Like the majority of the AMG models, there’s nothing subtle about the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The performance wing of Mercedes-Benz has a reputation for building bullish and brutal cars, and the 2011 C-Class exemplifies the peak of Mercedes-AMG excess.

C-Class? Yes, there’s a choice of C63 AMGs rather than a single model. Inevitably the Coupe was first for the makeover, and then the saloon and estate quickly followed, keeping the same menacing aesthetic. A rippled aluminum bonnet covers a big 6.2-litre V8 engine (the 63 is a homage to Mercedes’ first production V8, the M100), the front bumper’s large air ducts to keep things cool, and the Mercedes star is featured big and proud on the front grille.

Developed to take on the BMW M3 and Audi RS5, the C63 AMG from 2008 was part of the W204 C-Class plan from the start, yet only gained a Coupe when facelifted in 2011. It’s sharper, more engaging, less staid than Mercedes’ previous fast models. AMGs were always rapid, but this one can take on TVRs and BMWs at a trackday as easily as it can cruise across continents. Now it’s a few years old, you can find one from around £20,000.

> Find a used Mercedes C63 AMG for sale near you

The sleek lines give the Coupe a svelte appearance while the enhanced wheel-arches and the large wheels are not only functional, they give a clear signal that this C-Class is going to be quick. The AMG versions of the C-Class Saloon and Estate look equally muscular, with a hunkered down look. Even from the rear, they all look mean. All have four oval exhausts, special AMG wheels, and there’s a lip spoiler on the boot of the Coupe and Saloon. Too subtle? AMG plastered C63 AMG badges on the side and rear of the car as well.

Mercedes C63 AMG 2011-2015 performance

Do the numbers matter? Now AMG can squeeze 421hp from a 2.0-litre four-cylinder, the appeal of the W204 C-Class AMGs is in the size and character of the engine. Its 6.2-litre V8 produces between 457hp and 487hp (AMG Performance Pack Plus) and a staggering 600Nm of torque.

In terms of go, it means the 0-62mph dash is dispensed in just 4.3 seconds for the coupe, 4.4 for the saloon and 4.5 for the estate

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The AMG Black Series (only available as a Coupe) packs 509hp, hits 186mph and rockets from 0-62mph in just 4.1 seconds. Every C63 AMG is seriously powerful and seriously quick.

A punch isn’t all the AMG-tuned C-Class can pack. All will take four adults, though the Coupe’s the hardest to get into the back of and its boot is an adequate 450 litres. Saloons get two more doors of course, and 475 litres. Naturally the Estate not only catches more people off guard by looking almost sensible, it gains rear headroom and offers 485 litres, rising to 1,500 litres with the seats down.

Buying tips and common problems for the Mercedes C63 AMG

As a high-value, high performance car it’s worth spending some money on an independent expert inspection, or if you can find a garage local to the car you’re viewing see if you can book some time on a ramp. You’ll want to remove all four wheels to check tyres, rims and brakes, and also get a good look underneath.

1. Modifications may hide C63 AMG history

Already rather over-the-top in appearance, the C63 AMG appeals to drivers who like to make their mark. As the cars depreciate, that mark may not be of the same quality as Mercedes’ own engineering. They may also be a cheaper way of hiding accident damage. Modified plates, tinted windows, oversprayed/cheap aftermarket wheels, alternative bodykits and grilles are all, if not red, strong amber flags that suggest a vehicle check and lots of diligence around the history are in order.

2. High-performance, high mileage C63 M156 V8 issues

Compared with some BMW and Audi V8s the AMG-designed M156 is astonishingly reliable, and relatively easy to repair, but far from cheap if it breaks. Frequent oil changes are a must. Neglected cars suffer from camshaft wear, hydraulic lifter damage, clogged crankcase ventilation and poor running due to degrading gaskets on the inlet manifold.

3. Gearbox and powertrain – C63 AMG problems

Mercedes gearboxes are robust when maintained properly, but can be expensive when neglected and it’s not unknown for gearbox specialists to play on this and charge for rebuilds when all that was needed was a service. C63s use the 7G-Tronic, and 2011-2015 models have an upgraded version called MCT. This uses a clutch instead of torque convertor for faster shifts, which does introduce an obvious component to wear out with higher miles.

First of all, check for gearbox oil changes in the service history. Factory specification is every 78,000 miles, but most enthusiasts and specialists recommend 40,000 mile ATF replacement for the sophisticated 7G-Tronic.

When driving look for snappy, firm shifts in Sport mode – but not clunky, and make sure it engages manual overrides smoothly but quickly under gentle acceleration. Earlier cars can be slower to shift, and under full power the ‘box can miss changes or feel abrupt even when new. There’s no way of checking the oil routinely, so if you can get a specialist to check for fault codes that will cover most things. The 7G-Tronic can skip gears during downshifts, and the MCT allows double-declutching style shifts.

Performance Pack C63s have a limited-slip differential. Check for regular oil changes on this and listen for unusual rattles, feel for grabbing or pulling from the back wheels when driving in a straight line.

4. Stop – check your C63 AMG’s brakes

Being a high-performance Mercedes, the C63 AMG’s brakes are equally high performance. Motorsport-style discs, big six-pot calipers and special compounds mean noise under hard braking is normal, and any car that’s been tweaked for track use may be grabby at low speeds/temperatures. But for the average C63 AMG buyer, the brakes will last a surprisingly long time and the caliper design is robust compared to the cheap floating types used on most cars.

Brembo replacements cost hundreds of pounds, but still somewhat less than a main dealer will charge (at the time of writing, around £1,400. Be warned when buying a used C63 that inferior discs do fit; look for a distinct ‘floating’ appearance near the hub (early cars have two-piece discs, later cars have a single component that looks like a two-piece.

Check the MoT history online and look for advisories on brake pad material, disc condition and brake pipes. This will give you pointers on where to look on older and higher mileage cars to make sure they’ve been maintained. Look for invoices in the service history to make sure genuine or Brembo parts of the right spec have been fitted.

5. Accident and bodywork checks for the C63 AMG

This is a fast car with potentially untamed rear-wheel drive handling, so you can imagine how high the risks are of damaged examples making their way back on sale. The insurance costs will reflect this too. This era of Mercedes also attracted the early attempts at key cloning thefts. A car history check is vital here.

That won’t tell the whole story though. Unrecorded minor damage should be cosmetic, but still affects the value. Inspect the paint very carefully around seams, windows and lights, and while you’re looking at windows and lights check the part codes and markings. Look underneath for damage to the floor, and also check the front suspension mounting points. Don’t forget to look underneath the doors.

Your main concern on a W204 C-Class is the rear subframe. Not only does the subframe itself corrode, the bushes can fail causing wandering and unpredictable handling, and the brake pipes routed around the subframe can also corrode.

Anything else worth knowing about the 2011-2015 C63 AMG

Well, first of all, the Mercedes W204 is actually older than 2011. You can find this generation of C-Class all the way back to 2007, and AMG versions from 2008 in saloon and estate form; it was the first Mercedes to be designed from the start to have a high-performance AMG model in the range, and it carries AMG’s first bespoke engine rather than an AMG-tuned Mercedes unit.

When weighing up different generations of AMG, this is the one to get if you like displacement and don’t fancy turbos. It’s 6.2-litres of old-school V8. Newer generations (still badged 63) are turbocharged 4.0-litre AMG designs, or tuned-up Mercedes 5.5-litre models. These days AMG is exploring hybrid, four-cylinder power.

Before 2011, the older CLK carried the AMG Coupe role, and the final CLK Black‘s front suspension forms the basis for the new generation here. After 2011, the E-Class gets the AMG treatment as a saloon and estate, though the E-Class Coupe replaced the CLK officially.

If you want two doors, four seats and a sporty profile for this generation, the C-Class-based C63 AMG is your only choice – but it’s a very good one. Read the rest of our full review to find out more about the 2011-2015 C63 AMG’s practicality, safety, running costs and performance.

As with all used purchases, do remember to get a car history check. It might just save you from an unpleasant surprise later down the line. Also, don’t forget you can use our valuation tool to get an idea of how much you should be paying for a car. You can also check our reviews section for more information about the cars you are interested in.