How fast is the W204 C 63 AMG?
By
Vroomouk
This blog will list the specifications of the W 204 C 63 AMG and answer the following questions: how fast is the W 204 C 63 AMG? What are the specifications of the C 63 AMG? What is the engine and transmission used in the C 63 AMG? What are the common problems in the w204 C 63 AMG?
How fast is the W 204 C 63 AMG?
The W 204 C 63 AMG has a top speed of 155 Miles per hour or 250 km/hr but it is capable of reaching speeds of above 160 Miles per hour with an optional performance package. The C 63 AMG can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds. It is not the quickest AMG but the car offered great performance in the compact sedan body style.
Mercedes Benz launched the C 63 AMG in 2008, AMG designed the suspension of the car along with the engine and transmission. The previous generation of C 63 AMG had very poor handling, therefore the suspension setup of the new C 63 was based on the CLK class.
The CLK-based suspension setup improved the handling of the C 63 and it also had good feedback from the hydraulic power steering system. Mercedes AMG also reduced the traction control system cut, the driver only noticed the interference under heavy braking zones.
What are the specifications of the C 63 AMG?
The following table contains key specifications of the W 204 C 63 AMG:
| Specifications | Mercedes AMG C 63 AMG (W204) |
| Base Price | $57,350 |
| Engine output | 451 HP |
| Width | 179.5 cm |
| Wheelbase | 276.5 cm |
| Height | 143.8 cm |
| Curb weight | 1730 Kg |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 18 MPG |
| Range | 306 miles |
| CO2 emissions | 312 g/km |
What is the engine and transmission used in the W204 C 63 AMG?
The engine and the transmission used in the W 204 are:
- M156
- 7-speed automatic transmission (722.9)
Let’s take a close look at the engine in the W204 C 63 AMG.
M156
It is the first V 8 engine designed by the AMG division of Mercedes Benz and it replaced the ageing M113 engine. The displacement of the M156 is 6.2 litres with a compression ratio of 11.3:1. The firing order of the M156 is 1-5-4-2-6-3-7-8, and the dual overhead camshafts were made out of a single piece of aluminium.
The output of the M156 in the W 204 is slightly reduced compared to other models like the CLS 63 or the E 63. But there is no change in displacement of the engine. There is a 6.3-litre logo on the C 63 AMG, it is to commemorate the first 6.3-litre M100 engine produced by Mercedes Benz.
Like other AMG models, the M156 in the C 63 AMG is hand built in the Affalterbach plant, Germany. M156 had a closed deck design that was only common in diesel engines at the time. Closed deck engines are more durable than the open deck design engine.
The engine block and the cylinder heads were made from aluminium silicon alloy. The crankshaft main bearings were installed in a rigid bedplate instead of individual bridges. The bedplate was also reinforced with a steel casting.
The other highlights of the M156 are Cromax forged steel crankshaft, fracture-split forged connecting rods and cylinder walls with mirror-finished coating due to the twin wire arc spray technique.
The M156 also used bucket tappets instead of rocker arms with hydraulic compensating elements. Bucket types of tappets are short hollow cylinders enclosing the valve stem and spring. The entire valve train is more compact and lightweight.
One of the important characteristics of the M156 engine is that it is naturally aspirated. There is no turbocharger so the power delivery is very linear. The engine speed limit is set at 7000-8000 RPMs, Fuel is injected into the manifold by eight sequential injectors.
The standard C 63 has a power output of 451 horsepower but Mercedes Benz also sells a performance package that increases the power output to 480 horsepower.
Some of the other things included in the performance package are a carbon fibre spoiler, AMG performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, and composite disc brakes with red-painted brake callipers. The top speed is also increased to 174 mph with the development package.
7 G Tronic AMG SPEEDSHIFT
The M156 is mated to a 7-speed automatic transmission, C 63 AMG has a multi-disc clutch pack instead of a conventional torque converter with a lockup clutch. The multi-disc clutch pack eliminates power losses in the conventional torque converter where power is transmitted through automatic transmission fluid.
The AMG SPEEDSHIFT also allows for different driving modes, the driver can select between comfort, sport and manual mode. The response of the transmission changes according to the mode selected by the driver.
In the comfort mode, gear shifts are more smooth and take place early. Priority is not given to outright acceleration. This is suitable for city or country road driving. The engine speed is also kept between 3000- 4000 RPM.
In sports mode, the gear changes are delayed and the transmission control unit can also make accelerated downshifts. The engine speeds can reach 6000 RPM before a gear change takes place. Drivers can also select the launch control after the engine break-in period is completed.
The C 63 has two shift paddles located behind the steering wheel. In manual transmission mode, the driver can upshift or downshift the gears by the left and right shift paddles. The transmission control unit gives full control to the driver and the engine can even reach the rev limit of 7000-8000 RPM.
What are the common problems in the W204 C 63 AMG?
The common problems in the W 204 C 63 AMG are as follows:
- Cylinder head bolt failure
The M156 engine failed because of rusted or corroded cylinder head bolts. The problem starts with an abnormal ticking noise in the engine and eventually leads to catastrophic damage.
The issue was rectified after replacing the cylinder head bolts of all M156 engines. Mercedes Benz updated the cylinder head bolt design and also introduced a special chemical paste to prevent corrosion.
- ABS/ESP inoperative
One of the common issues in the C 63 AMG is the fault in the ESP control unit, especially in the old W204 model. If a software update of the ESP control unit does not fix the issue then the complete electric control unit needs replacement.
After replacing the control unit a road test must be performed in order to successfully finish the calibration of the control unit.
Other articles about Mercedes Benz you may be interested in
How fast is the 2016 E 63 AMG?
Why does the ‘stop vehicle leaving the engine running’ message come in Mercedes Benz?
Conclusion
This blog provided the answer to the question- of how fast the W204 C63 AMG is and also explained some of its common problems in it. The C63 was praised for its good handling and the performance it brought in the compact sedan segment. Mercedes Benz also rectified all the problems by issuing a field measure and covering the cost of expensive repairs.
