VINBENZO

I've always like the M3 and E class. Between the two, what would you guys pick? Perhaps a used E63 in the same price range (65-75k).

2006_C350

Used E63 all the way. The m3 is small and slow...trust me I had an 08

tc1728

I currently have a E63 and have had 2 M3's. This is also a Benz forum. Having said all that, I would go with a new 2014 M3 all day over a used E63 or a new, non AMG E class.

Long3494Qut

Perhaps a C63?!!

DavidNJ

Different animals. The M3 competes against the C63 and RS4. The 350/550 competes against the 535/550 and A6.

K-A

Man these couldn't be any more different! Haha.

The M3 is a scalpel, meant to carve corners and have as sporting a nature as possible. The E350/E550 (save for the brute power of the latter) is the exact opposite. The more you push it, the larger it feels, exaggerated floats, meant to coast over roads rather than tackle them. One is a hard riding (literally) bonafide Sports Car that can rattle your fillings out and the other is a complete Luxury Sedan that's meant to make you feel like you're sitting in and driving a Lounge environment.

That said, I'm the same way in that I love and pit all different types of cars together. I can understand two types of opposite cars tugging at the heart strings.

Basically both do what they're meant to very ideally. However a 5-Series M Sport (535i/550i with mechanical M suspensions and Sport Auto Trans or of course M5) would literally be kind of in between an M3 and an E-Class.

EDIT: Just realized you're talking about an F30 based M3. I don't think specs are out on those yet? It'll be a scalpel and probably perform better but won't be as hardcore as the E90/E92. It'll be more refined and comfortable. Biggest issue is the cheap a$$ F30 (new 3) interior which feels like it's 2-4 segments under the F10 5-Series when it's only supposed to be 1 segment under it (looks and feels as if it's from a different manufacturer entirely). So the E Class will still have a luxury advantage over the next gen M3, but it'll be closer than it was on the very hardcore E90 M3.

hyperion667

if this is an addition to your stable now, I'd say buff it up with some AMG power

CEB

The OP may also want to consider the roads he is driving on. NY roads and M3 suspensions don't play well together.

VINBENZO

I know the M3 doesn't compete with the E-class. But for the price range of 65-75k, I was considering the 2014 M3, used E63, or 2014 E550. The E350 is a great car but it's a bit boring to drive (my wife drives it most of the time). With the E550, you can add some Renntech tuning to get close to E63 power for cheap.
I've never really liked the C63.
Hype, I can't afford a third car

K-A, I went to the BMW dealership and they said the '14 M3 won't be available until summer '14 and thats why we got the E350 for now. I think the M3 interior should be much better than the 328/335. The F10 is beautiful but somehow I like the E class better.
Most of my driving are in NJ and I have an MDX for nyc driving.

TopGun32

by then.. used F10 M5..

VINBENZO

I would rather take used E63 over M5.

K-A, the M3 should have turbo inline-6 with 450hp and weights lighter than the E90. And has power folding side mirrors

petee1997

The C63 is a very competent car. In a comparison of nine sport cars by Motor Trend (July or Aug 2012) the C63 black edition came in second. Only the Porsche 991S outperformed it.
The AMG interior is great and the V8 leaves the M3 in the dust.

The only downside is that it isn't a great winter performer. It needs winter tires.

On the other hand, if you are looking for great power, AWD, the E550 with 4.6L TT V8, when in sport mode is a good performer. My CLS550 has been a delight to drive. Unlike the E350 the air suspension is adjustable and when in sport mode the whole architecture of the car changes. It drops half an in., stiffens right up, the transmission holds the gears longer and the 400+ hp shows it's capabilities.

Unless you want to track your car, the E550 with air suspension is a good
choice.

GoBlando

I'd go new S6

K-A

Ooh that sounds pretty glorious indeed. Maybe I'll wait for that myself . I'm curious to see what they do with the interior if anything.

The A6/S6 aren't my cups of tea but the S6 is a beast, absolute engineering hallmark performance wise. If you aren't leasing especially, it should be worth a look. Such a boring body style though, IMO.

E Classy

.

VINBENZO

K-A, the S6 is a great performance sedan and like you said, the styling is pretty boring. I can't tell which audi is which from the front or back.

E-classy, I need four doors as I have a baby. I know for that price range, there are so many good options out there. If I don't have a baby, the new M4 would be my first choice.

E Classy

.

GoBlando

OP, how tall are you and do you like to drive a group of people around? I had an S5 for almost 5 years. It was an amazingly tight car (though I did have issues with mine). My only gripe was that I couldn't drive more than 2 people around. If I was 5'8 or under it would have been ok, but at 6'3", it was impossible.

The new RS5 looks like a lot of fun, or buy a 2009-2011 S5 used, supercharge, and have a wonderful 6spd manual with over 500HP and quattro.

CEB

NY roads and a baby. Grown people get their fillings knocked out in an M and get queasy in the back seat. I know your baby doesn't have teeth or fillings but do you want your kid spitting up at every bump?

K-A

The F30 based M3 should definitely be more comfortable than the E90 based (and I'm already prepared to hear the purists hollering obscenities about that), but who knows how much (it'll still be an M3 which means focus better remain on Sportiness which means a harder oriented ride).

My friends E90 M3 simply going over the reflectors in between lanes would make your jaw vibrate while switching lanes.

VINBENZO

E-Classy, I did picked the E for safety reasons. I would have gotten the E wagon but the wife doesn't like them.
Anyone have E350 wagon or E63 wagon? How's the ride in the E63 wagon or sedan? Would the baby be spitting up at every bump like the M3?

What does OP stands for? I know I'm the "OP" but didnt know what it stands for. Lol
GoBlando, I'm not a big fan of audi. I'd go bmw and MB before audi. Although the RS5 is another beautiful car.

CEB, most of my driving are in NJ (80%) and NY (20%). I only drive the baby on the weekend.

K-A, I didn't know the E90 was that rough. I actually like the way the 5 series drives and handles but for me, the E is like the girl you'd married and the 5 would be someone you'd have an affair with.

VINBENZO

Ok I think I know what OP stands far, original poster?

K-A

Haha. That actually resonates true with me. I drove the E nice and easy, acted like I was in a long term marriage with it. The 5er I go full throttle at every straightaway, take every curvy road I can, I guess it's got that "affair" flavor after all. Though I could still bring her "home" to Mom.

The M3's ride wasn't really "rough" in the sense where it was harsh for the sake of it. It really felt like an appropriately race bred car with a harder suspension to match. But the suspension is really remarkable. I.e I wouldn't say it was "flawed" because you would feel the road, instead it was so connected to the road which makes it such a scalpel that it purposefully wants you to feel every bump.

GabrielNov

e class all the way, I like comfort/styling.


A benz looks very elegant, though if you like pure performance, rough ride and bare bones interior go with the m3.

Two different cat. IMO.......Like the m3 though, but currently does not fit my driving needs.

RobbieRob

E550 with the renntech tune all the way... Bigger car, more comfortable, nicer interior, and with that tune you will beat, if not smoke, the M3(in a straight line). Since its a little bigger, it will be a little safer for your little one and the 4matic is good for that great weather up here in the northeast... Good Luck on your decision OP...