My 2nd post on the topic, but please indulge me given some additional details.

I hastily leased a 2008 M3 given the highly favorable rates. I've had it for 45 days and just can't get excited about it. I wanted the C63 from the start.

A local dealer is offering me $2K off sticker for a fully loaded 2009 C63 Black w/ Sahara Beige (every option except P30--I won't be tracking the car). They are paying off my M3 lease, so I have no incremental loss to get out of that car (but do have the loss from the initial down payment).

Now, if I were to go with the C63, I'd put $15K down and finance the rest at 5.89% (so I'd own it after 5 years). So given the M3 down payment is already a sunk cost, I'm trying to figure out whether to keep the M3 for 3 more years and then lease or purchase another car, or just pull the trigger on the C63 and have a fully-paid car in 60 months.

So ideally, I'd love to hear from someone who went from an E90 M3 to a C63, but I suspect that profile is hard to find. Either way, pls comment.

Cheers

 

Do the 08s have the new I-drive? That would frustrate me. The new version is much better.

Btw, use penfed.org for 4.75%. Google it.

 

I've been tossing around the notion of buying a M3 vs. C63 so I'd be interested in feedback from you on the M. What happened? Was it the torque issue?

I guess you have to do what is right for you. In this economy, you have to consider your financial situation and make the decision that is right for you. Personally, I like to be happy and getting in and out of that car day and night knowing I don't like it would not make me happy. I'd do it. But again, my situation is not yours and in the end, you'll have to live with it. They are both fine cars....

Its good that they'll buy your lease for you...

 

Nope, the new i-drive is on the '09s. Personally, the old i-drive is fine.

I did not seem to qualify to join penfed given I've never been in the service, nor live on a base, or meet the other criteria. Is there a way to join even still, as the 4.75 would be great.

 

Well, I just came out of a 2006 330i off lease and right into the M. So, the interior is nearly identical, though the exterior has some differences (dome hood, flared fenders, etc.). The engine is a screamer, and I certainly know I'm driving an M versus a 330. The torque is indeed too subtle for me--I like the "throw-you-back-in-the-seat kind of torque. There is a near zero exhaust note, though that can be offset by an aftermarket. I'm also a fan of just gunning it with the explosive straight line acceleration versus the "refinement" of the M on the twisties. So for the $ I'm spending on the M, it's just not doing it for me.

 

reread the penfed site. you can become a member for like 20 or 40 bucks. the 4.75 is for an online loan app only, but that should not pose a problem

curious to hear more about your m3....

 

Got it.....sounds like you are like me.....not a track guy.

 

I can't help you with the M because I don't own one. You probably have to search the reason you went with the M in the first place. I doubt it's money because if you are considering buying the C63, the rates alone would only be a small part of it. Its only been 45 days! If you feel this way now, get into the C63 and don't prolong your agony! Everything you're looking for (exhaust note, head snapping torque, straight line power) is in the C. Why didn't you choose the C over the M in the first place, especially if you weren't going to track it? Just curious. Both great cars, but the C seems more suited to your needs.

 

Indeed. Just signed up for the loan application. Best rate I've seen, we'll see how long approval & documents take to receive.

Noticed a "payment saver" option that has a 5% rate and maintains a "residual" price. Look as if it will cost about $2,000 over the 60 month term to take advantage of lower payments assuming you make the final balloon payment in cash. One could save $400 per month on the loan payment, & sock away that cash at what MIGHT be at a yield of >5%. Since CDs appear to be going for 6%, seems to make sense to take advantage of that "payment saver" option.

Thoughts?

 

i got bank of america at 3.99% for 60 months

 

Well, I got $ shock at the lease rates (apx. 8% versus BMWFS's 3%). Given I've been a lease only person forever, I swiftly ruled out the C63, never once considering a purchase. In addition, I got $4K off the M sticker price plus a set of winter tires/wheels at no additional charge. So all of this culminated in a rash decision to lease the M. Within 2 days I regretted it.

If I stay with the M, it still makes me crack a smile when revving up to 8,300 RPM. I'll be bearing teeth if I choose the C63. Only regret will be that to make the switch, I'd have to hold on to the C63 for 5 years or more to make the benefit of own versus lease materialize.

Just not sure if I should stick with the M for another 34 months & then start afresh with the then current offerings.

 

Well, I have had a 2009 C63 with everything plus 030 package ordered back in May, the car has finally arrived. But the front seat was too uncomfortable for me (very very tight), I took it out for a quick test drive & made the decision of NOT taking it. My backup plan was an Audi S5, which I have also put a deposit down, but Audi simply couldn't deliver the car in a reasonable time frame. So, about a week ago, I went and purchased an E92 M3 Coupe with M-DCT but without moonroof (CF roof in place of one with moonroof). So far, beside the new found corning speed, I'm liking my old E36 better. So, there you have it. I am kind of in the same boat, and I didn't lease it, it was an outright purchase. It has everything the I have always wanted in this car, keyless enter, folding mirror, dual-clutch, CF pieces, electronic damping control, ...etc. I am just gonna give it a little bit more time to break it in, but I think I'm getting a GT3 with PDK as my next car instead, I just wanted something a bit more raw instead of a great GT car. Hope you enjoy your new C63, I just wish they gave me a choice between the seats from the E63 and those oh so wonderful to look at C63 ones that looks like it comes from the CLK Black-Series.

 

So it will be done. Friday I shall pickup my 2009 C63 & trade in my 2008 E90 M3. Who says those M3 guys can't think straight?

Pics to follow.

 

Taylor
please give us your feedback Besides you I may have the most seat time in a M3 and went to the C63. I will love to hear your reflections.
it will be a hard pill for the M3 kids to swallow.

 

Welcome to the Dark Side. Your a lucky guy. 2 of the truly great cars in this segment in the same year. Good one.

Oh ya....you won't regret the swap.

 

Will do. 71 degrees and perfectly sunny in Pgh today, rain and in the 40s over the weekend--just in time for when I pickup my car But let's face it, a C63 is a C63 no matter rain, snow, or hail (though I'd keep it safely in the garage during the hail) so no true complaints. On the bright side, I've been jammn' the M3 today on the eve of its departure.

Will be happy to share my thoughts after a week or so in the C63.

It's bitter sweet, however. I'm just now looking at my Jerez Black M3 in the late afternoon sun, and it does look awesome. But here's to a teary departure and then to joyous tears in the C63.

And for the record, dealing with PenFed.org on my C63 loan has been a wonderful experience--they are prompt, professional, responsive, and have great rates. There's even a "payment saver" option that has a modest balloon payment at the end. This financial structure is very similar to a lease in that you are paying interest on the full amount financed, but paying lower monthly payments to derive the final balloon payment. So although you take the risk of the balloon payment being more than the car is worth at the loan maturity time, the rates are so, so much better than going through MB for a lease. But the balloon payment in my case is very likely much less than what the car will likely be worth, and during the course of the loan I can pay more per month to offset the balloon payment if I wish. And at a loan rate of 5% for the "payment saver" (versus 4.75 for the standard loan), I'd rather my cash be making >5% return during my loan period than tying it up in a depreciating asset. But, that's just me.

 

The deed is done my friends
It completes me.

Pics to follow post window smoking tomorrow am.

 

initial thoughts? feel much better now?

 

Taylor.....check your PM for question. Looking forward to pics....

 

Oh man. Well, how about this:

* I feel nearly as powerful in this car as the President elect


But seriously:

* Gobs or torque
* Paddle shifting with down-shift blips da bomb
* Monster exhaust note
* Seat cuddles me and carress more than my wife (sorry honey)
* My wife can drive it (she could not drive my M3 w/ 6MT)
* Glad I got the paint and leather protection (if not to protect against my drooling)


OK, how can I be serious with such a crazy purchase in this economy. I may be moonlighting as the fastest car service (anyone need a lift to the airport)?

 

Congratulations! Enjoy it!
Well at least gas prices are much lower .... that sort of helps the cost/enjoyment factor economies!! LOL

 

Pics are here! All options included sans P30.

 

Good choice, great colour combo too.

Welcome to AMG.

M.

 

I've got the same car.