C63 amg (NA or not?) vs. M3 £30k

[AScientist]

Apologies if this has been asked (many times) before (search function seems to be a google search?)

I'm looking to spend around 30k on either an M3 or C63 AMG and after advice. I know it's maybe subjective and I fully intend to test drive both but maybe someone has owned both and has experience of running costs?

I've heard the w203 NA is bullet proof, can the same be said for the biturbo one?

Any advice greatly appreciated all, thanks in advance

[Leon R]

Which M3? F80?

[hungry_hog]

AScientist said:

Apologies if this has been asked (many times) before (search function seems to be a google search?)

I'm looking to spend around 30k on either an M3 or C63 AMG and after advice. I know it's maybe subjective and I fully intend to test drive both but maybe someone has owned both and has experience of running costs?

I've heard the w203 NA is bullet proof, can the same be said for the biturbo one?

Any advice greatly appreciated all, thanks in advance

I assume you are referring to W204
I have owned the W204 (coupe) and currently own the F80

The W204 makes a better sound, has more of a smile factor, interior is quite old fashioned now
F80 - faster, sound is odd frankly even with Milltek, interior not flashy but better functionality wise. Lighter and more agile.

W204 will be cheaper to buy, more expensive to run

Aesthetic - I think the F80 looks much more aggressive, but whether you think that is a good thing is a matter of taste

[Glenn63]

I owned a 204 c63 and drove an m4 on track (I’m assuming pretty much the same as m3) the m4 was better in almost every way I thought except for the sound which I absolutely loved on my c63. Not just when ‘on it’ but everyday burbling around town gives you a constant grin. Tbh I’d be happy with either!

[itz_baseline]

My wife just put a deposit on a W204 C63 AMG estate which we pick up on Friday. Pretty sure as others have said the M4 will be a better drive in most if not all ways, but let's be honest how often are you going to get to drive them any more than 7/10ths on the road therefore she went for sound and smiles.

Could be wrong, but suspect the 6.2l will help keep them desirable and therefore suffer less depreciation if that matters to you.

For us, we also like that relatively speaking the C63 estate looks a bit of a sleeper and just another oil burner to those not in the know.

Edited to add for £30k you could probably find a 507 edition of the C63 which will be the collectable one in future.

Edited by itz_baseline on Wednesday 22 July 20:03

[cerb4.5lee]

I'd be very happy with either of them. Both really nice cars for me.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm a bit bias but having owned an F80 & currently owning a CLK63 & the OH had a C63 I'll give my slightly bias opinion.

The F80 looks gorgeous it just has such presence but the exhaust note is awful it had traction issues that neither of the Mercedes do, the engine is good but lacks drama I didn't gel with mine but that doesn't mean you won't.

Now the 63's are just bombastic the engine is weapons grade fitting an X pipe whilst leaving the rest of the system adds a bit more drama a remap mean you'll actually get full throttle it has the ability to put a smile on your face on start up.

Now I'd ssy that if your're looking at a car without an LSD then budget to have one fitted, I hope this helps.

[itz_baseline]

ZX10R NIN said:

I'm a bit bias but having owned an F80 & currently owning a CLK63 & the OH had a C63 I'll give my slightly bias opinion.

The F80 looks gorgeous it just has such presence but the exhaust note is awful it had traction issues that neither of the Mercedes do, the engine is good but lacks drama I didn't gel with mine but that doesn't mean you won't.

Now the 63's are just bombastic the engine is weapons grade fitting an X pipe whilst leaving the rest of the system adds a bit more drama a remap mean you'll actually get full throttle it has the ability to put a smile on your face on start up.

Now I'd ssy that if your're looking at a car without an LSD then budget to have one fitted, I hope this helps.

Out of interest what remap have you got and which xpipe? Just got a C63 and might be something to consider if I get used to the sound and power.

Also, any specific LSD you recommend? Always tell myself to leave cars standard but 12 months in i start twitching

[ZX10R NIN]

I have a Quaife LSD & my X Pipe was made by my local exhaust fabricator, the map was done by Weistec.

[Glenn63]

Take it straight to MSL they will sort you out. The c63 are said to be limited to 80% or something even when foots flat to the floor so a simple remap gets to around 520bhp add a secondary de-cat and it’s a whole new animal!