Hi gang. Considering the C63 coupe, but already have serious doubts it's the right car for me, since it's reportedly quite a bit louder than the sedan (based on dB figures posted, which don't lie), and the sedan (which I rented recently from Hertz) is borderline noisy already, especially on rough roads, which are prevalent in the desert southwest. Plus the coupe will make more tire noise (255/285 vs 245/265), it's heavier (a real surprise), and has a shorter final (diff) drive, shortening its already limited range... not to mention adding more engine noise, due to higher rpm. Anyway, I need 3 things from actual owners here. Hope somebody can help:
1. Couldn't find anywhere a video clip of a C63 with the regular exhaust. Only with the optional one (as expected). To me, the optional exhaust on those clips sounds way too raspy, and like a Mustang (not a compliment), overly loud and juvenile for such a car IMO. But would like to hear a video clip of a regular one, to see how quiet it sounds. Plus if possible, on the same video, the performance one in both quiet and loud modes, to hear the differences under the same microphone. But a regular one alone would be fine, since I always drove the C63, and never heard it under way. But when the Hertz guy moved it after returning it, sounded great. And the cold start was awesome; not too noisy and not too shabby.
2. Similarly, need to know the cabin noise of the regular exhaust, performance quiet, and performance noisy. On that, just a description would suffice. The regular was just about perfect except when driving aggressively, but I could live with that. The engine sound is always there, even when cruising, but never intrusive. And yes, MUCH prefer that is a bit quieter than I wanted, than adding fake noise thru the speakers, like BMW.
3. If somebody semi local has a C63 with 19s (standard on the S) and the regular exhaust, and is willing to give me a short ride, just to sense suspension and cabin noise, would be awesome. I won't travel that much the next few months, but will start the driving season with another trip to CA (this time to the Big Sur) in late Feb, probably renting a Jaguar F-Type from Sixt (LAX too). If I haven't had the opportunity by then, will call MB dealers in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Carmel, Monterey, etc., to see if they have one, but doubt it. They always order the performance exhaust. Thanks gang. All comments and recommendations welcome.

 

Doesn't sound like the C63 is right for you IMO. The ride is stiff, the engine is loud and the interior db's are not low. Heck, most people getting this car WANT all those things. For similar performance, consider the Alfa Quadrifoglio.....quieter V6, lots of hp and handling, and more comfortable ride. The "AMG" sport models may also interest you!

EDIT: Would love to have your Cayman though!

 

Hi

Welcome

Just adding my 2 cents.

1. Please do opt for the performance exhaust if you go either the sedan or coupe. If you're worried about the noise level you can always press the exhaust button which will close the flaps and considerably reduce the dBs. The standard exhaust doesn't have this option.

2. The performance exhaust will sound better than the standard exhaust. I wouldn't use YouTube videos as a reference. It just doesn't capture the sound. Try to hear the exhausts in person. Visit dealers.

3. The sedan recently received software updates changing its sound. Its more similar to the coupe now - deeper with considerably more pops and bangs than before. Again, most videos on YouTube would be showcasing the pre update sound. There's a thread about it on here. I'd honestly spend a few days reading all reviews for both models and posts in this sub forum

4. In my experience, the sedan is quieter in the cabin than the coupe (I.e less road noise and wind noise). I own the coupe and test drove the sedan last week.

5. I felt the seating position was better in the sedan and it was a bit more comfortable inside. YMMV.

6. I'll reserve my comments on ride quality/suspension. I'm still fiddling with the coupe's tyre pressure as it's been set high.

7. If you need room in the back or 4 doors, go the sedan.

Hope that helps somewhat.

Kind regards

Rag.
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This is very good advice!

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Just to comment on the sedan's suspension comments.. my 911 Turbo's PASM suspension in 'comfort' is way more comfortable than the C63S' 'comfort' mode. In fact Comfort in the AMG is still harsher than the Sport mode in the 911.

I've been trying to push Dinan to tackle suspension next for their product offerings for AMG, but they don't think there's enough demand.

 

I agree, the C63S is definitely not the car for you. You're pretty much complaining about all the stuff that makes the car great!

Another car would probably suit you better.

 

that would be cool, but I suppose to their credit I myself don't see a lot of talk about suspension stuff in our world either. im sure it wouldn't be a cheap endeavor for them to obtain limited results. Not like the BMW world, where suspension upgrades are a BIG part of the product offerings in that area

 

Perhaps the car you want is the new RS5.

 

It would be great if they employed the magnetorheological damping system like the Corvette and some some others use. Heck MB uses this in the dynamic engine mounts. They have proven to be highly successful in both GT and track oriented purposes.

 

The C63 sedan IS right for my wife (ANY sports car is right for me), but I'm trying to find out if the coupe is, since the sedan is definitely not right for me. Ha ha. It's ugly (no offense, but don't like sedans). To drive this point again, my wife is okay with the C63 sedan. But anything 'wilder', as in louder inside or stiffer, might be a no-go. Since I'm reading conflicting reports that the coupe is softer AND stiffer than the sedan, guess will have to drive one... although that would take months.

Interesting. Didn't want a 911, but since I might end up with a 6-cyl anyway, might consider it. May I ask you if you just have PASM, or SPASM? I don't like the big fender gap with just PASM.

Okay, seems like I'll also have to listen to the sport exhaust on the C63 too, so this won't be something I'll be able to do anytime soon (only local dealer is crap, and not traveling anymore until late Feb). My little Cayman with sport exhaust sounds incredible, it's quite loud, and I love it, but don't use it much. And THAT is the problem. Since Porsche didn't offer SPASM on that one, had to get non-adjustable sport suspension, which is just incredible, but too stiff for women, especially over 50. The C63 I rented was significantly more compliant than my car, even in sport+ mode. And it still handled enough to have fun, hence my consideration. Saw a picture of the new E400 inside, and it's stunning, compared to the C, with its cheapo iPad of a screen, so will try that one. And since I'm considering 6-cyls, might as well consider others, like the Quadrifoglio mentioned (although reliability scares me). Don't like Audis with their FWD-based chassis (engine ahead of front axle) and even heavier than MBs. No more BMWs either. Another option could be the C43AMG coupe, since it's not a true AMG. Really wanted the V8, but not going to spend on something my wife might not like, since that being the case, prefer to keep the CGTS. I ordered it with everything, so it's very luxurious inside (leather everything, and all performance options as well), but it was 6 figures. Might lose my proverbial a$$ if I sell it now, but haven't received local dealer's quote yet. Not willing to do that, so might have to check Tucson and Albuquerque, where I've done that several times, with a much higher offer. Thank you very much for all your help. Will drive a E400 coupe with seat massage, 19s, and spring suspension (air is optional), and see how that drives. Will keep reporting my progress. Take care.

EDIT: Just wanted to comment that trading the wife is not an option (too expensive). Ha ha. And I'm battling with a rare leukemia and not winning, so having 2 expensive cars is out of the question. Not only not wanting to leave my wife with more than 1 (car) problem, but insurance is not covering crap (rare cancer treatments are not 'main-stream', so not covered). Paid ins for decades (about $170K overall), and when I need it, nothing. And with the orangutan in office thinking people like me are 'parasites' because have pre-existing conditions, not looking good. Anyway, would only buy another car if I get for my car what the other costs, which is around low 70s. Will find out this week how that looks. Both the C63 I wanted and E400 are right there. Guess that rules out a new 911, but don't like turbos anyway, and no dealer anywhere close, so an MB makes more sense. And I've never owned one. Just have to figure out which.

 

Not sure I can be much help but, owned a facelift 2012 W204 C63 and found it to be a bit dangerous in the wet. Tyres too skinny to get the power down and the ride was a bit rough. Traded it in on a 991S and loved the car, the performance and the ride were superior to the W204 but it was impractical with a kid and if you leave a 911 anywhere around here some delightful soul will run a key or a coin up the side of it thus it did very few kilometres over the 2 years I owned it. I sold that back to the dealer and bought an E400 coupe. My initial view was I would keep it until the facelift W205 C63S came out but I now find the C207 really fits my style of driving and the horrendous Sydney traffic I encounter every day.
Do I miss the noise of the big V8? Sure do. Do I miss the crook ride? No. I do miss the beauty of the Porsche sitting in the garage but that's about all.
good luck with whatever you purchase.

 

I should hope the damping on a 911 turbo would be better than a C63 . After all, it's base price is more than double that of a C63. At least the much cheaper and humble C63 sounds at least as good.

In terms of the exhaust question. I think someone here nailed it. There is no need to avoid the performance exhaust. keep the valves off and it wont have as noisy a character. That said, there is no way to turn off the pops and crackles in sport and sport plus mode completely. The noise at least is more subdued. I would definitely suggest everyone gets the performance exhaust as it will definitely make the car more marketable on the second hand market once you are done with it. Also, i really dont see most people driving the car around in sport and sport plus mode that often anyhow. The car is quiet enough (just about) in comfort mode and has so much power that you can shift up a couple of gears during relaxed driving anyhow and never have to rev the car too hard. Bottom line though, if you you dont want that V8 sound then look at a lexus, audi or BMW, or better, an cadillac ATS V.

 

I would think just the opposite. I and I think most owners drive this car 90% of the time in S+
Actually in Individual mode with my settings programmed in and it includes S+ for trans and engine and comfort for suspension and performance exhaust LOUD.

 

That's exactly how my Individual is set too. Sport+ with "comfort" suspension.