Hey All,

I am about to make my first car purchase in the 5 figures, so doing a lot of research and need some help. I found this C63 AMG coupe that I'm interested in buying, but want to be sure I know it's a P30 or P31. My understanding is that the P31 gives the car better engine internals as well as additional hp, whereas the P30 does not. Since most the cars I see of this generation are going for ~25-30k I figure I should get one that has the best options checked, make the bad investment as good as I can.

Here is the options list I got from the dealer: link. Can you tell me if this is P30 or P31? I don't see P31 listed anywhere, only P30. I know you're thinking "duh! must be P30 then!" but it also has this option: 923 OUTPUT INCREASE OF ENGINES, which leads me to believe it's P31.

Appreciate any advice, thanks!

P.S. This is my first post, so "Hi!"
P.P.S. The other car I'm debating on is this M3 Competition Package. I'm sure you guys will tell me "No!!" to that, but any arguments for or against I'm open to hearing.

 

UPDATE: Think I found my answer on this thread: https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...4-p30-p31.html. Looks like this car I'm looking at is the P31. Sweet.

Thanks, anyways.

 

The option is always P30 on the build sheet no matter what, when you ordered it the package was called P30 for the pre facelift cars and P31 for the face lift cars (2012 and newer) in 2014 there was no P31 option, it was replaced with P61 (507 package) and there was no P30/31 package available. The package was a bit different between the PFL and FL cars in what you got with the package.

The car you linked is a P31 car (option P30 is listed and yes it will also show 923 option)

 

Looked at the option list - also has 471 which is the locking diff which it didn't come with and not a lot of cars where ordered with it, so that is a very nice to have option on a 481 hp car!!

Looked at the pics, love that color it is not one you see all the time and it has carbon trim which is an expensive somewhat rare option also.

If you keep looking the other tip offs for a P31 car are the red calipers (although some people paint them) and the dark grey intake manifold, standard car intake manifold is a very light silver.

Good luck

 

 

I am local to the car you listed. If you wanted a second set of eyes to look things over, I'd be happy to join you. PM me if interested.

 

I have a C63 507 edition, and my dad has a M3 competition package.
My 63 kills his M3.
Hopefully helps with your decision.

 

Ha! I have to admit, the M3 looks so much better to me. The C63 has a way better interior though, and from what I've read and seen it is much quicker and faster than the M3. I am going to drive both cars before making my decision, obviously, but I think I'm leaning towards the C63.

 

Thanks for the input. I'm not seeing what you're talking about on the lower center grill, but I haven't seen the car in person (or other C63's for that matter). Judging by the pics online it looks normal... Will definitely get Carfax.

 

I love that color. I think it's Capri Blue. Bottom line: facelift cars can never be P30 in the US. they can only be non-P31, P31, or P61 (507 edition). Also, I see what BLK is talking about with the engine cover. My star and mesh fell completely off mine. the mesh behind the start definitely could have fallen off. the other stuff, I can't see due to familiarity with FL cars and the quality of the pics I can see at work.

 

I also love the look of the M3. But as you state, I prefer the interior of the 63.
The M has the better gearbox, but the engine in the 63 is just a gem.
I think the engine in the Merc will also Outlast the engine in the BMW. Heard plenty stories about the M engine running bearings.
To me, the M is a more refined car, where the 63 is more hooligan. Which is why I love the Merc. It's bonkers.
Best thing is to take them both for a drive.