Monday 30th March 2015
Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG: PH Buying Guide
There's a new C63 out but we still rather like the old car - here's how to bag a good one
The all-new Mercedes-AMG C63 ay be grabbing the headlines at the moment, but its predecessor can not be overlooked.
The perfect PH family wagon
Launched in early 2008, the first UK cars arrived in the middle of that year with a 457hp version of the M156 V8 engine and seven-speed automatic gearbox. With 442lb ft of torque to help it along, the C63 covered 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds for the saloon and 4.6 seconds for the estate with an electronically limited 155mph top speed.Mercedes also offered the Performance Pack that didn't touch the engine but added uprated brakes, carbon fibre boot spoiler, firmer suspension and a limited-slip differential, as well as raising the speed limiter to 174mph. Then in 2009, the Performance Pack Plus was launched, though this deleted the limited-slip differential from its equipment list and made it a cost option. However, the Plus pack increased engine power to 487hp.
Other power outputs for the 6,208cc V8 arrived with the limited edition, UK-only DR520, the Edition 507 and Black Series. Only 20 of the DR520s were made and each has a 520hp motor that lowers the 0-62mph time to 4.1 seconds for the saloon and 4.2 seconds for the wagon. Top speed for the DR was increased to 187mph.
Mad Black Series arrived in 2011
The Black Series Coupe arrived in mid-2011 and was lauded as the most powerful everat the time. Using engine components borrowed from the SLS, its engine made 517hp to deal with 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. With fatter arches and the option of the AMG Track Package with softer compound tyres, active rear axle transmission cooling and the AMG Aerodynamics pack, the Black Series was AMG's way of reminding the world of its motorsport roots.With the C63 AMG Edition 507, Mercedes created the last hurrah for this model. It has a 507hp version of the V8 engine and effectively replaced the Performance Pack. Acceleration was slightly better than the standard C63's, but the 507 also comes with larger front brakes and six-pot calipers. It also has the same bonnet as the Black Series.
As the C63 was offered in saloon, estate and coupe forms, plus the various versions and limited edition models, there is a lot of choice out there. An early C63 AMG saloon or estate will cost you from around £22,000 in fine fettle or you can spend £100,000 on a late Black Series with minimal mileage. All are great to drive, but there are some points to watch for as you can find out in this guide. We'll concentrate on the mainstream C63 models as they are most plentiful.
PHer's view:
"I bought the car over its competitors primarily because, although it didn't always come out top in group tests, with the large capacity V8 engine it was going to be more characterful and fun up to eight or nine tenths, and I'd rarely be in a position to give it ten tenths as a lot of my driving is urban and motorway. It hasn't disappointed."
Will Dyer
Buying guide contents:
Introduction
Powertrain
Rolling chassis
Body
Search for the C63 AMGs in the PH Classifieds