So I have have been enjoying my 2007 W211 E63 as a DD since the day drove it off the Barrier lot. I thought I was over the mod bug when I ordered it (so I told my wife) and I figured (hoped) the new AMG 6.2 motor at the time would keep me happy for a very long time. Unfortunately after driving my dad's new 997.2 Turbo S and even my mom's C63 I want more. I have also been real disappointed with the very limited number of aftermarket parts for the W211 E63 and the cost for additional HP is relatively high in comparison to other cars on the market today.

So I am seriously considering trading in my E63 for a 2012 R35 GT-R. I know these are two very different cars but the all wheel drive, ease and cost of mods and better GPS really have me interested. Plus, I have read that I can fit my a car seat relatively easily in the back for my 1 year old daughter

I am curious if any others have considered or made such a change? Any recommendations or contacts at Nissan dealerships/salespersons I should visit or speak with would be appreciated.

 

I don't have much to contribute, just that I met a GT-R owner at E@RTC who used his car as a DD and had a car seat in the back for his slightly older son. He seemed to enjoy it quite a bit.

 

We have similar cars (I also have a white e63, black rims, dropped with some mods) and similar issues. The upgrade bug is kicking in for me big time, and I'm on the prowl.

I personally would pass on going from a Benz to a GT-R for a number of reasons.

1) It's a Nissan. I'm a car brand snob I suppose, but in this stage of my life, I don't want a Nissan. It is what it is. I get great service at the dealership, and my car is built like a tank.

2) The E63, if modded correctly, maintains its class. It is a stealth assassin. Due to my career, I gotta stay classy and professional to some extent (i.e., meeting clients). The GT-R is a great looking car, but it is very "look at me, I'm a baller (or wannabe baller) and you're not". It's a more expensive and better performing corvette. So if you are using it as a daily driver and need to make appearances, you might want to think twice. I think the GT-R would be a great second (or third..or fourth...) "fun car" that you take out when you want to let off some steam; but I don't think I could trade my daily driver for it.

3) What about the Turbo? I'm not up to speed on the GT-R price, but if the price is close to the 997TT, just go for a 997 TT, or a 997 4S? You can mod both (though not sure how much), stay classy, and have fun.

I'm fairly certain my next car is a 997 or 998 TT. Just waiting for the right time.

 

I wouldn't trade the E63 either. Fun car that can be used for daily driving and has a big trunk.
Just traded my M3 for a 911 turbo and I love the smaller car and I use it for commuting every day. It is very comfy but limited trunk space. I can fit my car seat in the rear seat ( just not good seats for adults) just fine. I have a Jaguar S-type "R" for those days we go on family trips, so I don't need the extra space the M3 afforded.

David

 

Do what makes you happy! I have been a nissan guy ever since i got into cars. Their engines are bullet proof as it is a variant of the vq(had a vq35de in lil SER which beat most cars). Personally i would do it..yes you have a merc but its boring as hell compared to the GT-R.

 

The nissan dealership in Puyallup are excellent and are always willing to work with you!

 

Yea I agree the 63's, and AMG in general seems to be lacking in the mod department compared to a lot of other brands. But there are more and more options popping up for the 63 that will wake the engine up, but like you said it won't be cheap.

Not sure if you've heard the cammed 63 yet, but it sounds insane...in a good way imo

 

I had a good experience with Performance Nissan.

If you're on the fence, I recommend you test drive a GT-R (if you haven't already done so). I had pretty much decided on a 997TT until a brief test drive changed (and blew) my mind. There's a lot of stupid fan boy hype surrounding the car, but its straight line speed, handling, and gearbox are really pretty incredible. I can only imagine how impressive the 2012 is going to be with its sub 3s 0-60.

You can get silly amounts of extra power with adding just a mid-pipe and Cobb AP (under $2K installed for both).

The only hesitation I would have in using a GT-R as a daily driver is that it tramlines pretty severely on bad roads. Just be sure to keep a tight grip on the steering wheel

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I pulled the trigger and put a deposit for a 2012 GTR in pearl white to arrive in March.

Time to start putting the E63 back to stock. Anyone interested in some aftermarket parts, i.e. custom carbon fiber wrapped 20", carbon fiber front splitter and rear spoiler, Reus Audio system.

 

Congratulations, that 2012 GTR is a BEAST...

 

Thanks John, yes I'm very excited! On a side note did you receive my PM regarding clearplex?

 

Yes, PM sent.


John