4MaticSeason

Hi MBWorld this is my first post but I've been on here a lot. I was looking to get some help and advice from C63 AMG owners.


So my GLK was recently totaled and I've always loved the C63 so I was thinking about getting one. I've seen a lot of problems with pre facelift (08-11) models and I was hoping to see if the issues are actually that common on them since that is what I would be getting. Main issues I see are 1: Headbolts, 2: Cams, 3: Intake gasket.


Are these common enough that I should worry about them? Is there anything else I should know before I start getting PPI's on cars I'm interested in? Can an MB PPI tell me if the headbolts are already corroded? I've had a few MB service advisors tell me the only real cost difference in maintenance vs. GLK is the brakes and lots of sets of tires, is there anything else I should watch for?


Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.


Also would 3 or 4 owners be too many on a C63?

Speedriven1

You can typically see if the head bolts are very bad, but we've backed out bolts that looked OK only to have them snap in the middle from corrosion we couldn't see. That said, newer (post 2008-11) cars shouldn't have that much of an issue.

As for 3-4 owners? That's an issue if you plan on making this your daily driver. The reality is that the C63 is never bought to serenely drive to the grocery store. Unlike the S or CL or SL or even the CLS class AMGs, which sometimes are bought by wealthy non-enthusiasts simply because they're "the top of the line" models, the C was always bought by someone who wanted a little hot rod to hoon around in.

Get it checked out- really checked out- by a third party, and buy a warranty.

rohitC63

The head bolt issue was fixed after 2010, so the 2011 and newer models are good to go.

rentzington

buy the newest lowest mileage one you can afford and get a warranty.

to my understanding only way they may be able to test headbolts is an overnight compression test. IMO i think the headbolt issue is overblown, buy a warranty and you're set.

4MaticSeason

Thanks for the feedback. I found a car with all the options I want and low mileage but it's a 4 owner. I may have to pass and find a better car somewhere else. Is an aftermarket warranty a good idea? I've never heard a good thing about non-manufacturer warranties.

rentzington

Imo it's a really good thing, mines paid for itself covered a big repair.
I've got easycare it's been good, others have had good luck with fidelity

QWKSNKE

I wouldn't let the amount of owners scare me from a car. If it in good shape and passes PPI, go for it.

65fastback

Exactly... take a close look at the car fax and see how long each owner owned it. test drive as long as possible!

INS1GNIA

I agree with what the others said. Thoroughly check it out. Also if you are not in a rush to get the car (if you have another car you can drive for the time being), then shop around some, doesn't hurt to wait until you find the perfect one. I saw the GLK is wrecked but not sure if you have a side car as well you could use.

4MaticSeason

Does anyone have any actual stats on the headbolt/cam failure rates of the earlier cars? I've been up and down the internet and can't find any hard evidence or failure rates.


I'm not in a rush on the needing a car front but not having an MB is driving me nuts.

Mc81b

Basically now it's a buyers market.
Get a top specced car (Facelifted if possible).
Get it to come with a P31 as well as P30 and LSD.
Keep it stock and basically nothing bad will happen.
So far have driven mine without any issues apart from having to move to somewhere close to a gas station

INS1GNIA

I just installed a gas station in my front yard. Don't even need to put pants on now to fill up.

4MaticSeason

That's good to hear someone say. I started looking at these and all of the threads seem to go on and on about how it will happen and cost you both kidneys and 3 arms to fix. Everyone said my GLK would be a fortune though and it ended up being super cheap to run while I had it. Like cheaper than a Honda in terms of everything except gas and insurance. Maybe I'll have the same experience with the C63.


Also where are those dive planes from on the front?

65fastback

FYI,
My c63 had 4 previous owners showing on its history however 2 of the 4 totaled more than 6 years ( my car is a 09 ). the other 2 owners where just dealer's. looking at the carfax i found out it was 100% dealer maintained during those 6 years.It is bone stock and i can tell it has not been abused,The car is tight as a drum.

My point is... if the car drives out nice, take it to a reputable benz shop and have them go over it & look for any codes, oil leaks ect ect....study the carafax, it can be vary useful. Last thing, don't let the internet scare you.

Mc81b

Man my GL350 Bluetec AMG Line had so much problems that i gotten rid of it at a huge lost and it is not even 1 year old and i brought it new,
The C63 up till date there's not even a single issue,and it's my daily driver.
I drive both my Black and Sedan out at least twice a day Sedan to work and Black for night out or at least bring it for a short sprint,no issues at all.
Only expensive things are the fuel consumption,the engine oil top up and the rear tyres.

Mc81b

In Singapore the total distance from east to west is less than 50km/h so theres no need to worry for petrol kiosk.
hehe but yeah this sucker drinks like a guy who had not tasted water

AA717driver

Cost of doing business! And, owning a C63 during the cheapest fuel cost period since 1970-ish sort of makes up for me getting my driver's license right in the middle of the first oil embargo.

Sort of...

TC

intence

My C63 was reliable, even for an 09. If I had to do it again, I'd get a 2012. Through 2015, there were essentially no changes worth the premium except the 507 Edition.

My suggestion is to find a 2012 with the options you want. For me I'd get a P31 with LSD and never look back.

This is the best resource I've found when it comes to a comprehensive buyers guide: W204 C63 Buyers Guide

4MaticSeason

Thank you to everyone for the advice. I think I'm going to find a car I like, get it inspected like crazy, get a warranty and knock on wood (trim) that it will be as trouble free as my past Mercs.

ddillenger

Buy a higher mileage one that's already depreciated so you don't feel as bad beating the daylights out of it :P