What other car do you own?
#26
#27
Super Member
my wife has the pleasure of daily driving the ml63. my commute is a bit too long for the gas guzzling monster. i drive a fiat abarth. the ml63 is the uber capable tow truck for my race car. i have a ferrari 355 and original mini but both in storage as i concentrate on my racing.
got my ml63 for $40k with 44K miles close to 3 yrs ago. now at 79k. love this truck. the torque is addictive...just using up to 4000 rpm is adequate in 90% of driving. love the vented seats and the air suspension.
trouble- had rattling front strut replaced with a rebuilt arnott unit- didn't fix the problem but it went away on it's own. now the check engine lite is on -suspect intake manifold gasket. will get it looked at by my independent soon.
hope to have a bmw x5m at some point.
got my ml63 for $40k with 44K miles close to 3 yrs ago. now at 79k. love this truck. the torque is addictive...just using up to 4000 rpm is adequate in 90% of driving. love the vented seats and the air suspension.
trouble- had rattling front strut replaced with a rebuilt arnott unit- didn't fix the problem but it went away on it's own. now the check engine lite is on -suspect intake manifold gasket. will get it looked at by my independent soon.
hope to have a bmw x5m at some point.
I have secretly fantasized about owning one of these before.
#28
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
Frank my "13 ML63 AMG is my daily driver..
Big Bird..2009 ZR1..garage queen
Wife has Acura MDX
Gone but not forgotten..
Tweety..2007 Z06
Mr. Platinum..2009 Platinum Escalade..I supercharged..lowered..baer big brake
Big Bird..2009 ZR1..garage queen
Wife has Acura MDX
Gone but not forgotten..
Tweety..2007 Z06
Mr. Platinum..2009 Platinum Escalade..I supercharged..lowered..baer big brake
Last edited by Nanook; 12-31-2013 at 02:56 PM.
#29
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
Received 53 Likes
on
47 Posts
'18 GLE63S AMG /'19 PORSCHE TURBO S / '09 CORVETTE ZR1 /'14 LEXUS RX350/'16 RAV4 Ltd
There are definitely differences between the CL63 I owned and the Bentley Continental GT Speed I own now. Some are major, others minor. Both cars have powerful engines, but in the normally-aspirated CL63, the sensation of being shoved from behind during acceleration was simply not there. The car was quick, but it did feel quick. The Bentley shoves you forward as though you were being shot from a canon, likely as a result of its 616hp and around 590lb-ft of torque, but nothing is perfect. Being a turbo, there is a tiny bit of lag followed by a formidable rush of power that can sometimes feel over-dramatized for the situation. Impressive? Yes. Controllable? Yes... if you're paying attention. Excessive? Maybe.
In terms of ride-comfort and quality, both are extremely similar. The CL 63 had superb road manners, but its heft kept it from cornering with aplomb. With the traction control shut off, it would hang its tail out and be a hoot to drive, but it always reminded you of its weight. The Bentley corners with much more precision and not much drama, thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive set-up, but is a heavy car, so understeer can and does show up if one is too aggressive. The Bentley is heavy and feels solid, but one is especially aware of this great rolling mass when lifting off the throttle. When doing so, the car doesn't instantly slow down, but rather it feels like its rolling on some extremely low-friction ball-bearings. One doesn't feel as out-of-control as, say, in a skid, but it is a sensation that takes getting used to. Likewise, the seemingly effortless way in which the Bentley accelerates during normal driving is quite different from that in the CL63. The term used by Rolls-Royce is "wafting," and although the Bentley doesn't waft you anywhere, during sedate driving conditions, it does transmit that sensation to its driver that it is only using a few of its horses to move you along and if you need more, there is an endless supply. Its only shortcoming is engine noise.
Whereas in the CL63, the engine's drone was heard softly in the background unless one was really opening up the taps, the Bentley's engine is a bit more present in the cabin. In "Drive" it maintains a steady rumble, but in "Sport" the engine becomes noticeably louder and there is exhaust burble at idle, and some snorts when decelerating. Very impressive in a parking garage with onlookers, but a bit annoying on the highway, as it can get a bit boomy.
Finally, there is the subject of fit and finish. My old CL 63 had a black interior with black ash wood trim. I'm partial to black interiors for their elegance and ease of maintenance. The Bentley's interior is also black, with Mulliner quilted seat and door insets and piano black wood on the dash and console. What is striking is the general feel of luxury and thickness of all the materials, down to the thread used on the contrast stitching. My ML63 has the same black leather interior with white contrast stitching as I have in the Bentley, but it's quality, fit and finish are not as refined. The thread on the ML's stitching is thinner. There is exposed plastic on the seat frame, and the steering wheel airbag cover is not leather. This was also true in the CL63. In the Bentley, the entire steering wheel is made from one piece of leather and the airbag cover is indeed leather. The lenses in the vanity mirrors and exquisite and are dressed up by simple chrome trim rings; very nice touches that ooze luxury. AMG ought to do the same. Just look at the light under your visor. See what I mean?
This is my first Bentley, and, franky, I'm not sure if there will be a second. I had two CL63s back to back for a reason. It was probably the best car I have ever owned. My ML63 is definitely the best Mercedes SUV that I've owned, and I've had quite a few (see my sig). When the new S-CLass coupe is released, we'll see how the Speed fares.
In terms of ride-comfort and quality, both are extremely similar. The CL 63 had superb road manners, but its heft kept it from cornering with aplomb. With the traction control shut off, it would hang its tail out and be a hoot to drive, but it always reminded you of its weight. The Bentley corners with much more precision and not much drama, thanks in part to its all-wheel-drive set-up, but is a heavy car, so understeer can and does show up if one is too aggressive. The Bentley is heavy and feels solid, but one is especially aware of this great rolling mass when lifting off the throttle. When doing so, the car doesn't instantly slow down, but rather it feels like its rolling on some extremely low-friction ball-bearings. One doesn't feel as out-of-control as, say, in a skid, but it is a sensation that takes getting used to. Likewise, the seemingly effortless way in which the Bentley accelerates during normal driving is quite different from that in the CL63. The term used by Rolls-Royce is "wafting," and although the Bentley doesn't waft you anywhere, during sedate driving conditions, it does transmit that sensation to its driver that it is only using a few of its horses to move you along and if you need more, there is an endless supply. Its only shortcoming is engine noise.
Whereas in the CL63, the engine's drone was heard softly in the background unless one was really opening up the taps, the Bentley's engine is a bit more present in the cabin. In "Drive" it maintains a steady rumble, but in "Sport" the engine becomes noticeably louder and there is exhaust burble at idle, and some snorts when decelerating. Very impressive in a parking garage with onlookers, but a bit annoying on the highway, as it can get a bit boomy.
Finally, there is the subject of fit and finish. My old CL 63 had a black interior with black ash wood trim. I'm partial to black interiors for their elegance and ease of maintenance. The Bentley's interior is also black, with Mulliner quilted seat and door insets and piano black wood on the dash and console. What is striking is the general feel of luxury and thickness of all the materials, down to the thread used on the contrast stitching. My ML63 has the same black leather interior with white contrast stitching as I have in the Bentley, but it's quality, fit and finish are not as refined. The thread on the ML's stitching is thinner. There is exposed plastic on the seat frame, and the steering wheel airbag cover is not leather. This was also true in the CL63. In the Bentley, the entire steering wheel is made from one piece of leather and the airbag cover is indeed leather. The lenses in the vanity mirrors and exquisite and are dressed up by simple chrome trim rings; very nice touches that ooze luxury. AMG ought to do the same. Just look at the light under your visor. See what I mean?
This is my first Bentley, and, franky, I'm not sure if there will be a second. I had two CL63s back to back for a reason. It was probably the best car I have ever owned. My ML63 is definitely the best Mercedes SUV that I've owned, and I've had quite a few (see my sig). When the new S-CLass coupe is released, we'll see how the Speed fares.
Last edited by Nanook; 12-31-2013 at 02:54 PM.
#30
Super Member
I consistently ran 13.0 at around 105mph, with a few 12.90's at 107-8. I was using an STS rear turbo kit on a 6.0 rwd Escalade running a Garrett GT67 with a 67 compressor and .81 housing intercooled and tuned at 7lbs. Stock is 320hp to the crank, With my base tune, 4lbs and no intercooler I dyno'ed at 367hp and 435tq to the wheels (24" btw) with an intercooler, a better tune and 7lbs of boost and I hit 472hp with over 550tq I think I have a video somewhere I can dig up. Gimme a day or two Ill see what I can do!
My ML63 is a daily driver and I take it to the track a couple times a year. I can't see myself in anything else. Johnny Lieberman said it best in a recent e63s comparo test when he got in sat down and floored it. "A M jeezus christ!!!"
Cheers!
Sent from my iPhone using IB AutoGroup
#32
MBWorld Fanatic!
Currently using the ML63 as a daily driver, but I'm waiting for my 2010 S350 CDI to arrive, which I'll use on a day to day basis (expecting much better gas mileage).
Although my commute isn't so bad, fuel prices in Tanzania (where I live) are, so it's not very practical to use everyday. Also, I feel very snug in the seat, which I don't love during afternoon traffic.
Although my commute isn't so bad, fuel prices in Tanzania (where I live) are, so it's not very practical to use everyday. Also, I feel very snug in the seat, which I don't love during afternoon traffic.
#33
Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
1961 Mercedes-Benz 190SL and 2016 BMW X5M
My Rides
My daily driver from mid-Dec. to mid-March is my 2007 M-B ML63 AMG
My daily driver from mid-March to mid-Dec. is my 2014 BMW M6 Coupe
My nice weather weekend fun ride with the top down, is my classic 1961 M-B 190SL roadster
My daily driver from mid-March to mid-Dec. is my 2014 BMW M6 Coupe
My nice weather weekend fun ride with the top down, is my classic 1961 M-B 190SL roadster
Last edited by AVB-AMG; 03-21-2014 at 12:16 AM.
#34
Super Member
You could trade up to a Benz from mid-march to mid-December.
#35
Newbie
I love my ML, but recently purchased a Audi R8 Spyder. Now I hardly use the ML except to pull the boat & for long road trips with family. R8 spider is just a really fun car to drive, an every day super car that gets loads of attention, especially with my Quicksilver Supersport exhaust system I've installed last month. It sounds insane with the roof up or down.
#43
Super Member
X5M was daily, M3 is weekend. Modified Q7 (GIAC StageII+ & Milltek Pipes)is current daily being replaced with ML63. Others have been in rotation but don't see as much seat time as i would like.
Why do you say the ML63 can't be a daily driver? I don't see any other application for it. It's not track car, it's not a weekend car, the only need or want it satisfies is daily driving and hauling family members making sure they're never late for school, swim meets or family events.
Why do you say the ML63 can't be a daily driver? I don't see any other application for it. It's not track car, it's not a weekend car, the only need or want it satisfies is daily driving and hauling family members making sure they're never late for school, swim meets or family events.