The 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG remains a highly desirable car for enthusiasts, and after daily driving a 2011 model for several years, it’s easy to see why. The raw sound and exhilarating performance deliver a driving experience that’s hard to match. Beyond the initial thrills, here are some key aspects to consider if you’re thinking about daily driving a C63 AMG of this era.
Performance and Fuel Considerations
Let’s address the elephant in the room: fuel economy. It’s not going to be a strong point. Furthermore, using 91 octane fuel can sometimes lead to hesitation issues. Switching to 94 octane resolves this, ensuring the engine runs smoothly and delivers its power optimally. For those prioritizing performance, the upgrade in fuel grade is a worthwhile adjustment.
Tire Wear and Handling
Be prepared for rear tire replacements more frequently than you might expect. This isn’t solely due to aggressive driving; the factory rear toe settings are quite aggressive, causing wear on the inside edges of the tires. A practical upgrade to enhance both handling and tire longevity is to fit wider tires on the stock rims. Moving to 245s on the front and 265 or even 275s on the rear, while maintaining the stock 18-inch wheels, provides a noticeable improvement.
Practicality and Comfort
Surprisingly, the C63 AMG offers a good level of practicality for daily use. Visibility is excellent, and the interior space is decent, accommodating passengers and cargo comfortably. The trunk is a usable size, and the rear seats even fold down for larger items. While the seats are heavily bolstered, providing excellent support during spirited driving, they might become slightly firm for very long journeys. However, for everyday driving and weekend fun, the ride comfort is firm yet not overly harsh.
Maintenance and Reliability Points
One minor quirk we’ve observed is the frequent replacement of light bulbs. This isn’t related to the main HID headlights, but rather the cornering, fog, and parking bulbs. It’s a relatively minor issue, but something we’ve noticed across both a C63 and a previous C350. It’s worth keeping a spare set of these bulbs on hand.
Winter Driving Capability
With winter tires fitted, the C63 AMG is surprisingly capable in snowy conditions. While it’s not a dedicated all-wheel-drive winter vehicle, it handles snow reasonably well, performing better than you might anticipate, especially in snow depths up to around 4 inches.
Performance Modifications – ECU Flash
For owners seeking to unlock more power, an ECU flash is a straightforward and cost-effective modification. For under $1000, you can gain a significant boost of around 50 horsepower and torque. These engines are known to be somewhat detuned from the factory, likely to differentiate performance from higher-tier models like the E and SL-Class that share the same engine.
Performance Package Brakes – Cost Considerations
If you are considering a C63 AMG equipped with the Performance Package, be aware that brake jobs can be considerably more expensive. While we haven’t yet needed to replace the brakes on our car, we’ve heard reports of a significant cost difference compared to models without the Performance Package’s upgraded brakes.
In conclusion, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG offers a compelling blend of performance and surprising practicality for daily driving. While fuel consumption and tire wear are factors to consider, the exhilarating driving experience, coupled with its usability, makes it a rewarding choice for enthusiasts seeking a daily driver with a potent edge.
