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
Thanks South Ocean! BTW 3 R63s on cars.com right now! (The one in Washington is no good- engine and body issues that aren't listed- Indiana and California ones are high mileage with the former having some weird damage with the exhaust and frankensteined television systems) but thought I may tempt you in case you skip on the GL.
Thanks supernsx. I have thought about doing the grille (and the 09/10 models have a gloss black grille) but I'm going to have the foglight surrounds wrapped matte silver so it should go well with the grille.
Eh I think the car's styling is a love/ hate thing. I love the swooping windowline shape and it really reminds me of a larger CLS (CLS shooting brake BTW looks like a car version of the R).
Have you done any other mods to your R500?
Thanks supernsx. I have thought about doing the grille (and the 09/10 models have a gloss black grille) but I'm going to have the foglight surrounds wrapped matte silver so it should go well with the grille.
Eh I think the car's styling is a love/ hate thing. I love the swooping windowline shape and it really reminds me of a larger CLS (CLS shooting brake BTW looks like a car version of the R).
Have you done any other mods to your R500?
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'm really liking your facelifted steering wheel. You should consider doing a real carbon swap for the interior.
Did you manage to retrofit the blind spot assist?
Did you manage to retrofit the blind spot assist?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 18
From: Venice - Italy
AMG R63 MY2012
Sorry, but I don't understand "blind spot assist" . I don't speak english very well..
The new steering wheel is a my2011 w251 AMG-pack sport steering wheel .Then you must change the paddles with others Amg ( CLS AMG 63 ).
It's necessary if you install the new comand NTG2.5 that you see in my photo. I installed also the new TV tuner and 2 new amplifier for the harman kardon. The old one isn't compatible with ntg2.5. The upgrade isn't so easy ..
The new steering wheel is a my2011 w251 AMG-pack sport steering wheel .Then you must change the paddles with others Amg ( CLS AMG 63 ).
It's necessary if you install the new comand NTG2.5 that you see in my photo. I installed also the new TV tuner and 2 new amplifier for the harman kardon. The old one isn't compatible with ntg2.5. The upgrade isn't so easy ..
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Wow great job with the NTG 2.5 retrofit. I was considering it but it looks like you need new speakers, amplifier, mirror (for bluetooth microphone), and new rearview camera, is that correct? Along with the new steering wheel...
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
Thanks South Ocean! BTW 3 R63s on cars.com right now! (The one in Washington is no good- engine and body issues that aren't listed- Indiana and California ones are high mileage with the former having some weird damage with the exhaust and frankensteined television systems) but thought I may tempt you in case you skip on the GL.
Thanks supernsx. I have thought about doing the grille (and the 09/10 models have a gloss black grille) but I'm going to have the foglight surrounds wrapped matte silver so it should go well with the grille.
Eh I think the car's styling is a love/ hate thing. I love the swooping windowline shape and it really reminds me of a larger CLS (CLS shooting brake BTW looks like a car version of the R).
Have you done any other mods to your R500?
Thanks supernsx. I have thought about doing the grille (and the 09/10 models have a gloss black grille) but I'm going to have the foglight surrounds wrapped matte silver so it should go well with the grille.
Eh I think the car's styling is a love/ hate thing. I love the swooping windowline shape and it really reminds me of a larger CLS (CLS shooting brake BTW looks like a car version of the R).
Have you done any other mods to your R500?
I would have loved to get an R63 back in the day. I couldn't afford it when it first came out and then wound up with the Enclave, which has been a fine car but completely lacking passion. It's a little sad to think that a pristine lower mileage R63 will be harder and harder to find as the years roll on . . .
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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
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 18
From: Venice - Italy
AMG R63 MY2012
I installed also the new TV tuner. Now I have navi 3D, hd for mp3, SD slot, 6 DvD reader in the ntg2.5. It's wonderful and music sound is perfect..
Later I'll post some new photos of my R63 . I installed LPG last year. Fuel in Italy is more expensive than in US.
Last edited by claimweb; Nov 17, 2012 at 09:58 AM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Claimweb, not to sound like a jerk, but you should make your own thread showing your car. I just think for the extent of modifications and work put into the car, it deserves its own thread.
I see your car also has the second row sunshade. Does it have it on the third row as well? Was it stock with the car, or did you add it in?
I see your car also has the second row sunshade. Does it have it on the third row as well? Was it stock with the car, or did you add it in?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 73
Likes: 18
From: Venice - Italy
AMG R63 MY2012
You are right...
https://mbworld.org/forums/r63-amg-w...ml#post5436682
https://mbworld.org/forums/r63-amg-w...ml#post5436682
Last edited by claimweb; Nov 18, 2012 at 08:03 AM.
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, got a small update for you.
So for the past two months I've been driving around like this:
I had the airbag removed and sent out to DCTMS so it could be leatherized as they work on my steering wheel (ETA ~2 more weeks).
Here's the stock PLASTIC airbag:
And here I finally get back the airbag wrapped in beautiful black Nappa Leather (same material as the seats in my car). I had the top line stitched and a stamped AMG logo like on my CLK55. I also had the airbag and horn logos shaved off for a more clean look.
I'm really happy with this airbag, and it smells so good. I've always hated how many Mercedes-Benzes have plastic airbags as it's so cheap. My 2001 CLK55 has a leather airbag with stamped AMG logo while the brand new SLS AMG has a plastic airbag! How incredibly cheap. It's certainly odd as the new W221 S and new R231 SL have leather airbags. Anyways, it's a great way to make the interior not so cheap looking. I can't wait until it goes in the car next week.
I'll probably put on this AMG Affalterbach sticker later on:
The rear:
So for the past two months I've been driving around like this:
I had the airbag removed and sent out to DCTMS so it could be leatherized as they work on my steering wheel (ETA ~2 more weeks).
Here's the stock PLASTIC airbag:
And here I finally get back the airbag wrapped in beautiful black Nappa Leather (same material as the seats in my car). I had the top line stitched and a stamped AMG logo like on my CLK55. I also had the airbag and horn logos shaved off for a more clean look.
I'm really happy with this airbag, and it smells so good. I've always hated how many Mercedes-Benzes have plastic airbags as it's so cheap. My 2001 CLK55 has a leather airbag with stamped AMG logo while the brand new SLS AMG has a plastic airbag! How incredibly cheap. It's certainly odd as the new W221 S and new R231 SL have leather airbags. Anyways, it's a great way to make the interior not so cheap looking. I can't wait until it goes in the car next week.
I'll probably put on this AMG Affalterbach sticker later on:
The rear:
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 5
From: Paso Robles, CA
R63, X5M, FJ
Hey Generics,
Nice work on all the modding. I would say that modding is the best part of owning a car. We have a R63 and will be in Kirkland tomorrow for Thanksgiving, we are up from California for the week, then headed back to the sun shine. Oh and by the way I am sure they would let you into Exotics in Redmond, the R63 is very rare. I have gone with my M5 and had a blast talking with all the guys. Made some great friends there that share the same gearhead passion we have.
Nice work on all the modding. I would say that modding is the best part of owning a car. We have a R63 and will be in Kirkland tomorrow for Thanksgiving, we are up from California for the week, then headed back to the sun shine. Oh and by the way I am sure they would let you into Exotics in Redmond, the R63 is very rare. I have gone with my M5 and had a blast talking with all the guys. Made some great friends there that share the same gearhead passion we have.
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 all and Happy Thanksgiving.
@WallyR350, I'd love to see your car and perhaps take a few photos of our cars together if you get the chance. I'll send you a PM.
@WallyR350, I'd love to see your car and perhaps take a few photos of our cars together if you get the chance. I'll send you a PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
04 SL 500, 09 R350, 09 E63, 2010 Prius
wow... haven't visited this thread for a long time and this... Nathan, you'd man... sure you spent a bundle on this mod.. I spent a bundle on my SL, but not my R.. granted, only a R350... I wanted an R63 but it was not available in MY2009... My choices were the R350 or the R350... duh! Envy... and just wanted to echo all those who said it before me... your rare beast is lucky to have found a great owner like you. It's awsome... love to see the last pieces go in.. I think the CF wheel really completes the interior... and for the exterior, love the bumper and side skirs.. think another thread just advertised for CF rear diffuser... was it you? anyways, I would get spacers and push the wheels out a bit, it will make it fill out the wheel wells better, hope it doesn't rub though..
Great car! again... envious!
Great car! again... envious!
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 erichen! Yep that was me that made the thread about the diffuser.
I'm inquiring about spacers right now but have hit yet another hurdle. Perhaps you have some experience in this area. I need to push the rear out 20mm and the front 10mm. I was looking at H&R's DRA setup for the rear which bolts to the hub first, then I can use the factory bolts to bolt directly to the spacer. The bolt pattern is 5X112 and center bore is 66.5, which is pretty much standard across MB's whole lineup save the G Wagen.
When talking to Evosport about the spacers, they said H&R only have 25mm or 30mm in the DRA setup for the R Class but they do have 20mm for other MBs with the same specs. They could not guarantee fitment for my car as H&R didn't list it as such- but the other specs are the same. Will I possibly run into issues with a 20mm DRA spacer made for another Benz on my car even though bolt pattern and center bore are the same? Is there simply something that I'm missing?
As for the front spacers, I'll need longer bolts as the DRA spacer doesn't/ can't be made in such a small size. But I do fear that I'll lose my wheel lock bolts. Any experience with wheel bolts in longer sizes?
Aside from the spacers, I'd also like to STAR lower the rear just about a half finger- finger just to get it in line with the front. I don't know why by default the rear sits higher than the front. It reminds me of those handicap minivans.
Pretty much a bunch of questions with the spacers and I just need someone with more experience to guide me a little bit.
LOL your choices were R350 or R350. When I was looking the only choice was a used R63 or wait for the GL63 coming out next year.
I'm inquiring about spacers right now but have hit yet another hurdle. Perhaps you have some experience in this area. I need to push the rear out 20mm and the front 10mm. I was looking at H&R's DRA setup for the rear which bolts to the hub first, then I can use the factory bolts to bolt directly to the spacer. The bolt pattern is 5X112 and center bore is 66.5, which is pretty much standard across MB's whole lineup save the G Wagen.
When talking to Evosport about the spacers, they said H&R only have 25mm or 30mm in the DRA setup for the R Class but they do have 20mm for other MBs with the same specs. They could not guarantee fitment for my car as H&R didn't list it as such- but the other specs are the same. Will I possibly run into issues with a 20mm DRA spacer made for another Benz on my car even though bolt pattern and center bore are the same? Is there simply something that I'm missing?
As for the front spacers, I'll need longer bolts as the DRA spacer doesn't/ can't be made in such a small size. But I do fear that I'll lose my wheel lock bolts. Any experience with wheel bolts in longer sizes?
Aside from the spacers, I'd also like to STAR lower the rear just about a half finger- finger just to get it in line with the front. I don't know why by default the rear sits higher than the front. It reminds me of those handicap minivans.
Pretty much a bunch of questions with the spacers and I just need someone with more experience to guide me a little bit.
LOL your choices were R350 or R350. When I was looking the only choice was a used R63 or wait for the GL63 coming out next year.
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 didn't find out they made lighted "AMG" door sills until after I installed mine! Also, I got these "Mercedes-Benz" at a great deal, so I'm not too sad about it. But if someone wants to give me a Christmas present, I'd love the OEM AMG sills in set of four!
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
Unfortunately Washington state is one of 31 states that requires a front license plate. Over here it's a more hefty fine than simply a fix it ticket, and I'd rather not deal with the potential hassle. Instead of using the provided Wald license plate holder (where they already had predrilled holes in the bumper) I had those filled in and wanted to go after a more creative solution. I couldn't utilize the tow hook style holder because it'd cover the parktronic sensors. Instead I reached out to the Ferrari crowd and had a Plate Clip created for my car, where Plate Clips are often found. It's a unique solution that clips onto the lower intake grille blade and can pop on and off my car in a matter of seconds. Bob, the owner and creator of Plate Clips was a pleasure to work with and I have a link to their website at the bottom.
The unit itself is made of stainless steel and is great quality. There's no fear of rust or falling off. I had Bob dye my unit black so it would be more inconspicuous. I then put the same style carbon fiber frame that I have on the rear of my car. It was nice not running with a front plate and I'd rather do it if it's legal, but I just don't want to deal with any potential hassle in the future, especially crossing the border where I've had problems before coming back home from Canada.
My ugly jerry rigged temporary solution while I waited for the Plate Clip:
The unit itself and hardware dyed in the same color:
Just the naked Plate Clip mounted on the grille:
Prepping the unit:
Finished:
Here's their website:
http://chairpilotproducts.com/
The unit itself is made of stainless steel and is great quality. There's no fear of rust or falling off. I had Bob dye my unit black so it would be more inconspicuous. I then put the same style carbon fiber frame that I have on the rear of my car. It was nice not running with a front plate and I'd rather do it if it's legal, but I just don't want to deal with any potential hassle in the future, especially crossing the border where I've had problems before coming back home from Canada.
My ugly jerry rigged temporary solution while I waited for the Plate Clip:
The unit itself and hardware dyed in the same color:
Just the naked Plate Clip mounted on the grille:
Prepping the unit:
Finished:
Here's their website:
http://chairpilotproducts.com/
