C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

M3 vs. C55

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 07:32 PM
  #1  
BigBodyBenzC240's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
M3 vs. C55

I am thinking about crossing over to the dark side and picking up an 04 M3. I am also looking at an 05 C55. I like MB but the M3 is just so sexy, haha. Performance wise both are close but for maintaining the cars I think both have there fair share of problems. Just curious as to what you guys would do if you had the choice between an M3 or a C55. Thanks.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 07:37 PM
  #2  
TemjinX2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
you want handling or torque. Test drive both and see which one you like better.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 07:56 PM
  #3  
aac85's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 180
Likes: 0
From: vancouver, bc
2005 c320 4matic
c55 ftw

its more rare

m3s are everywhere
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 07:59 PM
  #4  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
i would take the c55 because i like the car better for many reasons. the m3 would be better if you want a more track car but for everyday use i would rather use a c55. either way you will be happy . my next move in a few years will be to get an slk55 amg and keep my c320 for airport duty or family hauling.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:01 PM
  #5  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Originally Posted by aac85
c55 ftw

its more rare

m3s are everywhere
oh my god +1
every older BMW convertible i see is a dam m3
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:20 PM
  #6  
OneOfaKindTrini's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,833
Likes: 2
From: Queens, Ny
Nike Turbo Shox
I really like the e46 m3. Make it a horsepowerfreak turbo'd m3 every better, but a c55 is really a wolf in sheep's clothing. they both have their advantages. I'd probably take the c55.... (iTs Still a benzz))!
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:24 PM
  #7  
laneshift's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 868
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
C240
I often hear of a Bimmer's stiff ride, which, depending on the person, would be a plus or an annoying factor.

Irrelevant, but I recently took a few test-drives with my brother in a C55 that he almost pulled the trigger on. Quite the pull in that sucker, my friend.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:39 PM
  #8  
Twenty4Play's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 167
Likes: 1
From: Denver, CO
2K5 C230K SS 6MT -BLK/BLK
For spirited driving (tight/stiff handling), M3. For sex appeal, M3. For the fact that you can get them in manual transmission, M3. For all other reasons, including rarity, C55.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 08:39 PM
  #9  
91RS's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 2,136
Likes: 6
From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
I would go with the C55. I like BMWs, but I've never cared too much for the interior layout and the buttons, dials, and such. I thought about getting a 540i, but the interior just put me off, same with the 07 328i I looked at. I really like the Benz feel and layout in the interior so much better. I think you could also get a car in better shape for the money over a BMW because Benzes aren't beat on as much and don't usually attract the young croud who buy cars to impress people. The C55 really is a beast and it's a blast to drive.

Last edited by 91RS; Oct 23, 2009 at 08:43 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 09:01 PM
  #10  
Phin's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
Op,what do you want out of your car?...one's a 4-door and one's a coupe...one's a sleeper and the other one's not..lol..All things being equal you should take the newer car with fewer miles.Do either come with an extended warranty?I can't speak for the C55's,but the M3's can be pricey to maintain.GL with your purchase.FWIW...I love my M3..this car will make you smile.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 09:26 PM
  #11  
BigBodyBenzC240's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
...a panty dropper...
I prefer the coupe. Already got a 4 door but not a 4 door beast like the C55. I want manual trans but the C55 is more of a daily driver. They both have the same amount of miles so I will flip a coin haha!!!
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 09:33 PM
  #12  
anthonyy's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 241
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2006 C280
They are completely different feels, I've driven the 04 m3 and the 05 c32 amg (not the c55). Because I have never driven the c55, i cannot comment on power-wise but the m3 is definitely much stiffer. It's also your preference on a coupe or a small 4-door. Only you can test drive to know which one suits you better.

Last edited by anthonyy; Oct 23, 2009 at 09:35 PM.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 09:54 PM
  #13  
Phin's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
Originally Posted by BigBodyBenzC240
I prefer the coupe. Already got a 4 door but not a 4 door beast like the C55. I want manual trans but the C55 is more of a daily driver. They both have the same amount of miles so I will flip a coin haha!!!
...My M3 is my DD...makes going to coming from work a lot more fun...
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 09:57 PM
  #14  
Phin's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 1
From: Marina Del Rey,Ca.
06' BMW M3
Originally Posted by anthonyy
They are completely different feels, I've driven the 04 m3 and the 05 c32 amg (not the c55). Because I have never driven the c55, i cannot comment on power-wise but the m3 is definitely much stiffer. It's also your preference on a coupe or a small 4-door. Only you can test drive to know which one suits you better.
...I thought they stopped producing the C32 after the 04' model?
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 11:05 PM
  #15  
Norwichdelta06's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
2007 c230
both are great cars but honeslty I would never buy a used high performance sport cars like that...most ppl that buy high performance cars usually beat the **** out of them.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 11:18 PM
  #16  
JattMundazMerc's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Mercedes C350 4matic Luxury
C55

I'd personally go for the C55. I agree with some others on that its more rare. M3s are everywhere. I like things others dont have lol. Plus I dont think i'd buy a 2 door car again. I had one when I was younger, but i personally prefer the practicality of a 4 door.
Reply
Old Oct 23, 2009 | 11:58 PM
  #17  
moosejaw's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 5
none
C55 easier to drive, more suited to everyday use. better handling than any other W203. Faster than M3 and very rare on the road, but perhaps the average person cannot tell a C55 from a regular W203.

E46 M3 better handling, 2 door, manual transmission. More mods for the M3 than C55. I think the m3 will hold its value more than a C55

Both are expensive to mod. (M3 slightly more) and both drink the same amount of gas.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 01:10 AM
  #18  
skittles's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 3
From: Royal Oak, Michigan
Moped
take each one of them for a joy ride, then decide.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 02:39 AM
  #19  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
depends on if you want to join a forum with younger douches or join a forum with older douches.

go drive'em and decide.

I like both.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 02:40 AM
  #20  
FrankW's Avatar
MBworld Guru
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by Phin
...I thought they stopped producing the C32 after the 04' model?
yes they did. 02-04 C32 ...05-06 for C55 in the US.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 05:48 AM
  #21  
TexasC230's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio Texas
Mercedes-Benz C230 sport
hey that funny cuz im actully looking at a c55 my self and ive had nothing but good feed back they stuffed a 5.4L V8 into that thing and now its on....good luck and ill post up the new pics when purchaced.....
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 06:54 AM
  #22  
HellsAngel's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: France, Lebanon
03 c320 coupe
C55 of course.. M3 is better in 1 thing only : track days !
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 11:59 AM
  #23  
F1Bobby's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,284
Likes: 0
From: People's Republic of California (Southern Region)
C55 AMG, CLK550
I've had quite a few BMWs and I do like them a lot. I bought a C55 a little more than a year ago and I really do love the car.
You just have to go drive each one and then make the decision.
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 12:38 PM
  #24  
krisv420's Avatar
Banned
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 910
Likes: 2
From: In Kush Land So cal
02 C320 Sedan
I see an m3 like its an everyday thing.. I saw one C55 like three weeks ago..

Seems like M3/BMW side is the punk teenager side =(

If you want the real power with the outlook of a rare car get the C55 ( Then take me for a ride )

If i was working right now.. My car would be sold for a C32 =P just wish i knew about them before i bought my car haha
Reply
Old Oct 24, 2009 | 01:52 PM
  #25  
advans's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
C55. it's quicker. I know
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:18 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE