Why C63 over M3?
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2007
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C63s ED1 Coupe
Why C63 over M3?
What made you guys choose the C63 over M3/4?
I've heard it is PITA to mod the C63 (especially the ECU and downpipe) so I am a little hesitant to pull the trigger on the AMG.
Thanks in advance.
I've heard it is PITA to mod the C63 (especially the ECU and downpipe) so I am a little hesitant to pull the trigger on the AMG.
Thanks in advance.
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Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 537
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From: North NJ
2016 C63S
M3/4 was not an option for me since you see more of them then anything else on the road. i pass 3 on my way to work and there is usually at least 1 row of 40 of them at cars and coffee each week. guess they are more affordable lease wise. i have never met another w205 owner in my area at that particular event.
also while the exterior is nice the interior falls short for me. the gauges are still similar to the one that were in my moms X5 from 2001. plus the MB interior is a cut above. all the little details are what sealed the deal after the test drive.
while the v6 may be lighter and put out comparable power it just cant come close to the sound of a V8
as far as the ecu while it is a pain in the *** its not as bad as some make it out to be. mine was flashed in 1 day. as far as down pipes you can replace by cutting the stock ones out in a few hours.
also while the exterior is nice the interior falls short for me. the gauges are still similar to the one that were in my moms X5 from 2001. plus the MB interior is a cut above. all the little details are what sealed the deal after the test drive.
while the v6 may be lighter and put out comparable power it just cant come close to the sound of a V8
as far as the ecu while it is a pain in the *** its not as bad as some make it out to be. mine was flashed in 1 day. as far as down pipes you can replace by cutting the stock ones out in a few hours.
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Joined: Jun 2016
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2017 c63 Amg s (almost)
I was head over heels with the m before I went in to test drive both bars. Especially the sakhir orange. But after driving both it wasn't even a comparison for me. I don't even consider them comparable cars.
The dealers let me take extensive drives of both and I rode the m pretty hard and it just didn't blow me out of the water. It was near as fast on the top end as I wanted. I live in Seattle and the roads are terrible. It beat the crap out of me and was really noise inside. I also hate the m exhaust, especially compared to the c63. Just no comparison. Then we get to interior. Mercedes has a beautiful interior. The m interior alone would have forced me to not but it. I came from a q50 and that was nicer inside than the m3, which was disappointing. just seemed like the c63 was an all around better car for a daily driver unless you absolutely don't care about comfort.
The final straw for me was riding from BMW to Mercedes in my friends tuned 2015 s4. We both drive the m3 and it felt like his Audi was faster, had nicer interior, and was a lot smoother ride. Driving his car after the m made me wonder why I'd ever spend that much money when I can get something like the Audi and be just as happy. Then I drove the c63 and knew I had to have it.
For me it was a drawn out difficult decision because I had to work a lot to be able to buy my car. Overtime like no ones business. So for me to willingly work that much just for a car it had to be worth it. The m3 wasn't, the c63 110% was.
The dealers let me take extensive drives of both and I rode the m pretty hard and it just didn't blow me out of the water. It was near as fast on the top end as I wanted. I live in Seattle and the roads are terrible. It beat the crap out of me and was really noise inside. I also hate the m exhaust, especially compared to the c63. Just no comparison. Then we get to interior. Mercedes has a beautiful interior. The m interior alone would have forced me to not but it. I came from a q50 and that was nicer inside than the m3, which was disappointing. just seemed like the c63 was an all around better car for a daily driver unless you absolutely don't care about comfort.
The final straw for me was riding from BMW to Mercedes in my friends tuned 2015 s4. We both drive the m3 and it felt like his Audi was faster, had nicer interior, and was a lot smoother ride. Driving his car after the m made me wonder why I'd ever spend that much money when I can get something like the Audi and be just as happy. Then I drove the c63 and knew I had to have it.
For me it was a drawn out difficult decision because I had to work a lot to be able to buy my car. Overtime like no ones business. So for me to willingly work that much just for a car it had to be worth it. The m3 wasn't, the c63 110% was.
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C63s
m3 pros: cheaper/easier to mod, more aftermarket options, looks killer (best looking sedan), the 2017 have a better mdm and handles better (more tossable). M3 is less stiff in comfort mode. Maintenance is free!!!!
m3 cons: sounds like crap, very detached feeling of driving, steering isnt as good as c63
c63s pros: interior is leagues better. sounds leagues better, more predictable at the limit. Auto car start mbrace app.
c63s cons: info system sucks. maintenance is expensive, leasing sucks, less aftermarket support.
m3 cons: sounds like crap, very detached feeling of driving, steering isnt as good as c63
c63s pros: interior is leagues better. sounds leagues better, more predictable at the limit. Auto car start mbrace app.
c63s cons: info system sucks. maintenance is expensive, leasing sucks, less aftermarket support.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 643
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From: Houston, TX
'15 C63S
I know I might be the odd one out with this opinion, but I just couldn't get past the M3's exterior. It looks way too boy-racerish, almost like it's a bad bodykit on a normal 3-series. Too many crevises and fins. It just doesn't look anywhere near as clean as the C63S in it's execution.
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audi b8.5 s4
You didn't ask me but I will state this anyway. I cross shopped both and got the M for largely three reasons:
1. Much better lease rate (M was less than 50% of AMG monthly)
2. At the time I was in the market, the M was fairly well established while the AMG was fraught with first year reliability issues.
3. I needed all four doors and the AMG sedans looks didn't quite cut it for me. Coupe was yet to hit the market.
If I were financing, shopping today, and didn't need four doors, I would prob have gone with the C63S coupe.
1. Much better lease rate (M was less than 50% of AMG monthly)
2. At the time I was in the market, the M was fairly well established while the AMG was fraught with first year reliability issues.
3. I needed all four doors and the AMG sedans looks didn't quite cut it for me. Coupe was yet to hit the market.
If I were financing, shopping today, and didn't need four doors, I would prob have gone with the C63S coupe.
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 68
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From: Sydney, Australia
W205 c63S estate, 997 GT3, 981S
Although I've driven both M3 (competition pack) and c63S I made my decision after reading a lot of reviews and they were overwhelmingly in favour of the C63S which is where I put my money.
Motor magazine dec 2016 M3 competition pack vs C63S coupe
Last edited by PorGT3; Dec 29, 2016 at 07:37 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 40
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From: Potomac, MD
2018 GLC 63
C63S vs M4/M3
I have been a BMW guy for a few years. I have owned two M cars E46 and E93. The E93 had a great V8. But when they went back to and in-line 6 I could not do it. Yes its fast, but i did not like the sound. So here I am with new C63S coupe. Love the v8 and the quality of the interior. Much better then BMW. The power it has is great, no mode needed.
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2008 BMW M3, 2017 C63s Coupe, 2015 S550, 2018 E63s
I've owned an M3 and now own the C63s coupe. Although the M3 was my dream car and I always wanted it, there is no comparison to the C63s. The interior is much better in quality and it makes me feel that the price I paid is worth it rather than the M interior. The luxury is just incomparable. The roars the C63s makes are way better than my M (I had to get the Eisenmann race exhaust) and that's just stock! Not to mention, although I did get a lot of compliments on my M I just get a lot more with the AMG.
I would also say the ride in comfort mode is definitely smoother in the C63s.
The only downsides are that I miss having a gear shifter to grip and free maintenance is not included.
I would also say the ride in comfort mode is definitely smoother in the C63s.
The only downsides are that I miss having a gear shifter to grip and free maintenance is not included.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2007
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C63s ED1 Coupe
Thanks for all the comments everyone, I really appreciate it.
I'll have to test drive both cars to compare the interior and ride quality.
My neighbor just got an Competition Pack M3 and I do agree that it sounds like a fart can even with a M perf exhaust.
I'll have to test drive both cars to compare the interior and ride quality.
My neighbor just got an Competition Pack M3 and I do agree that it sounds like a fart can even with a M perf exhaust.
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2017 C63s Coupe
It was so loud i loved it though, abit worried i wont get the C63 as loud, especially since they dont offer real performance exhaust option like BMW does.
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2020 AMG C63S Brilliant Blue
I own an E36 M3 and an E92 M3. I'm having a second child and need a 4 door. The E92 M3 had to go. The replacement logically was F80 M3 vs W205 C63 S.
2 coworkers drive the M3, and I've spent hours in that car both as a passenger and driver. Compared to my E92, the F8X is definitely faster, but feels numb, disengaged.
I test drove the C63S. The moment I started that motor, a wide grin came across my face like the first time I drove the E92 M3. The F8X never did that for me. That alone made my decision easy.
I've tracked both my M3's extensively through the years. I will not track the next car. So while I think the F8x M3 is probably a bit better on a circuit, the C63 is the far superior road car for me.
2 coworkers drive the M3, and I've spent hours in that car both as a passenger and driver. Compared to my E92, the F8X is definitely faster, but feels numb, disengaged.
I test drove the C63S. The moment I started that motor, a wide grin came across my face like the first time I drove the E92 M3. The F8X never did that for me. That alone made my decision easy.
I've tracked both my M3's extensively through the years. I will not track the next car. So while I think the F8x M3 is probably a bit better on a circuit, the C63 is the far superior road car for me.
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Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 133
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From: Oxfordshire UK
2017 AMG C63S Coupe, Triumph 675R Daytona, Triumph Explorer.
I own an E36 M3 and an E92 M3. I'm having a second child and need a 4 door. The E92 M3 had to go. The replacement logically was F80 M3 vs W205 C63 S.
2 coworkers drive the M3, and I've spent hours in that car both as a passenger and driver. Compared to my E92, the F8X is definitely faster, but feels numb, disengaged.
I test drove the C63S. The moment I started that motor, a wide grin came across my face like the first time I drove the E92 M3. The F8X never did that for me. That alone made my decision easy.
I've tracked both my M3's extensively through the years. I will not track the next car. So while I think the F8x M3 is probably a bit better on a circuit, the C63 is the far superior road car for me.
2 coworkers drive the M3, and I've spent hours in that car both as a passenger and driver. Compared to my E92, the F8X is definitely faster, but feels numb, disengaged.
I test drove the C63S. The moment I started that motor, a wide grin came across my face like the first time I drove the E92 M3. The F8X never did that for me. That alone made my decision easy.
I've tracked both my M3's extensively through the years. I will not track the next car. So while I think the F8x M3 is probably a bit better on a circuit, the C63 is the far superior road car for me.
I was going to write a response and then read yours and its identical to my experience.
I had an E90 (saloon) M3 for 4 years which I loved but was getting a little old. I wanted a Coupe for a change and when I drove both the M4CP and C63S back to back my feelings were the same as yours.
The sound, power delivery, driving character and sense of event were just not improved in the F82 over the E09/92, so, the C63S was the way to go.
The sales experience for me was also much better from my local Mercedes dealer who couldn't do enough for me. Good discounts, great advice and a weekend with a demo car. BMW had me filling out an online form for an hour followed very poor discounts, not being able to test the car I wanted first visit and even then just a 15 min drive with the sales guy!
Add to all this the PCP deals from BMW in the UK were (and still are I think) 5.9% compared to MB 4.8%. With discounts included this meant I could order a car almost £10K more in value with the same deposit and monthly payment.
No brainer!
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Joined: Oct 2016
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2017 C63s Coupe
i wouldnt say a fart can haha, i had one and a friend actually found the perfect way to describe the Perf Exhaust on my M4... like a trumpet! and thats exactly what it sounded like.
It was so loud i loved it though, abit worried i wont get the C63 as loud, especially since they dont offer real performance exhaust option like BMW does.
It was so loud i loved it though, abit worried i wont get the C63 as loud, especially since they dont offer real performance exhaust option like BMW does.
M4 has become quite common around South Africa, in fact in my close group of friends there was half of us with M's.
That was my main reason for getting rid of the car to be honest aswell.
The interior doesnt feel as luxurious as it should for the price (however its not bad and the iDrive system is still brilliant) and this Merc definitely wins in the interior section.
As for driving, the M4 felt faster to me than the C63s
(dont think its true but this is how i felt, might have been the cold tyres on the test drive).The M4 DCT gearbox in full settings is amazing to say the least, the car almost shoots forward with every change, one of my favourite characteristics of the car.
On the track we have become quite addicted to drifting on the track with our cars, the M is so easy to slide and just a pure thrill.
I did driver a C63s sedan on the track to drift, its also easy but i dont like fact you cant adjust the weight of the steering wheel.
The M4 you can put steering on comfort and its light perfect for drifiting, while the C63 goes heavy and just makes you work a little bit more.
Both are brilliant cars though, but im moving to merc mostly to be different and for the interior.
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 784
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From: UK
2021 C63S coupe
I realised i actually should have perhaps given some feedback on the M4 vs C63.
M4 has become quite common around South Africa, in fact in my close group of friends there was half of us with M's.
That was my main reason for getting rid of the car to be honest aswell.
Both are brilliant cars though, but im moving to merc mostly to be different and for the interior.
M4 has become quite common around South Africa, in fact in my close group of friends there was half of us with M's.
That was my main reason for getting rid of the car to be honest aswell.
Both are brilliant cars though, but im moving to merc mostly to be different and for the interior.
Sooner or later, it will suffer the same fate as the M3/4.
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2020 AMG C63S Brilliant Blue
If you're talking about the C63 being commonplace, I don't think that'll ever happen. Its price entry point is higher than the M3, and appeals to a different demographic. I think the M3 is every boy racer's dream, and when they can finally afford one, they're not going to consider the AMG at all.
I see 2-3 F8x M3's every single day. I've seen a total of 2 C63's in the last 3 months.
Last edited by L8apexer; Jan 1, 2017 at 03:48 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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2016 M3, 2017 C63 OTW
I had a 2015 M4 and a 2016 M3. I just purchased a 2017 C63 and have only put 102 miles on it so far... But here are my initial thoughts:
C63- Sounds absolutely amazing. M3/4 sound like a lawnmower when stock. I had catless dp's and Dinan exhaust and it sounded a lot better, but still doesn't even hold a candle to the C63 w/PE stock.
-M3 looks better (subjective)
-C63 interior is FAR better than M3
-M3 DCT transmission is better and I love the center shift knob option. My M4 was a manual (not even going to start the whole manual vs auto debate), but the DCT is much closer to driving a manual while the c63 is just a straight up auto no matter how you slice it. Still very good though!
-M3 was much easier to mod
-M3 does look much more like a boy racer, C63 just makes you feel like you don't have to shout that you are a fast car and spent $80k. The C63 is much more subtle, but then is an absolute animal when unleashed (and I haven't even taken it to redline yet because still breaking in).
In all, it's still brand new to me, but I really am enjoying the C63. Both great cars that I think you can't go wrong with. My overall impression is that the M3 is more suited for lots of track days, while the C63 is a better car for everyday driving, fun and occasional track days here and there.
C63- Sounds absolutely amazing. M3/4 sound like a lawnmower when stock. I had catless dp's and Dinan exhaust and it sounded a lot better, but still doesn't even hold a candle to the C63 w/PE stock.
-M3 looks better (subjective)
-C63 interior is FAR better than M3
-M3 DCT transmission is better and I love the center shift knob option. My M4 was a manual (not even going to start the whole manual vs auto debate), but the DCT is much closer to driving a manual while the c63 is just a straight up auto no matter how you slice it. Still very good though!
-M3 was much easier to mod
-M3 does look much more like a boy racer, C63 just makes you feel like you don't have to shout that you are a fast car and spent $80k. The C63 is much more subtle, but then is an absolute animal when unleashed (and I haven't even taken it to redline yet because still breaking in).
In all, it's still brand new to me, but I really am enjoying the C63. Both great cars that I think you can't go wrong with. My overall impression is that the M3 is more suited for lots of track days, while the C63 is a better car for everyday driving, fun and occasional track days here and there.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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BMW F10 M5, C63 coupe on order
Coming from my M5 and E92 M3 previous to it, I really wanted to like the F80 M3.
However the downsize from a V8, lack of modern tech such as active cruise, and factor that most would really struggle to tell the inside from a 320d msport, it really is a no brainier as someone else stated.
Appreciate looks are very subjective, but the M3 and M4 now almost looks like a caricature of an M3 in my opinion
Whilst the M3/4 has been on sale a while longer, I just can't see the c63 being anywhere near as commonplace which can't be a bad issue
However the downsize from a V8, lack of modern tech such as active cruise, and factor that most would really struggle to tell the inside from a 320d msport, it really is a no brainier as someone else stated.
Appreciate looks are very subjective, but the M3 and M4 now almost looks like a caricature of an M3 in my opinion
Whilst the M3/4 has been on sale a while longer, I just can't see the c63 being anywhere near as commonplace which can't be a bad issue
