King335i

I am debating whether or not to purchase a 2012 E63 AMG. The only reason I have not made a decision yet is this: every time I come on here I see people talking about how the new E63 with the 5.5 will be an absolute beast--but it seems only in a straight line.

In all the reviews I read of the E63 it always states that the ESP system kicks in constantly and cuts engine power. Now, I'm coming from a CTS-V Coupe where you can go ***** to the wall and still have a comfortable daily driver, but I want the better looks and build quality (not to mention the prestige) of a Mercedes-Benz.

So, to all you E63 owners out there, I ask you this: Is your car fun to drive? Can you do burnouts, drift around corners, and generally raise hell? Or does the ESP system kick in immediately and create problems...

I know 'fun' is subjective, and I don't plan on driving like a fool on public roads, so I would also like to know, does the ESP system cut off power in aggressive daily driving too?

Thanks

220S

fwiw, you might want to consider waiting until the new F10 M5 is here (Feb 2011.) Especially if handling is what you're looking for....

ESP can be turned off in the E63 although it's never really 100% off. I can do burnouts and slide a 2009 W211 E63, so you should be able to do it with the W212. As far as drifting around corners, I've yet to have been in an environment (public roads) where it can be done (safely.) But a four door E Class is pretty big and heavy and it's not as easily done as it is in a smaller car.

It sounds like a smaller car might be more fun for you. It's always a compromise (utility and comfort with a larger sedan but still stuck with the weight and size.) With a smaller car it's just so much easier to toss them around. M3, C63, 997.2 etc.. Do you really need a large sedan?

Then there's the Panamera Turbo, although more $$.

E55_GT3wheels

I have tons of fun and the car is not to be driven without ESP. It is a death wish. You can basically disable ESP, but I would not advise it unless you are a very trained driver. Also, handling of this car is pretty damn good. You should check out the reviews (better than the M5 although this was against the old M5, not the F10).

Why don't you test drive one? I know dealers can be a pain about driving an E63 but if they know you are serious, they will let you have at it (I scared my sales man on my test drive). One test drive and you will likely have your answer.

King335i

Thanks for the well thought out response. I have also been considering the F10 M5, although I prefer the styling of the AMG lineup. The only reason I keep discounting the C63 as a viable car is because it just seems too unstable and can't seem to get any grip ever. I briefly test drove one, but never got a chance to take it to its limits, so I'm going off mbworld members' own testimonies and car reviews. The fact is, I don't need a large sedan at all, the reason I really want the E63 is the 5.5. biturbo. It seems like the C63 coupe could possibly be a viable option I guess, but I really wish they had gone more aggressive with the bodywork and remedied the 255 rear tire, I am also afraid that the car may feel slow after being in the CTS-V Coupe. I'm not sure about this, but doesn't a 2011 Mustang 5.0 keep up with the C63? I just wish I knew how much the C63 Black Series is going to cost...

transferred

Well said. On public roads, unless doing a burnout for a friend, it is dangerous to have a 4,000lb 520 hp car with no traction aids on public roads. You simply can't recover like you could in say a Miata or even an M3. Many costly and often fatal M5 crashes happen this way and involve people with more ego than talent and brains.

king335i - the new 5.5 twin turbo sounds like a wonderful engine. With the power pack you get 590 lbs of torque and a 30 horsepower bump. If you take the plunge I'm sure you'll love it. Keep us updated with what you decide upon bud.

masonaw

Have you thought of a CLK Black Series?

Clarkson purchased that car right after he test drove one.

Not sure if you watch Top Gear but here is the video
Sounds right up your ally.

http://youtu.be/TEKd1kePye8


Now ive seen pictures and heard of a C63 coupe black series in the works but not sure when they will arrive..
Here is a Article on it

http://www.carbuzz.com/news/2011/7/2...ealed-7703998/

Just whats your price range is the Question..

KEMA

Test drove the new CLS 63 PP last week which I assume is similar to the new E63. Coming from a tuned C63 I'm used to power slides and burn outs.

While the car definitely felt heavier there were no issues shutting the ESP completely off and getting the tail out. Needed a bit more room than the lil C but that was expected. Finished off with a 30 ft burn out in M mode with traction off. This bad boy produces a lot of smoke when you put the foot down :-)

In short, it's no M3 / C63 but you can still have your share of fun.

Ken

eurowerx

coming from a m3 owner . ill say this much this is a car that can handle just as good if not better than a m3 in a 4000k lbs sedan. and im a driver not like some other people. Esp comes 100% off in the w212

E55_GT3wheels

I, for one, am scared to shut ESP off unless I am in a parking lot with no cars and nothing near me. Some day, perhaps, after more training...

Agree on the handling. AMG got it right with the W212. Handles amazingly as well as being fast in the straight aways. The new 5.5TT will make it even faster. Although I am happy with the 6.2 and the sound is pure sex and cant be beat (I do want to drive the 5.5TT but for now, I actually prefer the 6.2)

E55_GT3wheels

[QUOTE=transferred;4816440]Well said. On public roads, unless doing a burnout for a friend, it is dangerous to have a 4,000lb 520 hp car with no traction aids on public roads. You simply can't recover like you could in say a Miata or even an M3. Many costly and often fatal M5 crashes happen this way and involve people with more ego than talent and brains.
QUOTE]

+1. It is quite scary once you lose control and cant correct...I have done it but in a parking lot and for fun only. Not on public roads

King335i

Yeah, like I said I wouldn't plan on driving like crazy in any populated places, there are a lot of back country roads close to where I live though.

I considered a CLK63, and it would be my car of choice hands down if it weren't for one thing: the lack of a rear seat. I don't have people in my rear seats too often, but when I do need to carry four I'm glad I at least have rear seats.

I am hoping to hear about the official U.S. MSRP for the C63 Black Series, if it is anywhere near $100,000 I would happily forego getting the C63 AMG coupe for now and wait a little longer...

Then I ask the question: aside from the visual changes (I do like the more aggressive look, though it borders on boy racer), do I really need the black series? I would also love the beefier rear tires, but I figure I can always get up to a 275 on the rear with some aftermarket wheels on the standard C63 coupe.

So, in short, the CLK63 would be ideal for me if it had 2 more seats, and the C63 Black Series would also be awesome if it isn't too expensive. I'm just worried that "standard" C63 won't be enough car coming from a CTS-V coupe...

transferred

220S

+1

E-Ridium 63

Paying 100+k for a C class? I dunno man. Everyone's got their own schtick but for me I think you got it right about the boy racer thing. That's how I see the M3, c63s out there. I get it that it's a black series but 98% of the folks out there have no idea what that means. If you're all about the car and don't give a flying .... what others think, then go for it. But if you're vain like me then I'd go with a big boys car and go with the E.

SoCalCLK

Nicely said, pal. I was in the C63 AMG, and kept thinking that the car was for a kid. W212 E63 is where it's at.

220S

I'm not concerned about "big boys" versus "boy racers" or what anybody else thinks about me or what I'm driving, but I do know about the laws of physics. Bottom line is if you are into handling and like driving the twisties or on the track, a smaller car is the better solution. As much as I like my E63, the smaller cars are just that more fun to drive. So for some people, the M3 (or C63) simply makes more sense.

These bigger sedans are great for cruising. But there are times when driving a smaller and lighter car is just more rewarding. The tactile feel and steering feedback, and the enjoyment of picking your line, etc.. Bigger cars are compromises. They may be "big boy" cars but they're still pigs.

Quadcammer

lol at e63 handling better than an M3.

K-A

+3. Maybe it's the general demographic of the C63's/M3's that have tainted the cars to me, but I can't really help perceiving them like I do. If I had the means and room, I'd love one of either as a raw bruiser, in the same vein that I'd like a Mustang or Camaro as one ("kids car rawness" vibe, although the C and M3 are on a much higher technical and refinement level than the mentioned strictly-muscle/sports cars).

I personally like bigger cars, and unless I had a fleet of about 3 or so cars that can tickle each one of my fancies, if I was looking for a performance car in my life right now, I'd need it to have the luxury/room/comfort/prestige-to-me/presence aspect of a larger/mid-size car. Sounds kinda like that's what O/P is looking for. I also don't need the room at all, but I do enjoy it.