Questions from prospective GTC Roadster buyer
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Joined: Feb 2023
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Lotus Evora
Questions from prospective GTC Roadster buyer
Hey, I'm in the process of crash course finding out everything I can about this platform, as I typically do when I'm about to potentially purchase a vehicle. I've loved these since they came out, a GTC roadster has always been my want, and now depreciation has put it within reach. I currently have a Lotus Evora GT, but want to move to the AMG for many reasons, the most important being that I miss a convertible way more than I anticipated. Having read 3/4ths of this forum, I still have a few questions:
1. I saw the early cars had transmission issues that Mercedes acknowledged. Were they fixed via hardware or software upgrades in the later models? I haven't seen many failures in the later ones.
2. Does Airscarf actually work well? I live in Tennessee and drive convertibles basically year round.
3. I know the later model steering wheels are able to be retrofitted, but can you retrofit heated steering wheels? That seems like a major oversight in a luxury convertible.
I'll add more as I think of them. Thanks for the help!
1. I saw the early cars had transmission issues that Mercedes acknowledged. Were they fixed via hardware or software upgrades in the later models? I haven't seen many failures in the later ones.
2. Does Airscarf actually work well? I live in Tennessee and drive convertibles basically year round.
3. I know the later model steering wheels are able to be retrofitted, but can you retrofit heated steering wheels? That seems like a major oversight in a luxury convertible.
I'll add more as I think of them. Thanks for the help!
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2023
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Lotus Evora
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Hey, I'm in the process of crash course finding out everything I can about this platform, as I typically do when I'm about to potentially purchase a vehicle. I've loved these since they came out, a GTC roadster has always been my want, and now depreciation has put it within reach. I currently have a Lotus Evora GT, but want to move to the AMG for many reasons, the most important being that I miss a convertible way more than I anticipated. Having read 3/4ths of this forum, I still have a few questions:
1. I saw the early cars had transmission issues that Mercedes acknowledged. Were they fixed via hardware or software upgrades in the later models? I haven't seen many failures in the later ones.
2. Does Airscarf actually work well? I live in Tennessee and drive convertibles basically year round.
3. I know the later model steering wheels are able to be retrofitted, but can you retrofit heated steering wheels? That seems like a major oversight in a luxury convertible.
I'll add more as I think of them. Thanks for the help!
1. I saw the early cars had transmission issues that Mercedes acknowledged. Were they fixed via hardware or software upgrades in the later models? I haven't seen many failures in the later ones.
2. Does Airscarf actually work well? I live in Tennessee and drive convertibles basically year round.
3. I know the later model steering wheels are able to be retrofitted, but can you retrofit heated steering wheels? That seems like a major oversight in a luxury convertible.
I'll add more as I think of them. Thanks for the help!
2. Airscarf works great in the GTC or wherever they are installed. Had them in the SL and used them in the S-Class. Top down driving in cold weather is no problem, but would you, really?
3. No steering wheel heating in old on newer (MY20) designs AFAIK. Cold hands are the privilege of AMG drivers
This can't be retrofitted but if you have an Alcantara wheel they are fine even if unheated.The AMG GTC roadsters are great cars. Love ours. Get CCB brakes if you can.
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Lotus Evora
1. Zero issues with transmission on later models as AFAIK. Am only aware of the issue on early models (2014 in Europe, 2015 in the US as MY16) for transmission seal oil leaks and driveshaft issues. Nothing past MY17 and the roadster started with MY18
2. Airscarf works great in the GTC or wherever they are installed. Had them in the SL and used them in the S-Class. Top down driving in cold weather is no problem, but would you, really?
3. No steering wheel heating in old on newer (MY20) designs AFAIK. Cold hands are the privilege of AMG drivers This can't be retrofitted but if you have an Alcantara wheel they are fine even if unheated.
The AMG GTC roadsters are great cars. Love ours. Get CCB brakes if you can.
2. Airscarf works great in the GTC or wherever they are installed. Had them in the SL and used them in the S-Class. Top down driving in cold weather is no problem, but would you, really?
3. No steering wheel heating in old on newer (MY20) designs AFAIK. Cold hands are the privilege of AMG drivers
This can't be retrofitted but if you have an Alcantara wheel they are fine even if unheated.The AMG GTC roadsters are great cars. Love ours. Get CCB brakes if you can.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 564
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From: Germany
AMG GTR
Retrofitting steering wheel heating might be feasible. If you take a steering wheel control unit with heating and a capable coder. AMG steering wheel would have to be converted to heating wires and reupholstered. Might work. (Unchecked)
Or would be to retrofit heating wires and install an invisible switch in the steering wheel. 12V are available on the steering wheel. efficiency would have to be checked. (non-critical possible amperage)
Gloves would be a simple solution. Also (under-) gloves that can be heated with 12V. A 12V socket is in the middle console.
Best regards
Stenzel
Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 118
Likes: 38
300sl roadster
I had a 2018 GTC roadster and now a 2020 GTR roadster and have not had any tranny issues and the shifts are way quicker than my F12 and without any harshness....
I thought the air scarf was probably a little silly but I and my wife really love it on a cool evening... makes top down cruzen a delight ! and I agree with Stenzel, get a pair of light gloves if needed...I've never checked the heated steering wheel box... thought the heat would dry out the leather or alcantara or adhesive over time....(obviously in colder climates)...
Hope you find the GTC your looking for here's to enjoying the experience !!
I thought the air scarf was probably a little silly but I and my wife really love it on a cool evening... makes top down cruzen a delight ! and I agree with Stenzel, get a pair of light gloves if needed...I've never checked the heated steering wheel box... thought the heat would dry out the leather or alcantara or adhesive over time....(obviously in colder climates)...
Hope you find the GTC your looking for here's to enjoying the experience !!
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
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From: SF Bay area- East Bay
GT C Roadster
My transmission went out 2 months after I bought my ‘18 GT C Roadster in June of ‘22. Lucky I purchased an extended warranty from Fidelity at the time. It was $5k for a 5 year warranty.
I had local MB dealer do a PPI on car and I reviewed full service history on car prior to buying it. Car had regular maintenance and wasn’t used hard. Had 18k miles on it.
Transmission sensor failed but because it’s a sealed unit the fix is a new transmission. Fidelity was great and covered the full $20k fix. I never even spoke to them, local MB dealer did it all.
I love the car but highly recommend the piece of mind that comes w/ the warranty.
I had local MB dealer do a PPI on car and I reviewed full service history on car prior to buying it. Car had regular maintenance and wasn’t used hard. Had 18k miles on it.
Transmission sensor failed but because it’s a sealed unit the fix is a new transmission. Fidelity was great and covered the full $20k fix. I never even spoke to them, local MB dealer did it all.
I love the car but highly recommend the piece of mind that comes w/ the warranty.
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2001 E55AMG
That is that we like to hear @PA in CA ! Fidelity is the name in the 3rd party extended warranty market when it comes to claims payouts and customer service, it helps too that Mercedes dealerships love working with them because they know it is no hassle, and they'll be paid on the repair. If anyone would like to see some pricing or an example contract from Fidelity, you can reach met at tgibson@highline-autos.com or (855) 924-1333
Thread Starter
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Lotus Evora
Another question I just had, specific to roadsters. If the car was ordered with the Dinamica headliner option, does that include the convertible top headliner or just around the A pillar and top of the windshield?
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From: Houston, TX
2020 AMG GT63s
A Pillar, I think the SL's is the whole top though
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From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2023
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Lotus Evora
Thanks everyone for all the help! Another one I was thinking of, from what I can tell the steel brakes and the carbon ceramic brakes are the exact same size, is this correct? So any stock wheels should fit over any of the brakes?
