Hi All,

Before I begin...let me state that I have ordered a S63. It's built and was notified today that it's on the ship. Prior to that I had an '05 S55. (you'll see the relevance later as you read on). It may be a little long...but it'll be worth your while (I hope).

The Story...
I live in the S.F. Bay Area...East Bay to be exact.
Anyways, I received a call from a sales rep from another dealership (Mercedes of Pleasanton) today notifying me of a S63 in stock, available for me to test drive.
My curiosity got the better of me so I decided to check it out...wondering what my car will look like. This one is obsidian black exterior with black interior. The one I ordered is Black with Grey interior.

When I got there, the S63 was on the showroom floor. Those that have ever been at this dealership will know that getting any vehicle out of that showroom is a pain in the ***.

Long story short...as the sales rep was backing it out of the showroom to position the vehicle towards the ramp...he backs into...or more like slams into these concrete planters surrounding the edge of the platform. The rear bumper is now like crap! Good luck to the guy that buys it.

HELP! Need Some Advice...

So now I'm on the test drive of a vehicle I've already ordered and the end result was somewhat disappointing.
Allow me to share with you my thoughts as I went through this S63...

First of all...the interior.
Now I know there was already another thread about interior...but this is experience first hand.
- The steering wheel is nice, thick, and quite a handful. Compared to the '05 S55, definitely a winner. Compared to the S65 wooden steering wheel...well...it would depend on what type of mood I'm in. If I'm in the racing mood...definitely the thicker wheel...If I'm in the crusing mood...then the nice wooden and silk leather of the S65.

- The leather interior is quite mismatched. And I'll be curious to know if current owners have that too. What do I mean by mismatch? Parts of it is extremely smooth...like they used nappa leather....and parts of it...mainly the seats have the grainy leather...like the cheap seats from a 330 bmw. THIS WAS EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING! My S55 had nappa leather which is buttery soft and smooth with no "grains". They now call that leather "exclusive" leather which is only found in the 600 and 65s. The premium leather....I don't even know wtf...don't get me wrong...it's still soft...but not as soft as previous nappa leather.
The remaining dash and door panels....I don't even know what it is. It's better than my S55 I think...but it's not like the S65.
One last thing...the black laquer trim makes it too blah...imo of course (I was able to get the burlwood). There's really no contrast....black on top of black...made it too dark in there.
And the "designo" label on the rear console seem very generic....they were better off leaving it off. Anyways...enough of the interior....let's get to the test drive.

Initial take-off was kind of sluggish. I know it's a big car...but they really shouldn't have lowered the torque. There definitely is a noticeable difference between the 55 and 63. Don't get me wrong...once it gets going...it's ok....but it just doesn't have that umph like the 55. The 7 speed transmission does make a noticeable difference....making it much smoother.

In conclusion....I am now faced with a dilemma. I don't know if I should take delivery of my S63, and am starting to lean more towards a S65.
I've read several threads from various owners with rave reviews of the S63, and unfortunately I was just not feeling it today.
There was so many subtle differences, my reaction to the dealer was wtf???
For the money that MBZ is asking for these cars...the only difference should be the engine. But the interior of the 63 and 65 is like night and day.
My comments to the rep and hopefully he'll relay the message to MBZ is that
I feel insulted. wtf???Is the 63 suppose to be a poor man's AMG? By no means is the money they are charging chump change so why not make it nice like the 65 or make it an option?

Any advice is much appreciated.
I'm hoping someone can shed some light on why I should pick up that S63.
Please do not list the price difference as a reason...we all know it's a difference of about 50k. I assume those that own and drive a S63 could've easily picked up a S65. When you're already in the position of being able to make such purchase....50k more is not that far fetch.

Thanks for any input.

 

your thread is confusing! lol

 

sorry it was confusing to you.
i know it's long, and perhaps it was written while i was confused.

how about this for short.

STORY:
some idiot saleperson slams a 150k car into a concrete planter....so if you live in the hood...think twice before you buy it! To top it off...they had a 25k markup on it with missing equipment (earlier production)

HELP / Advice:
Please shed light on why I should pick up the S63.
My testdrive and inspection resulted in disappointment:
- cheap interior
- sluggish initial performance

no offense...but if I were you...I would've picked up a cls55.
maybe you can shed some light on why you picked up a cls63?

ie....
- 55 has more torque....more useable power.
- 55 has napa leather, 63 i don't know what this "premium leather" is.

other than that...there's no new technology like comparing an S-Class
BETTER?

 

Ive owned more than a few AMGs in the past five years. My intial take on the 63 engine was the same as yours. HOWEVER, after owning one For a few months I have realised that the 63s are far different than the previous engines because the true nature of this engine does not reviel its full potential till after 2 or 3 thousand miles. In which the car becomes more redefined as a complete driving machine... DO NOT JUDGE this motor from the first drift as it has alot more to offer down the line... As for me I think its one of the most well rounded AMGs yet because of its subtlety and vigourous performance placed for your pleasure.... The 55 is also a great engine yet it lacks the comfort, longevity and high end power of the 63.... As for the interior, I must agree on certain elements and textures but overall its a great car for the money, and a sure bet if the car suits you.... I would go with the tan interior as the lines, curves, feel and surrounding is much more pleasing.... Designo exteriors are great but the interior is worthless and sometimes worst.

 

well they won't complain about you going to a S65 at all and giving up the 63, over my way they can't keep them in stock and there is a list of people that want them

 

RSL, why on God's not so green Earth would you pay $140k for a car that you're not 100% thrilled about getting? If you want to give your money away to a not-so-worthy cause, send me a PM and I'll give you my address. Otherwise, either get the S65 or sleep on it for a few more weeks to see how you feel. You do have some choices...you could get an S600 and put on the quad exhaust, you could save a few bucks and pick up a Quattroporte GT which you can get for about $105 brand spankin' new...nowhere near as fast, but very sexy (and a V12 version is coming out soon), you could pick up an Audi S8 and have some engine work done to it. There aren't a world of choices, but there are a few. I, personally, don't think there's anything that can replace the S65 (with new S63 030 package 20" split spoke wheels) in flint grey or designo graphite. I NEVER even considered the dash and door leather in my '06 S55 until I read a post about the leather in the S65, and now it's all I think about. So, I'm with you on the cheapie feel of anything lesser. Why not buy AutoManiac's Flint S65? He just posted about it yesterday and he's in your neck of the woods. Very low miles and you'll save a bundle. Just a thought.

 

I must say, I'm finally starting to warm up to the exterior of the W221, but the interior still doesn't do it for me. The silver buttons remind me of a late 1970's JVC receiver. I don't like the column shifter, and I don't like the "i-drive" thingy.

I still wish we could get the short wheelbase version here in the states. The new car is even longer.

 

This might make it a bit easier

S600 v12 510hp / 5000rpm 612lb-ft 1800-3500rpm 12/19mpg $140k

S63 V8 518hp / 6800rpm 465lb-ft 5200rpm TBA mpg $128k

S65 604hp / 4800rpm 738lb-ft 2000rpm 13/20mpg $182k

Now, these numbers are if you believe MB and what they report. But, look at the torque of the v12 even at the low band at 2000k. I honestly think they lower the HP specs of the non AMG cars to justify the costs. I think the S600 is the best balance of power / comfort / style / cost....

Good luck

 

IMO...as somone said before...get the S600..if you want that AMG look, get aftermarket AMG kit + quad exhaust...but at that point you're better off just getting a new/slightly used S65

 

Thanks for the support and input.
I just came back from another MBZ dealer, looking at the "Premium Leather" in the S550. The "Premium Leather" seats in the S550 was actually smooth like nappa leather without grains...unlike the "Premium Leather" in the S63.
NOW I'm EXTREMELY confused! More than before! Did the S63 that I saw just get shafted? Was the leather mixed up somehow? Did it only pertain to early production vehicles? Afterall, the one I saw yesterday was an early production vehicle with missing equipment.

I am leaning towards the S65, at the same time I don't feel like taking a 20k hit as soon as I drive it off the lot. All cars depreciate...but not this drastic immediately upon drive-off.

My wife and I like to purchase our cars new.
Although AutoManiac's S65 with 2k miles sounds extremely temping...I'm not into Flint. I might have considered it if it was straight flat black. There's something about the way it has that mirror reflection shine. I like my interior ash/gray cause it keeps it cool and that I won't feel like a limo driver....especially now that my wife rides in the back most of the time with our new addition.

Yeh...I think I'll sleep on it.

Worse case scenario....I'll save 30-to 40k and just pick up a S550 for a couple of years and hope that MBZ will get it together before I pick up another AMG.

 

I guess all I can say is I really love my S63. I didn't even realize that the leather on the dash or seats were different on the 600 or 65 and honestly it doesn't bother me if it is. I drove the 600 and the suspension felt way to loose for the way I drive and I didn't want to shell out the extra 50k or so for the 65 because I don't think any car is worth that much and would have gotten a bentley if that was the case. the reason I didn't get the bentley was because I didn't want to look like an obnoxious rich a-hole and I like the somewhat toned down look of the S63. I love the black wood and the car is perfect for my needs in just about every way. someone else had mentioned getting the 600 and then adding the amg styling and wheels. you might as well get the 65 if you are going to do that since you'll end up spending 15k minimum or so on the kit and 20 inch amg wheels. It wasn't the extra few hundred bucks a month that kept me from getting the 65 it was the fact that I just don't see any reason to spend 200k on a MBZ unless it's an SLR (which I don't love either). But to each their own. I say go for the 65 if the interior makes such a difference even though I test drove the 65 as well and in my eyes I really didn't see much of a noticeable difference with respect to the interior.

 

This was the EXACT same feeling I had. Maybe the car you saw was the same one at the AMG Challenge. It was so disappointing. My SL55 (with Nappa Black package admittedly) has the smooth leather on the seats and at least the same slightly rougher leather on the dash/doors. The S63 I saw was in my opinion way worse than the S550 Premium Leather and was a FAR cry from the S65.

My opinion is if you are going to do a S63, for now, if these things matter to you, you have to buy the Designo package (not 030 but one of the 3 packages). They all use exclusive leather. However, my preference would be just being able to spec your colors and order the exclusive leather upgrade paying for it like everywhere else in the world.

My problems with the S65 were a) total overkill for Hawaii and b) no drama (aka gets up to speed way too fast and quiet to have fun). I kind of like some exhaust noise.

J

 

First question: do you really need a sedan?

CL63 is more sharply driver-focused vs S63....logical, given many S-Classes (incl S63/65) are used as limos in NYC/London/BevHills/SF....

Aesthetically/technically, CL's have the intelligent headlight system (which S-Classes still lack) and CL's lack that silly TeleAid shark fin that S-Classes still have (CL's composite trunk lid allows for more stealth antennae integration)...

Have owned/driven numerous 55/600/63/65 (curr own CL63)....IMO, CL63 (haven't driven S63 yet) is a dramatically superior car dynamically vs any 600/65, whether on a straight-line, high-speed fwy (which in CA/US often have bumpy/hilly stretches) or in mtn twisties (which globally have bumpy stretches).....

Agree, CL63's leather is rather disappointing; very 550-like.....but absolutely despise wood steering wheel of 65 (consider a $50K cheaper 600 if one can tolerate a codgerly 600 w/a V12 badge and respectable leather quality)....and not a fan of S65's poor traction/heavy, old-tech motor/more muffled exhaust note.....

Ultimately, it's a status vs driving debate in US/ex-Germany (where one can't easily do 100-150MPH+ accel bursts on smooth, dry derestricted fwys anyway to differentiate 63 vs 65).....

Suspect drivers will really compare CL63 vs 65 closely....and status-conscious limo passengers will more closely ponder S63 vs S65 in terms of leather materials/top-line badging....though would observe that many of the wealthiest guys in NYC seem to choose mere S600/550 as personal limos for Manhattan taxi duty.....hmmm....perhaps some contra-chic/stealth-wealth status aspects of 63 vs 600 vs 65???.....is 65 just an "aspirational" brand, sort of like BMW/Bentley????....and 600 just for those over 70yo in PalmBch/Palm Springs, etc????

 

RSL - In terms of the interior - it's going to be personel taste. I'm out of town so I'll have to llok that the leaher but like noxxin i didn't notice anything untoward. Regarding the engine - I came from an E55 and I'll admit there is a difference that clearly was more noticible in the begining, as I keep driving the car (950 miles) I have learned how to push it - and that's in S mode not M like noxxin has commented on in another thread. That being said it's not a small amount of change and you need to be 100% comfortable with you decision. I will say though (coming from NY) I don't think I would really use all the power of the 65. I was offered one about 6 months ago and passed - I'm glad I did.

 

WSH:
Yes...it's got to be a sedan.
Have a family now...and that's what triggered the interest of looking at the 221. Although my S55 was large, after putting in all the baby stuff...we were still a little cramped. The 221 seem a little roomier and all the technical advances helped too

NOXXIN & EDDIE:

Thank You and I very much appreciate your input.
I must say that since the beginning of my search for information...you two were the most informative....and I thank you again for sharing your first hand experiences and opinions.

At this point...I think I'll just ride it out.
I've voiced my concerns to my sales rep...so if I don't take delivery...there's no surprises.
It's on the ship and should be here within the next couple of weeks.
I could live with the dash and doors not having the plush leather, and will take your advice of giving the engine/performance a chance.
...but the seats really fired me up when I sat in the one a couple of days ago. Afterall...no matter how it performs...my rear has to be comfy.
Nappa leather on the seats are important to me.
If the one I ordered does not come to par with the S550 Premier Leather as quoted by Jeffreyy...it's not going to fly.

We'll see...I'll keep you guys informed...

Meanwhile...please continue to post your experiences and lessons of your 63.

Cheers

 

Hi rslpartners. I took delivery of one of the first s65AMG's in theUK last August with all the extras, ie night vision etc. Cost including taxes in the UK is £160k. You get such a good deal in the states, you would have to go for a 65. Leather now called passion leather, extremely good stitchinng etc. Wood mahogany which is great. Fridge is good. Also car has digital tv tuner, do they have the same in cars in the states? Split rim wheels, the whole car is great, and I have no complaints whatsoever. I have how done 16,000 miles on four sets of rear tyres. |Why would anyone want to buy a 63??Regards, Chip

 

re my earlier reply, my wife drives an S55 AMG, which is now 18 months old. Very good car, again why would one wish to buy a naturally aspirated engine, ie the 63. Last weekend we were at the DTM races at Brands Hatch courtesy of AMG, I think I would rather have one of those cars on the road. By the way, was the planter okay?? Chip (UK)

 

READ THE MANUAL -- Page 73-75 (actual disclaimer is on page 74)

Turn of the ESP and this transforms the car. The S63 (and ONLY the S63) has a different ESP configuration.

See attachment of Page 74 (PDF).

Also, you have a 7-speed in the 63, as opposed to 5-speed of 65.

0-60 is .1 slower for the 63.

Now take it to Cory @ Kleemann in Colorado Springs. He will:
Install new Headers, Down Pipes, Cats, Reprogram ECU and set rear differential to a 60% torque load instead of 30%. This will add 60 HP for $7500 which will lower 0-60 by .1 - .2 from stock. This will make the 0-60 faster than the S65 for a total car cost that is still $48,000.00 less than an S65. Plus more usable HP on the road course.

Here is the link for the headers only: http://kleemann.dk/site/567EE3BB-6D0..._name=newsitem

KLEEMANN USA Inc. (HQ)
Cory Umemoto
3390-B Fillmore Ridge Hts
Colorado Springs
CO 80907
USA

Tlf.: +1 719 473 6441
Workshop: +1 719 471 0761
Fax: +1 719 578 0345
Email: info@kleemannusa.com
Web: www.kleemannusa.com


The S65 would not fare well on the road course I run in Topeka (Heartland Park). My S55 will scare other drivers and make them watch me in the mirror as I catch them (BMW 5 series especially). An only with the ESP OFF! Now take a better handling car with a 7-speed and a smoother power curve and the M-series BMW won’t have a chance (unless they have been stripped to the bone and heavily modified).

 

hello 100hlp!

congrats on your 65.
i don't know if it's a good deal when we don't get a lot of the stuff you guys get. i don't thinks there's a frig u.s. 65s and forget about the tv tuner.

i leaned towards a 63 cause i was coming out of a 55.
i thought the 65s power was a little too much to transport the family in.
got a 430 spider on order for the future insane driving and felt the 63 would be sufficient...luxury for the family and a little more umph than the usual 550.

now like i said above...i don't know....we'll see.