dimsdale

Care to elaborate?

ultraseven

I'm guessing SMG will add another 1500 to 2K, so the car with most of the options I need:

premium package
EDC

54,575+ 1900+1000+ ~2000 is still less than 60K. That's pretty decent pricing given how weak the dollar is against the Euro.

Sorry Lexus, but at with the M3 sedan at a 3-4% premium there's no way I will get an IS-F.

IS300

Bmw will is using an update version of the smg called the M-DCT

ItalianStallion

I also agree that MB service departments and the overall quality of their cars are not up to par. In fact, its pretty pathetic.

PC Valkyrie

The new gearbox on the M3 is nothing like the SMG system before. The new gearbox is actually a 7 speed dual clutch gearbox (similar to the VW/Audi one). On paper, it should be much better than SMG because shifts should be even quicker and it will be silky smooth, even in automatic mode at slow speeds (unlike SMG).

It potentially can be the best of all worlds type of gearbox.....you get the convenience/comfort of a smooth automatic transmission, but you can also execute very quick/smooth manual shifts for track duty. The M3 with this "M-DKG" gearbox is quicker in acceleration than the manual stick version, and also is more fuel efficient.

It's the type of gearbox I wish MB/AMG would come out with.

Peanuthead

The price for M DKG was announced today, it is $2,700.00.
In BMW's technical document on the transmission it shows that an M3 with M DKG is faster to 60MPH by .2 seconds, and gets better gas mileage than the 6 speed manual.

I have a deposit down on both an M3 and a C63.
At this point it looks like the M3 is the car that I will be getting.

ultraseven

pricey for a tranny.

ItalianStallion

Agreed...but this will be so worth it. I'm excited to see what the mags say about this new tranny and how much better the M3 performs with it.

TopGun32

coupe with M DKG is the way to go!

good job BMW..

The n54 guys are still trying to make the TT3L engine abeat a stock M3.

With the 7spd dual clutch, is going to take on even more boost and mods to keep up on the high speed runs.



besides the price difference is not that much.. around $10k

Lizard

I hate to seem like we're bashing MB but I must agree 100%. The fact that I had referred my mother and my best friend to Lexus when they wanted a new car in the past 12 months and not MB speaks a lot about what I believe is the best value. That's two cars Lexus have sold from my referals.

I mean, I have own 3 MBs now and would not considered recommending them to any of my friends or family members. I purchase my vehicles from 3 different dealerships and have had services done in Maryland and Virginia dealers and was never really satisfied.

I still think that MB makes the best looking cars out there, but everyday it seem like others (BMW, Lexus) are making it much more attractive to join them.
MB need to shape up by offers free maintenance in their vehicles (at least the higher end ones) and have the dealers restructure their service procedures, staff, and pricings.

IS300

I know its a total different transmission, I was just stated that will offer a automatic version.

E55 KEV

OK, we are all surprised that the M3 Sedan and Coupe have such great prices, however, with the 4 door M3 being under $54k, I doubt the C63 will have a base above $59k. But expect a long option list.

The first number on the C63 price will be a 5 in order to be competitive with the M3 Sedan.

Carl Lassiter

Hmm, I wouldn't want the first generation 7-speed DSG. Let people buy the first years supply and have the probems ironed out on their dollar. After one or two years it'll be opitmized.

Also, I wonder how quick it will be when skipping gears as one clutch deals with odd numbered gears and the other for even numbers. So going from 5th to 3rd may be a problem, I'm not sure.

Anyway, in time it'll be a great success.

pmb600

They just had a chat in the AMG private lounge the other night and they said that the C63 would be competitively priced. They also said that the only options really will be the P2, Multimedia, and TeleAid. They also said that power seats with memory and power steering column will be standard on the C63 AMGs.

Ted Baldwin

.................I don't think MB is being bashed at all. Like you, I love Mercedes Benz cars but I do not recommend them to my friends an family. Through experience I have been able to figure out how to deal with various quirks and maintenance issues and how to negotiate my way through the MB service maze. I feel bad putting a friend or family member through the same, especially if they are new to the MB experience. It is just like a high maintenance girlfriend. You love her, but boy it comes at a price. Her finger nails, her hair her pilates, her yoga etc. If your buddy meets a girl just like yours, you tell him to be careful. It does not mean you are bashing your girl.

Ted

Lizard

This looks pretty good.
http://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-new...n-ar50771.html

It might just be the final push for me to take the M3 with this transmission as my next vehicle.

NOTA4RE

BMW they are the only high end model that does hold it's value, out of the mass produced cars anyways.

MBNorCal

where do you get those facts? if you go to kbb and compare a 2006 C55 vs a 2006 M3, the M3 holds its value over the C55.

NOTA4RE

Compare a 745 to an S or a ML to a X5.

Carl Lassiter

X5 is better, no?

Of course, the S-class will always do better than the 7. No contest there.

NOTA4RE

on resale? I don't think so..

chiphomme

Why argue this? They both suck on resale.

kip

I am so happy for you guys, in Finland a new M3 costs about
$150,000. That is truly SAD!
Even a 2001 E46 M3 still costs over your $53,800...

tanktube67

thats base price + options another 10K

MBNorCal

you are wrong again. compare a 2006 ml350 with premium package, harmon kardon, navigation and 6 disc cd changer with 25k miles in excellent condition. suggested private party is 37K vs a 2006 BMW X5 3.0i with premium package, premium sound, navigation, 6 disc cd changer with 25k miles in excellent condition is $39K. In 2006 a brand new ML350 with the same options goes for about $50K. In 2006 a similiar equipped X5 goes for about $50K also. The 745 and the S both have poor resale value in 2003 and up. Acutally they are tied. Where are you basing your numbers from?