fkfleischli

Hi, I'm new to MBWorld and its forums, so please be gentle, it is my first time. Having said that, while I have owned several iterations of MBs over the years I do not own one now. I am likely looking to recify that. I am considering purchasing a 2011-2013 C63. In full transparency, I am also considering a 2013 M3, and possibly a 2016 C450 AMG, but probably not the latter (go big or go home I think is the saying).

Prices for the C63 tend to be slightly higher than such for a similar in mileage, options, condition and age M3, but not enough to be a deal breaker. Assuming similar mileage, condition, etc between a 2011, 12, and 13 C63 what are the noticable differences, if any? Is any one of the three a "preferred" year, re reliability, etc.? I have not driven an M3 and a C63 back to back, nor have I owned either. Has anyone on this forum owned an M3 and a C63, or driven them to compare?

I borrowed a friends M3 earlier this week and drove it for a day or so. It was raining rather significantly for most of the time, so I did not have an opportunity to push it, but I came away slightly "underwhelmed." My daughters C250 tends to point better at turn in, and provides noticeably better steering feel. On the plus side the M3 suspension was stiff as expected, but not such that every crack in the road was noted. During the few dry road miles I found that it seemed to have rather good mecanical grip.

I only C63 I have driven was I believe a 2009, and I found the steering to be rather "darty" and the suspension uncomfortably stiff, but then again I was on some underfunded CA roads, that had been well used. I really did like the cars power however ... lots there, and a terrific sound.

I would really like to have your thoughts and comments. I am leaning maybe 2/3s to 1/3 towards the C63, but I do want some input from those far more knowledgeable than I am.

Thanks folks, and I apologize for the long message,

Franz

INS1GNIA

https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...-stickies.html

Buying Advice and Comparisons
Chris Harris reviews the new C63 AMG
Tell me about why you purhcased your C63...
Is C63 Really Worth $70k?
Difference between C63 AMG W204 P31 v C63 AMG 507 v C63 AMG Black Series
2012 C63 Order Information

Read those, search the forums (all your questions will be answered) then come back and ask questions. M3 will be underwhelming as you said, and I don't consider the C450 to even be similar. My advice would be to look at 2012+ C63's. Pay a bit more and you won't be disappointed.

ENVē

After you read those stickies, check out my car. It is for sale. Will never give you anything but an amazing experience. Best car Ive owned to date.

Youll want a 2012+ car with P31 and intelligent headlights. The MCT trans is very nice and IMO better than the torque converter auto (pre 2012)

https://mbworld.org/forums/c63-amg-w...-warranty.html

roadkillrob

C63 ride is much better than the M3 of same generation, M3 turn in and steering in general is better closer to the limit, but C63 motor and sound is so intoxicating - get the M3 if you want a track car, get the C63 to drive the rest of the time, it's a better all round car.

AMG3.2

My two cents: More important than any feature or package on the car is a limited slip differential. Either make sure to set aside budget for an aftermarket unit, or buy a car with one equipped from the factory.

A 500+ HP car without a LSD is about as cheesy as it gets.

The E9X M3 is an awesome car, but on everyday roads, I've found it to be a bit underwhelming. Amazing exhaust note and styling though. The DCT trans is also miles better than any trans offered on the W204 C63.

glennhl

Sweet spot to me is the 2011 with good head bolts. Just make sure you run the VIN to make sure because early 2011's had the old bad head bolts. The 2012+ FL cars have a tendency to overheat during track days more so than 2011 and older.

Adi-Benz

2008-2011 Prefacelift, 2012-2014 Facelift


Interior and Exterior have changes; interior is the biggest change.


You'll want LSD cause you'll prolly be crying if you don't get it
Prefacelift has a head bolt issue, you might want to run the vin to see if it has been fixed.


For the rest I'll let the other guys take it ^^

DP8

I am a new member here as well and this is only my second post but I actually just purchased a 2013 C63 Sedan P31 about a week ago (thanks Valvestud for the data card!) and I own a 2008 E90 M3 with manual transmission as well. Will post pics of both soon!

Anyways, like some have echoed above the M3 definitely is underwhelming at low speed on everyday roads. Before the M3 warms up and you are driving under 3K RPMs the car feels relatively sluggish in comparison to the C63. The engine in the M3 really comes alive when you get it above 5K RPMs. I kept the M3 because it's a manual transmission and I've owned it since new and plan to keep it as a weekend driver when I can get on open roads and keep the revs up. I've never driven a DCT M3 so I can't comment on that. I do love the engagement of a manual transmission and that plus the high-revving V8 are the main reasons I am keeping the car. I have the adjustable suspension on my M3 and in the comfort setting the suspension is less stiff/rigid than the C63.

The C63 is my daily driver now and I've driven every day for the last week or so. I do find the suspension to be stiffer than the M3 in general and it's not adjustable, however it's still perfectly fine for me as a everyday driver. It's not going to be nice and comfortable like an E350 but that's not what it's designed to be. The engine on the C63 is much more fun and usable than the M3 on everyday/daily drives at lower RPM. Even starting in 2nd gear in comfort mode in the C63 you have a ton of torque at your fingertips from a cold start it's amazing.

If I only had one car that I had to commute to work in everyday in traffic and other non-optimal driving conditions I would pick the C63 over the M3. M3 engine in my mind is equally as amazing as the C63 but it's more designed to be a on track or open road when you consistently are over 5K RPMs. Perfect example is the gear ratios on the M3, in 6th gear cruising on the highway 70-80 mphs the RPMs are around 3500-4000, which is pretty high for 6th gear. The car just wants to rev. C63 on the other hand cruises at much lower RPMs and when you punch it the power is instantly there in any gear.

Hope that helps and good luck with your search!

ENVē

Ill echo the LSD sentiments. My car has the factory LSD. When I was test driving C63s I drove one without the LSD to see if I needed it. I, in fact, did need it. Without the LSD it's not as good. I have a lot of confidence in the handling and grip of my C63. More so than if I had not gotten LSD.

SaphGreyC63

I just want to point out to the OP, that while the lSD is a fantastic option, if you find a car with all your other options except the LSD, go for it and install an aftermarket LSD (which are arguably better than the factory one anyway).

In other words, dont limit yourself to an option that can be installed right away for about $2k or less.

ENVē

I do not disagree. I just meant if you find one with it and one without it the better option is to get the one that has it. But like Saph said. If you find one with all of the other options but no LSD it isn't crazy expensive to get one.


I got lucky to find a car with pretty much every option but had I not I am sure non LSD would not have scared me away. I would've just thrown one on.