C350 vs C63
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Discussion

WelshBoyo

Original Poster:

1,546 posts

204 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
I really love my C350 but am seriously tempted by a C63 estate around the same age 2008-2009 (the C350 is quick but too silent).

Realistically what are the cost differences (apart from initial purchase)?
Fuel will be more (but I only drive 5K a year so no biggie)
Is servicing that much more?
I already pay 475 quid tax a year so already paying almost top whack.
Insurance might make a difference as I lived abroad so only have 1 year UK NCB?
Tyres - more power = more tyres?
Anything else?

TackMEU

454 posts

174 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
Not had to service mine yet, but menu prices seem reasonable.

Tyres, £200 a pop or so and I will need a new set of rears soon (4000 miles).

I have used £1100 of fuel in 6 weeks.

Insurance will probably be the big hit with only 1 year NCD.

I realise I was not a lot of help but it is something to think about.

st4

1,359 posts

162 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
Biggies will be tyres, AMG C classes wear them out quicker due to different camber etc settings. Brake pads etc will be a lot more too as will the insurance, but it will probably be worth the outlay if you can comfortably afford to do it

74merc

602 posts

221 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
The obvious question is, why don't you put a fruitier exhaust on to the 350?

RBrown

211 posts

170 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
New exhaust may be the way to go. When I was looking at a c63, the merc salesman directed me towards the C350 as it had loads of power and was a far more cost effective option.

But me neighbour has a C63 and it sounds awesome!

My view, for what it's worth : head says 350......heart says C63!

chris333

1,034 posts

268 months

Wednesday 10th July 2013
quotequote all
RBrown said:
My view, for what it's worth : head says 350......heart says C63!
The 3.5litre petrol V6 as the sensible option... the spirit of pistonheads! smile

WelshBoyo

Original Poster:

1,546 posts

204 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
quotequote all
74merc said:
The obvious question is, why don't you put a fruitier exhaust on to the 350?
It is still never going to sound as good as a Merc v8 is it? Or have the power, torque or that menacing look of the C63.

My car is being serviced by Merc Bath next week, I might ask them how much cost difference there will be if I upgrade ;-)

amokwa

478 posts

226 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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1) Range on a tank of fuel.
2) Tyre wear.
3) Service B on our C220 BEF is coming in at £470.

If you find one at a dealer make sure they confirm in addition to the service history, tyre thread depth and brake pad / disc condition.

They will probably say the tyres can go down to 1.6mm don't settle for less than 6.

WelshBoyo

Original Poster:

1,546 posts

204 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
quotequote all
amokwa said:
3) Service B on our C220 BEF is coming in at £470.

If you find one at a dealer make sure they confirm in addition to the service history, tyre thread depth and brake pad / disc condition.

They will probably say the tyres can go down to 1.6mm don't settle for less than 6.
Yep no problem there as I have 4 brand new tyres.

My service quote for B1 was less than 300 quid basic and 400 quid with Brake Fluid change and MOT - bargain. I did a bit of research and it is amazing what some dealers try to add on which isn't actually necessary e.g. spark plugs at 200 quid. The Bath Merc dealership I am going to went through everything and ticked off all items that wasn't needed by doing a proper check against Merc Service History database on my car - basically they saved me about 400 quid from another dealership quote.

StephenP

1,918 posts

239 months

Thursday 11th July 2013
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Out of curiosity, does the C63 handbook specify RON98 only?

Gareth135R

565 posts

252 months

Friday 12th July 2013
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C63 = Kudos! smile

amokwa

478 posts

226 months

Saturday 13th July 2013
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WelshBoyo said:
Yep no problem there as I have 4 brand new tyres.

My service quote for B1 was less than 300 quid basic and 400 quid with Brake Fluid change and MOT - bargain. I did a bit of research and it is amazing what some dealers try to add on which isn't actually necessary e.g. spark plugs at 200 quid. The Bath Merc dealership I am going to went through everything and ticked off all items that wasn't needed by doing a proper check against Merc Service History database on my car - basically they saved me about 400 quid from another dealership quote.
K will call Brentford and run through the list again, can't believe brake fluid change takes it up to £470.

HotJambalaya

2,088 posts

209 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
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StephenP said:
Out of curiosity, does the C63 handbook specify RON98 only?
Looked in the petrol cap when I was filling up yesterday (a VERY regular occurrence!) and it says 98 Ron (min 93). Bit odd I thought since several people have mentioned its not at all set for 95, only super unleaded. Havent actually got around to opening the handbook yet...

Back to general pros and cons. Town driving is horrific fuel economy. Central london I'm getting around 10mpg with stop start. Motorways I get about 20mpg.

Tyres really do wear FAST. Have just switched to michelin pilot super sports which are supposed to be much better so will see.

Uniqueness: you wont be able to go back to a run of the mill car any time soon, this thing, the noise, the speed, the composure is all epic!

Pros: its just so much damn fun!


I looked briefly for a C350 when I was looking for a car, but they're pretty rare, so just looked at C63's wanted an estate too but couldnt find one, and they seemed more expensive too, got a saloon and have never looked back!


StephenP

1,918 posts

239 months

Sunday 14th July 2013
quotequote all
HotJambalaya said:
StephenP said:
Out of curiosity, does the C63 handbook specify RON98 only?
Looked in the petrol cap when I was filling up yesterday (a VERY regular occurrence!) and it says 98 Ron (min 93). Bit odd I thought since several people have mentioned its not at all set for 95, only super unleaded. Havent actually got around to opening the handbook yet...
Thanks, sound like it is the same as my CL (which I was kind of expecting, being the same engine!). I know my book says 98 minimum, with 95 as an emergency fuel only (restrictions on driving style, etc).

I did wonder how much difference using 97 makes, if any? I stick pretty much to Momentum 99 or Shell V-Max unless I can't find either of them when I need fuel.

Can the car detect (and record) the difference between 97 and 98? I did wonder whether MB could tell what had been used if you ever had a future engine warranty claim?