Help me decide: 08 C63 or 08 M5 or ???
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your mom
Not sure where you are, but I have a Friend with a 2008 (might be an 09") Alpina B7 with 47k, it is right in your price range. Black on black. $10k in JL Audio stereo upgrades running off the factory head unit, built it Passport 9500CI. Warranty available. PM me is interested.
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C63
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Joined: Aug 2008
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From: OC, CA
2010 E63
I had a 2006 M6, 2011 M3, and 2012 C63. If it were my money, I would do the C63 out of those three (pre-facelift of course). The low-end torque is just too much fun around town. The SMG is a pain for the M5/M6, but if you get a manual, then no problem. As others have said the V10 gets crap gas mileage, but the M156 is not much better. I do love the M3, and the DCT is an amazing transmission, but it has a weak low end. Again, as others have mentioned, a nice 335 could be a great option, as that with a few mods, you can get some serious power out of the N54 engine.
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A V8
I lol'd at whoever said the n54 was reliable..
And I'm actually one of the very few people who loved my SMG. I heard the horror stories, but mine was flawless in 2 years of ownership. Loved how raw it was.
And I'm actually one of the very few people who loved my SMG. I heard the horror stories, but mine was flawless in 2 years of ownership. Loved how raw it was.
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From: NY
E63S | X5
^ huh, weird. Let me guess, injectors, spark plugs or fuel pump issue? Other than that and the battery cable recall please enlighten me... I beat the living **** out of my 135i and it has yet to give me any kind of issues. It is a bulletproof engine and the tranny is quite strong too.
You probably loved the SMG because you were in vanos all the time and just chose to ignore the hard shifts in slow traffic. The whole, you know, "raw" feeling. The aim here is a daily driver and no doubt the M5 is an awesome car but for a practical sporty DD? No.
Opinions are opinions. But really why don't you think the n54 is reliable?
You probably loved the SMG because you were in vanos all the time and just chose to ignore the hard shifts in slow traffic. The whole, you know, "raw" feeling. The aim here is a daily driver and no doubt the M5 is an awesome car but for a practical sporty DD? No.
Opinions are opinions. But really why don't you think the n54 is reliable?
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Joined: Feb 2013
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C63 P30 PP
the n54 is bulletproof for its output and potential.
the e60 m5 in my experience isnt the car for a daily driver.
its too fragile for stop and go situations and too expensive to maintain vs performance
the e60 m5 in my experience isnt the car for a daily driver.
its too fragile for stop and go situations and too expensive to maintain vs performance
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 883
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From: Vancouver
2018 e63s edition 1
don't the 335i's have big issues with the turbos once you start making power out of the n54? can't remember what exactly what the issue was but i remember something like they can't handle the extra psi and seize or something along the lines.
edit: i just did a google search to refresh my memory and found enough stuff in the first 3 links that i'd be a little nervous to even think about the n54.
edit: i just did a google search to refresh my memory and found enough stuff in the first 3 links that i'd be a little nervous to even think about the n54.
Last edited by ShaneN.; May 21, 2013 at 12:05 AM.
Thread Starter
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c240 03
I'm in South-Bay California so prices are high. Also, It just occurred to me that 45K out the door pretty much means I lose 8K as soon as I leave the stealership. This is accounting for the fact that warranty is costing me at least $4K on whatever used car I buy. I've thus decided that I should limit my "out the door" budget to $36K max. This means that no C63, M3, or newsih CLS could possibly make it, though I can talk my way into several 06 low mile M5's 
I actually re-call test driving a 2010 550i last year and loved the paddle-shifts. I saw a couple of 535i m-sport today as well that were within budget.
Given the prices in my area, I can buy any of the following for $35K out the door.
- 06 CLS55 with < 60K miles
- 06 M5 < 40K miles
- 06 E55
- ~ 2010 535i w/ <50K miles
- 06 S65...
There's plenty of N54 variants out there within budget, but I don't want to be number 1,332,43534 to buy one, unless it's a 6spd wagon. Speaking of which, the last of the good V70R wagons are still up for grab.
Anyway, as of now, I'm bringing the M5 back to the table because it's still within budget and the "exclusionary" policy covers vanos and smg pump.
I actually re-call test driving a 2010 550i last year and loved the paddle-shifts. I saw a couple of 535i m-sport today as well that were within budget.
Given the prices in my area, I can buy any of the following for $35K out the door.
- 06 CLS55 with < 60K miles
- 06 M5 < 40K miles
- 06 E55
- ~ 2010 535i w/ <50K miles
- 06 S65...
There's plenty of N54 variants out there within budget, but I don't want to be number 1,332,43534 to buy one, unless it's a 6spd wagon. Speaking of which, the last of the good V70R wagons are still up for grab.
Anyway, as of now, I'm bringing the M5 back to the table because it's still within budget and the "exclusionary" policy covers vanos and smg pump.
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Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Texas
10 C six trizzle
trust me if your budget cap is 35k$ you cant afford a 65 amg car. This is a 200k$ car, parts for it are not cheap because they are made for a 200k$ car. Just like buying that alpina. Id go find a nice loaded out e55 (try and get a distronic its awesome). Make sure you get a good extended warranty it will pay for itself quickly if the car wasnt maint'd regularly by a good/qualified tech. the only downfall of the cls is passengers in the back seat have no head room.
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From: NY
E63S | X5
don't the 335i's have big issues with the turbos once you start making power out of the n54? can't remember what exactly what the issue was but i remember something like they can't handle the extra psi and seize or something along the lines.
edit: i just did a google search to refresh my memory and found enough stuff in the first 3 links that i'd be a little nervous to even think about the n54.
edit: i just did a google search to refresh my memory and found enough stuff in the first 3 links that i'd be a little nervous to even think about the n54.
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: merryland
cornfed gtr and m3
Given your new budget I would personally roll the nicest e55 you can find. Maintenance can really not be that prohibitive if you find a good indy shop. Plenty of mod potential and if you pick one up in the high $20ks that gives you extra $$$ to put aside for future upgrades.
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Joined: Jul 2012
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2012 C63 AMG Sedan
I'm in South-Bay California so prices are high. Also, It just occurred to me that 45K out the door pretty much means I lose 8K as soon as I leave the stealership. This is accounting for the fact that warranty is costing me at least $4K on whatever used car I buy. I've thus decided that I should limit my "out the door" budget to $36K max. This means that no C63, M3, or newsih CLS could possibly make it, though I can talk my way into several 06 low mile M5's
I actually re-call test driving a 2010 550i last year and loved the paddle-shifts. I saw a couple of 535i m-sport today as well that were within budget.
Given the prices in my area, I can buy any of the following for $35K out the door.
- 06 CLS55 with < 60K miles
- 06 M5 < 40K miles
- 06 E55
- ~ 2010 535i w/ <50K miles
- 06 S65...
There's plenty of N54 variants out there within budget, but I don't want to be number 1,332,43534 to buy one, unless it's a 6spd wagon. Speaking of which, the last of the good V70R wagons are still up for grab.
Anyway, as of now, I'm bringing the M5 back to the table because it's still within budget and the "exclusionary" policy covers vanos and smg pump.
I actually re-call test driving a 2010 550i last year and loved the paddle-shifts. I saw a couple of 535i m-sport today as well that were within budget.
Given the prices in my area, I can buy any of the following for $35K out the door.
- 06 CLS55 with < 60K miles
- 06 M5 < 40K miles
- 06 E55
- ~ 2010 535i w/ <50K miles
- 06 S65...
There's plenty of N54 variants out there within budget, but I don't want to be number 1,332,43534 to buy one, unless it's a 6spd wagon. Speaking of which, the last of the good V70R wagons are still up for grab.
Anyway, as of now, I'm bringing the M5 back to the table because it's still within budget and the "exclusionary" policy covers vanos and smg pump.
I came close to pulling the trigger a couple times. Found three of them that had the very options and x amount of things I wanted at the right price. Despite that, I never could go through with it because EVERY SINGLE TIME I test drove one, the transmission was utterly unacceptable at low speeds and moving around town. I couldn't get over it that such an expensive, luxurious car was so clunky! and that's exactly what I knew my dad would berate me for once he got in.
Other than that, that thing doesn't sip gas, it doesn't drink gas. I would say it guzzles gas but that even seems to be an understatement. Then I did my research online and found out about how it likes to drink oil too. Top it off with the clutch going, tranny problems etc. I knew even with a warranty, at the time, I was not going to be able to afford this car. It presents TOO many what ifs to factor into budget honestly.
Again I hope this helps as I feel I was in the same exact situation you are going through now. My best advice may be to just wait a little more, save up a little more, and get something you really want. I was lucky enough to avoid what in my mind was my M5 MISTAKE and now I have my baby (who turned 11 months old today!!!)
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 364
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From: Carrollton, TX
2016 C63S AMG SEDAN
Simple spend 5K more and get an 09-10 lower mileage C63. BMW M5 no way. Drive both back to back and decide yourself. It will be an easy decision. I just did with an M6 and C63, very easy choice C63 blows it away.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 378
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From: Central NJ
335i
I came close to pulling the trigger a couple times. Found three of them that had the very options and x amount of things I wanted at the right price. Despite that, I never could go through with it because EVERY SINGLE TIME I test drove one, the transmission was utterly unacceptable at low speeds and moving around town. I couldn't get over it that such an expensive, luxurious car was so clunky! and that's exactly what I knew my dad would berate me for once he got in.
Other than that, that thing doesn't sip gas, it doesn't drink gas. I would say it guzzles gas but that even seems to be an understatement. Then I did my research online and found out about how it likes to drink oil too. Top it off with the clutch going, tranny problems etc. I knew even with a warranty, at the time, I was not going to be able to afford this car. It presents TOO many what ifs to factor into budget honestly.
Other than that, that thing doesn't sip gas, it doesn't drink gas. I would say it guzzles gas but that even seems to be an understatement. Then I did my research online and found out about how it likes to drink oil too. Top it off with the clutch going, tranny problems etc. I knew even with a warranty, at the time, I was not going to be able to afford this car. It presents TOO many what ifs to factor into budget honestly.
My budget allows for CLS/E 55s, 08-10 C63s, and E60 M5s.. my advice is if you really want the M5 over the others and can live with the poor gas mileage and range, go for it. Find a 08+ with all the recalls done, a recent clutch change (which should be good for 60-70k if you're mindful about use), and a good warranty. IMO, the better handling and better interior/toys than the AMGs is worth the higher cost of ownership.
That said, I'm trying to enjoy all the great N/A engines before they're out of style.. so I'll be back in a facelifted C63 in a couple of years.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2010
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c240 03
So after 2 weeks of driving some AMGs and M's, I'm still not convinced any of the cars will give me exactly what I'm after. Even after upping my budget to $42K out the door, I'm still stuck with the same cars I started with. Having said that, and quite sadly, the M3 sedan is suddenly becoming a very strong contender on my list.
Given how I'm always tearing things apart and doing my own custom stuff, I don't think anything will really satisfy me, even though I promised myself the new car will remain unmolested.
I'm about to add one more car to the list. How about a E39 M5 with a supercharger? A cherry picked lowish miles E39 + SC will run me about $27K. We're talking about 600 horses here. Would anyone recommend this route? If looks were anything to go by, I'd pick a E39 M5 over any other BMW or Benz, including the CLS (which IMO has a ghetto look to it).
Given how I'm always tearing things apart and doing my own custom stuff, I don't think anything will really satisfy me, even though I promised myself the new car will remain unmolested.
I'm about to add one more car to the list. How about a E39 M5 with a supercharger? A cherry picked lowish miles E39 + SC will run me about $27K. We're talking about 600 horses here. Would anyone recommend this route? If looks were anything to go by, I'd pick a E39 M5 over any other BMW or Benz, including the CLS (which IMO has a ghetto look to it).
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,775
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From: NY
E63S | X5
While the e39 is sweet I still wouldn't get an older car like that. If you want 600hp for 27k buy a honda, big turbo it, and enjoy the other 20k. I do get you though and you want hp/sport/luxury/high end etc...
With a 42k budget I don't see why a c63 couldn't happen reasonably. I don't, however, understand the beef you have with a 4 door m3. That is a nasty car that looks great and you don't need to molest it at all to have fun.
I will say though that I just drove round trip 600 miles in my c63 and loved every minute. I even got 23 mpg on my trip. Granted my mom was in the car for our little family get away and she is a **** when it comes to driving speed limits and such.
Anyways, I still think that either a c63 is going to bring the biggest smile to your face on that budget or a n54 based bmw 135/335/535 with light mods.
With a 42k budget I don't see why a c63 couldn't happen reasonably. I don't, however, understand the beef you have with a 4 door m3. That is a nasty car that looks great and you don't need to molest it at all to have fun.
I will say though that I just drove round trip 600 miles in my c63 and loved every minute. I even got 23 mpg on my trip. Granted my mom was in the car for our little family get away and she is a **** when it comes to driving speed limits and such.
Anyways, I still think that either a c63 is going to bring the biggest smile to your face on that budget or a n54 based bmw 135/335/535 with light mods.
Thread Starter
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c240 03
I could have bought a 2008 C63 for $42K out the door with only 40K miles but the folks here scared me with the head bolt defect. My only gripe with C63 is its cheap interior, and somewhat slow gear shifts. Everything else about the car is super fun. Perhaps if someone can convince me that the head defect is merely blown out of proportion, I might reconsider a 63 engine.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
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Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 6,775
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From: NY
E63S | X5
The headbolt issue is blown out of proportion. You will always hear horror stories on everything. It still wouldn't hurt to have a warranty though.
I bought the warranty and am going to get rid of it as soon as I replace my headbolts.
I'm surprised you find the interior cheap. The door locks are kind of cheap IMO but other than that the leather is awesome. I love it. To each his own though. The shifts are faster with a tune which isn't outrageously expensive. More power and faster shifts and you'll likely be able to keep a warranty too. Or at the very least flash to stock undetected for any time it is at the dealer.
So far good choice on the e60. I'll keep pondering
I bought the warranty and am going to get rid of it as soon as I replace my headbolts.
I'm surprised you find the interior cheap. The door locks are kind of cheap IMO but other than that the leather is awesome. I love it. To each his own though. The shifts are faster with a tune which isn't outrageously expensive. More power and faster shifts and you'll likely be able to keep a warranty too. Or at the very least flash to stock undetected for any time it is at the dealer.
So far good choice on the e60. I'll keep pondering
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 225
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
1997 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta, 2014 Mercedes Benz ML 350, 2008 MB C63 AMG (deceased), 2009 MB C63 AMG
In my opinion, the C63 is a funner car to drive thru the backroad twisties then the M5. I am talking both the previous V10 and current generation V8 M5's. I have driven all 3 of these cars back to back on spirited backroads, and the consensus among the group I drive with is the C63 is a much funner car in this setting than the M5's. I think a lot of the reason for this is the pure larger size and weight of the 5 series variants. Despite the weakest gearbox of the 3, the C63 really shines because of the wonderful engine and the small wheelbase. Of the 3, the C63 feels closest to driving a Ferrari F430 thru the twisties and track. Nothing can replace the Ferrari-feel, but of the 3 choices, the C63 takes the cake.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: San Francisco, CA
2009 C63
I could have bought a 2008 C63 for $42K out the door with only 40K miles but the folks here scared me with the head bolt defect. My only gripe with C63 is its cheap interior, and somewhat slow gear shifts. Everything else about the car is super fun. Perhaps if someone can convince me that the head defect is merely blown out of proportion, I might reconsider a 63 engine.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
I would sell my '09 C63 with 37k and newly purchased 3yr MB extended warranty for $42k
The M3 is fantastic but such a different driving experience from the C63. Everyone I know that debated between the two had a clear obvious preference...largely dependent on whether they would take it to the track
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: Miami Lakes, Florida
2011 - C63 AMG
I thought the C63 looked cheap on the inside as well... To much plastic. But the car was just too bad *** to pass up. Someone on this board pointed me in the rightndirection ansnsent me to MACarbon. These guys do great work and can give you all the carbon fiber you could use on the interior. completely changes our view of C63 interior . Check it out.
http://www.macarbon.com/index.php?op...k=1&Itemid=102
http://www.macarbon.com/index.php?op...k=1&Itemid=102
I could have bought a 2008 C63 for $42K out the door with only 40K miles but the folks here scared me with the head bolt defect. My only gripe with C63 is its cheap interior, and somewhat slow gear shifts. Everything else about the car is super fun. Perhaps if someone can convince me that the head defect is merely blown out of proportion, I might reconsider a 63 engine.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
On the bright side, I have crossed out the E60 completely. There's way too many on sale around where I live and with such a poor reliability record, it's the worst car I could buy right now. I'm with you on the N54 config though. Unfortunately I haven't found a M-package N54 5-series car yet.
Lastly, the M3 sedan is a great car no doubt, but it's extremely ugly, just like most BMWs. Also, my town is littered with M3's because too many tech geeks found a great job at Apple and the likes. You see what I'm trying to say? Make no mistake, If there's a low-mile M3 sedan out there in the budget, I will pounce on it. So far I haven't found any.
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Joined: May 2011
Posts: 883
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From: Vancouver
2018 e63s edition 1
