Should i buy M3 or C55
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From: Chuck Norris, USA
AMG
MB Quality
I've always loved the M3, but after comparing both cars in terms of build quality and little details, the C55 wins out. The interior of the M3 just looked a lot cheaper and mass produced. Of course if you are planning on stripping out the interior and making it a track car, the M3 is probably the way to go, but I have heard many M3 owners complain about the reliability of their BMWs.
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally Posted by RawAMGpower
Well, from the dashboard back is a 5 year old chassis. The front end is only 3 years old and the interior is only 1 year old.
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From: mymbonline
mymbonline
i dirve a clk55, my brother has a m3
every time i drive his car i like/appreciate my car more.
the m3 is a drivers car, but it needs to b hustled to b enjoyed and the engine needs planty of revolutions to get it going, plus the ride is stiffer (19in on clk and 19in wheels on the m3).
to me the trade off in isnt worth it, the amg is better in 95% of situations. the way it pulls from 1200rpm is
, the m3 needs like 3000 (maybe more) rpm to accelerate at the same rate.
ull enjoy the c55 more of the time
every time i drive his car i like/appreciate my car more.
the m3 is a drivers car, but it needs to b hustled to b enjoyed and the engine needs planty of revolutions to get it going, plus the ride is stiffer (19in on clk and 19in wheels on the m3).
to me the trade off in isnt worth it, the amg is better in 95% of situations. the way it pulls from 1200rpm is
, the m3 needs like 3000 (maybe more) rpm to accelerate at the same rate.ull enjoy the c55 more of the time
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From: Canada
C55 AMG, 135i, 911 GT3, GLE43 AMG
As usual, I agree with AMG_55's succinct assessment.
The M3 will deliver a much more authentic sports car experience. You get a true 6 speed manual transmission or 6 speed sequential manaul gearbox. You get a high reving 3.2L inline 6 which loves to scream. You get sports car handling.
The C55's performance aspect is very close to the M3. It has 105% of the straightline speed of the M3, and 95% of the handling of the M3. The only time you can exploit the handling advantage of the M3 is on a track. On everyday roads, there there is no advantage whatsoever in terms of performance.
On the streets, the C55 is a superior road car. More comfortable, more torque/power at low rpm's, and more roomy with 4 doors. Yet, you can still throw the car around twisty roads and the car still feels quite "sporty". You can exploit the power benefits of the 5.4L V8 much easier than the superior chassis setup of the M3 on everyday roads.
The following quote from UK's Evo magazine sums it up nicely:
"So would you have one (C55) over an M3? For 95 per cent of the time the C55 makes a better road car for most people. But on those odd occasions when you really want to feel alive, the C55 fails to involve you like an M3."
The M3 will deliver a much more authentic sports car experience. You get a true 6 speed manual transmission or 6 speed sequential manaul gearbox. You get a high reving 3.2L inline 6 which loves to scream. You get sports car handling.
The C55's performance aspect is very close to the M3. It has 105% of the straightline speed of the M3, and 95% of the handling of the M3. The only time you can exploit the handling advantage of the M3 is on a track. On everyday roads, there there is no advantage whatsoever in terms of performance.
On the streets, the C55 is a superior road car. More comfortable, more torque/power at low rpm's, and more roomy with 4 doors. Yet, you can still throw the car around twisty roads and the car still feels quite "sporty". You can exploit the power benefits of the 5.4L V8 much easier than the superior chassis setup of the M3 on everyday roads.
The following quote from UK's Evo magazine sums it up nicely:
"So would you have one (C55) over an M3? For 95 per cent of the time the C55 makes a better road car for most people. But on those odd occasions when you really want to feel alive, the C55 fails to involve you like an M3."
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
If you want manual shift and want to feel more connected to the road,Wait for the new M3.It will have a V8!Then u can call it the baby M5 
I stll love my AMG's though!
I stll love my AMG's though!
Last edited by ProjectC55; Jan 30, 2006 at 01:31 PM.
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From: CA, NV, CO
Originally Posted by coolcarlskiC43
If you want manual shift and want to feel more connected to the road,Wait for the new M3.It will have a V8!Then u can call it the baby M5
I stll love my AMG's though!
I stll love my AMG's though!
Only problem now is the cost. 
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From: Southern Cali (Ontario)
I say, if you need to build a case to buy a C55, then don't do it.
to own a AMG car, you must love what it offers and care less about the things it does not.
it all depends what you value the most.
I wanted comfort, speed, mods, and daily driver ...
if you can about handling, balance, braking, and manual transmission than the choice is obvious..
I say buy the M3 and if you don't like it, sell it back. It holds its value a bit better than the MB.
to own a AMG car, you must love what it offers and care less about the things it does not.
it all depends what you value the most.
I wanted comfort, speed, mods, and daily driver ...
if you can about handling, balance, braking, and manual transmission than the choice is obvious..
I say buy the M3 and if you don't like it, sell it back. It holds its value a bit better than the MB.
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
Originally Posted by JamE55
lol Why wait? Hartge already has a program for that. Chassis is the new 3 series and the engine is from the E60 M5 that's been tuned even further. Only problem now is the cost.
Only problem now is the cost.
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From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
Given all the talk about the M3 being the better handling car, I found it interesting that Road & Track achieved an equal slalom speed in a C55 (67.6mph) to an M3 Comp Coupe (67.3mph). I know it's just one measure of handling - but given that it's a good indication of how 'tossable' a car is, I'd say kudos to the C55. When all is said and done - it's a fantastic combination of all that makes a car great.
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2014 E350 Sport, 2015 ML350 4Matic
Originally Posted by kjb55
Given all the talk about the M3 being the better handling car, I found it interesting that Road & Track achieved an equal slalom speed in a C55 (67.6mph) to an M3 Comp Coupe (67.3mph). I know it's just one measure of handling - but given that it's a good indication of how 'tossable' a car is, I'd say kudos to the C55. When all is said and done - it's a fantastic combination of all that makes a car great.
JPOG
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From: mymbonline
mymbonline
Originally Posted by jpog
They both lap Nurburgring with identical times, too. Having owned both, the M feels more secure at the limit, where the C55 ultimately has the same limit with white knuckles.
JPOG
JPOG
to put it in other word... the m3 communicates w/ the driver better and a lot more of the time (sometimes when u dont want it to)
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From: City with Tall buildings!
C43/55,2k11 Volvo S60 T6AWD,2k Audi B5 S4,95 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD 500+awhp
I know my "M" makes me feel more secure in the handling dept around a tight hairpin turn compared to my C43/55.
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Redondo Beach
Z06, M3, Mini Cooper S. Sold: C55
I think there's been a bunch of good info here to help you decide which car to buy. I've had a few BMW's & kept my older e36 M3 track toy, even though I traded my 330i in on a C55. Previously I've had everything from little Asian econo-boxes to Corvettes, Mustang GT's & other American Muscle cars. Bottom line to me, was:
M3:
GOOD = better balanced, more tossable, dives into corners better, more feedback from controls, telepathic steering, manual or SMG, better brake control (slightly) and LSD. Nice & sporty & more aftermarket support (big time)
BAD = less friendly/comfy, 2 doors only, dealers are complete s**theads, & no torque below 3k (but also puts the power down hell of a lot better...)
Overall, less of a comfy/practical daily driver, but still damn nice and a hell of a lot of fun...
AMG:
GOOD = comfy, luxurious, smooth, TORQUE, nice brakes & handling on the street, 4 doors & can carry passengers decently, practical, less stupid NAV than BMW. Easier to go quick in w/o trying.
BAD = heavier (mostly on the nose, and it feels it), understeers more at the limit, less track friendly, worthless aftermarket support, initial quality bugs, can't really shut off the ESP if you're a track junkie
Overall, it's pretty much what everyone knows... if you need 4 doors or more luxury/comfort, get the AMG. If you want more of a sporty driver, get the M3. It'll involve you like no Merc can.
M3:
GOOD = better balanced, more tossable, dives into corners better, more feedback from controls, telepathic steering, manual or SMG, better brake control (slightly) and LSD. Nice & sporty & more aftermarket support (big time)
BAD = less friendly/comfy, 2 doors only, dealers are complete s**theads, & no torque below 3k (but also puts the power down hell of a lot better...)
Overall, less of a comfy/practical daily driver, but still damn nice and a hell of a lot of fun...
AMG:
GOOD = comfy, luxurious, smooth, TORQUE, nice brakes & handling on the street, 4 doors & can carry passengers decently, practical, less stupid NAV than BMW. Easier to go quick in w/o trying.
BAD = heavier (mostly on the nose, and it feels it), understeers more at the limit, less track friendly, worthless aftermarket support, initial quality bugs, can't really shut off the ESP if you're a track junkie
Overall, it's pretty much what everyone knows... if you need 4 doors or more luxury/comfort, get the AMG. If you want more of a sporty driver, get the M3. It'll involve you like no Merc can.
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Joined: Aug 2005
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From: Phoenix, Az
02 C32R
Originally Posted by SVT Sinister
Right now i have an 2001 Ford Lightning and im thinking about stepping it up a couple of notches and getting a C55 or M3. Could you please tell me the pros and cons of these 2 cars. I know im on an benz web site but i would like to hear honest opinions. Thank You
Johnny
Johnny
I had an 99 Lightning, w/ PSP chip, intake, 6lb pulley, electric fan, lowered 2" in rear, exhaust, hummm a few other things cant remember them all.... then came the kids and bye-bye lightning.....
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Joined: Feb 2006
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From: San Jose, CA
2006 C55 - Black
Just made the switch
Traded in my 2003 M3 coupe 6spd for a 2006 black c55 with all the bells and whistles. I really liked the m3 but it was time to change.
I agree with most everything said here so far. The m3 was getting close to being out of warranty and that was a scary place for me. It was my daily driver and I think the c55 will make me happier in this department.
I always felt as tho I was pushing the m3 to go fast or even just to drive it. The M was a much more active, involving, noisy, harsh (19s) experience. One that I highly recommend if you are after that sort of thing, meaning the closer to racecar experience.
Strangely enough, I am almost 30. Funny since someone made the comment that if the original poster was over 30 he should buy the c55. It is concise but I agree. Now I have a family and entertain people in my car who would not care to be beat around by the m3 and its racecar ways.
M3: Brawny, capable. Racecar feel.
C55: Smooth, quiet and tame when you want it to be, a beast the other times. Luxury Muscle Car for Adults.
I agree with most everything said here so far. The m3 was getting close to being out of warranty and that was a scary place for me. It was my daily driver and I think the c55 will make me happier in this department.
I always felt as tho I was pushing the m3 to go fast or even just to drive it. The M was a much more active, involving, noisy, harsh (19s) experience. One that I highly recommend if you are after that sort of thing, meaning the closer to racecar experience.
Strangely enough, I am almost 30. Funny since someone made the comment that if the original poster was over 30 he should buy the c55. It is concise but I agree. Now I have a family and entertain people in my car who would not care to be beat around by the m3 and its racecar ways.
M3: Brawny, capable. Racecar feel.
C55: Smooth, quiet and tame when you want it to be, a beast the other times. Luxury Muscle Car for Adults.
