Mercedes C63 AMG Estate

Traction improvements incoming

SINGLE-DIGIT TEMPERATURES AND snow arrived a little sooner than I anticipated, and they’re conditions that a C63 isn’t awfully well suited to, as a near zerotraction departure from one of Cadwell Park’s steep, sodden fields recently made rather clear. Although an all-out winter wheel and tyre set-up is appealing, the cost is tricky to justify given the miles I cover, so instead the AMG has been treated to some Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S rubber and a promise that I’ll (attempt to) keep use to a minimum until warmer weather returns.

Helping to make the most of those tyres will be the Quaife limited-slip differential that I now find myself in possession of. I hadn’t intended to take the plunge for at least another few months, but having worked with UK Quaife supplier Birds Auto to set up a group buy for the excellent ‘C63 AMG UK’ owners’ group, I ended up with a discount I just couldn’t turn down: £772 instead of £1103.

Frustratingly, however, it seems that fitting a limited-slip diff is not quite as straightforward as I had imagined, and a number of local garages have turned the job down. Birds offer the service themselves but a three-hour drive to their workshop makes this a less attractive option for me. Regardless of where I choose, with summertyre weather long gone, I’m in no hurry for now.

In other news, a curious hairline imperfection has appeared in the paint of the newly resprayed front bumper. Though only just visible up close, I fear it could progress with heat cycles and jet wash passes, so some investigation is required.

(@evosamj)

Date acquired May 2021 Total mileage 48,000 Mileage this month 334 Costs this month £803 (tyres), £772 (differential) mpg this month 18.0