Further to posts re C63 I had previously looked at M3s but BMW could not do a deal with my car. I have since put a deposit on the C63 but yet to finally spec thinking the M3 was a no goer but they have come up with a really good personal lease deal.
Basically the C63 is over 2 years with a gfv of 32k so I can chuck it back and pocket any equity. BMW have come up with a lease deal that is almost the same payable over the two years but the car goes back. The list price of the M3 is actually around 2k more. The M3 will have 19s, dct, bluetooth and telematics. The C63 will have command sat nav, the rest is pretty much std on the C63 bar of course a LSD.
The downside to the M3 is that it only has 2 doors (cant get a 4 door) although I am pretty sure the pushcahir and child seat will fit in no problem.
The C63 doesnt look as nice and from what I have read eats rears and will drink more but the sound is just fantastic and it goes well and has 4 doors.
All the magazines pretty much put the M3 ahead in most areas and importantly suggest the M3s ride is not as harsh although I found the C63 on 18s to be fine.
So there you have it, my only other concern is being tied into a lease, if we hit a second dip and work goes tits up atleast I can get out of the Merc.
I think I know which one I want but I would be interested to see what people on here think.

 

try an RS4

 

I had one from new in 2007 If they still built them I would have another.
But thanks for the wise words

 

What a nice dilemma to have.

I like M cars and my perception is that the M3 is a much better all rounder but, especially as it's not my money, it has to be the Merc

I would expect the residuals to be better on the Merc too, M3s are as common as muck and rather tame in comparison.

 

M3 is a bit common and 'in yer face' in my opinion. I think I would rather have the somewhat stealthy C63. But that's just me. You did elude to not driving the C63 on track or anything like that so would imagine that the C63 would make a better daily companion than the hardcore M3.

I love the sound of the Merc's think it's a really unique soundtrack and given the choice....

I doubt that the M3 is particularly kind on its rears either...

 

I disagree, the M3 is subtle and not in yer face, the journo's were well upset that it wasn't a bit more garrish!

I love the idea of the M3, just not the cost!

 

There is a four door M3 as far as I am aware

or do you mean none are available to order?

 

It just looks a bit BIG and vulger on the road...there is one regularly parked up near me and looks like someone has scaled up a 335 by 20%...

Just looks big, whereas the E46 looked sleeker and meaner than the 330.

Don't get me wrong, I 'get' the car and love it, just seems a bit like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut....For track / fast road use, I've little doubt it is superior to the C63.

The Merc is a different concept and seems better suited to the OP's needs.

 

VXR8.

then people will like you.

 

Thanks for your comments, keep them comming. M3s around here are quite few and far between and I think I have only seen 1 C63. I too think the M3 is quite subtle and struggle to spot one over a normal coupe.