the "Brabus" badging was just that :-) There was no additional performance modifications done to the car, unless it was returned to stock before selling.
The car drove every bit as good as the 2011, but I would def get the extended warranty.
2009 model year will have the headbolt issue you need to look out for (research on the forum). This could be a MAJOR issue down the road. That extended carmax warranty is likely a good idea.
headbolts are like 4 grand, You wanna worry? Worry about the intake manifold....I'd be more concerned about that ($8400) then the headbolts everyone freaks out about, I blew 2 intakes in less then a year ..im pretty sure these headbolt issues are from people who don't know how to re-fill fluids.
Although, I have an 09 myself and i didn't let the intake manifold or headbolts scare me away..everyone over hypes the problems on these cars, people buy a mercedes then cry "oh my pocket book took a hit" when they realize those mercedes parts aren't the same price as your old chevy.
My logic is, if you can't afford 2 of the same car at once, then you really shouldn't be buying it. I get you want a nice fast car, but lets be real, if you totalled it tomorrow and insurance didn't cover it you don't wanna be broke and out on the streets all because you wanted a "cool fast amg"
That isn't directly at you OP but anyone really whos buying a amg or any car for that matter
IMO, CarMax is way overpriced. Take your time and be patient. Use CarGurus to track the ones you find interesting and have sat for too long. If the car checks out by a competent MB mechanic you should be OK. But a car sitting is a car costing that dealer $$ and gives you leverage in the negotiation. CarMax doesn't negotiate. So you pay a premium to take the easy route.
I picked up an '09 with a good bit more miles this past winter and couldn't be happier. This car is just a blast. I honestly giggle every single time I drive it.
I just couldn't justify the $15K more that the 11+ cars were going for. Kicking around the idea of a Weistec instead.
My logic is, if you can't afford 2 of the same car at once, then you really shouldn't be buying it. I get you want a nice fast car, but lets be real, if you totalled it tomorrow and insurance didn't cover it you don't wanna be broke and out on the streets all because you wanted a "cool fast amg"
Dude, did deeper into your bag of tricks. You say the same thing over and over and over.
I'm in the same boat, except I've already done all the paperwork on my 09 C63. I'm anxious to pick it up Thursday!
*crossing my fingers that I don't experience the head bolt issue*
Just get the Weistec studs ($1000) and it fixes the head bolt issue.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Badmeat
And if I don't do it myself, I'd imagine the labor would more than double that figure.
ARP studs are overkill especially for cars without an S/C application. You can also pick up OEM headbolts for a wallet crushing $10/per at 20 bolts you're looking at $200. So I already saved you $800. Now a good indy shop that you trust to do this job is the way to go and get an estimate.
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