Replace E55 with C63 or M3?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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SL55, S500
Has anyone replaced their E55 with either a C63(08-11) or M3?
I love the brute force and torque of the E55k but sometimes I want something a little more sporty. The M3 is a great looking car but I feel like it will feel really slow because of the decrease in torque. The C63 seems great but once again its not as sporty as the M3. Thoughts?
I love the brute force and torque of the E55k but sometimes I want something a little more sporty. The M3 is a great looking car but I feel like it will feel really slow because of the decrease in torque. The C63 seems great but once again its not as sporty as the M3. Thoughts?
I should punch you in the face.
Go do your research dozens of M3 guys switched to the C63 and don't look back. I haven't seen it the other way around.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 526
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From: ChiTown
e46 m3, w211 e55
The m3 is more engaging sports car to drive if you get a 6sp. Also I believe it actually faster around a track.
I have both a 6sp m3 as well as the e55. Two totally different cars.
I have both a 6sp m3 as well as the e55. Two totally different cars.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 526
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From: ChiTown
e46 m3, w211 e55
e55:
Pros:
- Lots of stright line power
- Luxury ride / feel
- Highway monster
- Easy ability to mod for more power
Cons:
- Feels VERY heavy
- I dont feel confident taking sharp corners
- I dont feel overly confident in last min braking as the car is very heavy
- Not as agile
- Steering feel is not very sharp
- Shifting is slow
M3
Pros:
- Much better handling
- Much better steering feel
- Much better braking feel
- High rev engine 8k RPM
- great track car / fun car
- very well balanced
- Ability to have manual transmission for fun / reliability
- DCT (on e9x) is a great transmission as well... lightning fast
- great suspension - feels planted - can take on twisties with the best of them
Cons:
- Not as much straight line power (min low end torque)
- harsher ride (this may also be a pro depending on use)
Overall:
M3 is intended to be a track / sports car whereas the e55 is intended to be a luxury cruiser.
M3 is more comparable to a porsche 911
c63 is a great car also... but isn't as engaging or raw as the m3 from a sports car perspective in my opinion. I have spent a good amount of time with a c63 on the track as well so I think i can make an honest comparison.
The c63 just feels more automatic for me. Not as much feedback.
Hope that provides a bit more of a perspective.
Pros:
- Lots of stright line power
- Luxury ride / feel
- Highway monster
- Easy ability to mod for more power
Cons:
- Feels VERY heavy
- I dont feel confident taking sharp corners
- I dont feel overly confident in last min braking as the car is very heavy
- Not as agile
- Steering feel is not very sharp
- Shifting is slow
M3
Pros:
- Much better handling
- Much better steering feel
- Much better braking feel
- High rev engine 8k RPM
- great track car / fun car
- very well balanced
- Ability to have manual transmission for fun / reliability
- DCT (on e9x) is a great transmission as well... lightning fast
- great suspension - feels planted - can take on twisties with the best of them
Cons:
- Not as much straight line power (min low end torque)
- harsher ride (this may also be a pro depending on use)
Overall:
M3 is intended to be a track / sports car whereas the e55 is intended to be a luxury cruiser.
M3 is more comparable to a porsche 911
c63 is a great car also... but isn't as engaging or raw as the m3 from a sports car perspective in my opinion. I have spent a good amount of time with a c63 on the track as well so I think i can make an honest comparison.
The c63 just feels more automatic for me. Not as much feedback.
Hope that provides a bit more of a perspective.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 223
Likes: 7
2008 GL550
Have you dyno the gain and how many miles you have put so far ?
I'm not worried about true HP gain honestly, I am just pleased it helps out like it does on the bottom-end with spooling the supercharger quicker...Im not a highway top-speeder, more like a quick sprinter
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 229
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From: Glendale, CA
93' Ultrasonic Blue Mica LS6/T56 RX7 R1 weekend/ 2007 4Runner V8/ 08' prius
A C63 really? That's a heavy excuse for a benz again. It's auto, it comes with a weak rear tire that doesn't even support 300hp. The E55 and M3 are in two different classes. Compare an E55 vs a M5 6spd and the M5 walks it out of the park. M3's are balanced & have won every magazine article when compared to the C63!
It's about preference I guess. Some just have biased views which cannot be changed.
It's about preference I guess. Some just have biased views which cannot be changed.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 223
Likes: 7
2008 GL550
it's funny but everyone's opinions are correct...they are just very different cars, Gazsonic gave a very accurate description too. I test drove a 07' M5 before the E55, it was amazing. What shied me away was the VANOS issues it can develop, after owning the M3, I vowed not to have that worry in my life any longer. i admit, their are times I miss the M3...it was like a toy for adults Drive both...see what your personal taste calls for.
Drive both...see what your personal taste calls for.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 43
Likes: 6
From: Houston, TX
2016 GTS; 2019 Alltrack; 1974 C10; 97 993 ---- Gone GLA45, APR STG3 Golf R, 2 E55's, E63S, 911's
I put 100k on a 2003 E55 and then 75k on a 2006 E55. Getting rid of that last one knowing they "don't make them like that anymore" was hard. But I did. It was nearing the end of warranty and I had an old friend who had coveted that car from day one.
I have a slew of friends with C63s and M3's. They all argue which is best, but I note that they each have selected what is best for them. They all pushed and pulled on me when I sold my car.
So I bought a BMW 1M Coupe. It has the umpf of the e55. It has the "oh crap I'm going too fast" of the E55. It has the wave factor of the e55 (car guys know its something special). It has the reasonable mod pricing of the e55. It has a clutch which I don't mind. It does really remind me of the thrill of my first drive in a 911sc. Short wheelbase, nimble, certainly quick enough and able to go much quicker if need be.
Now if I can get a black series C63 coupe....
I have a slew of friends with C63s and M3's. They all argue which is best, but I note that they each have selected what is best for them. They all pushed and pulled on me when I sold my car.
So I bought a BMW 1M Coupe. It has the umpf of the e55. It has the "oh crap I'm going too fast" of the E55. It has the wave factor of the e55 (car guys know its something special). It has the reasonable mod pricing of the e55. It has a clutch which I don't mind. It does really remind me of the thrill of my first drive in a 911sc. Short wheelbase, nimble, certainly quick enough and able to go much quicker if need be.
Now if I can get a black series C63 coupe....
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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SL55, S500
A C63 really? That's a heavy excuse for a benz again. It's auto, A.)it comes with a weak rear tire that doesn't even support 300hp. The E55 and M3 are in two different classes. Compare an B.)E55 vs a M5 6spd and the M5 walks it out of the park. C.)M3's are balanced & have won every magazine article when compared to the C63!
It's about preference I guess. Some just have biased views which cannot be changed.
It's about preference I guess. Some just have biased views which cannot be changed.
A.)ROFL did you read that on M3Post.
B.) It well documented the 2003 E55 has been destroying the M5 till 2011.
C.)No it hasn't. Balanced as in what? It drives like **** all the time and only moves once the accelerator is past 3/4? Compared to the C63 always being on. Anyway that whole BMW community is screwed up, the 335 guys are faster.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 526
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From: ChiTown
e46 m3, w211 e55
LOL @ the guy who compared the M3 to a 911, not even close. It's like 30 seconds behind...on the Nurburgring.
A.)ROFL did you read that on M3Post.
B.) It well documented the 2003 E55 has been destroying the M5 till 2011.
C.)No it hasn't. Balanced as in what? It drives like **** all the time and only moves once the accelerator is past 3/4? Compared to the C63 always being on. Anyway that whole BMW community is screwed up, the 335 guys are faster.
A.)ROFL did you read that on M3Post.
B.) It well documented the 2003 E55 has been destroying the M5 till 2011.
C.)No it hasn't. Balanced as in what? It drives like **** all the time and only moves once the accelerator is past 3/4? Compared to the C63 always being on. Anyway that whole BMW community is screwed up, the 335 guys are faster.
- '03 e55 does not destroy an e60 m5 (both in stock form). Not sure what you define as destroy.
- Have you driven an m car extensively? For a sports car Id have to argue they are better overall for balanced performance. AMG makes a better luxury car that happens to go really fast IMO.
Again my opinion - take it as you wish. Everyone is entitled to their opinion.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
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211-55
You've got to be kidding. Comparing a low-13s 1/4 mile 1M to a low-12s E55 (stock)?
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 229
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From: Glendale, CA
93' Ultrasonic Blue Mica LS6/T56 RX7 R1 weekend/ 2007 4Runner V8/ 08' prius
LOL @ the guy who compared the M3 to a 911, not even close. It's like 30 seconds behind...on the Nurburgring.
A.)ROFL did you read that on M3Post.
B.) It well documented the 2003 E55 has been destroying the M5 till 2011.
C.)No it hasn't. Balanced as in what? It drives like **** all the time and only moves once the accelerator is past 3/4? Compared to the C63 always being on. Anyway that whole BMW community is screwed up, the 335 guys are faster.
A.)ROFL did you read that on M3Post.
B.) It well documented the 2003 E55 has been destroying the M5 till 2011.
C.)No it hasn't. Balanced as in what? It drives like **** all the time and only moves once the accelerator is past 3/4? Compared to the C63 always being on. Anyway that whole BMW community is screwed up, the 335 guys are faster.
Let me know how your intercooler pump does after racing a stock M5 6spd
. The E55 will not destroy the M5, not one bit. The M5 is built with real motorsports in mind, maybe not ONLY straight line. It can actually take turns. E63 8:10 at the ring
E60 M5 7:52 at the ring
The C63 always being on? The 63 series engine has valvetrain issues up the wazoo, unlike the S65 V8 in the BMW.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Let me know how your intercooler pump does after racing a stock M5 6spd . The E55 will not destroy the M5, not one bit. The M5 is built with real motorsports in mind, maybe not ONLY straight line. It can actually take turns.
E63 8:10 at the ring
E60 M5 7:52 at the ring
The C63 always being on? The 63 series engine has valvetrain issues up the wazoo, unlike the S65 V8 in the BMW.
. The E55 will not destroy the M5, not one bit. The M5 is built with real motorsports in mind, maybe not ONLY straight line. It can actually take turns. E63 8:10 at the ring
E60 M5 7:52 at the ring
The C63 always being on? The 63 series engine has valvetrain issues up the wazoo, unlike the S65 V8 in the BMW.
I am not sure how you going to make friends or support in this forum but Good luck with your attitude. I have walked 2 time M6 up to 100 MPH so i am not sure what you mean. Oh, don't give me the crap about the gearing that after 120mph M will walk 55, not a chance.
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
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From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
It's true, sorry to burst your bubble. My M5 pulled like a train past 80. And nothing with a W211 chassis has the same steering feel and handling as an ///M. I've owned both.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
We all know M handle better but when you do 1/4 mile not so sure. I don't own E63 but my E55 pull like a jet.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
If M3 or M5 so good why people still buying stupid slow AMG 
People who buying M or AMG are for performance so take aside the luxury. So why people are still buying AMG since M perform better and cheaper than AMG ?
People who buying M or AMG are for performance so take aside the luxury. So why people are still buying AMG since M perform better and cheaper than AMG ?
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,760
Likes: 594
From: Seattle
'19 E63S, ‘16 CLS63 RIP, '09 E63 Gone, '06 M5 Gone, '97 Supra TT Gone
You need to turn this into English so people can respond intelligently.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: BC
Haters crazy
Just drove the M3 yesterday... trying to find replacement for wifes 335... and MAN its a sweet car... drives like a dream... tranny... a beauty, power is decent.
C63 is brute power, does not feel as refined on the road as the M3 did... M3 is definitely the "drivers" car... If you want brute power, definitely the c63. If I personally had a choice, I would say C63, AMG 4 LIFE lol
Its almost the same debate as E55/E63 vs M5... Drive BOTH, than make your decision. Everyone has a different "feel" they want in a car.
C63 is brute power, does not feel as refined on the road as the M3 did... M3 is definitely the "drivers" car... If you want brute power, definitely the c63. If I personally had a choice, I would say C63, AMG 4 LIFE lol
Its almost the same debate as E55/E63 vs M5... Drive BOTH, than make your decision. Everyone has a different "feel" they want in a car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: BC
Haters crazy
Had an M6 before the E55... M5 I would imagine would handle very similar, and you cannot compare the handling. That being said your not going to be driving slalom courses, and 8s everyday lol 90% straight roads.
Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 229
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From: Glendale, CA
93' Ultrasonic Blue Mica LS6/T56 RX7 R1 weekend/ 2007 4Runner V8/ 08' prius
My point was not to start an argument. I merely gave my opinion. Facts are facts yes. The benzes are faster in a straight line but M's are faster around corners and more geared towards motorsports. With only automatic transmissions, MB is looking too boring in a lot of comparisons aside from the power. I understand, power and cornering isn't everything but these are 400+hp automobiles we are comparing here.
The power that the C63 has, you would assume it would be significantly lower in weight but it weighs as much as a humpback whale
.
The power that the C63 has, you would assume it would be significantly lower in weight but it weighs as much as a humpback whale
.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Streets of SoFlo
you to Hate
It will never, ever walk mine!
My IC will be fine! And I am fully aware of what a fully modded M5 can do,BUT it still won't beat me!
LOL, you need to come down my way. There isn't an M5 around that can fu*k with the E55s around here. Or any 55 for that matter.
My point was not to start an argument. I merely gave my opinion. Facts are facts yes. The benzes are faster in a straight line but M's are faster around corners and more geared towards motorsports. With only automatic transmissions, MB is looking too boring in a lot of comparisons aside from the power. I understand, power and cornering isn't everything but these are 400+hp automobiles we are comparing here.
