Mercedes-AMG C63 S Coupe (W205): pre-facelift vs 2019 and what to verify

Shoppers looking for a C63 S Coupe often have one specific question: is it worth holding out for a 2019 or newer facelift car, or is an earlier one fine? The honest answer depends on what you value, and on what the recall record says. Here is what separates the C63 from the C63 S, the pre-facelift from the facelift, and what to confirm on any individual car.

In this guide

What it is

The table below describes the pre-facelift specification. The 2019 facelift changed the gearbox and rear differential, as explained next.

Sources: Mercedes-AMG press release for the 2017 C63 Coupe and Wikipedia's W205 article.¹²

The press release also says the Coupe shares only its doors, roof and trunk lid with the ordinary C-Class Coupe: the AMG car has new front and rear fenders (64 mm wider at the front and 66 mm at the rear), a wider track, a model-specific rear axle carrier, and a longer aluminium hood with two "powerdomes". Standard equipment includes AMG Ride Control adaptive dampers, a flap-controlled exhaust and sport seats, with Performance seats and a Performance exhaust as options. Mercedes described US sales as starting in summer 2016.¹ That matters for identification: ordinary C-Class Coupes with AMG-style bumpers are common, but they do not have the wider body panels or the V8.

Pre-facelift or facelift?

The facelift cars were released in 2018 for the 2019 model year. They added an updated steering wheel with touchpads, optional larger infotainment displays with Apple CarPlay, LED headlights as standard and semi-autonomous driver aids. They also have a notable trade-off: because of emissions and noise regulations, the factory AMG Performance Exhaust was muted significantly on facelift AMG C43 and C63 models worldwide.²

• If technology matters to you (CarPlay, driver aids, newer cabin options), look at facelift cars.
• If exhaust sound matters, test drive both back to back before deciding; this is the most commonly reported difference.
• Transmission and differential: the 2019 facelift introduced the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed, replacing the earlier seven-speed. Mercedes also made the electronic rear limited-slip differential standard on both C63 and C63 S.³ Compare the actual specification and servicing of each car.

Recalls to check

NHTSA lists many campaigns that touch these cars, and not every campaign applies to every VIN or body style. Those naming the C63 or C63 S Coupe include:⁴⁵

• 17V654000 (October 2017): the rear-axle differential mounting flange may fracture from repeated aggressive launches. The listed cars include 2015-2016 C63, 2015-2017 C63 S and the 2017 C63 S Coupe; the remedy is a software update to the stability system and chassis control unit.
• 18V850000 (November 2018): a locknut in the steering rack may break under high load, possibly leaving the steering stuck in one position; dealers replace the steering rack. The list includes 2018 C63 and C63 S Coupes and several other C-Class and E-Class variants. This is a serious safety item, so confirm completion.
• 17V627000 (October 2017): inadequate grounding of steering components affects airbag operation on several models including the C63 S; dealers add grounding.
• 17V251000 (April 2017): seat-belt pretensioners on certain 2017 models, including C63 and C63 S Coupes; the front belts are replaced.
• 18V207000 and 19V130000 (2018 and 2019): the seatbacks of the front seats may not lock properly; dealers inspect and replace the lock as necessary. 19V130000 lists 2017-2018 C63 and C63 S Coupes.
• 21V032000 (January 2021): front belts may not fully retract on certain 2017-2020 cars, including C63 models.
• 20V395000 (July 2020): incorrect electronic stability programme software on certain 2019-2020 C63 and C63 S cars.
• 21V961000 (December 2021): particles trapped between the fuel rail and injectors can cause a fuel leak on certain 2019-2020 vehicles including C63; this is a fire risk and should be handled by a dealer.
• 21V509000 (July 2021): LED headlights incorrectly adjusted during repair on certain 2018-2020 cars.
• 21V197000 and 23V854000: bonded front roof panel issues on certain C-Class cars, which cover a bonded panel near the windshield; 23V854000 refers to a panel that may not have been bonded correctly in a prior repair, so ask about any roof or windshield-area bodywork.

(18V456000, a beltline-trim campaign, applies to Cabriolets, not Coupes.) Run the VIN through NHTSA's lookup and ask the selling dealer for proof that campaigns are complete; the list above is drawn from the NHTSA database and is not complete, and some campaigns refer to a Part 573 report for model detail.⁶

Verifying the car is what the listing says

AMG options such as the Performance exhaust, Performance seats, carbon-ceramic brakes and special packages matter to the car's character. The window sticker or a dealer-pulled build record lists options by code. Ask for it instead of relying on a description. Check that:

• the VIN and the C63 model designation match on the dashboard plate, the door-jamb label and the registration;
• the car really has the V8 under the hood (a C43 has a V6 and a C300 Coupe a four-cylinder, and bodywork can be dressed up to look like an AMG);
• the car has the wide AMG rear arches and Coupe-specific bumpers rather than aftermarket parts on a standard body.

The S added dynamic engine mounts and extra performance equipment. The electronic rear differential distinguished the pre-facelift S, but Mercedes made it standard on both variants for the 2019 facelift.¹³

Condition and service

A twin-turbo AMG V8 needs timely fluid and filter service. Ask for dealer or specialist records for engine oil (ask which oil was used, not just that it was changed), transmission fluid and differential fluid. A parts retailer's guide to the M177 lists turbocharger oil-supply-line seepage, camshaft-adjuster rattle, intake-valve carbon build-up and ignition wear as things inspectors look for; it is a vendor source, so treat it as a checklist for the inspector, not as proof that every car will have them.⁷ Listen on a cold start, look for oil around the turbo lines, and check for stored fault codes. Have an independent Mercedes-AMG specialist do a pre-purchase inspection, including a scan of all modules. Brake, steering, suspension and fuel-system faults should be diagnosed and repaired by a qualified professional.

What to ask about a 2019 C63 S Coupe

A shortlist should distinguish the body style, S specification and facelift together. "C63 AMG", "C 63 S" and "C63S Coupe" are useful search variants, but broad results can include sedans, Cabriolets and older generations. Confirm the VIN-based model and equipment before comparing two apparently similar adverts.

For the facelift, the gearbox is a real hardware distinction: Mercedes introduced the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT nine-speed for the 2019 model, along with an electronic rear limited-slip differential on both C63 and C63 S. Dynamic engine mounts remained S equipment.³ A newer steering wheel or grille fitted to an earlier car does not establish those changes.

Which options need more than a photograph?

Request the factory record for Performance seats, Performance exhaust, brake equipment, infotainment and driver-assistance packages. A carbon-style trim panel, repainted brake calipers or an exhaust button is not enough to establish the original option. Compare the equipment list with the physical car and any modification receipts.

Test the functions that affect everyday use: seat adjustment, cameras, phone connectivity, adaptive-damper settings and warning messages. Ask a specialist to scan the modules and explain any stored faults or software changes. If sound is the deciding factor, compare the actual cars in the same driving modes; market specification and aftermarket exhaust work can matter as much as model year.

Sources and further reading

1. The new 2017 Mercedes-AMG C63 Coupe, Mercedes-Benz USA press information (PDF, 20 August 2015)
2. Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W205), Wikipedia: the AMG C 63 pages redirect here.
3. The new Mercedes-AMG C 63 models, Mercedes-Benz USA: 2019-model-year nine-speed transmission, electronic differential on both variants and S dynamic mounts.
4. NHTSA recall data for 2017 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63
5. NHTSA recall data for 2019 Mercedes-Benz AMG C63: the 2020 and 2018 queries give the rest.
6. NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
7. Mercedes-Benz M177 engine guide, Euro Premium Parts: a parts retailer's overview.