Need thoughts and advise. Have had 3 E-63's and think time for a change. Was not even considering looking at the C63s coupe until I saw one on the dealer lot. So no flames here but would it be a step back going from the E to the C??
I don't need the back seats, and think a smaller car might be ok. Do a lot of driving, like 15=20 k per year.
Don't think there is anything comparable horsepower vs money out there. So won't be a hard sell.
What do you guys think??

 

Which E63 model have you got? For sure it's a downgrade if you've got a new one.

Just letting you know the C63s Coupe suspension is quite stiff - even in Comfort mode. It's a good daily driver, not bad on fuel if you're careful with it and has good ground clearance for speed humps, parking and driveways (I've never scraped it here in Sydney and our roads are sh*t).

What makes you want to get the C63? These cars are don't have the quality of E classes that's for sure but if it's performance you want, the C63s is a riot and it turns heads.

 

2015 and it just ran out of cpo warranty! And I do like performance.

 

Compared to the W212, the FL C205 C63 will be a lot more modern on all fronts. Technically if we were to talk about a W213 vs a C205, then purely based on the class it's obviously technically a downgrade, but also they are two different cars. The E is a large, heavy family sedan rocket mainly meant for fast Autobahn driving with your family, although it can hold its own with the drift mode etc. The C is smaller, lighter (albeit still heavy compared to a sports car), nimbler and more of a sports car with pure RWD and it sets itself apart in the looks department. The E looks somewhat bland and not very much different from a normal E, whereas the C (coupe) is visually different with its wider fenders and stance, and especially if you get it with the optional Aero package. Frankly, I was least impressed by the E63S at the AMG Driving Academy last year. It's being overshadowed by the GT63S 4-door, IMO, which is an all-around more impressive car based on the E63 chassis. Suspension-wise, I don't know how the W212 rides, but I don't quite agree with the comment above that the revised FL C63 suspension is harsh. It's actually quite compliant with the correct tire pressure and especially now that I replaced the stock PSS with a set of PS4S. It's more comfortable in comfort mode than my last two performance cars, both Audis. Sure on really bad roads, a car with a sporty firm suspension will make you feel it. The E at least as far as the W213 is concerned, isn't exactly hailed as having a comfortable ride, but it does have air suspension.

 

I sold my F90 M5 for a Giulia QV and then on to C63s coupe. I think partially I was getting tired of driving sedans and really wanted a coupe. I was dead set on buying the M8 coupe (M8 wasn’t out yet) until 1 day I decided to go into local MB dealership. It was a pretty much a done deal. To me C63 coupe has almost as much luxury feel in a smaller sexier package.

 

Build quality from E to C is a big downgrade.

 

I didn’t see that at all. They are much closer than you think. Just my opinion. To me F90 has better interior materials when you go with full leather than the E63.

 

+1...I don't buy it either. Does one really think that the workers putting together the C are less quality oriented than the workers putting together the E? They are both built in the same plant in Bremen as far as the C coupe is concerned. Mercedes is even moving to combined production lines that will build all their models on the same line instead of separate lines for each model. There are build quality concerns with the C sedan stemming from the fact that they are built in Alabama for the North American market. There's data that shows the quality levels of the Alabama plant aren't at the same level as the German plants yet. There are differences in the materials chosen due to the price points of the cars. You'll find more plastic in a C than an E, but it would be interesting to get a side-by-side comparison. Leather quality is essentially equal. The C63S gets Nappa leather. The dash in the C63S is MB-Tex instead of real leather, so that's one place, but on the other hand MB-Tex holds up better to sun light than real leather. Most of the switch gear, infotainment system, steering wheel, seats etc. are the same in both. Some of the perhaps perceived quality differences stem more from the E being larger than the C. A longer wheel base gives a more luxuries feeling for example, but also makes you feel its size around corners.

 

When I bought my C63s (sedan not coupe) I had to decide between the E and the C. It was tough as my is a pre FL and at that time the E interior was just updated. Hands down nicer inside on the E. But it comes down to me how much car you want and need around you. I needed and wanted a 4 door because I have more than 2 people in the car maybe once a week. But I don’t need a long distance cruiser for 4 people. The C is smaller, lighter (still heavy for a performance car) and therefore more nimble even though it has a little less straight line power. It’s more fun to drive and yet I can accommodate 4 people for the occasion I have to. The E is a great car and depending on what you want it for it maybe the better choice. From a “looks” department, the E with its large overhangs and in particular the huge rear makes it look like a good old’ Benz and not a sports sedan/coupe.

 

Where they are built is irrelevant, its the quality of the materials.

I'm comparing an e300 and c63s. The E has dramatically better materials and build quality.

 

First of all, material quality and build quality are two different things, but then again I have to disagree. Perception is one thing, but give some concrete examples. My reference point is a fully loaded C63S Coupe with performance seats, carbon fiber etc. vs a fully loaded E63S with performance seats, carbon fiber etc. The seats for example are identical. The leather is identical (Nappa leather). The carbon fiber is identical, the aluminum trims are identical. I know in the C there's plastic underneath the carbon fiber, and I'm not sure if in the E it's all carbon fiber. I agree with you on the material differences in terms of where plastic is used mostly, but nothing I would call dramatically different in terms of quality. I've sat in and driven most AMG models thanks to the the AMG Driving Academy, but frankly none of them made me think one was dramatically different than the other one, except for the CLA and the SLC. They were all similarly equiped with carbon trims, performance seats etc. Let's make sure we compare apples to apples. The SLC's roof was rattling like crazy and the CLA is clearly a step down. But if you compare equally equipped AMG models in particular all with the Performance Seats, I wouldn't call them dramatically different. There are differences in interior design. I actually prefer the C interior over the E interior, because the C looks sportier and more driver oriented.

 

Agreed, the C interior looks much better to me personally.

I believe the difference is in what is beneath the surface of the interior. I think there is more plastic in the C class.

Specifically, I notice a lot more interior rattles in the C.

That could be attributed to the much stiffer suspension in the AMG I’m comparing, sure, but I can’t help but assume an E63 would still be better than the C63, even if only slightly. I suspect the E is more insulated and the construction is more solid while the C is more hollow.

 

Yeah, you simply can't extrapolate from the E300. The C63S and AMGs in generally have fundamentally different NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) profiles. They have much firmer suspensions, more rigid chassis, stiffer engine mounts and all the bushings throughout the car are stiffer. Just to name some of the main components. The C63S and other AMGs have dynamic engine mounts, so you can have them on a softer setting for less engine vibration being transferred through the car, or have them on the firmest setting for tight coupling of the engine to the chassis and naturally more vibration to the car, but even in the softest setting it won't compare to an E300. This ultimately causes more rattles and vibrations. In particular the rear suspension in the C63S is very firmly connected to the chassis of the car, so that makes a big difference in terms of NVH. The E300 has a much softer suspension, soft bushings, soft engine mounts and an engine that's much quieter with less vibrations. If I went by NVH alone, then the CLA 250 loaner I had not too long ago would seem to have drastically better build quality, but that's purely an illusion. It just has an NVH profile geared towards the normal driver who doesn't want to hear and feel the engine etc.

 

Based on the direction of the conversation, I feel that it’s worth reminding some of the previous posters that OP said he’s coming from a W212 (2015) E63. As this was before the E63 was updated, I’d imagine it would be a rather large upgrade from an interior & electronics standpoint.

 

Guys, there is no comparison between the E63S vs. C63S. I know this is the C forum but I am honestly shocked at how many people are trying to convince themselves otherwise. Another car being better does not diminish your car being great.

My close friend has the E63S Edition 1 and so coming from someone that has driven and ridden in it extensively, that car runs circles around the C63S. The E63S bombs the C63S both on the drag strip and on the track. Not even in the same league - the E is putting down numbers challenging cars like the GT3 and the 458. That car drives incredibly and shockingly well and is a performance bargain. Same thing can’t be said for the GT63S which is way overpriced and and apparently not much better dynamically - check the discussion from actual owners in that forum. I also prefer the E’s looks and think the GT 4-dr is ugly, but that’s just my opinion.

The interior of the E is also miles better... come on now. That piece of wood/carbon that flows across the entire front dash and wraps around the entire interior while backlit by the animated LEDs (which are also nicer)... it looks like a spaceship. I can only wish our cars looked like that. You can option one much further too with the high-end Burmester, thicker insulation, massaging seats, etc.

But I agree, quality might not be necessarily better given how many threads there are about rattles. But that can’t be a production plant location thing. There are so many complaint threads from C coupe owners, E AMG owners, and surprisingly even GT63S owners about poor quality and rattles. I’d like to see the actual data behind Germany plants being supposedly better. To me it seems like this is much more related to design flaws. You put a bunch of different materials and plastics together to make a nice looking interior and surprise surprise, things rub together and jolt loose from the stiff suspension on these cars. It is what is.

I’d be the first one to admit, if I had more money to comfortably blow I’d be in a E63S. I didn’t want to stretch my purchase so I’m not, and that doesn’t take away from my C63S ownership. I love my car and imo it’s the best option in its class and at this price point and it’s f**king awesome OP if cost is no issue the answer is pretty obvious. But go and test one yourself. The W213 blows me away but you may be perfectly happy with the C-coupe. Looks better and I think it should be a handling upgrade to the W212

 

We were talking specifically about build and material quality and you seem to be on the same page there. Subjectively which interior one likes better is another story. Nobody called the performance of the E63S over the C63S in question. The E has a 100hp over the C and is aided by an awesome AWD system. For me personally, because it's a bland looking sedan it leaves me somewhat cold. If AMG were to come out with an E63S Coupe I might be tempted. GT63S is much better looking, than the E63S, but it's pointless to argue taste and beyond scope.

EDIT: BTW, in terms of running circles, the E63S does the Nurburgring in 7:55 and the 2019 C63S Coupe in 7:44. So just saying, but all that extra power isn't helping it around an actual circuit.

 

Forget about build quality/interior quality, etc. The biggest difference will be your ability (or rather inability) to put the power down. If you're used to a heavy AWD E63S, a C63S coupe with some power is going to be a handful. These cars do not hook unless you have serious rubber (minimum 305 width PS4S's) or something like R-compound tires like R888R's. My 305 PS4S's have about 7k miles on them and they're already getting close to needing a swap. Next tires will be an R compound for sure, even if the wear is super high.

I have 5-6 laps in a new E63S around COTA and the difference in traction is astounding over my C63S coupe. However, you can absolutely feel the weight when you're pushing it through corners... that's not to say the C63S Coupe is a featherlight either though, but it feels way more nimble. Of all the cars I drove around COTA (C63S Coupe, E63S, GTR, GTS), my favorite was actually the E63S. It felt even more powerful than the GTR and the grip was incredible given its weight.

 

That’s so true! Can you post pics of your 305 tires? I am debating 295’s or 305’s, don’t want the tires to bulge too much.

 

No bulge with the wider track on the Coupe. It's actually a perfect fitment as if it was meant to be.

Here's my thread when I installed the tires, I took a few pics - you can see there fitment is very flush and actually helps fill the wheel gap a bit: https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-c63s-...nan-bliss.html

 

It seems OP is looking at a FL. The FL hooks up significantly better. The changes AMG has made to the suspension and the rear differential, but primarily the addition of the 9-stage traction control from the GT R transformed the car in terms of the ability to put the power down. The stock PSS still struggle somewhat with traction, but I now have stock size PS4S on it and it simply hooks up. A bit of wheel spin in 1st gear that's easily managed by short shifting into 2nd and it takes off. With the PSS I had wheel spin up to 3rd sometimes, but that's all gone now. I deliberately went with the stock size to see what difference the PS4S makes by itself and turns out there's no need to go wider. I think people underestimate the new traction control system. As opposed to the old one, it proactively manages torque delivery to the rear wheels and maintains just the right amount of slip for maximum traction. There's no cutting in and cutting engine power to gain control over wheel slip. Tire wear is significantly improved as well. I changed the PSS at about 10k miles and they still had more than half of their tread life left. I mainly changed them because my front alignment was off and it had chewed up the inner edges of both front tires.

 

Is this only when you turn TC into the 9 stage mode? Because mine definitely cuts power with TC in it's default mode

 

As someone who came from a 2014 E63, you will miss the AWD and the top end speed of the M157. The reason I'm switching to W213 E63 or F90 M5.

 

No, it's always, but with ESP on and I'm guessing AMG DYNAMICS in Basic, it doesn't allow much slip and especially no drift angle, so ESP will intervene to keep you from oversteering. Put it in ESP Sport Handling and its much different. When I give it the beans I pretty much have the engine in Dynamic, AMG DYNAMICS in Pro and ESP in Sport Handling and suspension in Sport. That's my Individual mode setup, and I shift manually, for anything other than casually driving around. Full S+ and ESP Sport Handling when I hit up the canyons.

Just to be clear, though. Managing torque to the wheels involves controlling engine output. So technically it will control the engine power and regulate it as necessary. The big difference is that traditionally TC was reactive and acted once there was wheel spin, whereas with the new TC it is more proactive. You could still get in a situation where there is a sudden unexpected loss of traction and it has to react.

 

no idea but i was up against a brand new m5 comp.. for some reason i pulled on it to 130mph from 75mph.. i was pulling.. i have no tune.. no clue how i was pulling on him but we were full pedal to the metal on 41 right by the spur and lake cook road.. i was in race mode.. he did have a skinny female passenger and my car was empty but my tank was full.. i was shocked.

 

having both they are completely different cars - my cars in question are a modded '14 E63s wagon and '18 C63s sedan and love both for different reasons. Both are rockets, but utilize the power different.

The C feels like a go cart - better steering - better braking - better tranny with faster shifts - still dips in hard on turns, but mine is a sedan - newer tech - Performance exhaust in S+/Race has nice burble - traction of the line is biggest PITA - an APR tuned GTI dug in and walked away from me as i couldn't get the C to hook up - but caught up quickly
The E is a beast - (tuned) - straight line autobahn rocket - definitely more space - ride feels same as my E is lowered on 20's - exhaust is good at WOT - but i have resonators removed - seats are more comfy

I love both cars for dif reasons - the wagon is a garage queen - doesn't get alot of driving - while C is the run about - but love tearing it up - couldn't do the coupe as my wife has a bad lower back from sports injuries so needs to sit up a bit more - good thing AMG has something for everyone -

short answer is you can't go wrong with a C63 - just get the "S" - RWD takes me back where you could slide the back end like an early 90's mustang