CHECKPOINTS
ENGINE
Both the standard C63 V8 engine and the Performance Pack Plus version with its SLS- sourced internal components are, to quote Ollie Stoner of Portsmouthbased Mercedes specialist Prestige Car Service, ‘ pretty much bulletproof ’.
However, and predominantly with early engines, the valvegear – camshaft lobes and tappets – can suffer from wear, and very occasionally head bolts have been known to snap. Another rare fault, but not unheard of, is for an injector to stick open, filling the bore with fuel; the hydraulic pressure this creates can break conrods.
Highly unusual though these faults are, a specialist inspection before purchase can pay dividends – a complete engine rebuild can be as much as £ 8000, and even a top- end overhaul may set you back £ 3000- 4000.
‘ The facelifted C63 [ from 2011] is mostly trouble- free,’ says Ollie, ‘ and is coupled to a better gearbox.’ All AMG engines use oil, however, so pay regular attention to the dipstick.
TR ANSMISSION
‘ The automatic gearbox is extremely reliable,’ reckons Ollie. However, it’s worth tracking down a car with the limited- slip differential, which was included with the Performance Pack but was otherwise optional. It transforms the C63’ s handling during hard use. Yet even for cars fitted with AMG’S own LSD – as well as for those without it – a popular and highly effective upgrade is a Quaife ATB LSD.
And while we’re on the subject of traction, don’t skimp on the tyres: budget brands will ruin the handling and diminish the grip.
SUSPENSION, STEERING, BR AKES
Aside from the very occasional leaky damper and the need to replace bushes on high- mileage examples, the C63’ s suspension presents no problems. On some cars you might hear a slight knocking from the front end when passing over bumps – this is most likely to be slack in the steering rack, which can be adjusted relatively easily.
With so much freely accessible grunt on tap, the C63’ s brakes can take a hammering when trying to arrest all that speed. Standard discs are a very reasonable £ 68, but a set of front pads are more than £ 200. The Performance Pack’s floating discs, however, are more like £ 500 a piece, while a full set of the composite discs found on the Performance Pack Plus can be as much as £ 1500- 2000.
If you’re not prone to going completely bananas, a set of pads could last you 25,000 miles – chances are, though, that you’ll need to replace the discs at the same time as they’re on the soft side. Meatier discs are a popular upgrade.
BODY, INTERIOR, ELECTRICS
Be vigilant for accident damage – huge power and rear- drive is a volatile combination in inexperienced hands.
Cabin trim is of very high quality, but the front seats’ chunky bolsters can suffer from wear. There are no common electrical issues, but know that there are software updates for the engine and gearbox. These can be carried out by main dealers or specialists.
ability to provide instant gratification through sheer firepower, epic soundtrack and easy willingness to adopt a smoky sideways attitude out of every corner made it a very compelling alternative.
Based on the W204 C-class, the rear-drive AMG C63 – saloon and estate – made its UK debut in mid-2008, its M156 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 thumping out 451bhp at 6800rpm and a hearty 442lb ft. Its transmission was a torque-convertor automatic, but AMG’S seven-speed Speedshift Plus 7G-tronic proved so slick and intelligently programmed (complete with throttle blipping on the downshifts) that it wasn’t a handicap.
The optional Performance Pack (PP) beefed up the suspension and brakes, raised the 155mph speed restrictor to 174mph, put a carbonfibre spoiler on the bootlid, and crucially added a highly desirable limited-slip differential. That diff was lost as standard issue with 2010’s Performance Pack Plus (PPP), as was the uprated suspension, but the PPP used the lightweight pistons, conrods and crankshaft from the SLS to ramp up power to 480bhp – the engine mods having been previewed in the 513bhp ‘DR520’ model.
A facelift in 2011 also brought a coupe version, which climaxed in the motorsport-inspired 510bhp Black Series. As well as freshened front-end styling, the facelift included a revised automatic with improved shifts and an extra ‘S+’ mode for its gearchange strategies. As a farewell to naturally aspirated V8s, in 2013 the Edition 507 arrived, featuring the Black Series’ bonnet, larger front discs and meatier calipers, and a power boost to 500bhp.
When new, these Mercedes C63 AMGS suffered fearsome initial depreciation, but values have now stabilised and are even rising for the right cars. Let us help you find one.