e90 m3 or w204 c63??? tough choice???

[94jedi]

Hey all, I'm trying to decide between the e90/92 m3 and the w204 c63. both are reasonably priced to a point where i wont have a car payment and can afford good maintenance. although i prefer 4 doors, i can make a coupe work if necessary. assuming both have been well maintained with good records, which would you choose and why? I know the m3 is a much more precise machine but I don't see myself going to the track more than once a year and 99 percent of my driving is day to day commuting. the C63 seems like it would be more fun on a daily basis due to its massive low end torque. It just feels like I might use that and enjoy it more on a daily basis. what are your thoughts?

[slowm3]

I know for a fact that the c63 is pretty bad on gas because my buddy has one. Second, is the transmission in the c63 is slower at shifting then the M dct (assuming if you're getting dct). The amg will not allow you to downshift 2 gears quickly like the dct in the m3 does. Both are very good in their own way and are comfortable to sit in traffic. But if i were deciding between those 2 cars it would be the e9x m3.

[Foggins]

I’m not speaking with 100% certainty but the M will be more reliable than the Merc based on what I am seeing plus my discussions with many good independent mechanics.

[GeorgeA]

Both great but here is my review of the two cars. My best friend has a C63 and we switch cars frequently. The M3 has always had an interesting approach. The engine is M3 specific, meaning it is not used or developed for any other chassis, this is usually the M approach. It is perfectly mated to the chassis with its high tech ITBs and high RPMS, really matches the precise chassis. On the other hand, the C63 uses an engine that belongs in a much bigger car and it doesn't seem too happy about being put in a C63. It might not be as high tech and high revving as the M3s but it is absolutely brutal with its power delivery. It seems like the engine is trying to escape the chassis all the time. The M3 has a balanced engine and chassis when the C63 has an engine that completely overpowers the chassis. You wont care too much about the gearbox because it is more of a muscle car than a precision machine like the m3. Some may argue the C63 is better on the streets and I wouldn't disagree, it is more of a straight line aka street car than the M3. The M3 is a pure joy on corners though, it is so much more balanced than the C63, the engine revs so high that hitting redline is an event of its own. I appreciate a well sorted balanced chassis therefor I went for the M3 but if you are looking for mainly street driving, the C63 might fit your bill better. Best way to figure it out, is to test drive both cars. Make sure you click the M button though.

[Redd]

Collectible, dramatic, rare = C63

Track, driving experience, moddable = M3

[TWiTCHY]

I'll echo what others have said here. I was in the same predicament just yesterday, but a test drive of a 2013 C63 Coupe made my return to an E92 M3 more definitive than ever. The biggest and only issue with the C63 is its transmission. If you want to drive either car primarily in manual mode (assuming you would be getting a DCT for the M3), the C63's MCT transmission is disobedient and terrible at performing a smooth rev match on downshifts. Sometimes it won't even rev match and you will end up lurching the car and slowing down. And when you want it to downshift, sometimes it just won't! Since I drive 100% in manual mode this was a deal breaker for me. It's truly a shame because I like everything else about the C63. Give me a C63 with BMW's DCT or the M156 in an M3 DCT...

[gzim335]

Get the Amg if it's mostly commuter,it's super reliable. Don't listen to anyone on here none owned one ever n go by magazines and reviews etc
I'm a w204 c63 owner,from bone stock to built motor supercharged check out my ig C63nyc
My c63 even Weistec stage 3 never even thru a check engine light and i drove that car very hard,i own a supercharged m3 aswell and had to treat it like glass
The c63 was banging limiter sideways for hours at a time lol it's bullet proof
Trans is great in c or s mode or s+ if u choose a facelift mct which i highly recommend you do,m3 is way more balanced,throttle is way more precise where's the Amg has a on n off feel,make sure it has lsd as an option cuz the car needs one badly
Comes with 255 wide rear tires pathetic
Good luck Amg won't disappoint

[94jedi]

Appreciate the responses, all. I'm not too concerned w/ gas mileage as long as it's not below 10mpg...I believe they're around 12-14 mixed, so I'm good w/ that.

I have to be honest, I think the precision and agility of the M3 might be lost on me. I'm an old-school fox body 5.0 mustang guy. I know how to drive fast, but mainly in a straight line. I'm just not skilled enough to extract that Nth degree of performance from the e9x platform, at least not at this time. I'm looking at a nice e90 today and a c63 tomorrow. Should be making a decision within the next couple of days.

Thanks!

[KevinGS]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Appreciate the responses, all. I'm not too concerned w/ gas mileage as long as it's not below 10mpg...I believe they're around 12-14 mixed, so I'm good w/ that.

I have to be honest, I think the precision and agility of the M3 might be lost on me. I'm an old-school fox body 5.0 mustang guy. I know how to drive fast, but mainly in a straight line. I'm just not skilled enough to extract that Nth degree of performance from the e9x platform, at least not at this time. I'm looking at a nice e90 today and a c63 tomorrow. Should be making a decision within the next couple of days.

Thanks!

If you're coming from a Mustang, I'd get the C63. You'll likely enjoy that more.

The E9X engine and platform is a whole different animal, one that not everyone will appreciate (especially if you're used to American muscle).

[Hurricane]

Originally Posted by 94jedi

Appreciate the responses, all. I'm not too concerned w/ gas mileage as long as it's not below 10mpg...I believe they're around 12-14 mixed, so I'm good w/ that.

I have to be honest, I think the precision and agility of the M3 might be lost on me. I'm an old-school fox body 5.0 mustang guy. I know how to drive fast, but mainly in a straight line. I'm just not skilled enough to extract that Nth degree of performance from the e9x platform, at least not at this time. I'm looking at a nice e90 today and a c63 tomorrow. Should be making a decision within the next couple of days.

Thanks!

I've owned both. 2012 E92 M3 with Comp pack, and currently own a 2015 C63 507 Edition. I have an extensive write up on this forum which highlights the differences. I appreciate the honesty of your driving assessment. Based on that I would recommend the W204 C63. Like others have said it needs to have and LSD and should be a 2012 or newer.

[94jedi]

So I drove a nice example of an e90 M3 today...It was really amazing. I loved it. Haven't seen the C63 yet though...

Really appreciate all the input fellas, thank you.

[Properstyle]

Being a owner of a c63 amg and a supercharged m3 e90 dct, the c63 does not disappoint. especially after tune. when you do a tune, the trans is affected and the claims of slow shifting are now non existent. The c63 is a pure animal. Gas milages is about the same as the m3. on long drives the c63 does better on gas than the m3 as it cruises at a much much lower rpm even at 90 the car is well below 3k rpm. to the comments of track ability I've lapped the homestead club circuit faster in my c63 than I did when I had my f80. The c63 is a very very capable car. Now I will say the m3 is a bit more controlled but that is more do to the fact the car doesn't make any tq. The m3 even superchargered is just not violent like the c63 is. I love my e90m3 and I would say I could never own a e9xm again with out having a blower but I've posting my c63 for sale a few times but every time I get in the car I take the post down lol..

[Properstyle]

Originally Posted by TWiTCHY

I'll echo what others have said here. I was in the same predicament just yesterday, but a test drive of a 2013 C63 Coupe made my return to an E92 M3 more definitive than ever. The biggest and only issue with the C63 is its transmission. If you want to drive either car primarily in manual mode (assuming you would be getting a DCT for the M3), the C63's MCT transmission is disobedient and terrible at performing a smooth rev match on downshifts. Sometimes it won't even rev match and you will end up lurching the car and slowing down. And when you want it to downshift, sometimes it just won't! Since I drive 100% in manual mode this was a deal breaker for me. It's truly a shame because I like everything else about the C63. Give me a C63 with BMW's DCT or the M156 in an M3 DCT...

a simple tune would have changed that with out question.

[TWiTCHY]

Originally Posted by Properstyle

a simple tune would have changed that with out question.

I was curious about this and tried looking into it, but only found tunes/line pressure increases that increased shift speeds. It's not the speed I'm dissatisfied with, it's the transmission refusing to do what I want it to do and not being smooth. DCT is not perfect in any way either, but at least it never missed an up or downshift. If you can point me to the tune in question, please do! If I had known I probably would've looked into it more before buying an M3 yesterday.

[New2Roundel]

Originally Posted by KevinGS

If you're coming from a Mustang, I'd get the C63. You'll likely enjoy that more.

The E9X engine and platform is a whole different animal, one that not everyone will appreciate (especially if you're used to American muscle).

Oh, I'm not sure about that. Before my 2011 M3, I had a 2012 Mustang GT. I spent a week in a w204 C63 and I still ended up with the BMW. Here's the thing, the Mustang is just a clunky vehicle. Sure, you could spend thousands to upgrade every single chassis/suspension item available in the aftermarket, but even after that, the Germans are frankly much more precise tools.

I found the C63 to be a bit of an enigma---MUCH more of an edge than the e9x. You are not allowed to forget that you are driving a performance car--be it the heavily bolstered seats, the loud exhaust, or the comparatively punishing suspension on the C63. And yet, the car only comes with all of the fancy luxo features and fancy transmission. OTOH, the M3 is MUCH more smooth in everything it does. It's the ideal car, for example, to drive to the track, do a track day, and drive home in decent comfort. It's really last of the breed, IMO. Also, although you can option up an M3 with lots of luxo items as well, you can also get it in a spec that's similar to a regular Golf with few luxo items. And to me, that's what sold me. I don't like a lot of "stuff" in my cars. Beyond BT capability, I don't really want much else. And I can get a real manual.

Although i LOVED my time in the C63 (I looked into renting another for a trip in a week), it just doesn't fit me. The M3 just felt like home, if that makes sense. And to me, being comfortable in a car is really the key to a great ownership experience.

[jaehshim]

The only thing that pulled me away from C63 was (back in 2012) its terrible auto tranny, it felt like driving my old ML350 or the 2nd gen IS250...I jus kept asking myself, if auto mission response is this terrible, why did MB put paddle shifter on this car...

Basically it was like a on/off switch because I can't really play around with the power band (Too much power, lack of control of rpm via transmission).
I didn't get a chance to track a C63, but I heard an LSD is a must for the early gen models

I love the power and exhaust tone of that car though.
Not a fan of the early gen interior, liked the face-lifted interior.
They are really cheap right now in the used market.

[94jedi]

Well, figured I'd bring this thread to a close the right way. I looked all over for several months for either the right c63 or the right e90 M3. Found plenty of both cars but all were terrible, poorly kept examples. Finally, after much time spent looking, I found the perfect M3, an 08, Jerez on Black e90. Manual, no sunroof, CW package, 72k miles. Looking forward to many years of enjoyment with her!!

[last1left]

Man I love jerez black nice find

[TrAcK TRaP]

Wrong choice