C43 to C63

[Panthro]

I've had my C43 estate for 3 years. 17 plate and on 73k miles, of which I've done around 30k. It's been perfect and I have no reason to change it other than it's being relegated to a second car now, and used only for longer journeys and Euro trips. So I'm thinking of changing it for a C63 solely for the reason that I want a V8 (last V8 was an E92 M3) and a bit more power and noise.

I've found a good C63 (non S) for a very similar price to what my C43 is worth, but it's 18 months older on a 65 plate and on 85k miles. My only concerns are I have no knowledge of high mileage M178 engines and if it should be a concern. The car itself has been maintained fastidiously by it's owner (local GP) and whilst it's not as tidy as mine cosmetically, I'd spend the time sorting this. I'm not particularly adverse to the high mileage, as it's priced accordingly and has had a good maintenance history will all the invoices from new present, including a recent gearbox service.

Good swap, yes or no? Some comments on another thread mentioned the C43 is a better all rounder and mile muncher on Euro trips.
If I kept mine I might remap it and do a few other bits to get it to around ~450bhp.

[culpz]

The only big difference is going to be engine, and obviously the extra grunt and performance it brings. If your car is in better condition and you'd have to spend on this one just to get it up to scratch, is it really worth it? Guess only you can decide that. You can't beat a V8 and these do sound absolutely glorious though tbf.

[325iMSport]

Your also loosing the 4WD of the C43.

[Panthro]

325iMSport said:

Your also loosing the 4WD of the C43.

That doesn't bother me too much as I'd probably have a bit more fun. The traction on the C43 is relentless.

[EBRANDON1]

Not exactly helpful but I'm debating between the two as well! Though I haven't owned either. I was initially looking at either a C43 or a W204 C63 wagon, but with newer generation C63's falling into the sub £25k bracket like this one ⬇ its really tempting

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202403057...

The only thing is I prefer BMW infotainment from when I've driven my mums C class compared to my 430d but imagine its just a case of getting used to it.

[Terzo123]

A good W204 C63 should be near the bottom of it's depreciation curve.

Something to consider if deciding between a W204 or a W205

[EBRANDON1]

Terzo123 said:

A good W204 C63 should be near the bottom of it's depreciation curve.

Something to consider if deciding between a W204 or a W205

Yes really good point definitely something to think about. Especially as I won't be driving it too much in the week, depreciation free motoring I've been considering more and more since the depreciation and amount I've had to fork out on 2014 430d in the past 18 months.

Not really sure whether the W205's will follow the same trend of the cheapest falling to the £15k-£20k mark then slightly back up as the W204 has in recent years.

[Z4MCSL]

If you are looking to change to a v8 is the c63 the only option you are considering?

[Panthro]

Terzo123 said:

A good W204 C63 should be near the bottom of it's depreciation curve.

Something to consider if deciding between a W204 or a W205

I'm not interested in the W204. Driven one and it wasn't for me. I like my W205 and think the 204 would be a backwards step, especially the interior.

[Panthro]

Z4MCSL said:

If you are looking to change to a v8 is the c63 the only option you are considering?

Pretty much as I want an estate and there aren't many fast estates in the same 25-35k price bracket.

Rs6 - awesome but too big and less nimble, and you need at least £40k for a decent one.

340i/M340i - I prefer my C43.had 8 BMWs prior to my mercedes and don't want another unless it's an M3 Touring!

Macan - I have zero interest in it.

Stelvio - like them but not enough to spend £40k on one.

[JAMSXR]

I would make the move to C63, you will regret it if you don’t. We don’t purchase cars based on what makes sense, otherwise we would all be driving a Tesla Model 3 or 320D.

The W205 V8 is mechanically sound, and the non S will have the better mechanical diff and cheaper pads and disks. For me, the sports exhaust and burmester are a must. For a 4 litre V8 it’s pretty frugal.

[Caddyshack]

Terzo123 said:

A good W204 C63 should be near the bottom of it's depreciation curve.

Something to consider if deciding between a W204 or a W205

Should be.

I think it may depend on what things like car tax might change to for big engines etc, my Rangie is over £700 to tax this year, that could affect prices of these.

[ninjag]

Panthro said:

Pretty much as I want an estate and there aren't many fast estates in the same 25-35k price bracket.

Rs6 - awesome but too big and less nimble, and you need at least £40k for a decent one.

340i/M340i - I prefer my C43.had 8 BMWs prior to my mercedes and don't want another unless it's an M3 Touring!

Macan - I have zero interest in it.

Stelvio - like them but not enough to spend £40k on one.

RS6 would be E Class equivalent. RS4 Avant 2015 is V8 and well within budget for a low mileage one.

There's also the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake V8 that could just be in budget, but incredibly rare.

[Panthro]

ninjag said:

RS6 would be E Class equivalent. RS4 Avant 2015 is V8 and well within budget for a low mileage one.

There's also the Jaguar XFR-S Sportbrake V8 that could just be in budget, but incredibly rare.

You're right, but the C7 seems much newer than the W212.
Also, I don't think I've ever seen an SFR-S sport brake for sale except one on auction.

I'm still considering the 2015 C63 and selling my 2017 C43.