C63

[MFL101]

I am in a bit of a predicament here it seems…

My CA at Mercedes has told me that the C63 will be priced less than the M3. He said if I ordered and it turned out not to be true, I would be refunded.

Now, the Mercedes is the more luxury car…not necessarily the best handling though…which isn’t really a problem for me since I am not going to be tracking either of them.

I know we have had C63 vs. M3 a million times, but none of those have been C63 vs. M3 E90…only E92. I wonder what the difference will be like.


So here is the question….would you choose the cheaper (by how much…who knows) C63? Seems like more bang for the buck there!


P.S: What’s the MPG for the M3? C63 is getting 13 MPG and I don’t feel like killing the planet even more!

[Just_me]

German Autozeitung drove (E90) 4-door M3 against C63 and this their verdict:

The M3 won all categories but engine/transmission (which was close 752 for the C63 to 750 for M3), in total: 3131 points M3, 3057 C63.

The M3 is better on track and wins this test since it's the "better one". But the C63 is one of the most dynamic Mercedes models. They didn't like the PP, which adds not much to the performance but worsens the comfort.

0-100 kph|0-200|slalom18m|braking dist|weight|handling course
M3: 5.0s | 15.9s | 66.8kph | 35.6/34.6m | 1655kg | 1:38.7 min
C63: 4.6s | 15.3s | 65.4kph | 36.2/35.4m | 1820kg | 1:40.0 min

M3 was on Michelin Pilot Sport 2 (18"), Manual gearbox.
C63 had Pirelli P Zero (18") and the Performance Package (030).

[marcos]

Now I'm no expert--but I have a deposit on the c63 and the M3 and I have been back and forth between the two. MB will not be releasing the price until launch--?April? From discussions with my MB guy and the reps at the philly auto show, I would be very surprised if the c63 base is less than 60K. They also told me that the P2 package is required with the c63. You won't be able to get a "stripper" on the amg.

[MFL101]

Just Me: Thank you for that information. Can't believe that I missed that review, thought I was on top of everything.

I was going to get DCT with the E90 M3 so the "slush box" factor isn't a big deal since I have read the C63's auto is almost flawless.

I just think the C63 looks so mean...the E90 M3 is awesome too...it's a toss up!

[MFL101]

Marcos: My CA at Merc was lying then?! Amazing....I should get that gurantee in writing!

[marcos]

All the info I've gotten points to the c63 as being more expensive. It is surprising that MB has not yet released the price. I've looked on the MB boards for any hint--they don't talk much about price. I guess if you have to ask then its too expensive....

[MFL101]

It's not that it's too expensive...I just don't see a point of throwing money around on a whim when there is a better deal out there somewhere. If I am considering either, I would think that money isn't that big of a problem.

Wouldn't you rather save a couple thousand or hundred if both are very similar and you like both?

[marcos]

I have struggled with choosing between the two. I love my M3 and the high revving engine and will probably go with the new coupe. On the other hand, I do a lot of highway driving and it would be nice to have more of a "autobahn stormer". For me it may come down to the looks of the car. The c63 has more of an "in your face" look to it. I have this notion in my head that a Mercedes looks too ostentatious (big 3 pointed star). BMW's to me mean young/sporty. I'm not sure I want to park a c63 in the hospital lot. For some reason, I don't have that problem with the M3. Decisions, decisions....

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by MFL101

So here is the question….would you choose the cheaper (by how much…who knows) C63? Seems like more bang for the buck there!

I would choose the car I like better, period. Bringing pricing into the mix when the two will likely be within 5% of each other seems like its just adding more confusion than anything else. We aren't comparing a Corvette to 911.

The answer here (as it always is) is to test drive both and then decide. You cannot really tell which one offers more 'bang' (irrespective of 'buck') until you do that.

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by marcos

The c63 has more of an "in your face" look to it. I have this notion in my head that a Mercedes looks too ostentatious (big 3 pointed star)...

I agree. That's my problem with the C63.... may attract too much attention. I think I prefer the cleaner, more understated M3..

[carnuts3]

Originally Posted by MFL101

I just think the C63 looks so mean...the E90 M3 is awesome too...it's a toss up!

IMO, the C63's "meanness" may cheapen its appearance. Will have to see in person to confirm.

[GregW / Oregon]

See my post on AMG Challenge track driving events here: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112629. First one is not until April, though.

C63 is a little over the top for me. The 6.2L may be powerful, but a real gas hog. M3 seems like the most well-rounded car with few significant compromises.

[southlight]

There's some discussion about this topic going on in the right section, "M3 vs", look for it here:
http://www.m3post.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=171


Best regards, south

[the_stranger]

I am pretty sure C63 would be more expensive than the M3.

[ArtPE]

I'd be very surprised if the C63 is less than 55k base...

consider:
C350 37k
E350 52k (15k more)

E63 86k!
C63 86-15 = 71k ?

the SLK55 AMG is 64k

I'm guessing a base between 64 and 71k

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by ArtPE

I'd be very surprised if the C63 is less than 55k base...

consider:
C350 37k
E350 52k (15k more)

E63 86k!
C63 86-15 = 71k ?

the SLK55 AMG is 64k

I'm guessing a base between 64 and 71k

+1. It will be much more than the M3, although perhaps with more standard equipment.

[marcos]

Originally Posted by ArtPE

I'd be very surprised if the C63 is less than 55k base...

consider:
C350 37k
E350 52k (15k more)

E63 86k!
C63 86-15 = 71k ?

the SLK55 AMG is 64k

I'm guessing a base between 64 and 71k

I'd believe Art--his predictions are usually correct.

[OzStriker]

Another Continent I know but the M3 is priced at AUD$157,000 over here, the C63 has been priced at AUD$139,500.

I don't know anything about options for the C63, that M3 price is base but there are not many options you can add to the Australian spec base model.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by OzStriker

Another Continent I know but the M3 is priced at AUD$157,000 over here, the C63 has been priced at AUD$139,500.

I don't know anything about options for the C63, that M3 price is base but there are not many options you can add to the Australian spec base model.

+1

Everything I have heard so far leans toward the C63 being less than the M3 (base price).

C350 Sedan (base) - $37,725

335i Sedan (base) - $38,900

[ArtPE]

what's the ratio slk55 amg/c63?

Germany:
slk55 amg 69k
C63 68+k

US slk55 is 64k

that tells me the C63 will be about the same, 64k...
no where near 54k


after the thumping the C63 has been taking in the reviews from the M3, they may nedd to sell it cheaper to sell them period

[mkoesel]

MB hasn't released pricing yet, but have they at least announced standard equipment and option packages?

It's highly unlikely, IMHO, that the base configurations of M3 and C63 will be directly comparable as far as included equipment.

[ArtPE]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

MB hasn't released pricing yet, but have they at least announced standard equipment and option packages?

It's highly unlikely, IMHO, that the base configurations of M3 and C63 will be directly comparable as far as included equipment.

the only difference will be the leather...1000 bucks...

and oh yea, the automatic transmission