Non-turbocharged performance cars are now extremely rare on the new-car market, but if you’re looking for one, you’ll find plenty of pre-owned options. Ciro De Siena may have found one of the most reliable ones in his W204 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG.
The W204-series Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG marked the moment that the Three-pointed Star’s Affalterbach-based tuning division began stepping up its development of AMG models. Launched in 2008, the AMG-fettled business class sedan was powered by a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 (yes, even though it was badged as “6.3”) that produced peak outputs of 336 kW and 600 Nm – it drove the car’s rear wheels via an AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-tronic ‘box (with an automatic throttle-blipping function).
Apart from its powertrain, the W204-series Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG was distinguished from other high-end C-Class derivatives by, inter alia, its redesigned front axle (with a 35-mm wider track) and -suspension, speed-sensitive AMG sports steering, 3-stage ESP and AMG sports suspension.
In its heyday, the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG (which later received a Performance Package Plus option and summited with the brutal Edition 507), did battle with the B7-gen Audi RS4, with its 4.2-litre V8 engine, a 6-speed manual gearbox and quattro all-wheel drivetrain, as well as the E90-gen BMW M3, powered by a high-revving 4.0-litre V8 mated with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch ‘box.
See also: Modern Classic: Audi RS4 (B7) Buyer’s Guide
Even though the C63 AMG was regarded as a bit of bludgeon, compared with the forgiving, but understeer-prone Audi RS4 and the visceral, if somewhat peaky, BMW M3, today, the ‘Benz stands out for being endowed with the final large-capacity non-turbocharged V8 motor that AMG mass produced.
Its relatively simple engine configuration is a plus, but the W204-series Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is still a luxury vehicle from the Noughties, which means that it needs thoughtful maintenance and care…
DRAG RACE: Ciro pits his C63 AMG against the latest Mercedes-AMG A45 S
Ciro takes us through some common problems with the M156 engine and what to look for when taking a C63 AMG for a test drive. He also dug up some parts pricing for some of those common problems that you may encounter during ownership, as well as things to make sure of before you buy one.
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