Questions to those of you who have owned multiple C63s
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
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W204 C63
Questions to those of you who have owned multiple C63s
I used to have a beautiful C63 with P31, xenons, differential etc (80k+ MSRP). I've been looking for another for some time but the pickings are slim.
I found a car that has NO options. No nav, no parking sensors, no backup camera, no xenons, open diff, manual seats, no keyless go, literally not a single option checked, nothing! (didn't know such thing existed!)
On the other hand the car is local, clean, has low miles and is priced well within budget (13k cheaper than the next one I'm looking at that has everything I want)
I guess my question is: would I be disappointed in this base car coming from a P31? Has anyone gone from P31 to base?
Would spending a couple grand on some headlights, a diff and a tune "fix" the base car?
I found a car that has NO options. No nav, no parking sensors, no backup camera, no xenons, open diff, manual seats, no keyless go, literally not a single option checked, nothing! (didn't know such thing existed!)
On the other hand the car is local, clean, has low miles and is priced well within budget (13k cheaper than the next one I'm looking at that has everything I want)
I guess my question is: would I be disappointed in this base car coming from a P31? Has anyone gone from P31 to base?
Would spending a couple grand on some headlights, a diff and a tune "fix" the base car?
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 681
Likes: 231
From: SC
2010 C63 AMG RIP. 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off Road, 2013 C63 coupe
Performance:
The Diff is probably the biggest difference and can be upgraded easily.
Appearance:
The headlights can be retrofitted with some decent aftermarket versions.
To me the rest is not needed in fact you probably save a few pounds not having all the convenience upgrades.
The Diff is probably the biggest difference and can be upgraded easily.
Appearance:
The headlights can be retrofitted with some decent aftermarket versions.
To me the rest is not needed in fact you probably save a few pounds not having all the convenience upgrades.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 41
From: Dallas
08 E63 AMG P30, 2013 S550, 09 E63, 14 E63 S Wagon, 14 E350 Wagon(current), 13 C63 P31 (current)
I have a highly optioned 2013 c63 with P31 and drivers assistance 71k miles. Over 17k in maintaince. Perfect mechanical condition. Black.
Pm me if interested.
Not looking to sell but everything has a number
Pm me if interested.
Not looking to sell but everything has a number
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,745
Likes: 811
From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
If it had the engine with the forged internals, it would be the perfect C63 to turn into a track toy, but it obviously doesn't have the P31 motor.
Personally, every time I'd get in that car, it would remind me that it was the absolutely cheapest C63 that someone obviously bought for the badge, and it would furthermore make me wonder how well it was maintained because people that can't afford a few relatively inexpensive options are usually just as frugal with the servicing. A tune on a non-P31 car will only further stress the motor and do very little else 99.9% of the time.
Buying another W204 C63 after you presumably sold the first one is not exactly a rational decision but rather an emotional one, so the lack of "amenities" in a joy car would bug me a lot more than in something I have no emotional attachment to. A few years ago I drove someone else's PFL C63 for a few days, and the entire time I was thinking how much better mine looks and drives. This may be the minority viewpoint here, but I'd much rather have a nice and well-optioned Genesis than a "budget" C63. If you're just after the power there are cheaper and more viable options. If I had to have a[nother] C63, I'd pass and wait for the right car.
Personally, every time I'd get in that car, it would remind me that it was the absolutely cheapest C63 that someone obviously bought for the badge, and it would furthermore make me wonder how well it was maintained because people that can't afford a few relatively inexpensive options are usually just as frugal with the servicing. A tune on a non-P31 car will only further stress the motor and do very little else 99.9% of the time.
Buying another W204 C63 after you presumably sold the first one is not exactly a rational decision but rather an emotional one, so the lack of "amenities" in a joy car would bug me a lot more than in something I have no emotional attachment to. A few years ago I drove someone else's PFL C63 for a few days, and the entire time I was thinking how much better mine looks and drives. This may be the minority viewpoint here, but I'd much rather have a nice and well-optioned Genesis than a "budget" C63. If you're just after the power there are cheaper and more viable options. If I had to have a[nother] C63, I'd pass and wait for the right car.
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 98
Likes: 7
From: Culver City, CA
F10 M5 Comp, 2012 Ford Raptor
I am on my 4th W204. Started with a 2011 (leather, LSD, no parking sensors) to a 2014 (no leather, w/LSD, sensors and distronic) to a 2013 P31 with leather but no sensors and now to a 507 with pretty much everything except distronic and performance media. It depends how you will use the car. For me, having parking sensors and a passenger mirror that dips in reverse, along with keyless go and the totally decent HK audio are all convenience items that I appreciate because I daily the car. Not having those options would remind me that they existed and that mine doesn't have them. If it were just a weekend toy however none of that would matter.
For the powertrain, I definitely notice the faster spin-up on the P31 and 507. I do prefer the PFL/ conventional 7G-tronic over the MCT around town but on the freeway the MCT feels almost as fast as the DSG in my old RS 5. It's becoming more and more difficult to find one of these that has been consistently well taken care of. In 3 of the 4 cases I had to go clear across the country to find one, and that adds $2K to the price for enclosed delivery. Also having the benefit of seeing the car in person before buying is usually better. I think you have been looking for one of these for awhile right? Buying and driving for six months to see if you can live with the car as-equipped at least scratches the itch, and puts you in a good spot to sell on BAT or C&B in the spring if you want a longer list of options. Also, and I had to tell this to myself repeatedly, don't be afraid of mileage on these cars.
For the powertrain, I definitely notice the faster spin-up on the P31 and 507. I do prefer the PFL/ conventional 7G-tronic over the MCT around town but on the freeway the MCT feels almost as fast as the DSG in my old RS 5. It's becoming more and more difficult to find one of these that has been consistently well taken care of. In 3 of the 4 cases I had to go clear across the country to find one, and that adds $2K to the price for enclosed delivery. Also having the benefit of seeing the car in person before buying is usually better. I think you have been looking for one of these for awhile right? Buying and driving for six months to see if you can live with the car as-equipped at least scratches the itch, and puts you in a good spot to sell on BAT or C&B in the spring if you want a longer list of options. Also, and I had to tell this to myself repeatedly, don't be afraid of mileage on these cars.
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Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 975
Likes: 52
From: Metro Detroit
2014 C63 AMG 507 sedan
W204 C63
I’ve had experience with different C63s and have a perspective on this.
I started with a PFL that I quickly replaced with a base FL in 2012. I saw it on the lot fresh off the delivery truck and was smitten. The novelty of a new car quickly faded as it was pretty basic. It had LSD, halogen lights, and base non-leather seats. I proceeded to modify it to try and get up to spec with retrofitted hid lights, Eurocharged tune, carbon bits, forged wheels, etc. As much aftermarket parts I added, I can’t seem to get it to the point that I feel that it’s complete. Unfortunately, it was totaled and I thought I was done with the C63 experience.
When I was the presented the opportunity to purchase a new 507 sedan I jumped on the opportunity. This platform has a way of reeling you back in every time. It was fully loaded with distronic and all the options except for the AMG Performance media and parking sensors. It was perfect.
As much as I tried to make the base C63 up to spec, the fully loaded 507 blows it out of the water. It just feels very solid and put together. It’s a nice place to be in, even after 7 years.
If you’re going to turn it into a track car, then any will do. If you’re looking for a keeper, get what you want.
I started with a PFL that I quickly replaced with a base FL in 2012. I saw it on the lot fresh off the delivery truck and was smitten. The novelty of a new car quickly faded as it was pretty basic. It had LSD, halogen lights, and base non-leather seats. I proceeded to modify it to try and get up to spec with retrofitted hid lights, Eurocharged tune, carbon bits, forged wheels, etc. As much aftermarket parts I added, I can’t seem to get it to the point that I feel that it’s complete. Unfortunately, it was totaled and I thought I was done with the C63 experience.
When I was the presented the opportunity to purchase a new 507 sedan I jumped on the opportunity. This platform has a way of reeling you back in every time. It was fully loaded with distronic and all the options except for the AMG Performance media and parking sensors. It was perfect.
As much as I tried to make the base C63 up to spec, the fully loaded 507 blows it out of the water. It just feels very solid and put together. It’s a nice place to be in, even after 7 years.
If you’re going to turn it into a track car, then any will do. If you’re looking for a keeper, get what you want.
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Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 415
Likes: 109
From: Whitehouse Station, NJ
2012 C63 P31 Sedan
So I'm not necessarily looking to sell, but I'd consider it for the right price since I'm trying to buy a house next year.
It's a 2012 P31 Sedan in Lunar/Canvasite Blue with ~53k miles. It has the standard black interior with alcantera inserts, headlight package, and factory LSD. In addition, I had done a full paint correction with Xpel Ultimate PPF applied to all painted surfaces bumper to bumper (a $4,000 job), and a Ceramic Pro coating on top. I also installed an iDatastart remote starter with 2 long range remotes, and recently had it tinted back in February with Xpel's Prime XR Plus heat rejecting film. I also have 2 sets of wheels, 19" Vertini RF 1.2 in Silver with summer tires, and the OEM twin 5 spoke wheels stripped and powder coated in bronze with Blizzak WS80 winter tires.
The car is under warranty through next February, and I will be taking it in to my independent mechanic later this week to get a valve cover leak addressed and make sure everything else is well sorted.
PM me if you'd like to discuss more.
It's a 2012 P31 Sedan in Lunar/Canvasite Blue with ~53k miles. It has the standard black interior with alcantera inserts, headlight package, and factory LSD. In addition, I had done a full paint correction with Xpel Ultimate PPF applied to all painted surfaces bumper to bumper (a $4,000 job), and a Ceramic Pro coating on top. I also installed an iDatastart remote starter with 2 long range remotes, and recently had it tinted back in February with Xpel's Prime XR Plus heat rejecting film. I also have 2 sets of wheels, 19" Vertini RF 1.2 in Silver with summer tires, and the OEM twin 5 spoke wheels stripped and powder coated in bronze with Blizzak WS80 winter tires.
The car is under warranty through next February, and I will be taking it in to my independent mechanic later this week to get a valve cover leak addressed and make sure everything else is well sorted.
PM me if you'd like to discuss more.
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Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 3,647
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From: Worldwide
2007 Mercedes E63 AMG
So I'm not necessarily looking to sell, but I'd consider it for the right price since I'm trying to buy a house next year.
It's a 2012 P31 Sedan in Lunar/Canvasite Blue with ~53k miles. It has the standard black interior with alcantera inserts, headlight package, and factory LSD. In addition, I had done a full paint correction with Xpel Ultimate PPF applied to all painted surfaces bumper to bumper (a $4,000 job), and a Ceramic Pro coating on top. I also installed an iDatastart remote starter with 2 long range remotes, and recently had it tinted back in February with Xpel's Prime XR Plus heat rejecting film. I also have 2 sets of wheels, 19" Vertini RF 1.2 in Silver with summer tires, and the OEM twin 5 spoke wheels stripped and powder coated in bronze with Blizzak WS80 winter tires.
The car is under warranty through next February, and I will be taking it in to my independent mechanic later this week to get a valve cover leak addressed and make sure everything else is well sorted.
PM me if you'd like to discuss more.
It's a 2012 P31 Sedan in Lunar/Canvasite Blue with ~53k miles. It has the standard black interior with alcantera inserts, headlight package, and factory LSD. In addition, I had done a full paint correction with Xpel Ultimate PPF applied to all painted surfaces bumper to bumper (a $4,000 job), and a Ceramic Pro coating on top. I also installed an iDatastart remote starter with 2 long range remotes, and recently had it tinted back in February with Xpel's Prime XR Plus heat rejecting film. I also have 2 sets of wheels, 19" Vertini RF 1.2 in Silver with summer tires, and the OEM twin 5 spoke wheels stripped and powder coated in bronze with Blizzak WS80 winter tires.
The car is under warranty through next February, and I will be taking it in to my independent mechanic later this week to get a valve cover leak addressed and make sure everything else is well sorted.
PM me if you'd like to discuss more.
also, i believe we're still on the basemap.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 415
Likes: 109
From: Whitehouse Station, NJ
2012 C63 P31 Sedan
Wish I drove it more, but it's hard to be a car enthusiast with a 2 YO and 4 month old...
Last edited by BalanBro; Dec 13, 2021 at 09:34 PM.
