C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
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2010 C63 AMG or 2010 535i xdrive (M sport)

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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 07:32 PM
  #1  
mgcyr's Avatar
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Audi A6 4.2 s-line
2010 C63 AMG or 2010 535i xdrive (M sport)

Hello all, please no flames on this. I realize that I am comparing apples to oranges, but I really am undecided on this one. My brain and common sense tell me to go with the BMW, but the devil on shoulder tell me to go with the C63. I have driven both, and was pleasantly surprised with the BMW. It was quicker and more nimble than I would have thought. But when I drove the Merc, it took my breath away! I live in Canada, so the x-drive makes way more sense. I have left a deposit for the BMW but it is refundable.
Anyone else have to make this type of decision?
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 08:07 PM
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13 Lamborghini SL, 20 Porsche 911 (sold), 09 C63(sold), Vipers (sold)
I looked at both BMW and the C63 and CLS63. Just came down to what I liked best and could live with the easiest. Both are nice cars, so your already ahead of many!! I really like the C63.......
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 08:18 PM
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NickZag's Avatar
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no more AMG
Kind of a difficult comparing a compact and a midsize. I guess you would have to look at your needs. Personally, if I lived somewhere with a lot of snow, I would go for something with AWD. I'm not a huge fan of BMW though, so I would check out Audi's.
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 08:29 PM
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You should also keep in mind that the running costs for the C63 will be a lot higher than the 335. Budget for tires, brakes, oil, and gasoline. This car has an insatiable appetite for these things; no free maintenance and MB parts are grossly overpriced (consider $500 for each front rotor).

Then you have the issue of snow. You will absolutely need winter tires which means another set of wheels, possibly.
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Old Feb 10, 2010 | 09:45 PM
  #5  
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13 Lamborghini SL, 20 Porsche 911 (sold), 09 C63(sold), Vipers (sold)
Originally Posted by rantarC63
You should also keep in mind that the running costs for the C63 will be a lot higher than the 335. Budget for tires, brakes, oil, and gasoline. This car has an insatiable appetite for these things; no free maintenance and MB parts are grossly overpriced (consider $500 for each front rotor).

Then you have the issue of snow. You will absolutely need winter tires which means another set of wheels, possibly.
This is certainly very true and should be considered into your decision. I don't think that BMW parts are exactly cheap either......
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 12:15 AM
  #6  
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2014 991s, 2015 macan turbo, 2018 c63s
I'm from Canada too and was just going through the same dilemma as you. I was looking for a second car/ winter car. I already have a M3 and really didn't want to drive it in the winter. Its jerez black and it's a absolute pain in the *** to keep looking nice. I leased a 525 xi last winter and it was alright, but nothing special. So this winter I looked and searched for all different types of cars. Finally I decided on a c350 awd. Then at the last minute I said puck it I will regret not getting the AMG for 3 long years. I searched around all of Ontario and found a c63 with the options I wanted and pulled the trigger. I couldn't be happier. It's a great car. It give me a smile every time I start it up just like the M. Go for the AMG if you can, you won't regret it.

Last edited by lebreeze; Feb 11, 2010 at 12:20 AM.
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 12:52 AM
  #7  
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2009 C63
Well I wouldn't get the 2010 5-series right now.. the new 2011 model will come out in a few months and even though I do like the current one better.. you'd still be driving a new car with a dated design without the new additional goodies.

I would definitely wait to get the 2010 5 as prices will continue dropping once the 2011 comes in. One good thing about BMW though (at least in Toronto) is that when I had my bmw the the services are free of charge.

As said before the running cost of an AMG is much higher than the 5.. but hey you should still put on snow tires even with x-drive for safety !

Also if you are coming from an A6.. the C should feel much smaller inside if that's important to you.
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 07:12 AM
  #8  
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'13 ML350 BT, '10 C63 (gone)
Originally Posted by lebreeze
I'm from Canada too and was just going through the same dilemma as you. I was looking for a second car/ winter car. I already have a M3 and really didn't want to drive it in the winter. Its jerez black and it's a absolute pain in the *** to keep looking nice. I leased a 525 xi last winter and it was alright, but nothing special. So this winter I looked and searched for all different types of cars. Finally I decided on a c350 awd. Then at the last minute I said puck it I will regret not getting the AMG for 3 long years. I searched around all of Ontario and found a c63 with the options I wanted and pulled the trigger. I couldn't be happier. It's a great car. It give me a smile every time I start it up just like the M. Go for the AMG if you can, you won't regret it.
So you bought a C63 so you wouldn't have to drive your M3 in the winter?
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 07:43 AM
  #9  
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Looking...
Originally Posted by lebreeze
I'm from Canada too and was just going through the same dilemma as you. I was looking for a second car/ winter car. I already have a M3 and really didn't want to drive it in the winter. Its jerez black and it's a absolute pain in the *** to keep looking nice. I leased a 525 xi last winter and it was alright, but nothing special. So this winter I looked and searched for all different types of cars. Finally I decided on a c350 awd. Then at the last minute I said puck it I will regret not getting the AMG for 3 long years. I searched around all of Ontario and found a c63 with the options I wanted and pulled the trigger. I couldn't be happier. It's a great car. It give me a smile every time I start it up just like the M. Go for the AMG if you can, you won't regret it.
How do you compare your M3 vs C63?
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 08:06 AM
  #10  
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From: Moscow Russia, Los Angeles USA
2009 MB C63 2007 MB ML63 2006 MB CLS 500 (wife)
Get a SUV if you don't like winter driving.
I think your current Audi with quattro and 4.2 is much better then a 535ix in terms of AWD
If you don't care about winter get C63! Driving sideways is fun
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 09:58 AM
  #11  
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Let me chime in, I traded in my wifes 2007 BMW 530i for the 09 Ml350, so first off, I know you are looking into a 535i all wheel drive, so it is a more powerful motor that we had in the 530, but I just cant imagine in anyway with the 300hp that you would get in the bimmer would give you any type of thrill or excitement as I have the C63, no way, totally different cars, the bmw will keep you content, where as the C63 you will be excited to drive every time, looking forward to drives to get the milk or pick up any last minute items for the family, where as in the 535i you will hesitently go on these short jaunts....get the C63, you will be extremely happy with the performance and sounds, if you need space, the bmw will offer a bit more.
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 11:02 AM
  #12  
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From: Calgary, Canada
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535i if the running costs are a concern.

Takes way less fuel. You can get similar power to the C63 with a bunch of mods, especially true if you live at altitude. Maintenance is free on the 535. The 6 speed Auto is 10 times better in the N54 cars than the 7 speed in the C63.

If comfort, 535i. The suspension, especially P030 is pretty stiff on the C63.

That being said, I would still rather have a C63. If BMW dealers in your area are anything like the ones in Calgary, paying for maintenance isn't such a bad thing.
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Old Feb 11, 2010 | 11:54 AM
  #13  
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As you said 'apples and oranges' :-)

I had a 535 (non x drive) and swapped it for an X5 35 last May. In October I added the 2010 C63 so I have a bit of experience with both cars.

The 535 is an amazing cruiser. Solid BMW quality without being too brash. It does what it is told and still delivers a relative dynamic ride (for the class and size).

Having said that it is in a completely different league than the C63. Getting into the 535 will award you with an approving nod from your passengers and you feel overall good with your car. Getting into the C63 will put a huge grin on your face every single morning.

I guess what I am trying to say is that if you are passionate about cars, handling and performance but need the 4 doors to haul friends and family go C63. If you on the other hand need the sensible and (relative) economical car which delivers solid transportation go BMW.

For the perfect combo go SUV and C63 side by side in the garage :-)

Best of luck with whatever choice you end up with.

Ken
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 08:46 AM
  #14  
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E63
FWIW: from a BMW 335xi and MB E63 AMG owner

FWIW, I have both an E63 AMG and a BMW 335xi sedan. Granted they are the opposite bodies matched to the same engines but the feel should be similar.

BMW 335xi: well-rounded car. Does everything well. Low-end torque with all-wheel drive launches you immediately, and feels the same at launch as the new M3 (just test drove one recently). Handles great for a light-feeling car with more than adequate power.

Blows the doors off my E63 AMG...when there is 4 feet of snow out here in the Northeast...trust me: my AMG goes nowhere on its stock tires when there is even a flake of snow on the ground.

E63: the engine, the engine, the engine. There is nothing that matches the sound, the torque, the thundering roar to the 7000rpm redline for a V8, a 6.2 liter V8 for that matter. During the other 98% of the year when there is no snow, hands down the E63 is WAY more fun. The 335xi is fast. The E63 is ungodly fast. It's the perfect combination of performance, luxury, practicality, and class. Mercedes are still special. And AMGs are special Mercedes...

So, if finances, frugality, and absolute need to drive in the snow is a necessity, go with the 535xi, though I also suggest you wait until the new body style comes out and see which one you like better.

But if you believe life is short, you only get to enjoy something once, and have the means (and lack of common sense), go with the AMG. You never know when your next car must be a minivan...
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 11:22 AM
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If you're within the GTA send me a PM, I can help you with the C63 and BMW.
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Old Feb 13, 2010 | 02:14 PM
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C63 AMG
At first the C63 might look the better car but once you start with the check marks you will realize the BMW scores a whole lot of points that the C63 can simply pick:

BMW 535IX
Gas mileage
lack of gas guzzler tax
roomier
maintenance free for 4 years
much better transmission
AWD
can be as fast as the C63 with just $1500(Downpipes, air filter,JB3)

Having had a 335i myself I was very happy with BMW in every aspect, I think you can't go worng with either car.
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