Has anyone regretting their 2019-2021 purchase after owning a pre-facelift w205?
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c63 Coupe, GLC63
Has anyone regretting their 2019-2021 purchase after owning a pre-facelift w205?
Had a 2018 c63 coupe but in the market to purchase a new one. I’m considering getting the newer ones but have heard of the particle filter complaints. Has anyone personally owned a 2015-2018 w205, upgraded to the facelift, and ended up going back to pre-facelift w205? I felt if I never got to enjoy my 2018 exhaust, I would be fine with a newer model. Not sure if I’m setting myself up to get disappointed. I know the new ones have a slightly upgraded interior and 9-speed trans.
P.S. What’s with these c63 prices
P.S. What’s with these c63 prices
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Joined: Dec 2010
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From: Earth
C63S, 2004 S4, 2001 S4 Avant
Not quite the same, but I also had the same concerns regarding the noise/particle filter. I went from a W204 C63 P31 with secondary cats removed to a 2020 C63S and had buyers remorse for 9 months. Then I got catted DP and intake, and am much happier.
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Dallas, TX
'18 AMG C63S coupe
I don't think there's a lot of us that have driven both a PFL and a FL enough to give out a comparison.
As a 18' PFL owner, I like the exhaust, but I hate that you have to choose between jerky acceleration if you try to go gentle in S+/ 2nd gear as lowest gear in Comfort mode. Heard that 9-speed is better dealing with those, not to mention the better highway mpg.
Also I personally liked the included CarPlay and the FL exterior. For me I might go for facelift version, since if you're in US then particle filter should be an easy problem to solve.
As a 18' PFL owner, I like the exhaust, but I hate that you have to choose between jerky acceleration if you try to go gentle in S+/ 2nd gear as lowest gear in Comfort mode. Heard that 9-speed is better dealing with those, not to mention the better highway mpg.
Also I personally liked the included CarPlay and the FL exterior. For me I might go for facelift version, since if you're in US then particle filter should be an easy problem to solve.
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: TX
IG: @amg.svr
I've had the experience and can speak to it. Back when I was still in college my roommate had a 2017 C63 which we drove around a lot.
The tone itself is different. The PFL has much more midrange tone with a growl. It sounded like a snarl and I quite liked it. The FL sound is deeper and bassier and sounds similar to the E63. It sounds less like a snarl. To be honest, I prefer the PFL but the FL isn't too bad at all. I have the PE with valves forced open with the exhaust module and the car sounds loud at the low end and idle. It will rumble the house.
Pops and crackles are a straight downgrade unfortunately. My buddy's PFL didn't even have the PE and it popped and cracked way more often and always on downshifts. The FL not only does them less, but they are a bit quieter too. The FL will never pop on downshifts. This area was a bit disappointing for me.
Recently I directly tested another friend's PFL sedan (also no PE) with my FL. My FL with PE was technically louder at idle and revving since I had valves forced open. However when driving, the PFL definitely felt louder. I reckon it is also probably due to the fact that midrange tones can sound louder than bassy tones.
You should definitely test a FL and see if the exhaust measures up to expectations. For me, the technology/visual upgrades, new transmission, and ability to spec a brand new car myself was worth getting the FL. Candidly I was never fully satisfied with the sound and I did not want to tune+DPs, so recently picked up a F-Type SVR which has an absolutely mental stock titanium exhaust. When I switch back to the C, it sounds completely quiet in comparison and is really making a case for DPs.
The tone itself is different. The PFL has much more midrange tone with a growl. It sounded like a snarl and I quite liked it. The FL sound is deeper and bassier and sounds similar to the E63. It sounds less like a snarl. To be honest, I prefer the PFL but the FL isn't too bad at all. I have the PE with valves forced open with the exhaust module and the car sounds loud at the low end and idle. It will rumble the house.
Pops and crackles are a straight downgrade unfortunately. My buddy's PFL didn't even have the PE and it popped and cracked way more often and always on downshifts. The FL not only does them less, but they are a bit quieter too. The FL will never pop on downshifts. This area was a bit disappointing for me.
Recently I directly tested another friend's PFL sedan (also no PE) with my FL. My FL with PE was technically louder at idle and revving since I had valves forced open. However when driving, the PFL definitely felt louder. I reckon it is also probably due to the fact that midrange tones can sound louder than bassy tones.
You should definitely test a FL and see if the exhaust measures up to expectations. For me, the technology/visual upgrades, new transmission, and ability to spec a brand new car myself was worth getting the FL. Candidly I was never fully satisfied with the sound and I did not want to tune+DPs, so recently picked up a F-Type SVR which has an absolutely mental stock titanium exhaust. When I switch back to the C, it sounds completely quiet in comparison and is really making a case for DPs.
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⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
Had a 2018 c63 coupe but in the market to purchase a new one. I’m considering getting the newer ones but have heard of the particle filter complaints. Has anyone personally owned a 2015-2018 w205, upgraded to the facelift, and ended up going back to pre-facelift w205? I felt if I never got to enjoy my 2018 exhaust, I would be fine with a newer model. Not sure if I’m setting myself up to get disappointed. I know the new ones have a slightly upgraded interior and 9-speed trans.
P.S. What’s with these c63 prices
P.S. What’s with these c63 prices
I was going to trade mine in last year for a facelift so I spent a few hours with one and I enjoyed the new digital stuff but the fake engine noise being pumped into the cabin sounded sh*t to me and the car just didn't feel as raw as my old prefacelift coupe. Overall just felt a bit less snappy in terms of performance.
Suspenion was a tiny bit more comfortable but floatier.
I did like the new 9 speed transmission as it was instant whenever you pressed the paddleshift levers and didn't lag and the facelifts look so much more meaner.
After a long and hard thought as well as a chat with my wife I decided to stick with the old girl and do a complete facelift conversion on the exterior with all the geniune parts including multibeam headlights, tail lights etc. to have a car that was perfect to my liking.
The intimidating look of the facelift and the rawness of the prefacelift.
If I were you I'd get the facelift if you haven't owned a prefacelift. Newer and looks better.
Last edited by Jimmy_c63s; Jan 31, 2022 at 09:13 AM.
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Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 546
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From: Sydney
C63 S Coupe
similar experience here........... kept my prefacelift i hated the facelift man wrote a little review here https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-c63s-...g-old-one.html
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From: TX
IG: @amg.svr
One of the members on here went to a facelift then went back to a prefacelift. Forgot who it was but I'm sure they'll post.
I was going to trade mine in last year for a facelift so I spent a few hours with one and I enjoyed the new digital stuff but the fake engine noise being pumped into the cabin sounded sh*t to me and the car just didn't feel as raw as my old prefacelift coupe. Overall just felt a bit less snappy in terms of performance.
Suspenion was a tiny bit more comfortable but floatier.
I did like the new 9 speed transmission as it was instant whenever you pressed the paddleshift levers and didn't lag and the facelifts look so much more meaner.
After a long and hard thought as well as a chat with my wife I decided to stick with the old girl and do a complete facelift conversion on the exterior with all the geniune parts including multibeam headlights, tail lights etc. to have a car that was perfect to my liking.
The intimidating look of the facelift and the rawness of the prefacelift.
If I were you I'd get the facelift if you haven't owned a prefacelift. Newer and looks better.
When I bought her in 2016
This year after finishing the exterior Facelift conversion
I was going to trade mine in last year for a facelift so I spent a few hours with one and I enjoyed the new digital stuff but the fake engine noise being pumped into the cabin sounded sh*t to me and the car just didn't feel as raw as my old prefacelift coupe. Overall just felt a bit less snappy in terms of performance.
Suspenion was a tiny bit more comfortable but floatier.
I did like the new 9 speed transmission as it was instant whenever you pressed the paddleshift levers and didn't lag and the facelifts look so much more meaner.
After a long and hard thought as well as a chat with my wife I decided to stick with the old girl and do a complete facelift conversion on the exterior with all the geniune parts including multibeam headlights, tail lights etc. to have a car that was perfect to my liking.
The intimidating look of the facelift and the rawness of the prefacelift.
If I were you I'd get the facelift if you haven't owned a prefacelift. Newer and looks better.
When I bought her in 2016
This year after finishing the exterior Facelift conversion
Good call on the chrome tips btw. I like how they stand out
Last edited by Wolfman; Jan 31, 2022 at 01:39 PM. Reason: Removed images on owners request - Mod.
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W205 C63
I have a pre, but loved the look of the updated panamericana grille, so I went for that. I like the look of the pre diffuser, so ill keep it the same. Steering wheel on the post looks much nicer in my opinion; and as for the 9speed, I can't comment. I've yet to drive one.
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c63 Coupe, GLC63
George, thanks for the review.
Jimmy, you might have the best of both worlds. I, unfortunately, have owned the PFL so i feel like I’m setting myself up for disappointment. The exhaust was what i enjoyed the most about the car
Jimmy, you might have the best of both worlds. I, unfortunately, have owned the PFL so i feel like I’m setting myself up for disappointment. The exhaust was what i enjoyed the most about the car
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⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
You sir are doing it right! That looks fantastic! I am jealous you have all the FL goodies with the PFL exhaust noise. I've been wondering if it's just an exhaust thing and if ordering/replacing the FL exhaust with PFL might change the tone...
Good call on the chrome tips btw. I like how they stand out
Good call on the chrome tips btw. I like how they stand out
No, you will be okay mate. The new goods in the facelift will make you happy. Test drive one and see how you go. For me I wish the facelift still had that excessive upshift burp in between gear changes that's there in the PFL. In the PFL it was really thumping and added a lot of oompf to the car.
You can't go wrong though, get a facelift coupe and you're set 👌
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Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
I did it, but I am a bit crazy so do not take me as an example…
I went back to PFL just for sound, but ended up adding all FL exterior parts and even change the screen for the 10.25 (OEM) as it is and looks much better than the PFL.
Quite expensive but I have exactly the car I wanted to have hahahaha
Good luck
I went back to PFL just for sound, but ended up adding all FL exterior parts and even change the screen for the 10.25 (OEM) as it is and looks much better than the PFL.
Quite expensive but I have exactly the car I wanted to have hahahaha
Good luck
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From: Sydney
C63 S Coupe
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Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
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From: Sydney
C63 S Coupe
Makes all the difference in the world actually........... the FL headlights absolutely change the front end just look at Jimmy's car above.
Most people think just slap on the FL grille and it's done but it's such a different look with the multibeams, front fascia and even the facelift tail lights on the coupe.etc. etc.
Most people think just slap on the FL grille and it's done but it's such a different look with the multibeams, front fascia and even the facelift tail lights on the coupe.etc. etc.
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⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
Facelift headlights are totally different. Makes a massive change in the overall look to be honest. That's why I had to get them.
Even with the way the newer DRL's are shaped when on or off it changes the look and stance of the car by highlighting edges closer to the hood. Makes the front look a look beefier.
Even with the way the newer DRL's are shaped when on or off it changes the look and stance of the car by highlighting edges closer to the hood. Makes the front look a look beefier.
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2019 C63s AMG
putting my 2c in here but everyone here is talking about the exhaust note of the PFL vs FL as being the major factor and people doing conversions on the PFL to FL (grill, screens, steering wheel, diffusers, etc)
Wouldnt it just be easier to get a FL and get an aftermarket high flowing dump pipe (which is where think the PPF is)?
i know warranty is voided but thats one way of looking at it as well.
Wouldnt it just be easier to get a FL and get an aftermarket high flowing dump pipe (which is where think the PPF is)?
i know warranty is voided but thats one way of looking at it as well.
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Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
Makes all the difference in the world actually........... the FL headlights absolutely change the front end just look at Jimmy's car above.
Most people think just slap on the FL grille and it's done but it's such a different look with the multibeams, front fascia and even the facelift tail lights on the coupe.etc. etc.
Most people think just slap on the FL grille and it's done but it's such a different look with the multibeams, front fascia and even the facelift tail lights on the coupe.etc. etc.
Facelift headlights are totally different. Makes a massive change in the overall look to be honest. That's why I had to get them.
Even with the way the newer DRL's are shaped when on or off it changes the look and stance of the car by highlighting edges closer to the hood. Makes the front look a look beefier.
Even with the way the newer DRL's are shaped when on or off it changes the look and stance of the car by highlighting edges closer to the hood. Makes the front look a look beefier.
Assume you will get some warning lights when installing them right?
you see, now I’m even considering it 🤭
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⏱️ 700HP Facelift converted C63 S Coupe with Drexler 3.06 plated LSD
Genuine ones are good but annoying to install. I got the genuine ones so had to do some wiring and fiddling around to get them to work like factory with the auto headlights and the front camera but it was worth it 😁
If you get genuine ones and get stuck let me know dude.
No error codes or issues. Cornering lights work too etc.
Last edited by Jimmy_c63s; Aug 3, 2021 at 10:40 AM.
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c63 Coupe, GLC63
I was not aware that the FL had different headlights until i saw Jimmy’s picture side by side with the PFL. Looks absolutely mean and I can’t imagine how i would feel seeing one in the flesh. That makes me kinda lean in the direction of a newer c63 vs a PFL one….
I’m doing more research and seems as if the sounds get slightly better the more miles you pack on it (i.e. more pops and crackles) for the FL.
I’m doing more research and seems as if the sounds get slightly better the more miles you pack on it (i.e. more pops and crackles) for the FL.
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Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
Do it bro you won't regret it. You can get aftermarket multibeam ones now that are a bit cheaper and identical, they are plug and play.
Genuine ones are good but annoying to install. I got the genuine ones so had to do some wiring and fiddling around to get them to work like factory with the auto headlights and the front camera but it was worth it 😁
If you get genuine ones and get stuck let me know dude.
No error codes or issues.
Genuine ones are good but annoying to install. I got the genuine ones so had to do some wiring and fiddling around to get them to work like factory with the auto headlights and the front camera but it was worth it 😁
If you get genuine ones and get stuck let me know dude.
No error codes or issues.
I will give it a serious thought. But I would go for genuine as I´ve done with all other parts on my car
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AMG C63s
The facelift is just a better car in every possible way.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 194
Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
I was not aware that the FL had different headlights until i saw Jimmy’s picture side by side with the PFL. Looks absolutely mean and I can’t imagine how i would feel seeing one in the flesh. That makes me kinda lean in the direction of a newer c63 vs a PFL one….
I’m doing more research and seems as if the sounds get slightly better the more miles you pack on it (i.e. more pops and crackles) for the FL.
I’m doing more research and seems as if the sounds get slightly better the more miles you pack on it (i.e. more pops and crackles) for the FL.
And you won´t regret it...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,126
Likes: 194
Final Edition C63s / RS3 Sportback
The facelift is just a better car in every possible way.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
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Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,461
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
The facelift is just a better car in every possible way.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
The trans is light years better.
The digital cluster.
Steering wheel.
More aggressive looks.
9-stage traction control.
Better infotainment.
Better suspension (way more comfortable and still stiff in certain modes in the FL)
More standard features (pano roof, performance exhaust etc)
Drive unit.
I can confirm that the Facelift does get louder with more time. I still get plenty of pops and crackles, granted it's not as much as the PFL but I'm sure you can get an exhaust to make it crazier.
The sound is the ONLY thing that's better about the PFL. It's definitely better, but it's not worth sacrificing a much better car.
