The 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 Amg remains a highly sought-after vehicle for enthusiasts who crave a blend of raw power, exhilarating sound, and surprising practicality. Having driven a 2011 model as a daily driver for several years, I can attest to the unique charm and capabilities of this performance sedan. Here’s an in-depth look into the ownership experience, focusing on key aspects that potential buyers and owners should consider.
Performance and Fuel Considerations
One of the first things you’ll notice about the C63 AMG is its potent performance, courtesy of the naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine. The sound is simply intoxicating, a deep rumble that turns into a ferocious roar as you push the accelerator. However, be mindful of fuel economy. This isn’t a car for those seeking efficiency. Furthermore, using lower octane fuel like 91 can lead to hesitation issues. Switching to 94 octane gasoline resolves this problem and ensures optimal engine performance.
Tire Wear and Handling Dynamics
Expect to replace rear tires more frequently than you might anticipate. This isn’t solely due to aggressive driving or burnouts. The factory rear toe settings are quite aggressive, causing the inside edges of the rear tires to wear down faster. To mitigate this and enhance handling, consider upgrading to wider tires on the stock rims. Moving to 245 tires in the front and 265 or even 275 tires in the rear on the original 18-inch wheels provides a noticeable improvement in grip and tire longevity without compromising the car’s balance or requiring aftermarket wheels.
Practicality and Daily Driving
Despite its high-performance nature, the 2009 C63 AMG is surprisingly practical for daily use. Visibility is excellent, and the interior offers a decent amount of space for passengers and cargo. The trunk is reasonably sized, and the rear seats even fold down to accommodate larger items. While the sport seats are heavily bolstered, providing excellent support during spirited driving, they might become less comfortable on very long journeys. However, for everyday driving and weekend adventures, the C63 AMG strikes a good balance. Ride comfort is firm, as expected from an AMG, but not overly harsh or jarring, making it suitable for daily commutes.
Maintenance and Reliability Points
One minor yet recurring observation is the relatively frequent replacement of certain light bulbs. This doesn’t apply to the main HID headlights, which are typically durable, but rather to bulbs such as cornering lights, fog lights, and parking lights. While not a major concern, it’s a common characteristic observed in this generation of Mercedes vehicles, including the C-Class. Regarding brakes, C63 AMGs equipped with the Performance Package, which includes enhanced brakes and a limited-slip differential (LSD), are known to have significantly higher brake replacement costs. While brake service hasn’t been required yet on my vehicle, it’s a factor to consider for long-term ownership expenses.
Winter Driving and Modifications
With winter tires installed, the C63 AMG handles surprisingly well in snowy conditions. While it’s not designed to be a dedicated winter vehicle like an all-wheel-drive Subaru or Audi, it performs admirably in light to moderate snow – certainly better than many might expect for a rear-wheel-drive performance car, especially when the snow depth remains under 4 inches. For those seeking more power, an ECU flash is a straightforward and cost-effective modification. For under $1000, you can unlock substantial gains of around 50 horsepower and torque. These engines are intentionally detuned from the factory to maintain performance hierarchy within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, leaving considerable potential for improvement through software tuning.
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes Benz C63 AMG offers a compelling package of exhilarating performance, surprising practicality, and a distinctive driving experience. While factors like fuel consumption and tire wear need consideration, the overall ownership experience is overwhelmingly positive for those seeking a thrilling and capable performance sedan.
