From the Classifieds: Three feisty Mercedes-Benz C-Class AMGs for sale

There’s no doubting the decision to reduce the cylinder count of the latest Mercedes-AMG C 63 by 50 per cent was divisive.

Sure, the manic turbo-four has been part of Mercedes-AMG’s arsenal since the A 45 hot hatch debuted in 2013. And the latest (inhale) ‘C 63 S E Performance’ packs the world’s most powerful production four-cylinder engine; the 2.0-litre unit generates 350kW and 545Nm on its own and a pair of electric motors result in combined outputs of no less than 500kW/1020Nm.

“But…” we hear some saying. Bear with us.

Mercedes-Benz also has performance four-cylinder form that stretches way back. Touring car racing fans will remember the insane 190E 2.5-16 Group A / DTM lineage that went door-to-door with BMW’s original M3 in the 1980s.

And the achingly beautiful 1950s 190SL also bore four cylinders, even if performance was only ‘adequate’.

OK. You can say it. “An AMG C-Class flagship REQUIRES eight cylinders.” Well, if the above hasn’t swayed you, let us present three, with eight. And you can buy any (or all) of them via carsales, right now.

2005 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 55 sedan

For the next W203 generation, the AMG shoe-horn formula reached the next level.

Now fully owned by Mercedes, the AMG success story had seen a rapid model range expansion as it looked to compete with BMW and Audi.

The ‘M113’ V8, again with three valves per cylinder, now displaced 5439cc. With a high 11.0:1 compression ratio, it upped the power ante to 270kW but still offered a big 510Nm torque peak – figures that made the 3.2-litre straight-six E46 M3’s 252kW/365Nm outputs fall a bit short.

It retained a five-speed automatic as the only transmission option, with some manual control enabled via steering wheel-mounted buttons (rather than paddles). The 0-100km/h claim was 5.2sec.

Stiffer front springs (compared to even the supercharged-six W203 C 32 that came before it) matched well to stiffer front and rear dampers to deliver improved control while retaining everyday usability.

Like the previous-generation C 43, the W203 C 55 was subtle in styling execution, though the quad exhaust outlets under a small rear lip spoiler hinted at what lurked under the bonnet. Wheel size grew to 18 inches but retained the 225-section front, 245-section rear rubber of the previous C 43.

Appearing to be completely immaculate and showing a super-low 70,632km on the odometer, this ‘Cubanite Silver’ C 55 is priced towards the top of the C 55 market at $39,990.

That stunning colour showcases a C 55 that has a full service history, with a recent major service completed, including the vital transmission service, and new Continental tyres.

The seller states they have bought and sold Mercedes-Benz products ‘for over 30 years’, which should give added peace of mind.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

2014 Mercedes-Benz AMG C 63 Edition 507 Coupe

The first C 63 cast all doubt aside: AMG was here to stay… and here to play.

Foregoing subtle menace for overt muscularity, the 6208cc (though badged ‘63’ in reference to the famed 300SEL 6.3 of the late 1960s), the W204-generation C 63 could be had in wagon, sedan or coupe forms, further expanding appeal against the new Audi RS and BMW M options.

The naturally-aspirated V8 was the first specific AMG-built engine (previously they used modified Mercedes motors). When introduced in 2008, the C 63 had a 336kW tune (larger AMGs had more again), powering the rear wheels via the new seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT torque converter automatic.

The package was honed to a crescendo in the last production years, culminating in the ‘Edition 507’ specification. This increased power to 373kW (or 507hp in old money, hence the name), with a 610Nm torque peak and details such as lightweight internals and forged pistons borrowed from the SLS supercar.

The 0-100km/h claim was just 4.2sec and braking was also enhanced with composite front discs clamped by six-pot callipers, with four-piston rears.

Our selected example is a coupe, finished in white to best show off the blackened grille and side sections… not to mention the aggressive, Black Series-style bonnet vents.

Privately owned and clearly loved, this ‘507’ was purchased from the elderly original owner who used it as a retired daily driver. Said to have been ‘driven gently’, it was purchased by the current owner via the M-B dealership in Toowong (which acquired it from the original owner’s estate).

Perhaps the most ringing endorsement is that the owner states: “Car for sale so I can invest more into my business. I’ll be back to buy it off you in a year or two.”

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

2015 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Estate

The W205-generation (denoting sedan; C205 and S205 signified coupe and wagon, respectively) C 63 closed the V8-powered C-Class AMG chapter as we know it.

Moving down in capacity (to 4.0 litres) but adding two turbochargers, the new V8 improved economy and emissions (yes, and power).

In more powerful ‘S’ guise (as fitted to Australian-delivered cars), combined fuel consumption went from 12.0 to 8.7L/100km and, simultaneously, peak power increased to 375kW, with 700Nm torque served flat from 1750rpm through to 4500rpm. 0-100km/h was yours in an equally flat four seconds.

It looked like the best of both worlds, though some missed the throttle response and barking nat-atmo V8 engine note at 7000rpm…

The seven-gear SPEEDSHIFT automatic gearbox was retained, Australian examples continued to drive the rear wheels and tricky bits such as the ‘active’ rear differential, adaptive suspension and active engine mounts worked in unison to lift the dynamic experience further than ever before.

Some truly tasty options – such as ceramic brakes and Michelin Cup 2 ‘semi-slicks’ were also available.

For further family fun, this wagon is currently advertised for $87,000, which is around the expected market price.

It’s travelled 84,500km, showcases a complete service history and the owner honestly describes it as having ‘minor paint chips on the bonnet and some parts of the leather are ageing’ but other than those blemishes, it’s ‘mint’.

As the owner is moving overseas – and there have been 10 pricing updates according to the carsales pricing insights tool – we’d suggest an inspection and test drive… and don’t forget your negotiator’s hat.

Click here to view the full listing while it lasts!

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