ripnbst

I am comparing a 2008 M3 sedan and a 2008 C63 Sedan w/ around 60k miles.

I know there are many on here who have owned both AMG and M cars so I am hoping for them to chime in. I read on here constantly about how expensive the AMG C63 is to maintain. Are the BMW's any more reliable or less expensive/more DIY friendly?

I know it is heavily vehicle dependent but it just seems like there are LOTS of people on here talking about the cost of ownership on a MB. I am coming from a background of Mitsu Evo, Subaru STi and got into a Jeep GC for an overland(light to mild offroading) vehicle. Now I want to be back in something with road-going prowess.

It seems that many here take the car to the dealer for service where BMW's seem to have more of a DIY service following, my perception.

zibby43

Both M and AMG cars are going to be more expensive to maintain. That's the price of admission for high performance, "non-standard" cars.

They both have high performance brakes (more expensive rotors, calipers, etc.).

They both can have additional parts that need service/fluid changes (e.g., limited slip differential).

The engines are more exotic and replacement parts can be expensive.

For the E9X M3s, the major potential engine issue would be faulty rod bearings. For the pre-LCI C63, up to around 2010, it is the head bolts.

Ingenieur

my experience (e46 M3, RS4 and now the C63) is that cars like these aren't more maintenance expensive/intensive, but repairs can be more expensive

the cars have their own idiosyncrasies, such as the AMG fuel consumption, etc.
but imho the enjoyment of the machine far outweigh any minimal cost difference

I did not know the e9x had rod issues, I knew it was a well known issue on the e46 (but very few failures, similar to our head bolts)

you are observant: BMW owners (at least the old schoolers) seem to be more hands on...doing so makes the car less expensive to own...using the dealer for basic stuff (oil change, etc.) can get expensive, plus they look at it like a 'hobby' and working on it is part of the fun, a sense of satisfaction, a small dose of personal growth...it's easy to pay, hard to do yourself, but to each their own...I prefer to pay a plumber rather than play in $#!#

w204nyc

Ingenieur is spot on. The enjoyment and satisfaction of the machine will outweight minimal cost difference. My dad was choosing between the Ml63 and X5M and he kept talking about little things like fuel consumption. I cant complain too much about gas because every gas station seems to love our cars and there's always a crowd. That satisfaction is priceless. Plus here in NYC, for every C63 you see, you see about 7-8 M3's.

fsmtnbiker

I've had both (09 M3, 09 C63). No significant difference in cost of ownership.

Oil in the M3 is expensive ($15/liter), rear tires go quicker on the C63... Because I can't control my impulsive right foot.

Drive both. I *HATE* the transmission in the C63, it's a raging pile of garbage. But the motor pretty much makes up for it - whereas the M3 the motor needs to be above 5000rpm to be any fun, but the overall car is a very nice and well-rounded piece. The interior in the M3 is nicer, IMO - fewer rattles and overall higher quality. The seats in the C63 are better.

Michael North

The 2008 BMW M3 Sedan marks a return of the four-door sedan to the M3 family, a variant that skipped the previous generation only because of engineering complications, not market appeal. This M3 packs a 4.0-liter V8 that is essentially the M5's 5.0-liter V10, only with two fewer cylinders.

ripnbst

Thank you for the solid feedback.

Sounds kind of like you should give credit where it's due. If that's original, it sure sounds like it came out of a magazine or online article.

Euler

I do all the basic work myself (plugs, fluids, brakes, battery, belts, some repairs, etc.). It's a satisfying part of owning the machine, make it yours.

estrellajon

Copy and paste?

YICS NZ

I have to scare myself abit to tail skid the e90 M3 but can do everytime with my C63 with just a little push on the throttle... (Both with esp off). Guess u know which one to choose. I do prefer the manual or the DCT box on the m3 tho (Civilisation vs raw wild)

realjones88

http://www.edmunds.com/bmw/m3/2008/c...son-test1.html

Obviously registered to advertise crappy sales website in signature.

c63buckeye

haha, was thinking the same thing.

I have a '13 P31 C63 and a '10 e93 M3. No real difference in general maintenance, but I agree BOTH can be expensive to repair.

That said, I am still under warranty on both and nothing more than the usual small items have cropped up.

estrellajon

Ha. Fail

Thrilla

I agree with everyone else here. Maintaining the AMG is similar to any other car. Fuel, tires, oil, and pads are going to be your fast consumables. There is an "MB Tax" with any part or service.
You coming from an Evo background, I assume that basic maintenance are up your alley, so it'll save you a couple of bucks. Just keep up with the maintenance and you should be fine.

ripnbst

Yes, basic maintenance I will be doing myself. By basic maintenance, I mean nearly everything short of opening the motor. Changing out a clutch is about as far as I go. Brakes, tires, fluids, filters, bulbs and ballasts, I can do all that.

Coming from an Evo and STi I am aware of the higher cost of bigger/wider rubber and more specialty fluids in the diff(s).