New C63s Owner To Be - I Have A Few Questions
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
New C63s Owner To Be - I Have A Few Questions
Hey everyone! So I was in the market for a daily driver and had my eyes firmly set on an Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. I test drove a 2019 for a day, and just could not justify dropping nearly $45k into a car that felt and looked so cheaply made. I figured I could buy a C43 AMG for almost the same price. While I’d be sacrificing about 40hp compared to the Infiniti, I’d be getting a ton more car. After searching for the perfect C43 for over a month, I decided if I was gonna drop almost $50k into a used C43 why not just go big or go home with the C63 for a few grand more. By few, I mean $15-20k but to me it would be money well spent. My weekend car is a 2010 E63 M6, for those who might not know, it’s BMW’s one and final N/A V10 with the S85 5.0L motor that puts out 500hp stock. It’s a blast to drive and I plan to keep it forever so I wanted a d/d that wouldn’t be such a huge downgrade in power. The Infiniti Q60 and C43 AMG met those criteria, as does the C63S with flying colors. Which is where I’m at today.
I’m looking at 2018-2019’s as those years would best fit my price budget. I generally do not like buying first year models, so I’m not considering any 2017’s. I realize the 2019 had the front grill facelift, which I plan on doing should I get a 2018. Apart from the front grill, are there any other major changes in the 2019 from 2018? Was the 64 color ambient light available in the 2018? I looked at an ‘18 online that has the Advance Lighting Package (option 319). The package lists 877 ambient lighting but not 64 color. Can someone shed some light on this (no pun intended!)?
The other must have options for me are HUD and performance exhaust. I’d love to hear which options you C63 folks feel are must-have options!
I’m looking at 2018-2019’s as those years would best fit my price budget. I generally do not like buying first year models, so I’m not considering any 2017’s. I realize the 2019 had the front grill facelift, which I plan on doing should I get a 2018. Apart from the front grill, are there any other major changes in the 2019 from 2018? Was the 64 color ambient light available in the 2018? I looked at an ‘18 online that has the Advance Lighting Package (option 319). The package lists 877 ambient lighting but not 64 color. Can someone shed some light on this (no pun intended!)?
The other must have options for me are HUD and performance exhaust. I’d love to hear which options you C63 folks feel are must-have options!
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 63
Likes: 16
From: Charlotte, NC
'21 C63S Cabrio, '21 Corvette C8, '18 BMW X5
Hey everyone! So I was in the market for a daily driver and had my eyes firmly set on an Infiniti Q60 Red Sport. I test drove a 2019 for a day, and just could not justify dropping nearly $45k into a car that felt and looked so cheaply made. I figured I could buy a C43 AMG for almost the same price. While I’d be sacrificing about 40hp compared to the Infiniti, I’d be getting a ton more car. After searching for the perfect C43 for over a month, I decided if I was gonna drop almost $50k into a used C43 why not just go big or go home with the C63 for a few grand more. By few, I mean $15-20k but to me it would be money well spent. My weekend car is a 2010 E63 M6, for those who might not know, it’s BMW’s one and final N/A V10 with the S85 5.0L motor that puts out 500hp stock. It’s a blast to drive and I plan to keep it forever so I wanted a d/d that wouldn’t be such a huge downgrade in power. The Infiniti Q60 and C43 AMG met those criteria, as does the C63S with flying colors. Which is where I’m at today.
I’m looking at 2018-2019’s as those years would best fit my price budget. I generally do not like buying first year models, so I’m not considering any 2017’s. I realize the 2019 had the front grill facelift, which I plan on doing should I get a 2018. Apart from the front grill, are there any other major changes in the 2019 from 2018? Was the 64 color ambient light available in the 2018? I looked at an ‘18 online that has the Advance Lighting Package (option 319). The package lists 877 ambient lighting but not 64 color. Can someone shed some light on this (no pun intended!)?
The other must have options for me are HUD and performance exhaust. I’d love to hear which options you C63 folks feel are must-have options!
I’m looking at 2018-2019’s as those years would best fit my price budget. I generally do not like buying first year models, so I’m not considering any 2017’s. I realize the 2019 had the front grill facelift, which I plan on doing should I get a 2018. Apart from the front grill, are there any other major changes in the 2019 from 2018? Was the 64 color ambient light available in the 2018? I looked at an ‘18 online that has the Advance Lighting Package (option 319). The package lists 877 ambient lighting but not 64 color. Can someone shed some light on this (no pun intended!)?
The other must have options for me are HUD and performance exhaust. I’d love to hear which options you C63 folks feel are must-have options!
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From: Florida
AMG C63s
I drove both and I hear the constant rave about the 9 speed...while it surely is the superior box for certain applications I did not like it for my daily use. For me, it felt the car is constantly hunting to shift. The car has plenty of torque to not need to shift that often. In auto shift mode (the mode I use most often for daily driving) I was like in 9th gear at 50mph or so...that annoyed me. I also felt that not only due to the exhaust system changes but also that those extra 2 gears and earlier shifting contribute for the FL to have less of the pops and bangs when it does shift. Cant comment to much on the comfortable suspension argument. My PFL is lowered to the max w/o rubbing and that adds its own harshness and I can't compare to a none lowered FL...but I did not buy and modify that car to ride like a S-class. But it sure is more than comfy enough for me to use it for 6h trips w/o any issues...aka PFL in comfort mode and even lowered is still a very practical ride for long trips and I have no complains.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 63
Likes: 16
From: Charlotte, NC
'21 C63S Cabrio, '21 Corvette C8, '18 BMW X5
I drove both and I hear the constant rave about the 9 speed...while it surely is the superior box for certain applications I did not like it for my daily use. For me, it felt the car is constantly hunting to shift. The car has plenty of torque to not need to shift that often. In auto shift mode (the mode I use most often for daily driving) I was like in 9th gear at 50mph or so...that annoyed me. I also felt that not only due to the exhaust system changes but also that those extra 2 gears and earlier shifting contribute for the FL to have less of the pops and bangs when it does shift. Cant comment to much on the comfortable suspension argument. My PFL is lowered to the max w/o rubbing and that adds its own harshness and I can't compare to a none lowered FL...but I did not buy and modify that car to ride like a S-class. But it sure is more than comfy enough for me to use it for 6h trips w/o any issues...aka PFL in comfort mode and even lowered is still a very practical ride for long trips and I have no complains.
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Out Of Control!!
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
OP, there are indeed several threads around here discussing the differences and plenty of reviews and videos on the web, but I suppose it can be a bit daunting to weed through all the bias in these threads. So, let me try to summarize the differences at bit. The 2019 is more than a cosmetic grill. It's an updated model.
- As mentioned above already, the 2019 has a new 9-speed MCT transmission vs the 7-speed MCT transmission in the 2018. I agree with the frequent shifting comment above. That's the nature of a transmission with so many gears as it can keep the engine closer to the optimal rpm as an approximation of a CVT which has infinite gear ratios to keep the engine in the sweet spot at all times. I don't mind the frequent shifting really as I mainly view the automatic modes as convenience for lazy driving and I only use the automatic shifting in Comfort mode. Otherwise, I use manual mode 90+% of the time and the most important improvement for me is the much better and much more responsive manual mode of the 9-speed. If you mainly drive in automatic mode, then the 7-speed will shift less, but I hated the 2nd gear start it does in Comfort mode. Because it has a clutch instead of a torque converter it just ends up slipping the clutch like crazy and it feels odd and laggy. The 9-speed always starts in 1st gear for a much better off the line response in every mode.
- The second improvement is the revised suspension. Not only does it ride better and is more compliant overall, it's also more dynamic in S+. Partly thanks to the new for the 2019 AMG DYNAMICS system, which is an active driving dynamics control system that expands ESP and improves the handling of the car. Here's more info in the context of the GT, but it's the same system. It was introduced with the GT R Pro and the C63 was the first other model that got it after the Pro: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaS...l?oid=42956027. This obviously is more of a benefit when you start throwing the car around corners.
- The third improvement of the S model only is the all-new 9-stage traction control system straight from the GT R. It's rooted in GT racing and came from the AMG GT3. Traction is the biggest Achilles heel of the C63 and the new traction control system does a much better job managing it and working with the driver instead of against them. It's the first traction control system that doesn't annoy me. You don't even have to manually adjust the levels, which is only possible if ESP is off completely anyway, but it just manages the torque so much better to make the most use of the available traction. IMO, it makes the car more enjoyable and useable w/o constantly fighting traction control.
- Lastly there are a bunch of upgrades to the interior. The 2019 has a newer Infotainment system, with a new UI, widescreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The online system also is much better with OTA updates and regular map updates for the navigation system. First 3 years are complimentary. It also has an optional digital instrument cluster which is amazing, IMO and the best part is the new steering wheel with the drive mode selectors that allow you to pretty much adjust anything directly from the steering wheel and not having to take your hands off it. I particularly like that I can just press the drive mode selector knob to instantly activate the Individual mode. All the tech is essentially upgraded. If you get one with the driving assistance features, they are also noticeably improved over the 2018. The 2019 also has new headlight technology if you get one with the upgraded lighting package. They are now an 80 LED matrix that in most markets can darken the areas of oncoming traffic, but unfortunately due to regulations here in the USA we don't' get that functionality. Instead it simulates more traditional adaptive high beams that can turn on/off in segments to not blind oncoming traffic.
- There are other improvements throughout the car, for example the electronic locking differential is faster acting now and they revised the dynamic engine mounts in the S model, which is partly responsible for the additional comfort in Comfort mode while tightening the drivetrain only when you actually start driving faster and more dynamically.
Last edited by superswiss; Jun 17, 2021 at 12:48 PM.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2019
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 424
From: Florida
AMG C63s
OP, there are indeed several threads around here discussing the differences and plenty of reviews and videos on the web, but I suppose it can be a bit daunting to weed through all the bias in these threads. So, let me try to summarize the differences at bit. The 2019 is more than a cosmetic grill. It's an updated model.
- As mentioned above already, the 2019 has a new 9-speed MCT transmission vs the 7-speed MCT transmission in the 2018. I agree with the frequent shifting comment above. That's the nature of a transmission with so many gears as it can keep the engine closer to the optimal rpm as an approximation of a CVT which has infinite gear ratios to keep the engine in the sweet spot at all times. I don't mind the frequent shifting really as I mainly view the automatic modes as convenience for lazy driving and I only use the automatic shifting in Comfort mode. Otherwise, I use manual mode 90+% of the time and the most important improvement for me is the much better and much more responsive manual mode of the 9-speed. If you mainly drive in automatic mode, then the 7-speed will shift less, but I hated the 2nd gear start it does in Comfort mode. Because it has a clutch instead of a torque converter it just ends up slipping the clutch like crazy and it feels odd and laggy. The 9-speed always starts in 1st gear for a much better off the line response in every mode.
- The second improvement is the revised suspension. Not only does it ride better and is more compliant overall, it's also more dynamic in S+. Partly thanks to the new for the 2019 AMG DYNAMICS system, which is an active driving dynamics control system that expands ESP and improves the handling of the car. Here's more info in the context of the GT, but it's the same system. It was introduced with the GT R Pro and the C63 was the first other model that got it after the Pro: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaS...l?oid=42956027. This obviously is more of a benefit when you start throwing the car around corners.
- The third improvement of the S model only is the all-new 9-stage traction control system straight from the GT R. It's rooted in GT racing and came from the AMG GT3. Traction is the biggest Achilles heel of the C63 and the new traction control system does a much better job managing it and working with the driver instead of against them. It's the first traction control system that doesn't annoy me. You don't even have to manually adjust the levels, which is only possible if ESP is off completely anyway, but it just manages the torque so much better to make the most use of the available traction. IMO, it makes the car more enjoyable and useable w/o constantly fighting traction control.
- Lastly there are a bunch of upgrades to the interior. The 2019 has a newer Infotainment system, with a new UI, widescreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The online system also is much better with OTA updates and regular map updates for the navigation system. First 3 years are complimentary. It also has an optional digital instrument cluster which is amazing, IMO and the best part is the new steering wheel with the drive mode selectors that allow you to pretty much adjust anything directly from the steering wheel and not having to take your hands off it. I particularly like that I can just press the drive mode selector knob to instantly activate the Individual mode. All the tech is essentially upgraded. If you get one with the driving assistance features, they are also noticeably improved over the 2018. The 2019 also has new headlight technology if you get one with the upgraded lighting package. They are now an 80 LED matrix that in most markets can darken the areas of oncoming traffic, but unfortunately due to regulations here in the USA we don't' get that functionality. Instead it simulates more traditional adaptive high beams that can turn on/off in segments to not blind oncoming traffic.
- There are other improvements throughout the car, for example the electronic locking differential is faster acting now and they revised the dynamic engine mounts in the S model, which is partly responsible for the additional comfort in Comfort mode while tightening the drivetrain only when you actually start driving faster and more dynamically.
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2005 E55
If you are looking at 19+ cars skip the c63 and get an e63s. It is by far on another level over our car. You are right in the ballpark for a 2018 e63s! Biggest issue with my tuned c63s is traction and the e63s all wheel drive solves that.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I would say that depends on one's perspective. The E63 is larger and most importantly significantly heavier. It adds essentially another 500lbs on top of the C63 sedan, which isn't exactly a lightweight to begin with. If you do the power to weight ratio calculation you'll realize that most of the extra power goes towards moving all that extra weight. It's mainly faster in a straight line due to AWD traction, but it's a land yacht to hustle up a mountain road if you are into that. The E63 is really a German Autobahn rocket mainly. I never found them all that suitable on our roads, unless you are into drag racing. I'd probably go for the GT63 instead. It's the nimbler car due to rear wheel steering making it drive like a smaller car.
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AMG GLC 63s Coupe
Or skip right to the 911s or Taycan....
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 135
From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
OP, there are indeed several threads around here discussing the differences and plenty of reviews and videos on the web, but I suppose it can be a bit daunting to weed through all the bias in these threads. So, let me try to summarize the differences at bit. The 2019 is more than a cosmetic grill. It's an updated model.
- As mentioned above already, the 2019 has a new 9-speed MCT transmission vs the 7-speed MCT transmission in the 2018. I agree with the frequent shifting comment above. That's the nature of a transmission with so many gears as it can keep the engine closer to the optimal rpm as an approximation of a CVT which has infinite gear ratios to keep the engine in the sweet spot at all times. I don't mind the frequent shifting really as I mainly view the automatic modes as convenience for lazy driving and I only use the automatic shifting in Comfort mode. Otherwise, I use manual mode 90+% of the time and the most important improvement for me is the much better and much more responsive manual mode of the 9-speed. If you mainly drive in automatic mode, then the 7-speed will shift less, but I hated the 2nd gear start it does in Comfort mode. Because it has a clutch instead of a torque converter it just ends up slipping the clutch like crazy and it feels odd and laggy. The 9-speed always starts in 1st gear for a much better off the line response in every mode.
- The second improvement is the revised suspension. Not only does it ride better and is more compliant overall, it's also more dynamic in S+. Partly thanks to the new for the 2019 AMG DYNAMICS system, which is an active driving dynamics control system that expands ESP and improves the handling of the car. Here's more info in the context of the GT, but it's the same system. It was introduced with the GT R Pro and the C63 was the first other model that got it after the Pro: https://media.daimler.com/marsMediaS...l?oid=42956027. This obviously is more of a benefit when you start throwing the car around corners.
- The third improvement of the S model only is the all-new 9-stage traction control system straight from the GT R. It's rooted in GT racing and came from the AMG GT3. Traction is the biggest Achilles heel of the C63 and the new traction control system does a much better job managing it and working with the driver instead of against them. It's the first traction control system that doesn't annoy me. You don't even have to manually adjust the levels, which is only possible if ESP is off completely anyway, but it just manages the torque so much better to make the most use of the available traction. IMO, it makes the car more enjoyable and useable w/o constantly fighting traction control.
- Lastly there are a bunch of upgrades to the interior. The 2019 has a newer Infotainment system, with a new UI, widescreen and standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The online system also is much better with OTA updates and regular map updates for the navigation system. First 3 years are complimentary. It also has an optional digital instrument cluster which is amazing, IMO and the best part is the new steering wheel with the drive mode selectors that allow you to pretty much adjust anything directly from the steering wheel and not having to take your hands off it. I particularly like that I can just press the drive mode selector knob to instantly activate the Individual mode. All the tech is essentially upgraded. If you get one with the driving assistance features, they are also noticeably improved over the 2018. The 2019 also has new headlight technology if you get one with the upgraded lighting package. They are now an 80 LED matrix that in most markets can darken the areas of oncoming traffic, but unfortunately due to regulations here in the USA we don't' get that functionality. Instead it simulates more traditional adaptive high beams that can turn on/off in segments to not blind oncoming traffic.
- There are other improvements throughout the car, for example the electronic locking differential is faster acting now and they revised the dynamic engine mounts in the S model, which is partly responsible for the additional comfort in Comfort mode while tightening the drivetrain only when you actually start driving faster and more dynamically.
So ive narrowed it down to a couple of cars. A 2018 C63s with under 20k miles, or a 2021 that’s virtually brand new. Difference in price is approximately $25k. The 2021 has no HUD or performance exhaust option. I’m so used to using the HUD on my Bimmer so I’m not sure I want to drop nearly $100k on a car that doesn’t have one. The ‘18 has both options but no Car Play which is not that big a deal as I’ve read there are aftermarket mods to address that. Big decisions to be made, and soon before I miss out!
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
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From: DFW
W205 AMG
Thanks for such a detailed comparison, I really appreciate it. I never drive my M6 in auto so I’m assuming with a C63S I’d almost exclusively be driving it manually. If you think the automatic mode is a bit wonky on a C63S, the M6 says hold my beer!
So ive narrowed it down to a couple of cars. A 2018 C63s with under 20k miles, or a 2021 that’s virtually brand new. Difference in price is approximately $25k. The 2021 has no HUD or performance exhaust option. I’m so used to using the HUD on my Bimmer so I’m not sure I want to drop nearly $100k on a car that doesn’t have one. The ‘18 has both options but no Car Play which is not that big a deal as I’ve read there are aftermarket mods to address that. Big decisions to be made, and soon before I miss out!
So ive narrowed it down to a couple of cars. A 2018 C63s with under 20k miles, or a 2021 that’s virtually brand new. Difference in price is approximately $25k. The 2021 has no HUD or performance exhaust option. I’m so used to using the HUD on my Bimmer so I’m not sure I want to drop nearly $100k on a car that doesn’t have one. The ‘18 has both options but no Car Play which is not that big a deal as I’ve read there are aftermarket mods to address that. Big decisions to be made, and soon before I miss out!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,432
Likes: 5,342
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Thanks for such a detailed comparison, I really appreciate it. I never drive my M6 in auto so I’m assuming with a C63S I’d almost exclusively be driving it manually. If you think the automatic mode is a bit wonky on a C63S, the M6 says hold my beer!
So ive narrowed it down to a couple of cars. A 2018 C63s with under 20k miles, or a 2021 that’s virtually brand new. Difference in price is approximately $25k. The 2021 has no HUD or performance exhaust option. I’m so used to using the HUD on my Bimmer so I’m not sure I want to drop nearly $100k on a car that doesn’t have one. The ‘18 has both options but no Car Play which is not that big a deal as I’ve read there are aftermarket mods to address that. Big decisions to be made, and soon before I miss out!
So ive narrowed it down to a couple of cars. A 2018 C63s with under 20k miles, or a 2021 that’s virtually brand new. Difference in price is approximately $25k. The 2021 has no HUD or performance exhaust option. I’m so used to using the HUD on my Bimmer so I’m not sure I want to drop nearly $100k on a car that doesn’t have one. The ‘18 has both options but no Car Play which is not that big a deal as I’ve read there are aftermarket mods to address that. Big decisions to be made, and soon before I miss out!
I don't consider the FL a first year anything. It just so happened that I always ended up buying the FL of every car I've ever owned the year it came out. In the software business we have a saying that you should skip version 1 and wait for version 2. The PFL in this scenario would be version 1 and the FL version 2. The FL essentially takes the learnings, feedback etc. from the PFL and improves upon the initial car. Fixing things that weren't quite right, incorporating new technologies that weren't quite ready when the car was initially released and revised parts. Yes, there can still be kinks specific to the FL. In fact there was a recall for the ESP and a couple of coding issues with the AMG Drive Unit, but they were all taken care of with software updates. I also had an issue with the Aero package side skirts, which were glued on from the factory, but started to come off. AMG eventually released a revised part that screws on instead and I've had those on mine for a while now. So the 2019 is a sold choice at this point, just make sure it has all the recalls and service campaigns done.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
Oh, yeah, the SMG is a whole other can of worms. FYI...the performance exhaust is standard on the FL. I'm not a fan of the HUD. Partly because I wear polarized sunglasses and partly because I simply don't like stuff floating in my line of sight. I've driven a few cars, including BMWs with HUD and I always ended up turning it off. The AMG HUD has one good feature that would have been nice. The Track Pace app projects the track and braking zones into the HUD, so that would have been cool on the Nurburgring. I did European Delivery with mine. As for CarPlay, yes there are aftermarket solutions, but personally not a fan of that.
I don't consider the FL a first year anything. It just so happened that I always ended up buying the FL of every car I've ever owned the year it came out. In the software business we have a saying that you should skip version 1 and wait for version 2. The PFL in this scenario would be version 1 and the FL version 2. The FL essentially takes the learnings, feedback etc. from the PFL and improves upon the initial car. Fixing things that weren't quite right, incorporating new technologies that weren't quite ready when the car was initially released and revised parts. Yes, there can still be kinks specific to the FL. In fact there was a recall for the ESP and a couple of coding issues with the AMG Drive Unit, but they were all taken care of with software updates. I also had an issue with the Aero package side skirts, which were glued on from the factory, but started to come off. AMG eventually released a revised part that screws on instead and I've had those on mine for a while now. So the 2019 is a sold choice at this point, just make sure it has all the recalls and service campaigns done.
I don't consider the FL a first year anything. It just so happened that I always ended up buying the FL of every car I've ever owned the year it came out. In the software business we have a saying that you should skip version 1 and wait for version 2. The PFL in this scenario would be version 1 and the FL version 2. The FL essentially takes the learnings, feedback etc. from the PFL and improves upon the initial car. Fixing things that weren't quite right, incorporating new technologies that weren't quite ready when the car was initially released and revised parts. Yes, there can still be kinks specific to the FL. In fact there was a recall for the ESP and a couple of coding issues with the AMG Drive Unit, but they were all taken care of with software updates. I also had an issue with the Aero package side skirts, which were glued on from the factory, but started to come off. AMG eventually released a revised part that screws on instead and I've had those on mine for a while now. So the 2019 is a sold choice at this point, just make sure it has all the recalls and service campaigns done.
After reading all your input, I think I’m really leaning towards the FL. It almost seems like it’s a totally different car with all the upgrades and standard options that are included. I’ll be making my final decision tomorrow.
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C63s
IMHO, the HUD is a must, and was a deal breaker option for me when buying my PFL. I passed on many cars that were not equipped with it. Your eyes never need to leave the road, which to me is a better than any "modern" safety feature (emergency breaking/lane keep assist/other b.s. nannies). PFL HUD is super basic, extremely simple. The FL HUD is leaps and bounds better. I wouldn't pull the trigger on a car without it without seeing it for yourself.
I also think you'd end up better in the end with a FL car. Not only is it newer, but it has lots of cool/fun features over the PFL. I so wish I had the 9 stage traction control. Like Superswiss said it prevents you from having to fight the car. PFL and it's 3 stages of TC rain on my parade alllll the time.
I also think you'd end up better in the end with a FL car. Not only is it newer, but it has lots of cool/fun features over the PFL. I so wish I had the 9 stage traction control. Like Superswiss said it prevents you from having to fight the car. PFL and it's 3 stages of TC rain on my parade alllll the time.
Last edited by '1663s; Jun 18, 2021 at 03:17 AM.
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From: Florida
AMG C63s
IMHO, the HUD is a must, and was a deal breaker option for me when buying my PFL. I passed on many cars that were not equipped with it. Your eyes never need to leave the road, which to me is a better than any "modern" safety feature (emergency breaking/lane keep assist/other b.s. nannies). PFL HUD is super basic, extremely simple. The FL HUD is leaps and bounds better. I wouldn't pull the trigger on a car without it without seeing it for yourself.
I also think you'd end up better in the end with a FL car. Not only is it newer, but it has lots of cool/fun features over the PFL. I so wish I had the 9 stage traction control. Like Superswiss said it prevents you from having to fight the car. PFL and it's 3 stages of TC rain on my parade alllll the time.
I also think you'd end up better in the end with a FL car. Not only is it newer, but it has lots of cool/fun features over the PFL. I so wish I had the 9 stage traction control. Like Superswiss said it prevents you from having to fight the car. PFL and it's 3 stages of TC rain on my parade alllll the time.
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Posts: 11,432
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
I think you dramatically over emphasize the usefulness of any HUD. I have it and its cool. But a) like someone said its close to useless when wearing polarized sunglasses (and that is about 100% at daytime here) and b) do you really look at your instruments while driving that often? I sure don't - an occasional check for temp and maybe checking fuel before I go and that's it. Don't look at it for speed (often dont care as I drive as it pleases me and in city I don't need to look at the speedo to know if I am speeding or not), rpm. and whatever is shown while driving? I use the HUD sometimes for navigation but even here I simply listen to the voice instructions more than looking at the map. In many ways I found the entire instrument cluster is most useful for when I am not driving to check on engine status, or when I load tunes etc but when I drive I barely look at it. Mostly eye candy to me.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 881
Likes: 300
AMG GLC 63s Coupe
That's pretty much spot on. To me, HUD technology is deeply flawed, because it relies on the reflection properties of glass. The reason I wear polarized sunglasses is to cut out glare and undesired reflections from the windshield. The problem is the HUD image is technically glare. It's light reflected horizontally from the windshield, so like the undesired reflections most of it gets blocked by polarized sunglasses. I don't know about others, but I drove manual transmissions for almost 20 years. As part of that I learned to drive by ear and feel. Like @tobeit I don't look at the instrument cluster very much. I can tell by ear and feel and just looking out the windshield approximately how fast I'm going, and what gear I'm in and when I need to shift. Once you are in tune with the car, you don't need to constantly see your actual speed etc. The only time I need to know the exact rpms for example is when I'm accelerating hard in manual mode and need to make sure I upshift before running into the rev limiter, but that's when the excellent shift lights of the digital instrument cluster in the FL come into play. The entire cluster flashes red when it's time to shift and that can easily be seen in one's peripheral vision.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 135
From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
I decided to go with the FL, a 2021 that’s barely broken in yet. The deal isn’t final yet but I’m comfortable that it was the right decision. The differences were just too many and significant to overlook. If I opt for the PFL, I’ll always be second guessing my decision. I can overlook the HUD. It’s mostly a night time feature since I can barely see mine during the day when I always wear sunglasses. I wish it could be retrofitted but the cost would be astronomical so I’ll just have to get used to driving without it.
There’s a very limited amount of 2021’s left for sale in the country so I feel owning one is like owning a piece of history and art. They might even appreciate one day being that this is the final production year of the C63 v8. I know, wishful thinking but you never know!
There’s a very limited amount of 2021’s left for sale in the country so I feel owning one is like owning a piece of history and art. They might even appreciate one day being that this is the final production year of the C63 v8. I know, wishful thinking but you never know!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 528
Likes: 135
From: Houston, TX
2010 BMW E63 M6 Coupe 2023 AMG C63s Coupe 2005 YZF-R1
Quick question for superswiss or anyone that might know. Did all the Fl’s come with the 64 color ambient lighting standard or did they add that standard for MY 2021?
Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 222
Likes: 35
From: DFW
W205 AMG
3 colour ambient lighting was available in the PFL models.
