Seattle R63 Build/ Photo Thread
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Most likely will need spacers because I like my wheels aggressive/ flush with the fender. But I don't want to go crazy with very wide spacers because this is a very big/ heavy car.
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Front bumper is done for the most part.
Front end mods are:
Wald Black Bison Front Bumper
Quad Fogs with Angel Eyes (angels currently not working)
Delete Amber Light/ Replaced with Euro Spec Parktronic Sensor
Gloss Black Lower Bumper Grilles
More goodies to come this weekend! (That's also our ML that's next to it.)
Front end mods are:
Wald Black Bison Front Bumper
Quad Fogs with Angel Eyes (angels currently not working)
Delete Amber Light/ Replaced with Euro Spec Parktronic Sensor
Gloss Black Lower Bumper Grilles
More goodies to come this weekend! (That's also our ML that's next to it.)
Last edited by xxGenericSNxx; Sep 7, 2012 at 01:34 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
OMG small world! I LOVE how your car has distronic. Very rare option for the W211s. BTW what rims were you using? Has an OEM flavor but better.
I guess you were the first to see the new shoes which were put on a few hours before I ran into you.
I guess you were the first to see the new shoes which were put on a few hours before I ran into you.
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From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
xxGenericSNXX:
Looking forward to the "reveal" photos later this weekend!
By the way, that R63 for sale in Conn is already sold. Having watched the market for R63s like you for several years, it seems they are selling even quicker then they had a few years ago. Maybe driving that heightened demand is that they seem to be coming up for sale much more rarely now - and then it is getting even harder to find a reasonable mileage and condition example as we get farther out from 2007.
Kind regards
Looking forward to the "reveal" photos later this weekend!
By the way, that R63 for sale in Conn is already sold. Having watched the market for R63s like you for several years, it seems they are selling even quicker then they had a few years ago. Maybe driving that heightened demand is that they seem to be coming up for sale much more rarely now - and then it is getting even harder to find a reasonable mileage and condition example as we get farther out from 2007.
Kind regards
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
@ Sweet Jones Sounds like a plan to me. Do you ever head out to Exotics @ RTC? Any other local car meets that I should know about?
@ South Ocean Wow interesting it is sold so quickly. I hope the person that bought it is someone on this board or will join this board in the future. Odd that mine was on the market for a few months before it sold. Guess everyone else saw the trouble that was ahead. heh
I've been having too much fun driving the car/ busy than taking the time to take photos. Still need to install the Lorinser skirts before the exterior transformation is mostly complete. So, should I upload pictures of the car now with the new rims or wait until the skirts are done?
@ South Ocean Wow interesting it is sold so quickly. I hope the person that bought it is someone on this board or will join this board in the future. Odd that mine was on the market for a few months before it sold. Guess everyone else saw the trouble that was ahead. heh
I've been having too much fun driving the car/ busy than taking the time to take photos. Still need to install the Lorinser skirts before the exterior transformation is mostly complete. So, should I upload pictures of the car now with the new rims or wait until the skirts are done?
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From: Seattle
W209, E46 M3 (dead), S54 swapped E46 Touring
I am really new to the area so I don't really know where the local car gatherings are at but wanting to attend a few for sure. I've been here for one week and staying in downtown Seattle for the next month. Anything coming up?
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
There's a Concours event today down at the Tacoma museum. It's held once a year and it's the first time it's down in Tacoma because the old location couldn't accommodate as many cars.
http://www.kirklandconcours.com/
Then there's the Exotics @ Redmond Town Center which is like a cars and coffee and happens every Saturday provided the weather's good. Honestly not a lot of Benzes there out of the couple hundred cars that show up. You'll get maybe one stock C63 and like one stock E55 compared to the 20 modified BMW M cars that show up. There you'll also see a ton of exotics like new Ferraris, Lambos, and other cars of the like. One time I drove the CLK55 there and they wouldn't even let me park in the lot because it wasn't "cool" enough. So I thought that was kind of lame, but every other time it's been fine. Haven't bothered driving the R there yet, don't think people would really appreciate this van. You have to check their Facebook to see if it's happening:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ExoticsRTC/201202160220
http://www.kirklandconcours.com/
Then there's the Exotics @ Redmond Town Center which is like a cars and coffee and happens every Saturday provided the weather's good. Honestly not a lot of Benzes there out of the couple hundred cars that show up. You'll get maybe one stock C63 and like one stock E55 compared to the 20 modified BMW M cars that show up. There you'll also see a ton of exotics like new Ferraris, Lambos, and other cars of the like. One time I drove the CLK55 there and they wouldn't even let me park in the lot because it wasn't "cool" enough. So I thought that was kind of lame, but every other time it's been fine. Haven't bothered driving the R there yet, don't think people would really appreciate this van. You have to check their Facebook to see if it's happening:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ExoticsRTC/201202160220
Last edited by xxGenericSNxx; Sep 9, 2012 at 06:22 PM.
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2012 CLS63
There's a Concours event today down at the Tacoma museum. It's held once a year and it's the first time it's down in Tacoma because the old location couldn't accommodate as many cars.
http://www.kirklandconcours.com/
Then there's the Exotics @ Redmond Town Center which is like a cars and coffee and happens every Saturday provided the weather's good. Honestly not a lot of Benzes there out of the couple hundred cars that show up. You'll get maybe one stock C63 and like one stock E55 compared to the 20 modified BMW M cars that show up. There you'll also see a ton of exotics like new Ferraris, Lambos, and other cars of the like. One time I drove the CLk55 there and they wouldn't even let me park in the lot because it wasn't "cool" enough. So I thought that was kind of lame, but every other time it's been fine. Haven't bothered driving the R there yet, don't think people would really appreciate this van. You have to check their Facebook to see if it's happening:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ExoticsRTC/201202160220
http://www.kirklandconcours.com/
Then there's the Exotics @ Redmond Town Center which is like a cars and coffee and happens every Saturday provided the weather's good. Honestly not a lot of Benzes there out of the couple hundred cars that show up. You'll get maybe one stock C63 and like one stock E55 compared to the 20 modified BMW M cars that show up. There you'll also see a ton of exotics like new Ferraris, Lambos, and other cars of the like. One time I drove the CLk55 there and they wouldn't even let me park in the lot because it wasn't "cool" enough. So I thought that was kind of lame, but every other time it's been fine. Haven't bothered driving the R there yet, don't think people would really appreciate this van. You have to check their Facebook to see if it's happening:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/ExoticsRTC/201202160220
"yeah, you're going to have to park next to the dumpsters with all the other
un-cool cars"
Thread Starter
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Honestly I've just grown tired of seeing the same 430s and Lambo SVs every week. Not to take away from the car or anything, but after seeing so many 430s parked together, it's nothing "cool." I love just finding these unique gems out in the wild when I'm running errands or just driving around. So meh.
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From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
XxGenericSNXX:
Finally . . . Looks GREAT! Love the 21 inch OEM wheels and more aggressive front bumper. Didn't notice any offset issues with the rear wheels.
Now I need to see some of your professional quality photos taken of the car in natural light when you have a chance.
Kind regards
Finally . . . Looks GREAT! Love the 21 inch OEM wheels and more aggressive front bumper. Didn't notice any offset issues with the rear wheels.
Now I need to see some of your professional quality photos taken of the car in natural light when you have a chance.
Kind regards
Thread Starter
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thank you once again. I can't wait for the side skirts to go on to complete the look.
Rear offset should be ET48 which is what the OEM spec is. Instead I bought 4 fronts which are ET60. In the real world, both the front and rear are too far in for my tastes. I'd love for them to be flush with the fender so I'm thinking about possibly a set of 20mm spacers all around.
Rear offset should be ET48 which is what the OEM spec is. Instead I bought 4 fronts which are ET60. In the real world, both the front and rear are too far in for my tastes. I'd love for them to be flush with the fender so I'm thinking about possibly a set of 20mm spacers all around.
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From: Seattle
2014 AMG E63S, 2006 XK8 victory edition convertible, 2006 supercharged trailblazer SS, 2001 E430
. And as for your new shoes, they look really good. They compliment your car wellBtw, do you have any exhaust mods done?
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thanks Nizzle.
No exhaust mods and unfortunately it'll probably stay that way aside from the tips. It's got a wicket exhaust note that I can already hear in the car which is nice- just not loud enough to really rumble the I90 tunnels. But this is for the sake of my neighbors which I don't think like it too much when my loud exhaust friends come over.
What about your car, any exhaust stuff?
No exhaust mods and unfortunately it'll probably stay that way aside from the tips. It's got a wicket exhaust note that I can already hear in the car which is nice- just not loud enough to really rumble the I90 tunnels. But this is for the sake of my neighbors which I don't think like it too much when my loud exhaust friends come over.
What about your car, any exhaust stuff?
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From: USA
2018 Porsche Macan, 2017 NSX, 2011 R350
Subscribing...
Nice work Generic...I would consider upgrading the taillights to the facelift ones (I know it's not a simple plugNplay). Another thing worth considering to make your car more unique would be the tailpipes....Perhaps changing them to the newer AMG style rectangular ones? I know the current oval/circular ones flow better with your current car (especially with the current taillights with the oval backup lights), but the new rectangular pipes may work better with the facelifted tailights...
Just some thought...
Nice work Generic...I would consider upgrading the taillights to the facelift ones (I know it's not a simple plugNplay). Another thing worth considering to make your car more unique would be the tailpipes....Perhaps changing them to the newer AMG style rectangular ones? I know the current oval/circular ones flow better with your current car (especially with the current taillights with the oval backup lights), but the new rectangular pipes may work better with the facelifted tailights...
Just some thought...
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Thanks for the input. I've looked into doing the LED retrofit taillgihts and it's too much work. Not only is there software to worry about, but there's the actual shape as well. Your facelifted lights are slightly more squat and would require remolding of the bumper to fit the contour. My body shop didn't want to touch that with a 10 foot pole likely because it'll be very fragile in that spot when done. So at the moment I'll just have to leave the lamps stock. It's too bad there aren't any aftermarket solutions on eBay.
The tips will be changed to 65 style tips because I've always loved that connected shape. (page1)
The tips will be changed to 65 style tips because I've always loved that connected shape. (page1)
Thread Starter
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Okay I have quite a few updates.
First up I've got better photos of the new bumper, rims, and rear flares:
I also installed an Affalterbach hood badge along with matching center caps:
I've got some night shots to show the interior and illuminated door sills:
I also have some detail shots of the things that were done to the interior:
AMG door pins on all four doors:
I've retrofitted the second and third row shades a few months ago but never really took pictures of them. This option wasn't available in the US until 2008 and is not on any US spec R63s.
Rear shade down:
Rear shade raised:
Lorinser side skirts have been painted by the shop and grills epoxied into place:
Then I spent an hour today per side installing the skirts. I feel that these skirts really flow into the extended shape of the front bumper and the rear vent area flows into the rear bumper. For having a mix of Wald, Lorinser, and AMG I think they surprisingly work well.
First up I've got better photos of the new bumper, rims, and rear flares:
I also installed an Affalterbach hood badge along with matching center caps:
I've got some night shots to show the interior and illuminated door sills:
I also have some detail shots of the things that were done to the interior:
AMG door pins on all four doors:
I've retrofitted the second and third row shades a few months ago but never really took pictures of them. This option wasn't available in the US until 2008 and is not on any US spec R63s.
Rear shade down:
Rear shade raised:
Lorinser side skirts have been painted by the shop and grills epoxied into place:
Then I spent an hour today per side installing the skirts. I feel that these skirts really flow into the extended shape of the front bumper and the rear vent area flows into the rear bumper. For having a mix of Wald, Lorinser, and AMG I think they surprisingly work well.
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 401
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From: Chicagoland
2020 Porsche Taycan Turbo, 2020 GLC 63, 2014 Audi S6, 2014 GL63; past 2019 M5 and 2011 E63
xxGenericSNXX:
Thanks for the additional photos! Looking really good. Not that you are taking photo orders but . . . I need a few more "full body" shots from a little more distance to soak it all in at the same time.
Now that you have done the carbon fiber trim on the interior - which really updated the look inside, are you planning to do anything with the wood steering wheel? While I have always liked that wood steering wheel look, I am not sure it still goes with the new look interior. But that may be more challenging and expensive to change.
And not that I have a vote on this either . . . but I would keep the stock tailpipes as I think they are the most classic of the AMG styles. even if the CL65 tailpipes are pretty neat.
Kind regards
Thanks for the additional photos! Looking really good. Not that you are taking photo orders but . . . I need a few more "full body" shots from a little more distance to soak it all in at the same time.
Now that you have done the carbon fiber trim on the interior - which really updated the look inside, are you planning to do anything with the wood steering wheel? While I have always liked that wood steering wheel look, I am not sure it still goes with the new look interior. But that may be more challenging and expensive to change.
And not that I have a vote on this either . . . but I would keep the stock tailpipes as I think they are the most classic of the AMG styles. even if the CL65 tailpipes are pretty neat.
Kind regards
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From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Hi South Ocean!
Funny you mentioned requesting more shots. I just took the car outside to take some more and I just processed them.
We were working on some paddle shift retrofit to the steering wheel today and I'm delivering them to DCTMS to get reworked into my new steering wheel they're going to build for me. (This paddle thing was the holdup and the reason I haven't gotten a carbon wheel yet- don't worry, my attention to detail isn't that sloppy.) I also took the airbag out so that can be leatherized. The new steering wheel will have carbon fiber on the top and bottom, AMG bumps, a more sculpted and thicker grip, a flat bottom, perforated leather/ nappa smooth leather. I'm going to try and do the bottom carbon piece similar to that of the S-Class W211 prefacelift where it's a "U" shaped wood piece while making it a flat bottom. It'll tie everything together on the interior nicely. Sad thing is the airbag will be sent away to be worked on so I can't really drive it the car that much for another 5 weeks or so. It seems like every time I get the car back I have it for two weeks to use, then it goes back to the shop for three weeks. It's been like this for the last four months. Oh well, we're almost finished with this car.
Although the quad tips are already badass, I was never too big a fan of them. I always thought they looked quite plain. 65 look tips are already on hand so they'll eventually go on.
Funny you mentioned requesting more shots. I just took the car outside to take some more and I just processed them.
We were working on some paddle shift retrofit to the steering wheel today and I'm delivering them to DCTMS to get reworked into my new steering wheel they're going to build for me. (This paddle thing was the holdup and the reason I haven't gotten a carbon wheel yet- don't worry, my attention to detail isn't that sloppy.) I also took the airbag out so that can be leatherized. The new steering wheel will have carbon fiber on the top and bottom, AMG bumps, a more sculpted and thicker grip, a flat bottom, perforated leather/ nappa smooth leather. I'm going to try and do the bottom carbon piece similar to that of the S-Class W211 prefacelift where it's a "U" shaped wood piece while making it a flat bottom. It'll tie everything together on the interior nicely. Sad thing is the airbag will be sent away to be worked on so I can't really drive it the car that much for another 5 weeks or so. It seems like every time I get the car back I have it for two weeks to use, then it goes back to the shop for three weeks. It's been like this for the last four months. Oh well, we're almost finished with this car.
Although the quad tips are already badass, I was never too big a fan of them. I always thought they looked quite plain. 65 look tips are already on hand so they'll eventually go on.
Last edited by xxGenericSNxx; Sep 13, 2012 at 11:46 PM.
