Sergey84

Guys, I'm currently started researching facelifted C63, because I like it more than pre-facelifted. I see that facelifted model was on the market since 2012 till 2014. I'm not sure when exactly they stopped manufacturing it.

But my question is pretty simple: is there any difference between facelifted models or not? I know they usually don't update anything or almost anything, but between 2012 and 2014 there are 2 years and maybe they did something to a later models?

I don't mean packages (p30, p31), editions (regular, 507, BS), trims, colors, body styles etc, but I concern about electronics, some minor enhancements, updates, fixes etc.

For example, different apps, different hard drive size, different buttons layot, different menus, maybe even improved software, increased screen resolution or camera resolution, more safety features.

To simplify it - is there any difference between 2012, 2013, 2014 or even 2015 (coupe only) model years?

I wouldn't be surprised if they (Mercedes) didn't update anything, but I'm currently trying to figure out if there are reasons to opt for later models besides lower mileage etc.

Thanks.

Tlnt60

COMAND screen color changed in 2013+, they went to a red/black/silver interface from the yellowish ones. Much better looking IMO.

Nando_514

Fixed head bolts on the Facelift models

Sergey84

I read about it too.

BTW is tranny really responsive in facelifted models? I read it's faster, but how it's in reality? I watched a pretty old review on YouTube where 2 guys were driving blue (wrapped) C63 and they didn't like the fact that sometimes tranny thinks "too long" before switching in the right gear.

Sergey84

Can you please make a quick phone pic of your command? I thought they changed it when facelifted model came out, but since you write it only concerns 2013+ models than I guess your facelifted 2012 model still has "yellowish" COMMAND, right?

roadkillrob

I would call it better, it is faster and less automatic feeling with the dual clutch instead of the torque converter, but it does sometimes have a hesitation R to D when cold. It still is a little over computer controlled, both models suffer from the paddles not doing what you want if you try to change 2 gears quickly they both ignore you - Weistec has a fix i you have some cash though!

tpliquid

actually single clutch. thats why its a bit slow in changing multiple gears

604 C63

I always liked the feel of the torque convertor paired with a tune. Yes, it was slow, but it had this lovely rubber band slingshot feel Im being serious. I liked the feeling of it, and kind of miss it.

Nando_514

Speaking of hesitations, anyone else get a hesitation when going 0-5mph when the oil temps are cool?

markcwq

My friend (facelift) experience jerkiness or "hesitation" when his car moves off right after cold starts. On the other hand, mine (pre-facelift) seems perfectly fine in comparison when I move off after a cold start. He left the car at the dealer for two days and they said there was nothing wrong with the car.

roadkillrob

My bad, thought it was a dual clutch as mercedes called it a multiclutch trans, but it is a single clutch that replaced the torque converter, the multiple clutches they market are the rest inside the automatic trans apparently.

roadkillrob

Yes, I usually get it R to D when cold, but it is the same going form P to D engaging the clutch, feels like you are feathering a clutch peddle and slipping the clutch a lot in a manual, but is fine once warmed up - just seems to be a normal thing.

JPetros2008

didnt know this. Did a search on the regular w204 forum and found some info. You can change it yourself, but only if you have a COMAND update after 2013. If you want it done, you have to tell your dealer you're having some volume issues from time to time. Not sure what the cost of it is though. It looks a lot better imo, but some people said it's actually a little harder to see in the sunlight compared to the yellowish one.

markcwq

Yup, the UI can be updated for the Comand screen (from yellow to red/silver). However if you want the UI in the instrument cluster to be updated and match, the only way would be to retrofit a brand new instrument cluster which comes with the new UI. Has been done before and applicable to facelift models only.

Tlnt60

My C63 is 2012, my car before was a 2013 c300 that's why I know they are different. My car is in the shop right now (Fukien emission BS) but I'm sure someone else can post a pic of the different colors from 2012 to 2013. My understanding was that you were wondering only the difference within the FL cars correct? If so, then that's about the only difference. Now, compared to the PFL cars there are several inferior/exterior differences along with the transmission change and the updated head bolts. As far as the PFL vs FL tranny the FL tranny IMO is much better and quicker but is still not like a DCT (in my Panamera).

Surge

They also improved the power steering feeling and reduced the pump power draw, thereby (slightly) improving fuel economy. I have a large format book that MB put out when the coupe was introduced (which only came in the facelift).

Also, suspension is significantly improved - better handling and smoother over bumps. This is again courtesy of this book on the coupe.

bullitt69

The instrument cluster software is updatable as well to the red-silver color scheme.

Tlnt60

How is the UI upgradable? I really want to update mine since my interior is red/black. I really don't like the yellow color. I can deal with the dash one but the COMAND screen would be awesome.

JPetros2008

As far as I know, you have to have a COMAND firmware update done at the dealer only and it takes 2-3 hours. Not sure if it'd be worth paying about $450 just to change the color scheme on the screen (I'm just guessing that's what the quote would be).

Mikeki7

Yep as valjay said you don't have to replace your instrument cluster. Everything can be updated if you have a star diagnostic system. As long as your comand is ntg 4.5 with the yellow scheme you can update the IC and the head unit to silver scheme. Other benefits of updating to the silver color is you get much better Bluetooth performance, better navigation routing, among other small bug fixes from the later version. Did all of this to my 2012 cls63.

Unless your dealership technicians are pro I do not think this is something they would do if you ask them, if it really does cost 450 dollars then its not worth it or better yet invest that money into a star diag system and then you can update almost all of your modules on the car. There is a steep learning curve but once you get it you will feel like a mercedes specialist.

Sergey84

I think if you want it badly then why not. It's your money and you only live once. It maybe not practical or maybe not super wise decision, but you pay once and in two hours get your car back with updated firmware and no headache.

But if I could upgrade it by myself for free or almost free or much much less using "star diagnostics system" then I'd probably do it by myself.

BTW, sorry for offtop, but I just tried to do a quick research for a "best SD system" and see tons of threads. For example one below. I see it's another big topic choosing right SD system... https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...-computer.html

Mikeki7

That is true for many 450 is not alot and time is money so I can see people willing to spend that just to get the update at the dealer then do it themselves. I am not one hundred percent sure, from what I know if you have the yellow scheme, Xentry (program in star diag) will not give you the latest update if the dealer just uses the online function. You have to force the update with the latest disc that supports the head unit and it will give you the silver scheme.

Edit: The instrument cluster is alot more complicated and you have to use a program called vediamo. Vediamo allows access to modules without any limitations, where as Xentry will need verification from mercedes. With vediamo you force update the cluster with a newer version.

ab0bab0i

Facelifted C63s have cooling issues when running them hard(track use). Something to do with the MCT.

Sergey84

For now it's all sounds like magic spells to me - Star diag, Xentry, Vediamo. Have to learn a lot...

Sergey84

By track use you mean visiting track or just frequently flooring it when driving on regular roads?

Can this be cured by visiting dealership? Maybe they are aware of that issues and know how to fix it? Or maybe there is some aftermarket cooling system for MCT that handles the overheating?