smjc_99

I test drove the C55 Amg, the torque and handling are nice
I also test drove the M3 smg, nice power and handling

To be smooth with SMG you have to ease off on gas while upshifting just like a manual , this might feel a temporary pause in acceleration a very small one though , i dint like that feeling

I want to get some opinions from members who might have tried both and what their thoughts were?

FIXEDupW209

i have not driven both. In fact i havn't driven any however my friend has an smg m3 and everytime i'm in his car i get sick from the jerky ride. Maybe it's his driving but i have heard it is related to the smg transmission. I would get the 6 speed if i were you and if you are looking into a automatic for commuting then i'd get the c55. Good luck with your purchase and i wish i had a dilemma such as your own.

tototisha

I test drove both and bought C55. Cancelled an order of M3.
I think M3 looks sexier and awesome handling but I figured I would get tired of choppy ride really quick. I took me 3 weeks to get used the exterior of C55, but I love it now.
2 cents

djx18

My friend has an M3 smg. I feel the same thing in his car, while he shifts the car jerks and it gets really anoying. It might be that he cant drive well lol but i dunno. C55 much smoother ride!

FrankW

haven't drove the C55, but I do have the C32 and drove my friend's 02 SMG for decent amount of time.

If you are looking for track performance and handling, go with the M3. If you want a more pratical car for the road, get the C55.

I didn't like the choppy ride of the M3 too much, but for the SMG if you master it it will be smoother. Other than that the reason I didn't get the M3 was there's no 4 door.

smjc_99

Tototisha,
How dou feel about the c55Amg after having it for a while anything U dont like

I liked the seats on the C55 , interior and torque, didnt get a chance to push the car,
1) how is the handling and MPG
2) does the gears change very fast in manual mode etc

M3 smg can be smooth but it can never be as smooth as a c55 Tranny

smgC32

By far, the M3 is much smoother than my Carlsson RS C32. As for the SMG tranny, if you drive it right, you can shift just as smooth as the 6-speed manual. I have spent a lot of time driving a SMG M3 and have the shifting down to a science. It is all in the ankle muscles that makes or breaks a smooth shift. Most SMG owners don't bother to learn how do drive their car correctly. In fact, most manual owners don't drive their cars well either. You should not be able to detect an upshift or downshift if the manual tranny is shifted properly. If you don't want to be bothered with paying attention to the joys of fine automotive functioning, the MB tranny wins hands down.

AdaMBombC32G

besides the bumpy ride on the SMG, everything else is great. i drive my friends 02' once in a while and its a great ride once you get a hold of it, however the C55 with the new manushift, interior, exterior cant be a wrong choice especially since it just came out and they are remaking the M3 soon with a V8. So, if i were you and $$$ wasnt an issue (its probably only a few grand difference after SMG anyway) i would go for the C55...

after all it is a Benz.

Childish///AMG

I think that I'll go test drive an "M3" today, my local dealership does not have the C55 yet