My 2011 Mercedes AMG C63 has been on the road 10 years (as of Sept. 2020). I’m the 2nd owner and had it 5 years. Here’s a review of what it cost to buy and repair this W204 edition C63 with the Performance Pack.
Wow no engine problems after 5 years on the road as a the second owner., You're a lucky guy. No doubt those low mileage figures helped. Please do another video when you're at 100K mileage as these motor are as notorious for faults as they are sensational when performing correctly. Jim Stanley. EX AMG Powertrain Engineer. Electronic/Electrical Engineer. PhD Electroacoustics
That's a great idea for another video. The C63 is now 11 years old this month (Sep '21). Makes me wonder whether holding on to it or selling now is the better idea.
SoCal W212 Of course! Miles/Kms - it’s all been good. Today it’s a grocery getter (literally, going to Walmart) with my 2 year old in the backseat. Then, next Friday if the weather holds, I’ll head out to the racetrack for some fun a quarter mile at a time.
Awesome and very informative video. I used to work for Mercedes-Benz and these cars get such a terrible rep for being insanely expensive to own and maintain. It's simply not true unless you buy one that has been run into the ground. They also get a bad rep for the head bolt issue...it's really not that big of a deal and can be remedied. It's one of those rare cases where the old, as we say in the south, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" does NOT apply. Glad you have one of the later ones where you don't even have to worry about that. Awesome car. Thanks for some real world experience and insight, instead of some blogger regurgitating the same thing that another blogger said about his cousin's friend's uncle's car that had big time issues or something stupid. Funny enough, I bought my Saab 9-3 Aero in May of 2015 as well. Running cost has been about the same as your C63 over the same course of time.
Thanks - I have been very happy with the car, and even today when I went for some spirited driving I was reminded why I bought it, why I continue to love driving it - and how this type of driving experience will not happen again. The electrics are taking over, bringing with them some good (instant torque) and some boredom(no sound!).
I've had 3 W204s over 5 years (all 2012+), and no issues other than regular maintenance and tires, and one valve cover gasket. One wheel bent and that's it, around $2k total spent non-maintenance over 3 cars. I regret selling the dev pack with LSD!
@@VersanGetryx I love having the Dev pack and Limited Slip. Makes all the difference (unless you get a tune and add LSD). The car is solid. Compare the build quality to other car makers and you may find that Mercedes is your favorite.
@@VersanGetryx Hey, I know I will get bullied in the ground for this but I could use some help as you know your way around those cars, I have a 2012 C63 AMG with the performance Package and a Stage 3 tune for offer, it's approximately 16k USD but that's not alarming as that's the Car's price range in my country. I am a 19 year old College student with a car fund I have saved up for several years. I am willing to take car of the car and make sure that the one I have in mind is taken care of and fully serviced, is it a bad idea for me to get a C63 or should I go for it? I am experienced with high hp cars, I owned an E46 M3 for 6 months before traveling for university so I would rather not get bullied over that
@@TheZiadTarek Hey there! I hope you aren't bullied just for asking questions like this. My assumption is the C63 you're looking at has high mileage if it's 16k, and possibly accident history. There are other things beyond the engine (very solid) that can go wrong, and they aren't cheap if they do. Like I mentioned, one replacement wheel is >$1000, and gas mileage is pretty horrendous (the price you pay!). I've had an E46 M3 and they do not compare well - the C63 has about double the torque at low RPMs, though the M3 is a screamer at high rpms. You can get into some trouble much more easily with the C63. My advice would be to go with a fun, cheaper sporty car and keep saving, and get a really good example later if you want to. They don't hold their value super well so they aren't investments anyway. Just my thoughts, good luck :)
Thanks for watching! This is a car that still makes me smile when I drive it - even after 5 years. Here’s something I didn’t point out: I’ 6’4” and when I sat in the W205 C63 i felt like I had no room. The middle console takes up a lot of space
@@yhelloh Changed oil at 68k, replaced the airboxes with ROW airboxes and filters + cabin air filter, replaced rear tires, chrome delete, cut off the resonator, and am replacing brake pads all around next week. in California gas has been from $3.50-$4.00/gal so I've been paying about 45-60 a week to fill up in gas. The car has been fantastic
Thanks! When we drove it today I was amazed at how solid the car is. No creeks, rattles or other unwanted noises. Just straight up power and an exhaust note that we'll never hear new again.
Mine is a near identical purchase to yours, mileage, 1 owner and residual. Going on 6 years i think. Same engine builder can you believe it. Regret not having the entire car saran wrapped.
I agree on the regret not getting it wrapped. I was shocked that the previous owner, a 69 year old grandfather whose garage was meticulously kept, didn't have it done when he bought it. Have you had any issues with your vehicle? I really feel like it's a solidly built car.
Got my 2011 in April 2020, it had 62,000 miles, paid $23,000 and I’m the third owner. The car has every option (P31, Limited slip dif, carbon fiber trim, etc.) with the exception of keyless go. Original sticker price was $80,900 in the US. I previously had a 2009 C63 that I bought new but sold it to upgrade to a new 2010 W212 E63 when it came out, then sold that to upgrade to a new 2012 E63 biturbo. I always missed my original 2009 C63 and that’s why I bought another one. The car is in extremely good condition for being 10 years old and I’ve gone over pretty much everything on it to make sure it stays that way.
That's a fantastic deal - and shows that these cars continue to be popular. I've seen, online and in forums, from many people who, like you - had a W204 C63, sold it and then eventually bought another one because they missed the car. That's the sign of a special automobile when former owners want to buy it again because they miss it. And what did you think of the E63? There are two things I'm envious of in the E63 compared to the C63 - the extra room for the family and the all wheel drive. How do the C63 and E63 compare for you?
@@lexusls4305 Yes I definitely missed my original C63 but I’m kind of glad I got rid of it before any head bolt issues happened. I was also very happy when my 2011 C63 turned up at a dealership last year that was only 5 miles from my house and not on the other side of the country. So my 2010 E63 was definitely a nice upgrade from the C63. I love the styling, sounded great, had more space to have people in the back seat and was a little faster than my stock C63. Then when I found out the 2012 E63 was going to come with a BiTurbo (550hp and 590 lb ft of torque) I had to have it. I special ordered it as soon as the dealer would let me and it arrived in December 2011. The 2010 to 2013 E63’s are rear wheel drive, which I prefer, and the 2014 to 2016 are all wheel drive. I only drive my cars in good weather so I don’t need the 4matic. My daily driver is a 2020 Jeep Gladiator which I really like despite it looking a little weird.
@@Oh.Kha. I only had my 2009 C63 for about a year before I sold it to get the 2010 E63. During the year I had it there were no issues. However, I would’ve needed to upgrade the head bolts on the 2009 C63 and 2010 E63 had I kept them. My 2011 C63 did not have the head bolt issue.
Another p31 w204 c63 here in BC, just pass 100k km, but no LSD and has 18inch wheels. 2010 with old style head bolt still in the motor. I paid half of your price 7 month ago. This car is reliable , only I did was fresh all kinds of liquids /oil and replaced some rubber seal belt and pulleys . Total $3000 cost. I’m thinking doing a DIY head bolt replacement. Then I will be happy to keep it long time. For Bluetooth music steaming, I recommend Airdual-100-Benz Bluetooth Music Streaming Adapter on Amazon. Take a try. BTW, start the car in a only 1 door open garage... this let me started to concerned for your health. ;p Cheers
I just bought the air dual 100 after your recommendation - it is excellent and updates the tech instantly to the same level as my iPhone11. Happy trails!
I have been wanting to to get the 2013 version of this car in the future and do a engine rebuild on the car before putting in a stage 3 supercharger from Weistec. Love how the 6.3 L V8 sound but not a lot of modern car are this unique in terms of character anymore. Appreciated for the ownership review.
thanks for sharing all these informations , i am trying to get a 2014 c63 or a 2017 c63s, now i would go for the 2014 one as it is a N/A v8 and does not cost that much to run daily
Great review, my dad has an e92 m3 from this era, and I love them both, I love the aggressiveness of this v8 but I also love the high revving one in the m3, they don’t make engines like these cars anymore
Agreed! In the perfect world, you can own both cars and get the best of both worlds...because that high-revving V8 horsepower war is over. From now on, it's battery powered luxury. And who knows, maybe that will be better - but it won't be the same.
@@lexusls4305 yeah I have nothing against today’s engines at all, but there’s something badass about e90 m3s and rs4 Audi’s that rev to like 8400 rpm, and then c63 amgs that sound like machine guns😂
The W204 C63 is my favorite car that I have owned. It's faster than my classic Mustang and a lot more practical. I think $26K for that low mileage is good. If you want to get it checked out by an indie mechanic who specializes in Mercedes, that's the best. Other than headbolts, the complaints surround cam shaft. The AMG 63's are built in Germany, not on an assembly line in another country and I think the quality is better for it. I went for a drive this morning, and even after 5 years of ownership, taking off all traction control, putting it in sport and flooring it around a corner is still a thrill.
Yes, they sure can do their own oil changes. I haven't but with the right lift and knowing how much you'll need to refill (it's more than the usual), you should be good to go.
@@lexusls4305 that's great to hear. I'm considering buying a c63 amg and I just wanted to see if I can maintain it myself. I always see people taking it to the shop so I thought it was super difficult or they had to do something special to get the job done.
Do you think this is a good second car , currently I drive a 2007 e320 rwd but when I’m 18 I wanna get my self a 12-14 c63 and how is the car for daily driving ?
The car is great for comfort when you want it. But it drinks a lot of gas. A lot of gas. If it's expensive where you live, be aware it will cost some big dollars to drive the way you want to drive it.
@@lexusls4305 yes i know it gets around 10 mpg LOL, thats why imma daily drive my e320 and then take the c63 for crusing or meets or on a little drive on the week end and weekdays
My secret has always been to buy privately when getting a used vehicle and to check out the person. Do they have a well kept house and garage? If so, they probably also care for their vehicle. Do they have a 'good' reason for selling the car? If they don't, I have to wonder why they're selling it. Also, how long have they owned the vehicle. If it's a short time, I question why they're getting rid of it so soon.
With the right snow tires (I had Blizzaks for 4 years, now Continental VIking Contacts) driving on the snow wasn't a problem. In fact, it could be quite fun!
I’m 19 years old and I want to buy a Mercedes c300 or AMG 2020, but people told me that they don’t last very much and i am worried because people said that they are very expensive to fix, what would you recommend me to do, should I buy it or not🙏😭
If you're interested in a used AMG, they can be expensive to maintain and fix ( I spend a lot on tires!). If you were getting new, it's nothing to worry about because of the warranty.
No cam wear that I've seen or had my mechanic express concern about. As the P31, I hope the internals are stronger/better...but hey, it IS a Mercedes so you never know. Car burns no oil and has never left me stranded...although that damn keyless go system gives me heart attacks occasionally with the "no key found' warning.
hi I have a question if you were to sell this car how much would you sell it for because im 16 currently thinking about getting a old c63 if you don't mind could you help me find one
Wolf gaming Good plan! I think this car, with mileage as it is and with the performance pack would go for $25K to $30k, depending on market. I’ve seen some now at $16K with more mileage and a few years older. So much depends on quality of ownership
Mine is 11 years old with more than twice the mileage and it is just at the point of needing new front rotors and engine mounts. No shocks, struts, or assorted suspension parts.
Nope, not a single shock, struct, brake replacement and no suspension issue (not that these cars ride like they're floating on clouds). My Mercedes-specialist mechanic (not at a dealership) told me the brakes were at 50% - and nothing else has, fingers-crossed, gone wrong. Took it out today, literally, as a grocery-getter. Put it in manual mode, turn off the ESC completely and have more fun than should be (and probably is) legally allowed. Now, of course, since I've mentioned it - watch it all go at the same time :)
Im just about to buy one of these from 2009. How will I determine whether or not it is one of the C63's with the infamous head bolt issue or not? Please can anybody help me out here. The car is only at 44k miles, so if it does have the problem it most likely won't be apparent yet.
Jordan Fleming Find the date of manufacture and, if you can, the engine number. The change to the better head bolts happened in July 2010. I want to say the last four numbers must be above 1068, but check forums for complete accuracy
Cool video and nice ownership experience. I have the same car - a PFL c63 with the performance package. Did you preemptively change the head bolts, cam adjusters, and the other “ticking time bombs” lol with PFL cars? Seems like your experience goes against what most of the other owners report on the forum. How many miles did you put on it and have you ever tracked it? Cheers
SyedAliShah I have tracked it! About a half dozen or more times and hope to again this summer. I was hoping to hit 250Kmh/150mph on the longer straight-away. As for the head bolts, this engine, like many of the 2011’s was built after AMG changed the bolts. I have put on 21,000 miles/35,000kms and used it as a daily driver up until the past 6 months. I feel the car is very solid - from the way the door “thuds” when you close it to the rattle free ride, even in rough roads. I would buy it again in a second as it is the best, most exciting vehicle I have ever owned
what are some other ticking bombs on the c63? I want to purchase a 2009 C63 for 26k that has 48k miles or should I just get a 2013 with 55k miles for 30k$.
XB ANTRAX if you go through the forums you’re opening up a Pandora’s box of “potential” problems. From cam shafts to tappets to cam adjusters to head bolts. Have a look at legitstreetcar video on m156 engine issues - it’s a good summary of what I’m talking about. I have an 09 with about 120k Km on it.
XB ANTRAX go for 2012+ or you will need to think about when to get the bolts done. If not, u don’t have enough confidence to keep enjoy it. Also better layout inside. I don’t like the the bottom in my 2010 to switch driving mode which I need use it everyday.
SyedAliShah agreed,but nothing is perfect. If have that problem, fix it and keep enjoy. Other than u said, it’s solid build. Thermostat, re ground tail lights etc, common but easy cheap diy job.
Nope, never have. The mechanic I've had do work on the car since I bought it 6 years ago said they still had about 50% wear left. Could be we don't do 'brake stands' for launching.
It's been great so far. Had to buy Blizzak snow tires. The summer tires are off in October and come back on in late April. You also have to drive it differently than in summer. The car has always started (I do have a plug in oil-pan heater as most western Canadian cars do) and it's kept in an unheated garage (temps of -40 are real, my friends). Still starts, still runs. And I love opening the sun roof on cold days to let in the child while the heat (and heated seats) are blasting.
I might get a 2018 c63 amg with 70k miles for 36k. What common issues should i look for? Ultimate goal is the new Z but that's still a like 5 months to release.
@@adamharris5003 it was my cousins car needed little maintance but I passed on it. On the waitlist for a Z, Lotus, and cybertruck....all of which are taking foooreeeveeer to hit production here.
What kind of work do you guys do to afford this? In Belgium i would literally almost pay a leg and a arm on road tax and insurrance as wel as 98 octane fuel. Coincidence i work at Mercedes Benz as a technician. These cars are very nice but are SO expensive to maintain.
Totally different car cultures because of cost, Europe vs North America. We pay 1.10Euro for a liter of the best fuel (measured differently but still 98 octane). And at some gas stations, there's no ethanol in the mix - that's a bonus. Road tax (we pay to register the car each year) is 55Euro/year and insurance is 76Euro/month. That makes it affordable to drive a gas-guzzling V8. In fact, we own 3 cars, all with V8s. We're not even close to rich....just average. This is a very special moment in time as the big engines are almost extinct. I would like our next vehicle to be electric - but that may be some time before they're affordable.
@@lexusls4305 That’s shocking to hear that it is that low. We pay almost 2 dollar/liter at the pump. C63 AMG would cost about 2748 dollar yearly road tax but we have something called BIV. That means you need to pay money to get your vehicle on the road. But you only need to pay that one time. That would be an extra 12000 dollar on top of the road tax. Insurrance would be another 1500 dollar or more a year. Belgium = we steal out of your wallet without one single excuse.
@@lexusls4305 Car cultures vary a lot in Europe. Spanish figures are closer to Canadian than to Belgium ones: road tax around 200€/year, BIV does not exist, similar insurance, maybe even cheaper depending on coverages. 1,65€/L 98 oct. Not as cheap but not the crazy Belgium taxes. Thanks for this vid, very helpful to get an insight from a regular folk daly driving it. Trying to figure out what year and version I should go for. I'm leaning towards a restyling from 2012 with performance pack (487hp). But so few available, I feel like all petrol heads are going crazy shooping before the new electric era takes over.
@@beltrangarrote1982 The 2012s and newer W204s are really going up. It's the interior and, more importantly, the transmission, that makes it more popular. We have no complaints about ours even if the values are not as high as new models. I suspect that this spring and summer will bring new, higher prices to the W204s as we see inflation on used cars increase and the availability of new cars continue to be an issue. And for anyone who wants a straightforward, naturally aspirated V8 - the choices are very slim.
It’s worth it if you can do the repairs yourself an if you find one for around 15k I saw one for sale for 9k but it had some check engine an a few dings that needed repair
Honestly, I just don't know if I could let it go. It's been more reliable than I would have guessed - and much more fun than should be legally allowed. And with the new generation of C63's being 4cylinder and electric (which I'm sure will be great), I doubt this kind of car will ever be seen again.
@@lexusls4305 Tbh same here I have a p30 with the dif which is incredible uncommon for the non p31 w204s. but those 19in wheels are the real money makers lol
Yes, they were. Those winter tires lasted 4 years of daily winter driving. A month ago I bought a new set (same rims) which was $1,100 Canadian (about $800US). They're Continental this time around. With Covid, there was a supply issue so it was time to change to something the shop already had in stock. So far, so good!
You have never changed your spark plugs? And you should replace your gearbox and rear dif oil just maintenance. Preventing is beter than repairing🤷🏼♂️
@@lexusls4305 the spark plugs need to be replaced every 5 years or 60,000km and Mercedes advices to replace gearbox oil every 5 years or 100,000 km and the Mercedes dealer were I work we also recommend to replace your rear dif oil every 5 years or 100,000 but Mercedes says it is lifetime fluid but it is just better to prevent damage to your dif and it is not much work.
I don't know if we could. It's too much fun - and so different from our everyday cars. And now we hear the new C63 for 2022 will be a 4-cylinder hybrid. Fast, for sure. But not the same.
Zero Amity We have fairly cheap gas. I paid 1.23 / liter yesterday to fill it. That’s in Canadian dollars. It took 60 liters and was $75. That would last me 2 weeks , including daily commute. Now that I work from home I drive it a lot more for fun - and still use up all that gas in 10 days to 2 weeks
Lexus LS430 Thats not too bad I guess. Here in South Africa we pay about R15-R16 per litre. So its quite close. It would be about R850 every two weeks. Which i suppose isnt too bad.
@@lexusls4305 best benz ever made.. If I lived in CA, would buy it tomorrow.. Trouble is with petrol prices in EU, in my country 1l is 2.7 Canadian dollars, so full tank would be north of 160 Canadian.. Maintenance costs is the least of my worries.. Fantastic car with heart and soul.. Cheers
Straight up factory, as far as I know. I've never changed them (had the car 6 years this May) and the previous owner only put on 7k miles in the 4 years he had it - and didn't seem like a modifying type guy.
good video but why on gods green earth would you take it to the dealer for a fog lamp and grill thing??? just order the part and take the bumper off yourself it takes 15 minutes. yet they charged you $300 labor.
@@lexusls4305 i was too not too long ago and was scared. just look it up on youtube man all you need to do is take out a couple bolts and clips. taking a bumper off isnt like installing springs or something thats kinda difficult and requires real tools. and im not trynna make fun or anything i just want you to save your money!
H Do it! You won’t regret how it feels to drive a car that goes where you want as fast as you want it. I have never driven a more fun car...that also has backseats :)
@@lexusls4305 id say start with your idlers, and tensioner because they are cheap and a common maintenance item, while you’re in there throw a new belt on, I did all of that on my w204 and it was much quieter than I got a squeak a few months after and I actually had to replace the water pump pulley to get rid of the squeak. Yours sounds more like loud ball bearings which is normal over the years
Ofc with a low mileage like that nothings gonna be broken yet. 10y and only 45000km, I had those kinda numbers in the start of the 3rd year. This car is a garage queen, shame on you.
It was a daily driver before the pandemic - really! I just had a very short (10 minute) commute and didn't leave work for lunch. I've raced it, run it through Canadian winters and used it to haul groceries and family trips. I think what you're saying is that we don't get out enough :)
No, it was US gallons. It's all cruise control. The only thing that may be contributing to the better gas mileage might be that we were going from 4,000 elevation to 2,000 over 300 miles. There may have been a tailwind but nothing that was noticeable (no hurricanes this far north). And maybe, just maybe, because we use higher octane, but that's a huge debate in the forums.
I drive it daily! I just have a short commute, and now, with Covid I work at home so my driving is just for fun - it’s actually a way better vehicle for that :)
dull days It’s $110/mth. That’s with full coverage, including glass and I think a $500 deductible. I have it with the same insurance company as 1 other car and my home - so there is a multi-product rebate.
