I've sorted out the suspension of my 996TTx50 (PSS10, adjustable upper rear arms and toe arms, drops links, sway bars, 19" wheels and speedtech exhaust). I'm looking to upgrade my daily driver MBZ C55 to a barely used 09 MBZC63 and found several for sale. The big question is I found a used C63 with the P31 option package (another 30hp via lightened rods, crank, modded ECU, LSD and composite front brakes) but its about 3K more than a C63 without this option. The other point is this option is very hard to find used since nobody bothered to order it.) Do i just get a base engine C63 and pump the saved $$$ into a ECU upgrade to the 966TT(which can really be done at any time) or buy up to the C63/P31 and wait on the ECU bump on the 996TT.

 

new daily

a new mod to a car already in the stable is fun, but adding a new car to the stable is ****

 

Get the P31 optioned car or you'll think about it every time you hit the loud pedal in your 63.

 

3k for all that from factory is a pretty good deal. if u must get a 63, id say go for the higher spec'd one as its easier to sell on the way out. or just keep the 55 and put all the upgrade money into the 996tt!

 

Base engine and turbo ECU upgrade.

 

Have you ever considered a second Turbo as DD? They are awfully cheap. Infact there are many cars cheaper than C63's with low miles.

 

Couple things I noticed, and wanted to point out in case it helps with your decision.

P31 is a new option for 2010 C63's - IIRC, the option availability started no earlier than Dec '09 production, and some of the first P31 C63's have just been delivered to U.S. dealers and owners (window sticker ~$80k). P31 has some of the lightened M159 (i.e. SLS) engine internals as you mention, the ECU tuning bump, composite (but not ceramic) brakes with red calipers, grey intake manifold runners that closely match the airboxes (instead of a contrasting light silver), some alacantra in the interior... think that's about it. It does not include the AMG LSD, which has become a separate, standalone (and fairly pricey) option.

P30 was the Performance Package option for 2009 MY C63's. It has a lowered/stiffened suspension, LSD, and better brakes than the base model IIRC. No question, however - the engine/tranny is exactly the same in all 2009 C63's, including P30 cars.

Hope that info is helpful - good luck in your search!

 

IMO the additional power of the P31 will be eaten up by the aggressive traction control system of the Benz.
Try them both out, see if there's any discernible difference (then go put the money in the Turbo ; the new exhaust and suspension is crying out for some more power)

 

Did some more research and the P30 package is 2009 with suspension mods and posi, the P31 is a new 2010 option with 30hp more. Looks like I'm better off with a base used 09 C63 (for about 10-15K less) and save they $$$ for the PShip. Thanks for your input guys.