BMW M3 Competition Pack or Mercedes C63S AMG? Ver indecisive

[rabdal897]

Its a boring Tuesday at work so I figured, why not take it to the forums to sort this out. I recently sold my Porsche 991 GTS and am looking to buy a sporty sedan. The coupe life was nice but, I'm ready go jump into something with a bit more space.

I went last week to test drive the BMW M3 with competition pack and I loved it. The car drives absolutely fantastic and it's stupid fast. I thought it was a done deal at that point. However, I went over to Mercedes and test drove a new C63S and was not blown away by the performance but, once I sat in the Merc, I absolutely fell in love with the interior. What a beautiful place to be. However, its heavier and doesn't feel as sharp as the M3.

Ideal car for me would be M3 drive with C63S interior and refinement. Also, is there any other car I should consider? I wonder if any of you guys have owned either car and what would you do in my situation.

[KDS777]

It's a tough call.........isn't it ?

Both are spectacular vehicles in their own right, and IMHO it comes down to your individual personality, how you wish to be perceived, and perhaps even, how the numbers play out between both vehicles when it is all said and done. Both marques have different images in their respective markets, with the resultant connotations. I cannot speak to the UK, but here in Canada BMW drivers have a very negative stereotype which developed over the last 2 decades. You need to buy what you really like as well.

Having sold both brands for years at the respective dealers, we had a couple of sayings amongst the sales crew..........

BMW = Bring my wallet

AMG = All money gone

Best.

[Hamish]

BMW = Bring my wallet

AMG = All money gone

LOL.....

[droptopman]

Both great cars. I like the seats and interior of the AMG too.
Tough call between them. Sacrifice a little performance for interior or the other way around.
Panamera? Being you had a Porsche did you try one?
Also, a little dated now but the Audi RS7 is a good size for a coupe and has great performance.

[GoingPlaces]

Classic dilemma between these two cars. Had a couple previous generations C63's, they were a blast to drive, absolute torque monsters. Have not driven the new gen yet. Have however driven the M3 and was very impressed with it's composure.

In my opinion, it really depends on how you plan to drive. Benz is going to be straight-line and the M is a bit more drivers car. As for as the interior of the Benz, I love everything except that tablet. It would drive me nuts, looks aftermarket(not trying to offend anyone). Also, not sure what the maintenance costs on an M are, but the AMG's I had were not cheap and thirsty on the oil, went through a lot of tires.

If i did the AMG, it definitely be the coupe. Either way you can't lose, both amazing cars.

[superdog]

I looked at an M3 for my wife and we ended up getting her the C43 AMG.

I paid significantly less, and truly, I like the MB far better. In every way, in comparison, I was disappointed with the M3. From the interior, to the exterior to the engine and driving experience. Granted, we were not in the competition package.

But I grew up loving M3's. It was always a car that I dreamt about.

A this point, I love the C43 so much, I thought about a C63 for me. However, I really do need an SUV and I am smitten my X5 so I am not making any moves.

If this were me making this specific decision, I would take the C63 without a second thought.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by droptopman

Both great cars. I like the seats and interior of the AMG too.
Tough call between them. Sacrifice a little performance for interior or the other way around.
Panamera? Being you had a Porsche did you try one?
Also, a little dated now but the Audi RS7 is a good size for a coupe and has great performance.

fwiw, and considering my above comment, I would take the RS7 over either. easy

its also in a different price league.

[Cru Jones]

Based on what you've written, the MB without a doubt.

In the end, you're buying a 4-door sedan, so your appreciation of overall refinement, luxury and performance > ultimate performance.

I'm lucky, though, as I prefer BMW interiors to Mercedes-Benz. ;-)

[brandrea]

Interesting thread. I'm not in the market for the performance versions of either, but am looking at the 330 Vs C300.

For me it comes down to MB being a comfortable cruiser (which I appreciate) vs. the BMW being more nimble and better "feeling" (brakes, handling) if that makes sense.

Perhaps the performance versions of these two cars vary but in my case I much preferred the BMW.

Good luck.

PS: what's with the poorly designed nav. display on both of these cars? I didn't care for how it looked in either ... almost looks like an afterthought. Just my

[5Zigen]

I would choose the C63s. Its a blast to drive, much better interior, better sounding V8 engine that is not pumped in like the BMW and that exhaust burble...

Stock handling is no slouch already but get a set of KW Height Adjustable spring kit and upgraded bump stops...handling much more neutral with predictable oversteer and the turn-ins much crisper.

[AlphaOmega4]

I have a 2015 Yas Marina Blue M4 and have had a Blast with it.

I'm getting into something new for 2018 as it was a 3 year lease.


I have looked at quite a few new cars and have to say I have considered both

AMG vs M again.

My personal Thoughts.

Sedan.. Go M3 Comp Package

Coupe AMGC63S

Was not impressed with the looks of the AMG Sedan.. The Hips on the M3 are much more pronounced and the comp pack really dialed in what the 2015's did not..

However I am a huge Fan of the new C63S Coupe's body language.

LOVE Coupe's but a sedan has been tugging on me this past year pretty hard.

The AMG def has the better interior.. However the simplicity of the BMW Interior with Full Leather and Carbon fiber still does it for me.

I am also considering the M550i now for a little more room / travel and its faster than the current M5... pretty tough to beat..

However size is a bit intimidating as I'm use to a little bit smaller car..

Did you give any consideration to Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ???

[zama]

I would always prefer the Merc based on sound and interior. If I was not scared of depreciation I would take 4 door Ferrari V6 otherwise known as the Alfa quadrofoglia it has beaten both Merc and BMW in group tests

[BNA/LION]

Based on the two you are choosing from and your comments I would go with the C63S.

I'm in an M6 w/ competition and executive package now and I Luv It! Good Luck with the decision and looking forward to the pictures soon!

[Wesley Crusher]

The BMW will be more engaging and the MB will be more lux/refined as you mentioned.

AMG cars are essentially highway missiles. The C63 has a great V8 motor. I'd go with the Benz.

[breitlings]

the Lexus LC500 might be interesting too. on one hand it is a Toyota, on the other hand it is a pretty interesting car with some HP and getting good reviews. My grandfather had an earlier Lexus Coupe he bought it in the mid 1990s and had it until he died, now his daughter has it and it still runs great.

[rabdal897]

Originally Posted by zama

I would always prefer the Merc based on sound and interior. If I was not scared of depreciation I would take 4 door Ferrari V6 otherwise known as the Alfa quadrofoglia it has beaten both Merc and BMW in group tests

I'm definitely looking at the alfa! I'm having a bit of trouble scheduling a test drive but I'd argue that the alfa is more beautiful than both the BMW and the Merc.

[rabdal897]

Originally Posted by AlphaOmega4

I have a 2015 Yas Marina Blue M4 and have had a Blast with it.

I'm getting into something new for 2018 as it was a 3 year lease.


I have looked at quite a few new cars and have to say I have considered both

AMG vs M again.

My personal Thoughts.

Sedan.. Go M3 Comp Package

Coupe AMGC63S

Was not impressed with the looks of the AMG Sedan.. The Hips on the M3 are much more pronounced and the comp pack really dialed in what the 2015's did not..

However I am a huge Fan of the new C63S Coupe's body language.

LOVE Coupe's but a sedan has been tugging on me this past year pretty hard.

The AMG def has the better interior.. However the simplicity of the BMW Interior with Full Leather and Carbon fiber still does it for me.

I am also considering the M550i now for a little more room / travel and its faster than the current M5... pretty tough to beat..

However size is a bit intimidating as I'm use to a little bit smaller car..

Did you give any consideration to Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio ???

I'm currently looking at the alfa as well! Although I was driving the other day and came across a Miami Blue competition pack M3 and I can't get that color out of my head.

[crc45]

Without a manual option, I would disqualify the AMG anyway...

[WatchingAustin]

RS5 Sportback of course

[KDS777]

Lease the Alfa.........closed end lease only.

[Stuntpilot]

The M3

[texasmade]

I have a 2016 C63S AMG sedan so I'm biased but my vote is AMG.

Interior on the AMG is miles better than the M and owning an AMG gets you into the AMG private lounge. The PL is owned and run by AMG so if you have problems with your vehicle or dealer service, they actually step in and provide assistance. BMW doesn't have anything similar to that.

[DeeTee]

I prefer the M3 interior over the C63.
The trick is you HAVE to get the full leather interior including dash.

C63 feels bulky and heavy driving around.

[bob78h]

My vote is for the M3. The C63 has a ton of power but like you noticed, you pay for it in additional weight. I will say Mercedes has a slightly more luxurious interior but the BMW is so much more fun to drive and that makes all the difference for me.

[socialpro]

Not a fan of the new 'm3/m4' interiors, and somehow they feel awfully 'crammed' to me. I would go with the benz in this case.

I know they are considered a 'class' down and cheaper then the other two mentioned options -- but the new s4/s5 sportbacks are pretty great cars. Just ordered a 2018 S4 for the wife and I think that interior fit and finish (with the magma red seats and trim) - is on par if not better than any 100K+ cars that I owned. Just a thought...

[GB-man]

I had an f80 and while fast i didn't particularly bond with it. Unfortunately it sounded like a civic with an autozone exhaust special. Also traction control was always intervening. I'm being very critical it was still a sweet ride. Interior was fine by me. I had pretty much all the options sans CCB. (No comp pack back then).

[Andad]

Originally Posted by texasmade

I have a 2016 C63S AMG sedan so I'm biased but my vote is AMG.

Interior on the AMG is miles better than the M and owning an AMG gets you into the AMG private lounge. The PL is owned and run by AMG so if you have problems with your vehicle or dealer service, they actually step in and provide assistance. BMW doesn't have anything similar to that.

Except for that stupid PL sticker I binned.

[rabdal897]

Originally Posted by GB-man

I had an f80 and while fast i didn't particularly bond with it. Unfortunately it sounded like a civic with an autozone exhaust special. Also traction control was always intervening. I'm being very critical it was still a sweet ride. Interior was fine by me. I had pretty much all the options sans CCB. (No comp pack back then).

That's a very good point, I'm not particularly in love with the sound and the AMG has the big rumbly V8. I may just wait seeing as the new BMW m8 is coming out soon.

[rabdal897]

How do you guys feel about this? I found this a few days ago and I'm so curious on wether not it's worth waiting for. I know its in a completely different price point, but I might be able to swing it for the v8 life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE6ktMWakBc

[maximilianmuller]

I got a chance to drive the alfa last week and you should really give it a proper look. I've driven the f80 before and I really wasn't impressed.