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PreFL vs FL styling opinions

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Old Dec 3, 2018 | 11:06 PM
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PreFL vs FL styling opinions

As I continue my search for another 63, my first being an 09, I keep wondering if anyone else out there prefers some of the styling cues on the preFL model.

In particular, the double 'vents' on the front bumper and the mechanical screen deployment on the inside. Those are two things I love on the pre models. I think the screen takes me back to Voltron when they would hop in the lions and their hud would flip up

I know the FL has a lot of mechanical plusses, the single fin grill, the drls, etc. But just curious if I am alone in liking the two other things.
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Old Dec 3, 2018 | 11:27 PM
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The side of the bumper is the only thing I like better on the pfl. In my opinion everything else is better and more modern in comparison.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 12:14 AM
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I also like the pre facelift front end a lot more looks more aggressive in my opinion even the rear with out the circular diffuser as opposed to the rear facelift version... interior wise I think the facelift is a little better though I like the gauges on the pre facelift other than that though the rest of the fl interior seems newer and of better quality
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 01:54 AM
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^^agreed. I think the PFL front clip looks much more aggressive. Then again, I do rather like DRLs, even though they aren't really as special as they used to be.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 03:28 AM
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I like both but personally prefer my PFL. I like the "less refined" look of it.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 06:52 AM
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In agreement with others about the front of the PFL looking more aggressive. It does look a bit outdated compared to the FL though.
Things I prefer on the PFL is definitely that pop up screen, and we DEFINITELY cannot forget those gorgeous 1 piece seats that it came with
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 08:13 AM
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Easy decision....



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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 12:52 PM
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PFL is cool but looks very outdated next to a FL
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 02:03 PM
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Originally Posted by c63_alex
PFL is cool but looks very outdated next to a FL
I agree with this. I think the 507 sedan is about perfect for me styling wise. I also hate the corner illumination fog lights and the eyebrows on my PFL.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 05:11 PM
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Prefacelift exterior with lighting upgrades and facelift rear diffuser
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 05:47 PM
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Originally Posted by chrisridebike8
I agree with this. I think the 507 sedan is about perfect for me styling wise. I also hate the corner illumination fog lights and the eyebrows on my PFL.
I would agree as well. I think both Pre FL and FL are great looking. The pre FL can look dated from the front sometimes, but when people modify the pre FL cars they seem to really exude aggressiveness. Especially blacked out ones. I think the big improvement on the FL cars is yes, the tech and the interior. Either way I think they both have theyre pros and cons. Overall I prefer the FL cars.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 06:47 PM
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For me the PFL just looks like a car from 2008 and I dislike the overly large bulbous headlights and the double horizontal bar grill. Dash and steering wheel inside also look like an early 2000's car - steering wheel is the worst part but the popup nav in yellowish colors and the round buttons look quite dated - much more dated I find that BMW's of the same era.

Example 2008 M3 vs 2008 C63 interiors.



Last edited by roadkillrob; Dec 4, 2018 at 06:51 PM.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 07:35 PM
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Originally Posted by roadkillrob
For me the PFL just looks like a car from 2008 and I dislike the overly large bulbous headlights and the double horizontal bar grill. Dash and steering wheel inside also look like an early 2000's car - steering wheel is the worst part but the popup nav in yellowish colors and the round buttons look quite dated - much more dated I find that BMW's of the same era.

Example 2008 M3 vs 2008 C63 interiors.


Personally Id have to disagree with you there. Especially the use of cheap materials in the BMW. I have owned a E90 M3. I am a true Mercedes guy having owned many over the years but decided to give BMW a shot. Never again. Just no comparison. The gauges and controls look like plastic matel toys on the BMW. Even the Pre FL C63 has quality metal finishes and a full digital display. I cant stand the orange 80's looking, blocky print in the BMW's. If you compare to the FL C63 and same era M3 theres no contest.
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Old Dec 4, 2018 | 07:58 PM
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Originally Posted by hookah
Personally Id have to disagree with you there. Especially the use of cheap materials in the BMW. I have owned a E90 M3. I am a true Mercedes guy having owned many over the years but decided to give BMW a shot. Never again. Just no comparison. The gauges and controls look like plastic matel toys on the BMW. Even the Pre FL C63 has quality metal finishes and a full digital display. I cant stand the orange 80's looking, blocky print in the BMW's. If you compare to the FL C63 and same era M3 theres no contest.
yes this... the first time I rode in an e90 I was blown away by how dated it felt new... hardly even an upgrade from the e46. It was orange lights, lacklustre effort in design and cheap materials
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Old Dec 5, 2018 | 07:55 AM
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I would agree on the material quality between the 2 certainly, but looking at those 2 pictures, the M3 design wise looks much more modern like a FL C63 and the PFL interior feels much more early 2000's to me.
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Old Dec 5, 2018 | 12:15 PM
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With a spartan interior and more aggressive exterior, the PFL just plays the role of refined muscle car better while the PFL is more plush and soft... of course, I reserve the right to change my mind as soon as I can afford an FL model
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Old Dec 5, 2018 | 03:05 PM
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Let's not bring in that 2002 interior from the BMWs in lol.

The biggest thing exterior wise is LED lighting. That's literally it.

Interior is pretty different but there are aspects I like of both.
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 04:05 PM
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Just saw a pre FL parked and took a long look at it. I actually think they look great and maybe even a bit more muscular from the front. Wouldn't mind having my 2012 and a pre FL
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 04:22 PM
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PFL has a more aggressive front end, no doubt. Something about it always turns my head.
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 04:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Sanders27
As I continue my search for another 63, my first being an 09, I keep wondering if anyone else out there prefers some of the styling cues on the preFL model.

In particular, the double 'vents' on the front bumper and the mechanical screen deployment on the inside. Those are two things I love on the pre models. I think the screen takes me back to Voltron when they would hop in the lions and their hud would flip up

I know the FL has a lot of mechanical plusses, the single fin grill, the drls, etc. But just curious if I am alone in liking the two other things.
I'm hopefully picking up a '12 next week but like you I totally prefer preFL and love the round fogs. Ooh the double vents also look way better.

However, can we take a FL car and put a preFL front end on it?? Oh man I would almost do that...maybe stupid, I know but.....

Last edited by sqitis; Dec 6, 2018 at 04:34 PM.
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 05:33 PM
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Originally Posted by sqitis
I'm hopefully picking up a '12 next week but like you I totally prefer preFL and love the round fogs. Ooh the double vents also look way better.

However, can we take a FL car and put a preFL front end on it?? Oh man I would almost do that...maybe stupid, I know but.....
You totally could. You would need the headlights, bumper, and hood. The hardest part is wiring and coding for the headlights. People swap PFL to FL, so I don't see why you couldn't go the other way. As far as exterior goes, it would be easier to get the FL rear bumper, diffuser, and tail lights. That would obviously not get you the interior or the mechanicals, but if we are just talking styling, that is much easier and cheaper
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 06:45 PM
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Yea that sounds like too much work. However I like the headlights with the AMG logo in the center.
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Old Dec 6, 2018 | 07:15 PM
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I appreciate everyone's take on the styling. It has given me a lot to think about. Prior to this thread I was convinced I would end up in FL but seeing I'm not alone on the love for a PFL, I will certainly not ignore a good example. I was flipping through some old photos of my 09 and remember why I loved it so much. Side note, the single fin grill really makes a huge difference.

Thanks again for the input all!
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