Planning on changing or adding more things? 
Seattle R63 Build/ Photo Thread
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thank you Jon. I can't wait to see what you do with the R300. I know the parts for facelifted models are a little harder to come by (no aftermarket bodykits for your style).
Also, I never recall seeing any R Classes in Hong Kong. They must be pretty rare!
Also, I never recall seeing any R Classes in Hong Kong. They must be pretty rare!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Hong Kong, China
R300L
My dealer says all of the vehicles allocated in Hong Kong and China for 2013 has all been allocated after they announced that they will stop production.
Jon
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
XxGenericSNXX
I loved your story about having the R63 and AMG emblems reset on the trunk. I can't believe the shop used your car's photo. I think it is super cool that you are trying so hard to get the placement right.
Thanks also for the photos at the park. I enjoy seeing your R63 so keep the photos coming . . .
Kind regards
I loved your story about having the R63 and AMG emblems reset on the trunk. I can't believe the shop used your car's photo. I think it is super cool that you are trying so hard to get the placement right.
Thanks also for the photos at the park. I enjoy seeing your R63 so keep the photos coming . . .
Kind regards
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2000 W220 S500, 2015 W222 S550e
This is the coolest build thread I've ever seen. Congrats on making such an amazing car!
I've never seen an R63 in the flesh before..sad I missed you when you were in SF! The car looks great out there!
I've never seen an R63 in the flesh before..sad I missed you when you were in SF! The car looks great out there!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thanks for the responses guys. I'm currently trying to work out getting a custom carbon fiber diffuser made with three fins. It's a long and slow process but progress is being made with my friends over at Rottec Carbon in Vancouver, BC.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thank you. While spacers would be nice- I've ultimately put it on the back burner. Maybe one day down the road, but it seems like quite a hassle right now because I don't want to lose my wheel locks.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
GL550
Brake Upgrade
What year and model did your brake upgrade come from? Was it just the front and rear rotors, calipers and backing plate to mount the new calipers on the larger rotors that were only replaced, or other items?
Also was there any issues with replacing your button shifters to paddle shifter on your steering wheel upgrade?
You really did a super job on your car, it really really looks good!
Also was there any issues with replacing your button shifters to paddle shifter on your steering wheel upgrade?
You really did a super job on your car, it really really looks good!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
I have stock brakes. All R63 (2007) and ML63 (2007-2011) share the same brake setup. If you want to do this upgrade to the GL550, in theory all parts should be compatible and a direct swap since the GL shares the same components as the ML and R.
The button upgrade was very easy. All that had to be done was physically enlarging the opening at the back, and splicing the wires to the stock wires. The hardest part is milling out the hole to get the buttons to fit at the back of the wheel.
Thanks!
The button upgrade was very easy. All that had to be done was physically enlarging the opening at the back, and splicing the wires to the stock wires. The hardest part is milling out the hole to get the buttons to fit at the back of the wheel.
Thanks!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Cars and Coffee eh?
These were taken at our local cars and coffee called Exotics @ Redmond Town Center.
Later in the day I attended a charity event at the Unviersity of Washington where they hosted cars on the central square on campus. They parked me next to a Lamborghini LM002.
These were taken at our local cars and coffee called Exotics @ Redmond Town Center.
Later in the day I attended a charity event at the Unviersity of Washington where they hosted cars on the central square on campus. They parked me next to a Lamborghini LM002.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Hey guys. I know it's been a while but I do have some new photos for you guys. The only update to show you is that I got the halo light LEDs (surrounding the fog lights) wired up properly and hooked up to my parking lights (body shop couldn't do this right the first time).
I do have some exciting projects in progress right now for both the exterior and interior which I'll update you guys on shortly.
Took a trip down to SF and here's some pics:
Halo lights:
I do have some exciting projects in progress right now for both the exterior and interior which I'll update you guys on shortly.
Took a trip down to SF and here's some pics:
Halo lights:
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Even though it's been a while since my last mod, that doesn't mean the fun has to stop. This time, I'm focusing on the interior where it could use a little upgrade. I contacted Brabus to build me these custom door panel inserts to fit into the blank space under the trim and above the armrests. On most Benzes this area is filled with either some leather or vinyl and has some slight padding to it. On the R-Class this area is bare and looks unfinished.
I had Brabus trim the inserts in charcoal Alcantara so it would match the inserts that came on the factory seats. I also had them add dark blue stitching so it would add a level of detail that matches the car's exterior trim and brings a little color into the interior. It's dark enough that it doesn't clash with the factory black stitching but is a nice detail if you look close enough. Brabus also added their emblem to each panel.
Brabus originally made these panels as a four piece kit (one for each door) in Brabus Mastik leather, however they no longer produce the parts, likely due to low demand for the R-Class parts. Anthony at Brabus was kind enough to find an R-Class in the area to take measurements from and custom fabricated these panels with the templates they created. At the same time, I also had them add two panels, so the third row would feel some love as well. Installation was extremely easy and I'm extremely pleased with the results. I wouldn't mind doing more Brabus interior upgrades in the future.
Look how cool the packing tape is!
I had Brabus trim the inserts in charcoal Alcantara so it would match the inserts that came on the factory seats. I also had them add dark blue stitching so it would add a level of detail that matches the car's exterior trim and brings a little color into the interior. It's dark enough that it doesn't clash with the factory black stitching but is a nice detail if you look close enough. Brabus also added their emblem to each panel.
Brabus originally made these panels as a four piece kit (one for each door) in Brabus Mastik leather, however they no longer produce the parts, likely due to low demand for the R-Class parts. Anthony at Brabus was kind enough to find an R-Class in the area to take measurements from and custom fabricated these panels with the templates they created. At the same time, I also had them add two panels, so the third row would feel some love as well. Installation was extremely easy and I'm extremely pleased with the results. I wouldn't mind doing more Brabus interior upgrades in the future.
Look how cool the packing tape is!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
Likes: 11
From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
xGenericSNxx:
Thanks so much for flagging some updates for me on your build, as I had not visited this sub-forum in a little while.
First, I love the new(er) photo shoots of your R63 in SF, at the UofW, etc. Again, I love the Majestic Black color which has a little lightness/blue hue to it over straight black. Even though I am very happy to have finally picked up my GL63, I think you have as cool and much rarer vehicle in the R63 and still satisfy the same 3 row need as I have. I also note that while I am thrilled (and feel very fortunate to have cars with both the 6.2L NA V8 and the Twin Turbo 5.5L, the sound and feel (or charisma) from the 6.2L is, in my opinion, even a notch better than the TT 5.5L. So I can tell you that you are not missing out from the engine perspective . . . even if the TT 5.5L is a little stronger (and I know for many on this MBWorld forum that speed is king, but who really runs flat out anyway very much - I'm just tooling around town most of the time enjoying the engine sound).
Nice work on the interior Alcantara additions to the door panels. They really help to class up the interior.
Given all you have done, I am curious about what could be next . . . is there anything left to do . . .
Keep up the great work!!
Thanks so much for flagging some updates for me on your build, as I had not visited this sub-forum in a little while.
First, I love the new(er) photo shoots of your R63 in SF, at the UofW, etc. Again, I love the Majestic Black color which has a little lightness/blue hue to it over straight black. Even though I am very happy to have finally picked up my GL63, I think you have as cool and much rarer vehicle in the R63 and still satisfy the same 3 row need as I have. I also note that while I am thrilled (and feel very fortunate to have cars with both the 6.2L NA V8 and the Twin Turbo 5.5L, the sound and feel (or charisma) from the 6.2L is, in my opinion, even a notch better than the TT 5.5L. So I can tell you that you are not missing out from the engine perspective . . . even if the TT 5.5L is a little stronger (and I know for many on this MBWorld forum that speed is king, but who really runs flat out anyway very much - I'm just tooling around town most of the time enjoying the engine sound).
Nice work on the interior Alcantara additions to the door panels. They really help to class up the interior.
Given all you have done, I am curious about what could be next . . . is there anything left to do . . .
Keep up the great work!!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 2
From: Vancouver, B.C.
GLE43, CL600(W215)
Hey Nathan, (great name btw, what we named our youngest son),
I've been looking at an R63 to have as a winter car. Came across your thread and loved what you've done. In all your research, have you come across any trailer hitch that could be hidden for this car. I have a small sailing kayak on a trailer, less than 1000 lbs total including the trailer, that I want to be able to tow. I had an ML63 for 3 years brand new but don't want to go full SUV so I thought the R would be great for wet winters and great for pulling the Kayak. You mentioned MBenzNL as a supplier and wondered if a European hitch could be fitted. Any ideas? Thanks.
I've been looking at an R63 to have as a winter car. Came across your thread and loved what you've done. In all your research, have you come across any trailer hitch that could be hidden for this car. I have a small sailing kayak on a trailer, less than 1000 lbs total including the trailer, that I want to be able to tow. I had an ML63 for 3 years brand new but don't want to go full SUV so I thought the R would be great for wet winters and great for pulling the Kayak. You mentioned MBenzNL as a supplier and wondered if a European hitch could be fitted. Any ideas? Thanks.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Take a look on cars.com. They seem to pop up every month.
I think Brabus gave a really good price so I won't direct quote. But for reference Brabus used to charge $900 for their premade set of 4 leather panels which are now discontinued. I got 6 panels for under $250 each.
Southocean, congrats on the GL63. I love opening those third row windows and listening to the noise when driving, but I think the car should be a little louder. The 5.5tt does sound good but I think the 6.2 is slightly better. Too bad you didn't go with a more unusual exterior color but I guess we all make compromises when the significant other enters the equation. Did you go with the brown interior? Can you remind me of the options you got?
As for further mods, I have something one off lined up for the exterior but it'll be a little while before it's completed.
As for the hitch I have no clue. I think the car looks odd with one so I haven't bothered with the research. But from what I surmise, the euro hitch is a hook shape and not like a US receiver so I don't think that would work. I think you may have to go aftermarket. If you're hauling a kayak maybe look into roof mounted options?
I think Brabus gave a really good price so I won't direct quote. But for reference Brabus used to charge $900 for their premade set of 4 leather panels which are now discontinued. I got 6 panels for under $250 each.
Southocean, congrats on the GL63. I love opening those third row windows and listening to the noise when driving, but I think the car should be a little louder. The 5.5tt does sound good but I think the 6.2 is slightly better. Too bad you didn't go with a more unusual exterior color but I guess we all make compromises when the significant other enters the equation. Did you go with the brown interior? Can you remind me of the options you got?
As for further mods, I have something one off lined up for the exterior but it'll be a little while before it's completed.
As for the hitch I have no clue. I think the car looks odd with one so I haven't bothered with the research. But from what I surmise, the euro hitch is a hook shape and not like a US receiver so I don't think that would work. I think you may have to go aftermarket. If you're hauling a kayak maybe look into roof mounted options?
