Mercedes-AMG C63 S (W205)

The case for the W205 C63 S

The W205 C63 S arrived in 2015 with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, 503 bhp and 700 Nm, driving the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic. It was the first C63 to use a turbocharged V8 instead of the naturally aspirated 6.2-litre unit, and it was faster, more efficient and more usable as a result.

The C63 S is a proper super-saloon. It has four doors, a usable boot and a cabin that is comfortable enough for a long trip. The estate version is the enthusiast's choice, with the same performance and more practicality. The coupe and convertible are also available, but the saloon and estate are the ones to have.

The C63 S is not as sharp as a BMW M3, but it is more dramatic. The V8 sounds wonderful, the rear-drive chassis is playful and the ride is firm but compliant. It is a car that makes every journey an event, even a trip to the shops.

What it costs to run

A minor service at an AMG specialist is £400 to £700, and a major service is £1,000 to £1,500. The V8 uses expensive oil and spark plugs, and the gearbox fluid should be changed at the recommended intervals. Tyres are £700 to £1,000 for a set of 18-inch or 19-inch rubber. Brake discs and pads are £1,200 to £2,000, and carbon-ceramic brakes are much more expensive.

Fuel economy is around 20-25 mpg on a run, mid-teens in town. Insurance is costly and road tax is in the highest band. The C63 S is not a cheap car to run, but it is not a supercar either. The biggest risk is a major turbo or gearbox failure outside warranty.

Known weak points

The M177 V8 has a few known issues. Turbo wastegate rattle is common, especially on early cars. Oil leaks from the valve covers and the timing chain covers can develop. The PCV system can fail, and the engine can consume oil. The 7-speed automatic is generally strong, but the torque converter and mechatronic unit can fail. The rear differential can whine or leak.

The adaptive dampers are a known wear item, so check for leaks and warning messages. The brakes are a wear item on a heavy car, and carbon-ceramic discs can crack. The infotainment system is dated on early cars, and the battery can drain if the car is left unused. The exhaust valves can seize, and the paint is soft.

The C63 S Estate uses rear air suspension, which can leak and leave the car sitting low. The saloon uses steel springs, but the adaptive dampers can still fail. The rear subframe and differential bushes wear, and the brakes are expensive to replace. The 7-speed MCT gearbox can jerk at low speed, especially when cold; a fluid and filter change may help, but a worn clutch pack is a bigger job.

The C63 S is also sensitive to kerb damage and poorly repaired bodywork. The wide arches and low front bumper make it easy to scrape. A paint depth gauge and a careful inspection are essential.

What to check before buying

A complete service record matters more than low mileage. A full Mercedes-AMG or specialist history is essential. Check that the running-in service was done on time and that the gearbox fluid has been changed. Ask for a fault-code scan and a report from an AMG specialist.

Listen to the turbochargers on a cold start and after a hard run. A rattle or a whistle can indicate a wastegate or bearing problem. Check for oil leaks around the valve covers and the timing covers. On a test drive, check the gearbox for smooth shifts and no hesitation. Try the different drive modes and the limited-slip differential if fitted.

Inspect the brakes and tyres. Check the adaptive dampers for leaks and the suspension for knocking. Check the paint and the wheels for damage. On an Estate, check the rear air suspension for leaks and uneven ride height. Check the panoramic roof for leaks and the rear arches for stone chips. The C63 S is heavy, so check the brakes and tyres carefully. Try every screen, switch and driver aid, including the climate controls. A warranty is worth paying extra for.

Market and depreciation

The W205 C63 S has depreciated significantly from new. Early 2016 and 2017 cars with 50,000 to 80,000 miles were £28,000 to £38,000 at the time of writing. Later facelift cars were £35,000 to £48,000. The estate carries a premium of £3,000 to £6,000 over the saloon. The coupe and convertible are less sought after. The facelift car is more desirable, with updated infotainment and a more aggressive look, and it holds its value better than the earliest cars.

The market is softening as more cars come out of warranty. A car with a full history, low mileage and a good spec will sell quickly. A cheap car with a patchy history can be a risk. The C63 S is a lot of car for the money, but it is not cheap to maintain.

Who it suits

The C63 S suits the owner who wants a V8 super-saloon with rear-wheel drive and a loud exhaust. It is comfortable enough for a daily driver, practical enough for a family and fast enough for a weekend. It does not suit someone who wants a raw, analogue experience or a car they can maintain on a small budget. It also does not suit someone who wants all-wheel drive for winter; the C63 S is rear-drive only.

If you want a more focused car, the BMW M3 is lighter and more agile. If you want all-wheel drive, the Audi RS4 is the obvious alternative. If you want an estate, the C63 S Estate is one of the best fast estates ever made.

Alternatives

The BMW M3 F80 is the closest rival. It has a similar twin-turbo six, rear-wheel drive and a more focused chassis. The Audi RS4 B9 is more practical, with all-wheel drive and an estate body, but it is less dramatic. The Alfa Giulia Quadrifoglio is more agile and more exotic, but it is less reliable. The Mercedes-AMG C43 is cheaper and more usable, but it lacks the V8.

The C63 S is a character car. It is not the best all-rounder, but it is one of the most memorable cars in its class.

How this review was compiled

This review is based on Mercedes-AMG's published technical and service information, owner reports from MBWorld and AMG Private Lounge, UK AMG specialist servicing guides and current Auto Trader listings. UK market prices vary with mileage, spec and condition.