Questions from a new c63s owner
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Joined: Oct 2022
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2021 c63s amg coupe
Questions from a new c63s owner
Just bought one of my dream cars which is a 2021 c63s amg coupe and I want to learn a lot about the car so I just had a couple questions/concerns.
1st thing i noticed was a insane amount of brake dust. Is that normal for this car to have? Im not a heavy breaker nor have I been pushing the car like im crazy but Im gonna take it by my mechanic to get that looked at.
2nd thing was that my check engine light came on and its only at 7300 miles. I saw a few posts about gas caps not being tight and what not but that isn’t the issue. The car runs fine to my knowledge but Im definitely taking it in asap. (Update, it went away after 50+ miles but im still gonna check)
Also, if you have great tips to make sure this car lasts long, please don’t hesitate to drop some because i’ve never owned a monster like this before.
1st thing i noticed was a insane amount of brake dust. Is that normal for this car to have? Im not a heavy breaker nor have I been pushing the car like im crazy but Im gonna take it by my mechanic to get that looked at.
2nd thing was that my check engine light came on and its only at 7300 miles. I saw a few posts about gas caps not being tight and what not but that isn’t the issue. The car runs fine to my knowledge but Im definitely taking it in asap. (Update, it went away after 50+ miles but im still gonna check)
Also, if you have great tips to make sure this car lasts long, please don’t hesitate to drop some because i’ve never owned a monster like this before.
Last edited by Dntrell; Oct 2, 2022 at 04:26 PM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 11,398
Likes: 5,323
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Welcome to the club. Yes, brake dust is normal, unless you have the carbon ceramic brakes, but those are only in the front anyway. The brake dust tells you that the brakes are working. What wheels do you have? I barely notice the brake dust with the black wheels as the dust is kinda brownish. Was much more noticeable on previous monsters with sliver colored wheels.
CEL can have many reasons. You need an OBD scanner to read out the error codes and see what it is. Could be an emissions sensors if it's an emissions related error, or spark plugs, ignition coils or O2 sensor if it was a misfire. My 2019 had its first misfire the other day after a hard canyon run, and I'm taking it in on Monday. Could be fuel starvation, because my tank was pretty low at the time, but I believe I'm also about due for new spark plugs. My oil level sensor also appears to be on the fritz again. I keep getting warnings to top of the oil, but the oil level is at max. Had this issue the day after I picked it up from the factory and they replaced the sensor during the first service. I guess it gave out again.
Overall these cars are solid. They are performance cars, so ultimately it comes down to the maintenance. You will need tires and brakes frequently and depending on how hard you drive it additional oil changes are recommended in between services. I drive mine hard, but only drive about 6-7000 miles a year these days, and service is due every 12 months or 10,000 miles whichever comes first. For me it's the 12 months mark, so I haven't bothered doing additional oil changes at the rate I'm driving.
CEL can have many reasons. You need an OBD scanner to read out the error codes and see what it is. Could be an emissions sensors if it's an emissions related error, or spark plugs, ignition coils or O2 sensor if it was a misfire. My 2019 had its first misfire the other day after a hard canyon run, and I'm taking it in on Monday. Could be fuel starvation, because my tank was pretty low at the time, but I believe I'm also about due for new spark plugs. My oil level sensor also appears to be on the fritz again. I keep getting warnings to top of the oil, but the oil level is at max. Had this issue the day after I picked it up from the factory and they replaced the sensor during the first service. I guess it gave out again.
Overall these cars are solid. They are performance cars, so ultimately it comes down to the maintenance. You will need tires and brakes frequently and depending on how hard you drive it additional oil changes are recommended in between services. I drive mine hard, but only drive about 6-7000 miles a year these days, and service is due every 12 months or 10,000 miles whichever comes first. For me it's the 12 months mark, so I haven't bothered doing additional oil changes at the rate I'm driving.
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 25
2016 C63 AMG
Ceramic Brake Pads!
Swap the semi-metallic brake pads for ceramic brake pads. Red brakes have more choices for ceramic brake pads. I bought a base model C63 with sliver brakes, because I wanted the mechanical limited slip differential. I recommend Power Stop low dust ceramic brake pads, these are much better than stock and a fraction of the price. I have put over 10K miles on these pads, done some heavy braking and I still have pad. Never experienced brake fade, glazing or crumbling with these pads.
Brembo has floating disc rotors at a fraction of the OEM price. Floating discs have no stopping advantage, only provide slightly better cooling for track use. If someone looks close while your parked they might notice 2 piece rotors. I might buy the floating discs next time just for that. Instead I bought Zimmermann Z-Coat, made in Germany, lighter than stock, work really well and are priced even better.
Power Stop brake pads and Zimmermann rotors are a winning combination. This option is second best, if you need the best upgrade to carbon ceramic rotor brake system for $20K. Know that $20K option provides no advantage stopping the vehicle, but does handle heat better and cool more quickly for track use.
There are plenty of choices. Swapping brake pads and rotors is really easy. You could buy sets of brake pads that cost over $500 or Power Stop brake pads for around $40 and get the same results. Don’t forget to buy 2 new brake pad wear sensors. Pentosin Super DOT 4 Brake Fluid is compatible. Good brake fluid flush is recommended. I use a cup and some acrylic air tubing to bleed the brakes or you could buy 2 one man brake bleeders.
.
Brembo has floating disc rotors at a fraction of the OEM price. Floating discs have no stopping advantage, only provide slightly better cooling for track use. If someone looks close while your parked they might notice 2 piece rotors. I might buy the floating discs next time just for that. Instead I bought Zimmermann Z-Coat, made in Germany, lighter than stock, work really well and are priced even better.
Power Stop brake pads and Zimmermann rotors are a winning combination. This option is second best, if you need the best upgrade to carbon ceramic rotor brake system for $20K. Know that $20K option provides no advantage stopping the vehicle, but does handle heat better and cool more quickly for track use.
There are plenty of choices. Swapping brake pads and rotors is really easy. You could buy sets of brake pads that cost over $500 or Power Stop brake pads for around $40 and get the same results. Don’t forget to buy 2 new brake pad wear sensors. Pentosin Super DOT 4 Brake Fluid is compatible. Good brake fluid flush is recommended. I use a cup and some acrylic air tubing to bleed the brakes or you could buy 2 one man brake bleeders.
.
Last edited by anwar_hamoude; Oct 3, 2022 at 11:40 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 398
Likes: 130
From: SoCal
16' C63s, 22' RAM 1500
Don’t mind if I do.. (chime in) lol
TAKE IT TO THE TRACK. Beat the living hell out of your car it’ll keep going
lol
id say.. change your spark plugs on time or at least 10k miles sooner. Transmission fluid/filter needs to be changed at 30k (before it turns green and you start getting that sluggish jerking).
differential fluid on time also.
these cars deserve so much more than to just be kept in a garage:/
TAKE IT TO THE TRACK. Beat the living hell out of your car it’ll keep going
lol id say.. change your spark plugs on time or at least 10k miles sooner. Transmission fluid/filter needs to be changed at 30k (before it turns green and you start getting that sluggish jerking).
differential fluid on time also.
these cars deserve so much more than to just be kept in a garage:/
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 25
2016 C63 AMG
Picking up a quality diagnostic tool is not a bad idea. I bought Autel MaxiSys MS906TS. It is a matter of knowledge. I dont have to guess if something is going wrong with the car.
I wanted to mention I had oil level warning light come on a few hundred miles after driving the car off the dealership lot. I checked the oil level and it was good. The oil was clean but I was looking at the oil on the dipstick and thought is this the correct oil. The warning light would come on. Then I changed the oil using Mobile 5w-40 I bought at Walmart. No more oil light coming on.
Spark plugs and ignition coils. 30K miles on spark plugs with bad ignition coils isnt going to destroy an engine. It will drive a little sluggish though. Mercedes updated the part number on these ignition coils several times. Ignition coils might need replacement. Stock platinum plugs are fine. I checked them a few thousand miles after changing them and noticed, due to the condition of the spark plugs that changing the ignition coils would be a good idea. I upgraded the plugs to NGK iridium, those come standard on AMG GT. I bought the plugs from Napa and the coils from MB Star Parts, beware of knock off parts.
Talking dealerships and service centers. MB Dealership pays new mechanics like $16/hr and charges $175/hr for labor. That is the person who is going to be working on your car. Do you trust them to work on your car.
If your oil sensor light is coming on they probably put 0w-30 for a regular C Class in there. That is my best guess.
.
I wanted to mention I had oil level warning light come on a few hundred miles after driving the car off the dealership lot. I checked the oil level and it was good. The oil was clean but I was looking at the oil on the dipstick and thought is this the correct oil. The warning light would come on. Then I changed the oil using Mobile 5w-40 I bought at Walmart. No more oil light coming on.
Spark plugs and ignition coils. 30K miles on spark plugs with bad ignition coils isnt going to destroy an engine. It will drive a little sluggish though. Mercedes updated the part number on these ignition coils several times. Ignition coils might need replacement. Stock platinum plugs are fine. I checked them a few thousand miles after changing them and noticed, due to the condition of the spark plugs that changing the ignition coils would be a good idea. I upgraded the plugs to NGK iridium, those come standard on AMG GT. I bought the plugs from Napa and the coils from MB Star Parts, beware of knock off parts.
Talking dealerships and service centers. MB Dealership pays new mechanics like $16/hr and charges $175/hr for labor. That is the person who is going to be working on your car. Do you trust them to work on your car.
If your oil sensor light is coming on they probably put 0w-30 for a regular C Class in there. That is my best guess.
.
Last edited by anwar_hamoude; Oct 4, 2022 at 08:48 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 561
Likes: 72
From: Las Colinas (Irving, Texas)
2024 GLE 63 S AMG SUV
A 2021 with 7300 miles should still be under factory warranty right? If so, I would take it to the dealership to get the CEL checked out.
Welcome to the Club!
Welcome to the Club!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 287
From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
Swap the semi-metallic brake pads for ceramic brake pads. Red brakes have more choices for ceramic brake pads. I bought a base model C63 with sliver brakes, because I wanted the mechanical limited slip differential. I recommend Power Stop low dust ceramic brake pads, these are much better than stock and a fraction of the price. I have put over 10K miles on these pads, done some heavy braking and I still have pad. Never experienced brake fade, glazing or crumbling with these pads.
Brembo has floating disc rotors at a fraction of the OEM price. Floating discs have no stopping advantage, only provide slightly better cooling for track use. If someone looks close while your parked they might notice 2 piece rotors. I might buy the floating discs next time just for that. Instead I bought Zimmermann Z-Coat, made in Germany, lighter than stock, work really well and are priced even better.
Power Stop brake pads and Zimmermann rotors are a winning combination. This option is second best, if you need the best upgrade to carbon ceramic rotor brake system for $20K. Know that $20K option provides no advantage stopping the vehicle, but does handle heat better and cool more quickly for track use.
There are plenty of choices. Swapping brake pads and rotors is really easy. You could buy sets of brake pads that cost over $500 or Power Stop brake pads for around $40 and get the same results. Don’t forget to buy 2 new brake pad wear sensors. Pentosin Super DOT 4 Brake Fluid is compatible. Good brake fluid flush is recommended. I use a cup and some acrylic air tubing to bleed the brakes or you could buy 2 one man brake bleeders.
.
Brembo has floating disc rotors at a fraction of the OEM price. Floating discs have no stopping advantage, only provide slightly better cooling for track use. If someone looks close while your parked they might notice 2 piece rotors. I might buy the floating discs next time just for that. Instead I bought Zimmermann Z-Coat, made in Germany, lighter than stock, work really well and are priced even better.
Power Stop brake pads and Zimmermann rotors are a winning combination. This option is second best, if you need the best upgrade to carbon ceramic rotor brake system for $20K. Know that $20K option provides no advantage stopping the vehicle, but does handle heat better and cool more quickly for track use.
There are plenty of choices. Swapping brake pads and rotors is really easy. You could buy sets of brake pads that cost over $500 or Power Stop brake pads for around $40 and get the same results. Don’t forget to buy 2 new brake pad wear sensors. Pentosin Super DOT 4 Brake Fluid is compatible. Good brake fluid flush is recommended. I use a cup and some acrylic air tubing to bleed the brakes or you could buy 2 one man brake bleeders.
.
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Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,218
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From: Pearland, Tx
2020 AMG GTC Coupe & 2018 Macan Turbo
After the facelift it took over a year to see EBC come out with the correct rear pads. The earlier versions had the silver tabs on either side of the pads. Ours don’t have that. They’re very similar to a basic brake pad. I’m specifically referring to EBC RED Stuff ceramic pads. Love em. Unfortunately I can’t get them for my Macan. Only Yellow pads. Different compound.
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 25
2016 C63 AMG
I have seen Zimmermann kits for some cars but I don’t believe they have a complete kit for C63. I took a look and I dont see Zimmermann 390mm rotors. You would only use Zimmermann rotors for the rear on C63S. Brembo 2 piece rotors are nearly half the price of Mercedes OEM rotors. Brembo 2 piece rotors are a good choice for red or silver brakes. But I didn’t see any floating disc rotors for the rear.
Red brakes have more options for brake pads. I installed PowerStop ceramic brake pads because PowerStop doesnt make carbon fiber brake pads for silver brakes. It appears StopTech manufacturers brake pads for red brakes only. ECB makes brake pads for both. Maybe I will try ECB brake pads next time.
Coming down hard on the brakes at high speed is noticeably better than it was on the stock brake pads. Stopping ability improved with aftermarket brake pads. Low dust and no more grinding brakes, grinding up to every stop light brought the kind of attention I didnt want.
ROTORS
Front:
Red Brakes:
Brembo 2304211212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 390 x 36mm
(AMG GT C, AMG GT R, AMG GT S, C63 AMG)
Silver Brakes:
400366020
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Front Vented, Cross-Drilled; 360 x 36mm
Brembo 2194210212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 360 x 36mm
(C63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, CLS63 AMG S, E55 AMG)
Rear:
2314230212
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Rear
.
Last edited by anwar_hamoude; Oct 5, 2022 at 08:48 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 287
From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
I have seen Zimmermann kits for some cars but I don’t believe they have a complete kit for C63. I took a look and I dont see Zimmermann 390mm rotors. You would only use Zimmermann rotors for the rear on C63S. Brembo 2 piece rotors are nearly half the price of Mercedes OEM rotors. Brembo 2 piece rotors are a good choice for red or silver brakes. But I didn’t see any floating disc rotors for the rear.
Red brakes have more options for brake pads. I installed PowerStop ceramic brake pads because PowerStop doesnt make carbon fiber brake pads for silver brakes. It appears StopTech manufacturers brake pads for red brakes only. ECB makes brake pads for both. Maybe I will try ECB brake pads next time.
Coming down hard on the brakes at high speed is noticeably better than it was on the stock brake pads. Stopping ability improved with aftermarket brake pads. Low dust and no more grinding brakes, grinding up to every stop light brought the kind of attention I didnt want.
ROTORS
Front:
Red Brakes:
Brembo 2304211212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 390 x 36mm
(AMG GT C, AMG GT R, AMG GT S, C63 AMG)
Silver Brakes:
400366020
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Front Vented, Cross-Drilled; 360 x 36mm
Brembo 2194210212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 360 x 36mm
(C63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, CLS63 AMG S, E55 AMG)
Rear:
2314230212
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Rear
.
Red brakes have more options for brake pads. I installed PowerStop ceramic brake pads because PowerStop doesnt make carbon fiber brake pads for silver brakes. It appears StopTech manufacturers brake pads for red brakes only. ECB makes brake pads for both. Maybe I will try ECB brake pads next time.
Coming down hard on the brakes at high speed is noticeably better than it was on the stock brake pads. Stopping ability improved with aftermarket brake pads. Low dust and no more grinding brakes, grinding up to every stop light brought the kind of attention I didnt want.
ROTORS
Front:
Red Brakes:
Brembo 2304211212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 390 x 36mm
(AMG GT C, AMG GT R, AMG GT S, C63 AMG)
Silver Brakes:
400366020
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Front Vented, Cross-Drilled; 360 x 36mm
Brembo 2194210212
2-piece Cross Drilled, Slotted, 360 x 36mm
(C63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, CLS63 AMG S, E55 AMG)
Rear:
2314230212
Zimmermann Coat Z Disc Brake Rotor; Rear
.
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 25
2016 C63 AMG
There is a little bit of complexity regarding rear brake pads because of design changes. To mention, when I went to do my brakes I noticed rear caliper pistons were rusty. I decided that wouldnt due. I replaced the rear caliper housings. MB Star Parts will verify parts using VIN. Dont be surprised if the rear caliper pistons are rusty.
Remember to disengage the parking brake before disassembling the rear brakes. Doing this brake job was going to be my first how to video for youtube. This is the first car I owned that has an electric parking brake so after editing out all the swearing there wasnt any good video left.
Red brakes front only
Z26 STREET PERFORMANCE CARBON-FIBER CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Front, Part No. Z26-1291
Red brakes front & rear, silver rear
Z23 EVOLUTION SPORT CARBON-FIBER BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. Z23-1291
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. Z23-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. Z23-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. Z23-1450
Z17 EVOLUTION CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. 17-1291
Silver Front, Part No. 17-1873
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. 17-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. 17-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. 17-1450
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,527
Likes: 287
From: Toronto, ON
2021 Mercedes C63s AMG Coupe
There is a little bit of complexity regarding rear brake pads because of design changes. To mention, when I went to do my brakes I noticed rear caliper pistons were rusty. I decided that wouldnt due. I replaced the rear caliper housings. MB Star Parts will verify parts using VIN. Dont be surprised if the rear caliper pistons are rusty.
Remember to disengage the parking brake before disassembling the rear brakes. Doing this brake job was going to be my first how to video for youtube. This is the first car I owned that has an electric parking brake so after editing out all the swearing there wasnt any good video left.
Red brakes front only
Z26 STREET PERFORMANCE CARBON-FIBER CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Front, Part No. Z26-1291
Red brakes front & rear, silver rear
Z23 EVOLUTION SPORT CARBON-FIBER BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. Z23-1291
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. Z23-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. Z23-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. Z23-1450
Z17 EVOLUTION CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. 17-1291
Silver Front, Part No. 17-1873
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. 17-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. 17-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. 17-1450
.
Remember to disengage the parking brake before disassembling the rear brakes. Doing this brake job was going to be my first how to video for youtube. This is the first car I owned that has an electric parking brake so after editing out all the swearing there wasnt any good video left.
Red brakes front only
Z26 STREET PERFORMANCE CARBON-FIBER CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Front, Part No. Z26-1291
Red brakes front & rear, silver rear
Z23 EVOLUTION SPORT CARBON-FIBER BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. Z23-1291
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. Z23-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. Z23-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. Z23-1450
Z17 EVOLUTION CERAMIC BRAKE PADS
Red Front, Part No. 17-1291
Silver Front, Part No. 17-1873
2018-2021 Rear, Part No. 17-1681
2016-2017 Rear, Part No. 17-1669
2015 Rear, Part No. 17-1450
.
Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 104
Likes: 25
2016 C63 AMG
If I was going to track drive the car I would install brake pads designed for track use. Driving I use the Florida Autobahn but dont do any actual track driving. With red brakes I would definitely buy the carbon fiber ceramic brake pads. Z26 on the front and Z23 on the back. I was considering upgrading the front brakes on my non-S sedan. It would just be for the look, an extra 30mm of shiny disc and bragging rights. I decided not to shell out for that upgrade yet.
For silver brakes I recommend the ceramic brake pads for street use, no noise and much less dust.
Performance wise the best upgrade is wider wheels and tires. They say you cant but I will tell you, you can. The disclaimer is that rear fenders need to be reshaped; rolled and pulled. I ordered some shims for the rear springs but havent got them yet. Just to add a little space, stop it from scrubbing hitting big dips and railroad tracks. I am wondering if 305/30ZR20 will work after I add the shims.
Continental SportContact 6
FRONT:
265/35ZR19
19x9.5 ET+30
REAR:
295/30ZR20
20x11 ET+45
Once you get traction the car stops driving like crap.
I recommend 19/20 staggered to keep proper dynamics. Rear wheel having a larger rolling diameter than the front.
If I was going to build a track car out of my sedan I would have put 19x12 with 325/30ZR19 on the rears. I don’t think big rear fender flares look good on this car. 19x12 wouldnt fit otherwise. With my current setup I would cut the inside of the wheel wells to add in inch of space but keep with the original design, just a little curved out. To make it perfect, if I had the extra money.
Brabus Sedan only has 285 on the rear. With the Pure 900 turbo upgrade we can hit 700 whp without going catless. With a fender roller, fender pliers and a heat gun I modified it to run the 295/30ZR20 on 11x20 wheels. Yes it is possible. Should you do it? Probably not, but the best things in life are usually the things we shouldnt do. (sinister laugh)
To mention I got ripped off on Weistec tune. The timing was too far advanced and they changed the shift points, i would crash the rev limiter if I didnt upshift manually. Maybe the tune could have run on race gas but it was supposed to be tuned for 93. I would read knock at high rpm. Since it was faulty off the shelf product I requested a refund but they kept 18%. Pretty good scam. I was dumb enough to try it. Fair warning.
.
Last edited by anwar_hamoude; Oct 6, 2022 at 08:40 PM.
