Miss Driving A Manual, Thinking About Selling My w211 E63 For Porsche, Thoughts?
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
Miss Driving A Manual, Thinking About Selling My w211 E63 For Porsche, Thoughts?
Let me start off by saying, I love my e63. It absolutely smashes on everything, and love driving it daily.
I love owning an AMG, but really have been on the fence about selling it.
I miss driving a manual, it is fun and more engaging to drive.
The e63 all you have to do is step on the pedal, and go. The handling is superb, and as a daily driver you really couldn't ask for more out of a sedan. Sometimes I miss my manual, minus huge *** hills in downtown Seattle.
I have always been a sedan type of guy, and owned Audi S4's, M3's, and driven the best of them. But thinking it could be a good time to sell, and get good value out of my car right now.
It has been fun owning different cars over my lifetime. A hardtop 4s, or S looks pretty fun. Whenever my car was in the shop, I would drive my dad's 86 Carrera. It was always fun to drive, and drop top was pretty sick.
Paddle shifters just aren't the same as a manual.
Am I tripping here? What would be the downside to getting rid of my AMG for Porsche? Other than luxury, and comfort, I wouldn't mind having a manual again.
I know some Porsche's 0-60 3.91 seconds. AMG is is right around there as well.
Not saying I wouldn't come back to an AMG, but thinking since it's just myself and my GF, why not enjoy being able to own a Porsche, before I have to go back to owning a sedan one day.
I guess my question is, have any of you switched back to a manual from an AMG? Did you end up missing your AMG ? I am torn here, and really would like insight from those of you who love driving manual sports car.
Ideally I want a 4S, S, or 911 turbo (if I can find for good price). The reason for AWD is living in the Northwest, it would be nice to have again.
I love owning an AMG, but really have been on the fence about selling it.
I miss driving a manual, it is fun and more engaging to drive.
The e63 all you have to do is step on the pedal, and go. The handling is superb, and as a daily driver you really couldn't ask for more out of a sedan. Sometimes I miss my manual, minus huge *** hills in downtown Seattle.
I have always been a sedan type of guy, and owned Audi S4's, M3's, and driven the best of them. But thinking it could be a good time to sell, and get good value out of my car right now.
It has been fun owning different cars over my lifetime. A hardtop 4s, or S looks pretty fun. Whenever my car was in the shop, I would drive my dad's 86 Carrera. It was always fun to drive, and drop top was pretty sick.
Paddle shifters just aren't the same as a manual.
Am I tripping here? What would be the downside to getting rid of my AMG for Porsche? Other than luxury, and comfort, I wouldn't mind having a manual again.
I know some Porsche's 0-60 3.91 seconds. AMG is is right around there as well.
Not saying I wouldn't come back to an AMG, but thinking since it's just myself and my GF, why not enjoy being able to own a Porsche, before I have to go back to owning a sedan one day.
I guess my question is, have any of you switched back to a manual from an AMG? Did you end up missing your AMG ? I am torn here, and really would like insight from those of you who love driving manual sports car.
Ideally I want a 4S, S, or 911 turbo (if I can find for good price). The reason for AWD is living in the Northwest, it would be nice to have again.
Last edited by DBENZOSEATWN; Jun 13, 2015 at 12:22 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
I love having an automatic in heavy traffic, but I do miss the overall driving experience with a manual.
Seems like all the high end car makers are coming out with paddle shifting, tiptronic style cars these days. I understand, they are the most efficient for transmissions, but I love driving a manual. They are becoming harder to come by.
It doesn't help that is sunny and 80s in Seattle right now!
Droptop always seems tempting. Going to test drive a few, see how I feel after, the car will make the decision for me.
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From: Sleepy Hollow, IL
65 Chevelle Wagon w/ C5 frame, 08 ML63, 04 S600, 04 E55,(sold) 00 ML55,(sold) 98 C43-55K Swap
Before buying a Porsche Google "ims failure" a S or C4s would fall into that range and could end up costing big $$$. I like p cars and would love a 997 turbo but it's just not in the cards for me. Just make sure you do your research first 
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Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
They said it was a low % of owners, anything to look out for other than asking if it has been replaced, and getting a mechanic's opinion before buying?
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2004 E55
Stick with 2008 (997.2) NA motors or anything with a turbo/GT badge and you'll be cool, that's when they walked away from that piece of garbage M9x bull**** and went to DFI motors that did away with the IMS altogether.
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
Yeah, for sure. Saw a few 997.2's, loving the styling of them. Going to try drive it, and see how she feels. I remember the clutch being stiff from driving my dads back in the day. It really has a distinctive feel from 2nd to 3rd, fun as hell to drive. Getting kind of excited.
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Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
the v10 is pretty sick. Can't go wrong from a v8 to v10 right? A buddy got a M5, loves it. plus 6MT, how could you go wrong? Brings back the driving experience as a daily driver.
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05 E55, 05 Cayenne TT, 06 Carrera S X51
I have an X-51 997.1 (381hp) in addition the my E55. It's a good combination.
Honestly I like the choice and enjoy having a automatic after 20 years of almost all manual tranny cars. The e55 is comfy and fun to drive in its own point and shoot kind of way. Do research on the IMS but don't let the fear keep you away. Before 2005 the IMS can be fixed when you do your clutch for not too much money. Between 2006 and 2009 failures can happen, but it's quite rare. Fixing it will be expensive and there is no preventive measure. I have 78k on my car and it's not a big worry for me. Turbos and GTs have Mezger engines and are not affected. 997.2 cars have a different engine design and are not affected. So get that 996 turbo and be unafraid while they are still affordable.
I also had a 6 speed e39 M5 prior to the AMG and while that was a great, great car, I actually think the AMG is a better daily driver in most situations. Test drove an E60 M5 and it just wasn't for me.
Honestly I like the choice and enjoy having a automatic after 20 years of almost all manual tranny cars. The e55 is comfy and fun to drive in its own point and shoot kind of way. Do research on the IMS but don't let the fear keep you away. Before 2005 the IMS can be fixed when you do your clutch for not too much money. Between 2006 and 2009 failures can happen, but it's quite rare. Fixing it will be expensive and there is no preventive measure. I have 78k on my car and it's not a big worry for me. Turbos and GTs have Mezger engines and are not affected. 997.2 cars have a different engine design and are not affected. So get that 996 turbo and be unafraid while they are still affordable.
I also had a 6 speed e39 M5 prior to the AMG and while that was a great, great car, I actually think the AMG is a better daily driver in most situations. Test drove an E60 M5 and it just wasn't for me.
Last edited by IslandS62; Jun 13, 2015 at 07:46 PM.
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From: Seattle
2008 Mercedes Benz E63
Turbo 996. Go drive one. I almost bought one. It was red with tan leather, and the X50 package. It had a stiff ride to me. Especially in the rear, and it didn't feel very fast either compared to my CL55.
Turns out a friend of a friend bought it, made it rear wheel drive, and it ran mid 11s. Cool car, but completely different then a Benz. I would see it being a fun weekend car. Driving a stick in traffic daily gets annoying after about three days.
Turns out a friend of a friend bought it, made it rear wheel drive, and it ran mid 11s. Cool car, but completely different then a Benz. I would see it being a fun weekend car. Driving a stick in traffic daily gets annoying after about three days.
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From: NorCal / Latin America
'72 Fleedwoot
If you want a fun car to drive, a Miata is as fun as they get. Seriously. And my IS300 with a stick was more fun than my AMG. AMG is just about point-and-shoot power - not a driver's car actually.
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E63 Kombi
Porsches are way more fun to drive than any Mercedes. But if you worry about 0-60 times, unless you have a bottomless wallet, a Porsche is not for you.
The Porsche is a very involving car, you don't just sit and drive it, you "operate" it. It takes skill and finesse to get it right. But once you do the experience is quite rewarding.
If you want a modern one, look at 997-2 variants (2009-2011). Those cars are well built and have excellent reliability. Prices have come down and they are quite reasonable these days. Also considering they were introduced right at the height of the financial crisis, they didn't make too many of them so I think their prices won't drop much further due to supply/demand.
I'd avoid the newer 991. The manual gear box is in those cars a repackaged 7-speed PDK and it shows. It's not as fun to drive. Coupled with the numb electric steering and its large size, I'd pass on it.
And I'd stick with an atmospheric motor. Turbos are fun for a little bit but they're more numb out of the box (made with doctors and lawyers in mind) and become boring after I while. I owned a 997-1 turbo and sold it after 18 months.
The Porsche is a very involving car, you don't just sit and drive it, you "operate" it. It takes skill and finesse to get it right. But once you do the experience is quite rewarding.
If you want a modern one, look at 997-2 variants (2009-2011). Those cars are well built and have excellent reliability. Prices have come down and they are quite reasonable these days. Also considering they were introduced right at the height of the financial crisis, they didn't make too many of them so I think their prices won't drop much further due to supply/demand.
I'd avoid the newer 991. The manual gear box is in those cars a repackaged 7-speed PDK and it shows. It's not as fun to drive. Coupled with the numb electric steering and its large size, I'd pass on it.
And I'd stick with an atmospheric motor. Turbos are fun for a little bit but they're more numb out of the box (made with doctors and lawyers in mind) and become boring after I while. I owned a 997-1 turbo and sold it after 18 months.
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From: New Zealand
I love manual but it could only be as a second car now. Depending where you live traffic just kills any manual fun especially when tired after work. They estimated 5-10% ims failure and bear in mind some of these cannot be fixed. They can only be rectified by engine replacement and porsche don't usually help. If you can afford 2009+ then not to worry.
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
Is there a way to sell my eurocharged stage 1 ecu tune?
I also have left for sale all weather mats, KN fitlers, amg seat gap stops that go between your seats, and possibly my kenwood deck with navtv parts to integrate into your most fiber optic stock amp and speakers.
The stereo upgrade cost me 3k which included install and taxes but willing to sell at good price.
Ill see the tune for $700 which is eurocharged stage 1.
Let me know if located by Seattle or can come here! Thanks.
I also have left for sale all weather mats, KN fitlers, amg seat gap stops that go between your seats, and possibly my kenwood deck with navtv parts to integrate into your most fiber optic stock amp and speakers.
The stereo upgrade cost me 3k which included install and taxes but willing to sell at good price.
Ill see the tune for $700 which is eurocharged stage 1.
Let me know if located by Seattle or can come here! Thanks.
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E63
Considering your W211 E63 is worth practically nothing nowadays and the cars you are looking at (2009 and newer I suppose?) are worth more than twice (this is retail vs retail price, if you trade in, it gets worse), is it really worth it?
The comparison I made above is comparing a good or better condition E63 without too much modifications like all the cosmetic stuff you have done to your interior which only goes to lower the value of the car. This is set against a NA regular run of the mill 911 no turbo, no GTx. You start looking at the more powerful versions and it goes from ~50k to closer ~80k.....your $20k retail if you are lucky 12-15 trade value hardly makes a dent.
The comparison I made above is comparing a good or better condition E63 without too much modifications like all the cosmetic stuff you have done to your interior which only goes to lower the value of the car. This is set against a NA regular run of the mill 911 no turbo, no GTx. You start looking at the more powerful versions and it goes from ~50k to closer ~80k.....your $20k retail if you are lucky 12-15 trade value hardly makes a dent.
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
Considering your W211 E63 is worth practically nothing nowadays and the cars you are looking at (2009 and newer I suppose?) are worth more than twice (this is retail vs retail price, if you trade in, it gets worse), is it really worth it?
The comparison I made above is comparing a good or better condition E63 without too much modifications like all the cosmetic stuff you have done to your interior which only goes to lower the value of the car. This is set against a NA regular run of the mill 911 no turbo, no GTx. You start looking at the more powerful versions and it goes from ~50k to closer ~80k.....your $20k retail if you are lucky 12-15 trade value hardly makes a dent.
The comparison I made above is comparing a good or better condition E63 without too much modifications like all the cosmetic stuff you have done to your interior which only goes to lower the value of the car. This is set against a NA regular run of the mill 911 no turbo, no GTx. You start looking at the more powerful versions and it goes from ~50k to closer ~80k.....your $20k retail if you are lucky 12-15 trade value hardly makes a dent.
I understand what your saying. I test drove a couple different manual Porshe cayman s, and c4s. It was fun to drive a manual again, I definitely missed it. The AMG is a completely different car. I love them, and can definitely see myself getting one again.
I actually got the dealer up on the trade, at 22k!!! I also cashing out my warranty, and get to keep my upgraded stereo. After I sell my stereo, I will be walking away from my car with 27k in my pocket. Plus tax breaks on my next car, since you only pay tax on the difference of your trade in and purchase price of next car.
I wish I could keep both cars, but just not in the cards for me right now. I was thinking about a C63 amg when I go back. The handling is insane on those cars. I remember how much I loved the handling on my w211 c300 sport. I couldn't imagine a V8 in it. Would be insanely fun to drive.
I enjoy driving a stick shift, I can get pretty bored driving my amg. Yes it is insanely fast. Yes it handles well around corners, and back roads, but I feel something is lacking with an automatic. If they made AMG's with a manual gearbox, would be no question I would have one. I don't get the same feeling I would get from my manual cars in the past. Most Porshe's are going PDK, so finding a manual will be harder and harder in the future. They also hold their value well. We will see man, I have to make a decision soon.
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E-ZGO 53hp., 1999 E 430 sport, 2004 E 55, 2008 Tahoe LTZ on 24"s
