Mercedes C63 vs E63 AMG

Among the AMG series of Mercedes-Benz cars, the C63 and E63 are among the most well-known for their performance. They first appeared in 2007–8 and were met with much hoopla and positive reception from customers. Both the original C63 AMG and E63 AMG were remarkable automobiles in every way; they provided blistering acceleration, a classy exterior design, a plush and quiet interior, and cutting-edge technology. Both the Mercedes C-class and E-class were highly regarded by drivers before the release of the AMG C63 and E63.

The C63 AMG has traditionally been viewed as the less potent relative of the E63 AMG, and this is not an entirely false judgment. However, the E63’s $20,000-$30,000 price hike should not be forgotten. Both have high-performance “S” versions in addition to their regular models. Both the AMG C63 S and the E63 S improve upon the standard models by increasing power via retuned tuning and engine components, higher speed and rev limits, and better performance brakes.

Mercedes-AMG stopped production of the C63 and E63 S in 2021 and 2022, respectively, but will bring them back in 2023 with significant updates. A 48-volt electric hybrid starter-generator system and an electric turbo will presumably power their significantly smaller 2.0-liter engines. Mercedes has stated that the new models would have at least the same amount of power as the ones they are replacing, but beyond that, official details are few.

The C63 and E63 AMG are the subject of this guide, which examines their background, engines, common issues, and performance. First, we’ll examine the development and performance of both vehicles from their earliest iterations to the present day.

Mercedes C63 vs E63 AMG History & Performance

For the 2007 model year, Mercedes-AMG released the E63 in the North American market, and the following year, AMG released the C63. Reviewers have been drooling over both models ever since they were released due to their unbelievable speed, stunning good looks, and plush cabins. Both cars were equipped with naturally aspirated V8 engines that let forth terrifying roars from their quad exhaust systems as they sped down the road. Mercedes eventually abandoned natural aspiration in favor of slightly downsized biturbo V8s, which improved both power and responsiveness.

Mercedes designed the C63 AMG to compete with the BMW M3, and the E63 AMG to take on the BMW M5. Both are formidable adversaries with comparable performance and power levels. Fortunately for performance enthusiasts, the German automakers’ competition has resulted in a steady stream of gorgeous cars with colossal power.

W204 (2008-2014) C63 AMG

The Mercedes M156 was originally installed in the initial generation of the C63 AMG. The M156 features a 6.2-liter quad-cam 32-valve V8 block made of silicone and aluminum and operates on natural aspiration. The M156’s performance was praised for its responsiveness, power, and sound, and it produced 451 horsepower and 443 foot-pounds of torque. The M156 did have dependability difficulties, however, and we’ll get into that shortly. The M156 was previously examined in depth in our engine guide; for more information, please refer to that article.

In 4.5 seconds, the W204 C63 AMG can reach 60 mph, and in 12.1 seconds at 117 mph, it can complete a quarter mile. The transmission is a 7-speed automatic that sends power to the back wheels. Its suspension has firm spring and shock rates, according to reviews, but it doesn’t feel excessively harsh or uncomfortable at highway speeds. It has great 6-piston caliper brakes and 18-inch wheels.

Updates to the W204 C63 AMG’s exterior were made in 2012, giving the car a fresher look with a new grille and headlights that used light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Available for the C63 were performance packages that improved power by 30 horsepower, added forged internals, and enhanced top speed. Mercedes-Benz launched the C63 AMG Edition 507 in its final year of production for the W204, bringing the model’s horsepower up to 507 and adding new seats, wheels, and a special black-series hood. The utilization of the E63 AMG tuned version of the M156 accounted for the increase in output.

W205 (2015-2021) C63 AMG & C63 S AMG

New C63 AMG models, including the top-tier C63 S AMG, were introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 2015. M177 DE 40 LA biturbo 32-valve V8 powerplant found in both vehicles. Featuring twin BorgWarner single-scroll turbos, the M177 is an evolution of the M176. The C63 AMG now has 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque from Mercedes, while the C63 S has 503 hp and 516 lb-ft.

The W205 C63 AMG can accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, while the S variant achieves this in 3.7 seconds. The quarter-mile was completed in 12.0 seconds at 122 mph and 11.9 seconds at 123 mph. The W204’s original 7-speed transmission was used until 2018, when it was replaced by a new 9-speed automatic transmission from AMG. Since its release, the W205 has been lauded for its agile handling and outstanding chassis responsiveness. Positive comments were also made about the automatic transmission’s smooth and rapid shifts.

The C63/C63S AMGs were updated in 2019 along with the rest of the C-class models. As part of the makeover, the car’s appearance was updated, new color options were introduced, and new safety measures were included. Due in part to the high emissions produced by their big V8 engines, Mercedes stopped making the C63 and C63 S AMG after the 2021 model year. There are plans to bring back the C63 AMG in 2023 with a 2.0L inline-4 engine and an electric-hybrid drivetrain.

W211 (2007-2009) E63 AMG

The W211 E63 AMG is equipped with a high-performance version of the 6.2-liter M156 V8 engine, which was also used in the first-generation C63 AMG. Forged pistons, a lighter crankshaft, and a revised AMG tune are the key distinctions. From 0-60 mph takes 4.2 seconds, while the 1/4 mile is completed in 12.7 seconds at 112 mph.

The W211 E63 generates 507 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The power is sent to the back wheels via an automated transmission with seven gears. The transmission’s new Speedshift function made smarter shift decisions and shifted gears 50% quicker. The in-car music and navigation system also received minor updates for the 2009 model year.

W212 (2010-2016) E63 AMG & E63 S AMG

Before the 2012 model year, the W212 E63 AMG was powered by the same M156 engine as its predecessors; however, starting with that year, AMG began using a new 5.5L biturbo V8 engine. Both of the M157’s turbochargers are Garrett MGT2260SML models, and they produce boost pressure of 13 psi (.9 bar). An innovative direct injection system, sodium-filled exhaust valves, and a compression ratio of 10.0:1 are just a few of its features. The W212 E63 can go from 0-60 mph in just 4.0 seconds, and it can do the 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds at 115 mph. If you have any queries about the M157, be sure to read our earlier exploration of its engine’s most frequent issues.

For the W212 generation, Mercedes also redesigned the suspension, making it more rigid with firmer springs and shocks, thicker anti-roll bars, and adjustable dampers. Numerous upgrades were also included in 2014’s mid-generation refresh. The E63 S, a high-performance variation, was introduced by Mercedes, and the company also modified the vehicle’s drivetrain. Mercedes made its 4MATIC all-wheel drive system (AWD) standard on all E63 models, eliminating the rear-wheel-drive configuration as an available option.

In 2016, Mercedes stopped offering the base E63 in the North American market, leaving only the high-performance E63 S AMG. The initial output for the M157 with an E63 AMG from 2012–2015 was 518 horsepower and 516 tq. Nonetheless, the P30 performance package increased the output to 550 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. All E63s were required to have the P30 package as of 2014. A raise in boost pressure allowed the same engine to produce 577 horsepower and 590 tq in the 2014–2016 E63 S AMG.

W213 (2018-2022) E63 S AMG (4MATIC+ AWD)

After skipping the 2017 model year, the E63 S AMG came back stronger than ever in 2018 thanks to a new engine. The W213 generation of the C63/C63 S AMG shares its engine with the W205 generation’s M177 DE LA 40. That’s a 4.0-liter biturbo 32-valve V8 with direct injection. Compared to the C63 and C63 S AMGs, Mercedes enhanced the E63 S’s turbochargers. The E-series is equipped with twin-scroll turbos as opposed to single-scroll turbos, which improves both performance and fuel economy.

The current-generation E63 S AMG generates 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. It can go from 0-60 mph in 3.0 seconds, which is lightning fast. It can run the quarter mile in 11.1, which is faster than the 1,000-pound lighter Porsche 911. The M177 has an incredible power spectrum, with peak torque achieved immediately and lasting for days. Every time a driver revs their engine to redline, they rave about how responsive it is and how much power it has.

Mercedes’ 4MATIC AWD system receives power from a 9-speed automatic transmission. The E63 S AMG, however, has another option available: drift mode. A RWD-like driving mode is achieved by disengaging the front two wheels. Reviews for the W213 generation’s chassis, transmission, and suspension are all overwhelmingly positive. Reviews consistently comment on how well it handles and rides in comfort mode, and how much more responsive and powerful it feels when switched to sport mode.

999 Unit Final Edition

In 2022, Mercedes-Benz produced the E63 S AMG Final Edition for the model’s final year of production. It was produced in a strictly limited run of 999 units and looked very much like the 2021 model, albeit with some updated details. The interior was blacked out, the seats were upholstered in napa leather, and there was a special “1 of 999” console badge.

Mercedes C63 & E63 AMG Common Problems

After reviewing the background and performance of the C63, C63 S, E63, and E63 S AMG, we can go on to examining the most typical issues with their powertrains. We have already established that the M156 and M177 DE 40 LA engines are common to both the E and C classes. The M157 is also used in the E63 and E63S AMG from 2012-2016.

M156 Engine

Due to our extensive coverage of the M156 in our engine guide, we will only provide a brief overview here. If you have any questions about the M156, be sure to check out the guide when you have a chance.

Problems with the engine’s head bolts were the M156’s main drawback. Due to poor design, they were prone to corrosion and leaks that would allow coolant to enter the engine’s combustion chamber. Eventually, the head bolts would break completely, which would cause major issues including hydro-lock. Cam adjusters, cam lobes, and lifters are just a few of the valve train parts that have serious problems. The lubrication systems in all of them are flawed designs that lead to premature wear.

While the head bolts and other problems were addressed in 2011, the E63 no longer used the M156 the following year. All the same, the rest of the engine is sturdy, and the low-end is rock-solid.

M157 Engine

Similarly, if you’re having issues with your M157 engine, we’ve already taken a close look at those in our prior guide. To repeat, this is simply a quick synopsis.

Upon its introduction to the E-class, the M157 had numerous timing chain problems its first year on the market. These were associated with bad design choices that led to oil shortages, but were mostly fixed in the 2012 and 2013 models. Mercedes engines, even the AMG versions, have a lot of problems with the timing chains.

Misfires and spark problems were common with the M157, especially with modified or tuned engines. The coolant hoses and valve timing cover both regularly leak and require replacement. While the engine is generally dependable, there are a few quirks that are important to be aware of. Again, like the M156, the low end is spotless and capable of eating just much anything you throw at it. The easiest approach to prevent any M157 problems is to keep it well-maintained with good oil.

M177 DE 40 LA Engine

Moving on, the M177 DE 40 LA is the engine found in the most recent C63/C63 S and E63 S AMG models produced between 2015 and 2018. There is a lack of information on long-term issues with the M177 because few drivers have reached significant miles. The M177 has received universal praise for its durability and superiority.

Problems with the M177’s spark plugs and ignition coils have becoming increasingly common. Misfire problems due to clogged plugs have been reported by some drivers as early as 30,000 miles. Flawed spark plugs and ignition coils have been fingered as the primary causes of the problem. The root of the majority of the setbacks, though, is still a mystery. Even while this problem hasn’t afflicted many M177 users, some people have experienced it.

In general, the M177 has received few complaints, with the exception of ignition troubles and everyday issues like loose hoses. A dependable and robust low-end has been praised by even highly modified drivers. Which, in typical Mercedes-AMG fashion, is pretty much indestructible.