Hello Folks,
I am in the market for the C32 or the BMW M3. I have read many reviews about both cars and I am now in the final stage of my decision. Unfortunately I do like both cars. The BMW offers advantages in some areas as well as the C32. The C32 offers the
advantages of a 4 door . The BMW the advantage of a sporty transmission (SMG). However I believe the C32 is a more practical car and would be easier to drive as a daily driver. I don't wanna compare sportiness etc. I know I will never track my car, and in the real world both cars are excellent sport cars if you know how to drive them.
As you noticed I am leaning more towards the C32, what I need is
real world experience from owners. I would appreciate any comments and what do you like most about your C32.
Thanks to everyone.
AC

 

I don't have a C32, but IMHO, it's so nice to say "I have a Mercedes"...

 

I've had a couple people ask if my C230 was $45,000 or $50,000. My brother-in-law has always shocked people when he told them how much he spent on a BMW. My point being, if status is part of the equation, get the MB. Only car nuts know that most BMWs are $40k and up. They expect it with an MB, and that gives you status, which you may or may not want.

 

Just found this forum. I have 11K miles on my c32 and like the little beast more every day I drive it.
Everything works, like the command system better than last years version in my clk430. The little car just goes and is very stable. On a run from Carefree to Kingman chasing a XJR I had the limiter kick in and
out. Got to get that chip changed. My dealer, Herwaldt in Fresno is the best. I ordered the car and waited
about a year after giving him my deposit, he charged me window. Only improvement would be the
clk instrument cluster in the c32 that I suggest.

 

I don't know about your BMW dealers over there... but over here they charge Mark-ups for M3s and M5s (and maybe other cars... I am not sure)... To me, that is just a boat load of crap... you shouldn't have to pay more to the dealer just because they only get a certain quota per year of the M cars...

With Mercedes, you pay sticker... and that's reasonable...

 

The Fresno BMW store charges $10k over window for a M3 or M5. I traded in a 740i for the c32. The Bimmer dealer changed hands and service went down the tubes, the Bimmer store hired a Chevy service manager and he chased off most of the techs with his pressure for sales. The Audis, Bimmers and MBZ's are all great toys, but need a caring supportive dealer.

 

I have my C32 since Sept 2001. I guess I was one of the lucky ones that can enjoy it so soon. To date (touch wood), the car runs perfectly! During the first 1000 miles, its true that you might question yourself....is this really a 0-60 in 5 secs car? Cause the car is still in the break-in period and you're reluctant to push it too hard. After the break-in period, the car just took off like a rocket. Its just a normal C when you park in the parking lot, not many ppl will pay much attention to it. But when you pull up alongside with any car whom he/she will think you are just driving an ordinary C.....show them the rear badges!!!

The car's acceleration is terrific. Handling is above average (obviously pls dont compare it to a Porsche or even a M3). But more than enough for an everyday driver. It has 4-doors (you cant say its very spacious like a Volvo, but at least you dont have to rush back to yr house and change a sedan if you have 5 ppl). The quality & craftsmanship of the car is "so far so good" (though MB quality is declining in recent yrs). For that price, I think you are paying something that is "well worth it" and "a very good buy" -- hand built engine, sound performance, nappa leather, craftsmanship, branding, reliability, etc.

You will not regret of getting a C32!

 

If practicality is any concern to you, buy the C32... now before all the regulars go into shock....

the E46 3-series is really an unfortunate compromise. its driving dynamics are amazing and it is fast everywhere, any test you throw at it, it will exceed your expectations, this goes for the 325, 330, or M3. the unfortunate part is the interior... its not any better than a honda accord (which is nice and all, but not on par with the price or image on the BMW)

the M3 is a racecar, and is tough to drive every day as it screams for abuse. the C32 is content driving in traffic and hauling groceries. if you need to be constantly on-edge and you desire the ability to embarrrass owners of the C32, M5 E55 and CLK55 (among others)... then you need the M3.

my preference is neither. if you can live with the impracticality of the M3... a step smaller in the M coupe will open your eyes. this car puts a smile on your face a mile wide. it IS happy tooling around town, although its tought to resist teh urge to goose the throttle on a regular basis. the M coupe is a VERY useful car with a large cargo area and excellent seating for two... not greatly unlike the M3. on top of it the M coupe is a conversation piece, like driving a '71 280SL, it draws people to it and peaks their curiosity...this is not true of either the M3 or the C32. As for driving abilities, there is .001% of things that the M3 can do that the M coupe cannot, and I would be remiss to discount the phalllic nature of the E36/7-8 hood bulge... its got a definite masculine nature to it... and the only tranny in the M coupe is a quick little 5-speed that will satisfy all your needs.

of course, I'm biased. I have an E36/7...Z3 roadster (2.5L). (and if you can't tell.... I want an M coupe SO BAD!!!!)

and with the M coupe you'll hav enough left over for a beater Audi quattro for the snow days)

 

I was in the same delimma. Could not decided between an M3 or a C32. Here are some reasons in favor of the C32, though some pertain only to me, it might help...

1) M3 had a 7 month waiting list vs 2 months for the C32 (Luck!)

2) Already had 2 beemers, and never owned a Benz

3) Performance is pretty much equal, but just look at the numbers:

M3 = $52,000 C32 = $56,000
M3 = 333 hp C32 = 354 hp
M3 = 260 lbs-ft torque C32 = 332 lbs-ft torque

(I guess it's just a pride thing!)

4) Limited Edition (Only 1000 out of 3500 C32's will go to the U.S.)

5) Benz's in general have 7% higher resale (lower rate of depreciation) than BMW's over a 4 year period

There are many more reasons that could go either way. In the end, you can't go wrong with either car. Patience got the best of me so I took the C32 even though an M3 was my first choice. However..... every time I drive it, i'm glad I went with the C32. If I had to do it all over again, i'd choose the Benz.

 

Yes I love Mercedes, but the M3 is just too sweet.

PS: But if you liek the C32 over the M3, go for it, theres nbo wrong way to go.

 

I think its a simple answer:

I just don't see how this can be a difficult decision.

Although their power outputs are close, one is a 2 door, manual transmission or SMG coupe while the other is a 4 door automatic.

If you want an automatic, 4 door sedan, get the C32.

If you want a stick or SMG 2 door coupe, get the M3.

 

I think people come on here just to start a flame with these types of statements. What is the comparison? They are totally different cars for people with totally different requirements. If you want to compare the C32 to other cars then take something in the same class (4 dr automatic). Same applys to the M3. I compared the Audi A6 4.2 and the BMW 540i sport. Although those cars dont have the same power they are a much better comparison than an M3. The C32 is not offered in a manny and the M3 is not an automatic.

 

first, you are in a great dilemna.

i was in the same position about 4 months ago.

availability was a big issue. neither of them were available. so i said the first dealer to get me either car, was going to get my business.

i live in orange county but had to drive up to bakersfield to get my c32. i like it a lot. it is my commuter car also. some days i wish i would have gotten the m3. other days i am glad i got the c32. i bet i am not the only one who feels this way.

c32 is such a smooth drive! m3 is such a sporty ride!

in the end i think i am glad more often that i got the c32.

.......... but some days ........... i really wished i had an m3.

i think when my kid(s) gets older and i don't have to deal with a baby seat, i will buy an m3. but until then i have nothing to complain about.