2013/14 c63 amg coupe advice.
Discussion
Ok so I need an ‘interim’ car for a couple of years that I can enjoy with my wife and daughter. I previously owned a Lexus isf and don’t like going backwards. I have looked heavily in to the e92 m3 but actuator issues and push rod bearings are putting me off.
So my search has taken me to the amg coupe 2013/2014 models. Few questions below if folk could assist.
- From looking at forums there don’t seem to be any common major issues with this year car.... is this correct?
- I appreciate the gear box is a weak point but is it that laggy really?
- Running costs are not an issue but is there anything I need to look out for?
- What are residuals like on these? From looking there is 3-4K difference between 2012 and 2014 cars worh 5k per year and similar specs. Assume I am looking at 1.5k per year if I continue this mileage?
- Any options I need to consider as must haves?
- Any forum recommendations?
Cheers
Stu
So my search has taken me to the amg coupe 2013/2014 models. Few questions below if folk could assist.
- From looking at forums there don’t seem to be any common major issues with this year car.... is this correct?
- I appreciate the gear box is a weak point but is it that laggy really?
- Running costs are not an issue but is there anything I need to look out for?
- What are residuals like on these? From looking there is 3-4K difference between 2012 and 2014 cars worh 5k per year and similar specs. Assume I am looking at 1.5k per year if I continue this mileage?
- Any options I need to consider as must haves?
- Any forum recommendations?
Cheers
Stu
Edited by stuno1 on Wednesday 10th January 20:56
Engines seem to be bullet proof, iv never thought the gearbox was slow or annoying but it’s the first auto iv had.
Only issues if had were stuck sunroof which need the rails greasing been fine since.
Bonnet sensor failed so kept beeping saying it was open when it wasn’t, cheap fix.
Cracked alloy wheel fairly common on the 19” wheels and at £600 each from MB not so cheap.
Only issues if had were stuck sunroof which need the rails greasing been fine since.
Bonnet sensor failed so kept beeping saying it was open when it wasn’t, cheap fix.
Cracked alloy wheel fairly common on the 19” wheels and at £600 each from MB not so cheap.
I've got a 2014 estate and rear seats are fine. Have a 3 year old and a 9 month old. Younger kids are worse as the rear facing seat can take up a lot of space but no issues behind my seat and I'm 6'2. The other day I gave a lift to another 6ft+ passenger and they sat behind me. It was tight but manageable.
I've driven a few autos, last car was an 8 speed A8, no complaints with the C63 gearbox, the paddle shift is much nicer than the A8 was.
I've driven a few autos, last car was an 8 speed A8, no complaints with the C63 gearbox, the paddle shift is much nicer than the A8 was.
Had mine just over 4 years now. I'd echo the comment above about the wheels, bit fragile for British roads and prone to damage from pot holes. Had a Cam position sensor fail 18 months ago which made it run like an absolute pig but recovered to MB for free as part of my service plan. £600 fix as it took a while to diagnose fault code but utterly reliable before and since.
I like the gearbox, it's more a manual box with Automatic clutch so you do get a bit of drive train shunt compared to an auto with torque converter. It adapts to your driving style so changes up quickly in comfort mode but hangs on to gears longer if you are on and off the accelerator plus 3 other modes including manual (well almost). Hangs onto gears when cornering fairly quickly too. Sport mode blips the throttle on downshifts, particularly 5th to 4th with associated bangs and pops. Sport and Sport+ change up progressively higher in the rev range but they change much quicker. Much better than the ZF unit in my Jag whose paddles are just a waste of space.
Traction control is a bit over zealous but you can back it off to Sport Mode or Off (not convinced its fully off though). Spares and Main Dealer prices can be horrendous but get a 3 year service plan and you won't notice the cost. It's a C class so not exactly top of the range and that shows a bit in the paint quality and interior finish. My Dashboard creaks when cold due to the very rigid body and suspension setup. Seats are great with adjustable bolsters but a bit prone to wear. Driven hard you'll get single digit fuel economy but drive like Miss Daisy and you'll see 30mpg on a run. Exhaust is loud on the outside but almost too quiet inside. Wife absolutely hates it, refuses to drive it, hates the hard ride.
They're pretty well equipped as standard but a performance pack edition would be something to look out for.
I like the gearbox, it's more a manual box with Automatic clutch so you do get a bit of drive train shunt compared to an auto with torque converter. It adapts to your driving style so changes up quickly in comfort mode but hangs on to gears longer if you are on and off the accelerator plus 3 other modes including manual (well almost). Hangs onto gears when cornering fairly quickly too. Sport mode blips the throttle on downshifts, particularly 5th to 4th with associated bangs and pops. Sport and Sport+ change up progressively higher in the rev range but they change much quicker. Much better than the ZF unit in my Jag whose paddles are just a waste of space.
Traction control is a bit over zealous but you can back it off to Sport Mode or Off (not convinced its fully off though). Spares and Main Dealer prices can be horrendous but get a 3 year service plan and you won't notice the cost. It's a C class so not exactly top of the range and that shows a bit in the paint quality and interior finish. My Dashboard creaks when cold due to the very rigid body and suspension setup. Seats are great with adjustable bolsters but a bit prone to wear. Driven hard you'll get single digit fuel economy but drive like Miss Daisy and you'll see 30mpg on a run. Exhaust is loud on the outside but almost too quiet inside. Wife absolutely hates it, refuses to drive it, hates the hard ride.
They're pretty well equipped as standard but a performance pack edition would be something to look out for.
Service plan works out to about £480 per service, which when you consider includes extra recommended items and recovery then its quite a good deal.
I get 18mpg average on a mix of rural and urban journeys. 12-15mpg intown, 27mpg on the motorway at a steady 70mph (2013 c63 saloon).
But this car is not about that, every journey is exciting
I get 18mpg average on a mix of rural and urban journeys. 12-15mpg intown, 27mpg on the motorway at a steady 70mph (2013 c63 saloon).
But this car is not about that, every journey is exciting
Had my 2013 C63 Coupe since Nov 2017. Got it from a MB approved dealer, 17,000 miles, full MB service history, 2 year Merc AMG warranty swung it for me. About £3000 if you sorted warranty yourself from AMG.
AA/RAC warranties, not worth the paper they are written on in my option. Stear clear of these.
As for build quality, no issues at all.
Usual German finish and feel. Can't go wrong.
Unless your very picky, then finish is right up there.
As per manual, they only run on 98 Ron minimum fuel grade. So, she'll V Power all the time now for my car.
Hope you find one soon.
Just get the right one. Also, as much as you can afford to bag a good example.
As for the performance pack, I didn't bother, I saw the perfect car for me from MB dealer, went for it, plenty of power there for me in standard form without power pack.
Also, if you want an LSD, you can get one put on later as a retro fit.
Hope some of this helps.
Good hunting.
Dave.
AA/RAC warranties, not worth the paper they are written on in my option. Stear clear of these.
As for build quality, no issues at all.
Usual German finish and feel. Can't go wrong.
Unless your very picky, then finish is right up there.
As per manual, they only run on 98 Ron minimum fuel grade. So, she'll V Power all the time now for my car.
Hope you find one soon.
Just get the right one. Also, as much as you can afford to bag a good example.
As for the performance pack, I didn't bother, I saw the perfect car for me from MB dealer, went for it, plenty of power there for me in standard form without power pack.
Also, if you want an LSD, you can get one put on later as a retro fit.
Hope some of this helps.
Good hunting.
Dave.
mob17 said:
Service plan works out to about £480 per service, which when you consider includes extra recommended items and recovery then its quite a good deal.
I get 18mpg average on a mix of rural and urban journeys. 12-15mpg intown, 27mpg on the motorway at a steady 70mph (2013 c63 saloon).
But this car is not about that, every journey is exciting
That is good. So assume that’s full European recovery like AA? I get 18mpg average on a mix of rural and urban journeys. 12-15mpg intown, 27mpg on the motorway at a steady 70mph (2013 c63 saloon).
But this car is not about that, every journey is exciting
Must have options so far are 19 inch wheels, upgraded sound pack, light pack and lsd. I don’t want to spend money on the car other than a tune as it will only be with me for 3 years before I live it on.
stuno1 said:
That is good. So assume that’s full European recovery like AA?
Must have options so far are 19 inch wheels, upgraded sound pack, light pack and lsd. I don’t want to spend money on the car other than a tune as it will only be with me for 3 years before I live it on.
I believe recently Mercedes have started using the RAC as there designated breakdown/recovery firm. It was up until recently Mobilo. However you'll probably never know as they'll be all livery Merc response vans. You will get the full package, including EU recovery and replacement vehicle hire through Europcar. Because of the prestige of the brand, I imagine in the event of a breakdown you'll be treated like a God.Must have options so far are 19 inch wheels, upgraded sound pack, light pack and lsd. I don’t want to spend money on the car other than a tune as it will only be with me for 3 years before I live it on.
Applying to any Mercedes post IIRC 1998 if you begin to use the main dealer network for servicing, you're automatically enrolled for Mercedes Breakdown cover. It's there way of trying to keep you in the dealer network by bringing your car back each year for a service.
Classy6 said:
I believe recently Mercedes have started using the RAC as there designated breakdown/recovery firm. It was up until recently Mobilo. However you'll probably never know as they'll be all livery Merc response vans. You will get the full package, including EU recovery and replacement vehicle hire through Europcar. Because of the prestige of the brand, I imagine in the event of a breakdown you'll be treated like a God.
Applying to any Mercedes post IIRC 1998 if you begin to use the main dealer network for servicing, you're automatically enrolled for Mercedes Breakdown cover. It's there way of trying to keep you in the dealer network by bringing your car back each year for a service.
That’s fantastic. I’ll have chat with my local dealer about the service package. That level of breakdown recovery is 150 Ish of not more with major breakdown companies. Applying to any Mercedes post IIRC 1998 if you begin to use the main dealer network for servicing, you're automatically enrolled for Mercedes Breakdown cover. It's there way of trying to keep you in the dealer network by bringing your car back each year for a service.
Classy6 said:
I believe recently Mercedes have started using the RAC as there designated breakdown/recovery firm.
They are indeed. I called them out on New Year's Eve and the major branding was Mercedes but it also stated RAC in smaller writing on the van. I asked the technician and he said the contract recently moved to the RAC and that he transferred to them from whoever had the Mercedes contract before (I've forgotten who he said it was). The service was very good.stuno1 said:
That’s fantastic. I’ll have chat with my local dealer about the service package. That level of breakdown recovery is 150 Ish of not more with major breakdown companies.
Service plans are not necessary to enroll, just keeping the vehicle within the dealer network. Service plans do offer value if you plan on keeping the car for an extended period of time and want to spread the cost to monthlies. Classy6 said:
Service plans are not necessary to enroll, just keeping the vehicle within the dealer network. Service plans do offer value if you plan on keeping the car for an extended period of time and want to spread the cost to monthlies.
I assume there is a cost saving as opposed to doing their service as and when needed? Also, if it includes the European recovery service it sounds like a no brainier.stuno1 said:
I assume there is a cost saving as opposed to doing their service as and when needed? Also, if it includes the European recovery service it sounds like a no brainier.
Yes, typically. Depending on the age of the vehicle when presented, the dealer will work out the cost of the next (however many years servicing you intend on signing up for) and work out what extras will be required during those services and give you a service plan cost. I think the longer term you signed up for, the greater the discount offered. If i remember rightly, I think the plan can be passed on to other owners also if you ever decided to sell.It would normally play dividends having the plan on the 4yr/50k service as that would be the biggie, usually requiring air filter, brake fluid, fuel filter (derv), or plugs (petrol) along with it being the larger B service. The other cost would be gearbox oil & filter that would be done typically at around 37k on the older stuff so they were quite popular as those services could be pretty expensive.
Just to note, don't hold me on this info - I imagine it may of changed a bit now as I've been out the Merc game for a few years now. Service advisers are usually targeted on selling the plans, so imagine they will be more than happy to go through it all with you
If you decide it's not for you, just getting the car serviced as a one off will put you back in the system and eligible for breakdown cover (if not already).
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