57 Votes

Has Mercedes Finally Built A M3 Killer?

Agent009 submitted on 3/4/2008 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 1:35:32 PM

86 user comments | Category: Photo Galleries | Source: www.autospies.com

We all know the M3 in the minds of the enthusiast has typified the ultimate sport sedan.

With this in mind the simple fact remains that everyone is always gunning for you. Life is tough at the top.

After all bragging rights are at stake here, and if you can top the king in any performance factor, then you can proclaim your achievements to the world at large as a M3 killer.

While many have claimed they can topple the M3, so far all have fallen short. The latest car to make the claim and draw the short stick was the Lexus IS-F. Even though it missed the target in several key areas, it may have come far closer to hitting the mark than BMW would like to admit..

Mercedes Benz is the next up to the plate and the new C63 AMG may actually be able to topple the king, at least on paper.

Powered by a hand built 6.3 liter V8 producing a thundering 457 hp and the AMG heritage behind the design, this uber-missle has not only the clout, but the class leading edge to possible topple the king at its own game.

Check out the gallery from the latest test drive roundup and tell us if the M3 has met it match once and for all and why?

Happy hunting!

Check Out The 2008 Geneva Motor Show Gallery

About the Author

"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough."
— Agent009 (View Profile)

User Comments

+1. Great car, gotten good reviews, but the M3 is still the scalpel to the C63's hammer.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 2:42:12 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 9

It may be a lot faster, but the M3 Coupe is just so damn sexy!
— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 9:30:39 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

that used to be true, but from what i've read, this latest iteration of the C AMG handles very well and is closer to the M3 in personality than previous AMGs.
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 5:28:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

LOL
— simbaba (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 2:20:13 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Although you spelled "compliment" correctly, you meant to use "complement".

I know your username is Spellchecker, not Grammarchecker, but I'm just sayin'
— DW1968 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 9:11:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

It's faster, and thats about it.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 2:41:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5

define "faster"
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:07:26 PM | | Votes: -4

60 mph in 3.9 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 12.3 seconds at 116 mph.
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:37:02 PM | | Votes: 6

which incidentally is barely quicker. The M3 has been clocked at 4.1 second 0-60 and 12.6 sec 1/4 mile, with the M-DCT expected to shave 0.2 seconds off both. That would put them virtually dead even through 60 and the 1/4 mile. I'd expect the C63 to pull away in a straight line from there, but the 0.95-0.98g's and 73-75mph slalom that the M3 has gotten in test results indicate the M3 would be a much more entertaining car on a curvy road.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:03:51 PM | | Votes: 4

in a straight line
— thethrillofdriving (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:42:56 PM | | Votes: 2

in a straight line
— thethrillofdriving (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:42:59 PM | | Votes: 0

JRobUSC, I agree that the M3 is better when the road gets curvy, but what you said about straight-line isn't really fair. The 4.1sec 0-60 figure for the M3 is from road&track, while the C63 3.9 sec is from C&D. It's not fair to compare car acceleration numbers from different mags because driver and weather conditions are different. C&D says 3.3sec for the M3 under the same conditions with which they got the 4.1sec for the c63.

And, while I hope that you do get .2 sec less with M-DCT, remember that bmw has been very "creative" when it comes to numbers.

In any case, the c63 probably won't sell as much as the M3, but it's nice to see other companies becoming more competitive with the M cars.
— leelemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:12:51 PM | | Votes: 1

oops, i meant 3.9sec for c63, not 4.1. sorry.
— leelemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:13:56 PM | | Votes: 3

oops again, 4.3 sec for C&D's m3, not 3.3.
— leelemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:15:19 PM | | Votes: 1

i don't consider a car faster if the method used to attain results could damage major mechanicals. i know, i've ranted about 0-60 times being overrated before, but there is way more to BOTH of these car's dynamics than 0-60.

i like them both. the benz is a bit more practical, the bmw being a better handler. i would be interested in seeing an amg c-class with a clutch vs an m3 sedan with a clutch. but that test will never occur.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 9:06:14 PM | | Votes: 2

1995 - How many times do REAL civilians drivers get the numbers seen in the mags? Of course the Mags #s are from clutch drops from good drivers. This is for most cases..even the 3.3 the GTR got...can you believe it!?!

M3 typically comes with a better driving feel and feedback that is desireable in a sports car, but in a Luxo Sedan/coupe. MB, Cadi, Lexus are close on its tail and may one day match or succeed. Until then BMW is the leader in this category.
— Porschinator (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 5:20:15 PM | | Votes: 1

It looks so sweet in white. God! that's an awesome looking car!!
However, as good as it looks and performs, I don't think that it will beat the M3.
The M3 is, well, the M3!! The M3 has been, is, and will be the King of ultimate sport sedans. Period.
— 07G35J (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 2:57:29 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

we have already seen head to head comparison on top and fifth gear. the M3, no matter how many horses less, laps the track faster.
— Talli (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:10:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Putting more horsepower in a car, doesn't make it a better performance car or an M3 killer.
I thought MB was done with the HP war.
— devitocoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:13:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

No manufacturer can keep up with MB in the HP war. Everyone else has given up..
— njshift (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 8:32:13 AM | | Votes: 2

The M3 and C63 cater to different drivers and give different levels of enjoyment. Reviewers are not only split as to which is the best car, they're also split as to which particular characteristics they prefer from each car.
Razor sharp handling = M3 / Pure power = C63 / Steering feel = M3 / Exhaust sound and interior fit and finish = C63
Obviously all of these are subjective and are all opinions but that's how reviewers seem to saying.
In this case, let's credit Mercedes in building a small sedan finally capable of even being compared to the M3. Whether it's better or not is a matter of opinion because statistically, the numbers are also split.
— mmeecc (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:18:20 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

You forgot the biggest difference STICK -vs- AUTOMATIC!
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:45:20 PM | | Votes: 3

Well, at least AMG is finally making some competitive SPORT sedans now. Their new philosophy is going to churn out some great cars.
My favorite colors are black and white for this car. If I could just get my hands on some AluBeam paint, that would be awesome!
— Monk (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:19:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

the best handling car out by mercedes is the CLK63 AMG Black Series. It's the best handling car they have made in a long time.
— thethrillofdriving (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:47:57 PM | | Votes: 5

well, i think in this case, we will have to wait for the M3 CSL to come and see.

i actually really looking forward to see black series with csl together~~~
— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 3:45:22 AM | | Votes: 1

Well i am glad they made a nice C AMG, atleast now my wife and I will have different cars. I will get the new M3 and she can get the C63. That way when I am in her car i don't get bored of the same look.
— devitocoke (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:25:14 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

The C63 doesn't have a manual, the M3 being tested also has two fewer doors.

For a fair comparison, we can look forward to later this year when BMW debut its 4-door M3 with a double clutch transmission. It has been reported that the M3 convertible will be the first car to get this box.
— bclemans (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:40:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

every single time you post you make BMW fans (myself included) look bad. We all end up getting lumped in with you, guilty by association. If you really liked BMW you would realize that and stop doing it.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:10:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

JRobUSC, don't worry, I don't lump you (or just about any of the other BMW diehards) in with this fool. I would think most others agree with me.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 9:51:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

the Z8 looks a little odd though
— ILikeLambo (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 7:04:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Mercedes build an M3 Killer? Parhaps, I havent driven either but from the figures I can tell you they got as close as anyone ever has.
In some aspects this Mercedes beats the BMW. Definitely in straight line acceleration, horsepower, torque, and I speculate braking. The Mercedes is more of a Muscle car hot rod while the M3 is more performance, handling oriented.

Its like 2 different athletes the bodybuilder(C63AMG) and the Track Runner (M3) Both have their advantages over the other in certain aspects.
— w209w114 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 3:54:19 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7

Best post here! +1
— Threepoint1415926 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 3:10:05 PM | | Votes: 1

you're an idiot.
— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 5:31:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

well to TheBoss, since you asked for it here you go. Latest issue of carmagazine (titled nissan crushes the germans) is out. It has the R8,M3,911 TURBO go against the GT-R. Oh and the article is on a BMW forum no less. BMW fans should read it too, you guys would like the outcome. Copy and past link to read article

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122409

Oh new issue of EVO Magazine just came out in Britain, and it has the GT-R go against the ZO6 and 911GT3, if y'all wanna see the results copy and paste the link

http://www.nagtroc.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21804

— aston_martin (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 6:36:15 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

I dont really like the interior of the car. Looks like a giant see of gray. I havent driven either car and I like both car companies. However I really want Infiniti to come out with a challenger as well.
— NItePhire (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 4:32:47 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

I suggest taking some time to sit inside one, it may change your mind. I wasn't a big fan of the C-class interior, either, based on pictures, but I recently sat inside one, and I was very pleasantly surprised. I don't know about all of the color choices, but the quality of the materials and the details are apparently in real life, and it definitely changed my mind about them.
— DW1968 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 9:20:29 PM | | Votes: 1

This is a Missile while the M3 is a Torpedo.
— EvoAudi (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 5:04:08 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

Great analogy
— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 5:15:46 PM | | Votes: 3

I'll wait for the CTS-V thank you
— american_made (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 5:28:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 6

c'mon, i tow the bmw line all day long, but i've gotta respect the caddie.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 9:37:34 PM | | Votes: 1

oops again, 4.3 sec for C&D's m3, not 3.3.
— leelemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:14:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/news-blog/two-mercedes-product-announcements/

The website above, along with some others, are saying Mercedes announced the c63 base price to be $53,800 in the US, the same as the base price for the M3 sedan. Can someone confirm this?
— leelemon (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:22:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

Mercedes is a more comfy car. If you remove all gadgets and use carbon fiber as BMW did on the M3 I can tell you for sure that the M3 would not be able to beat or reach the C63, and definitely I would not buy a C63 because is not a Mercedes Benz any more. M3 was designed to be light, to the point that it do not have fog lights, no option for sunroof or glass roof, also the C63 have a lot standar features that I wish in my car. Both cars are high tech cars but if I have to chose an engine the C63 is bigger and have a lot more power an torque and if you say that is just big, explain how it can be lighter than the 4.0 BMW engine: http://www.worldcarfans.com/9071221.015/mercedes-c-63-amg-test-drive
Great cars diferent buyers. I like to feel a great sport sedan with all the features available when needed and if it have a glass roof,,...great, Also yes in curvy roads the M3 will be the winner for a very small margin in the same way as the C63 will be the one on straight line. Also if you are lookig for correct numbers http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/sports_car_central/2008_bmw_m3_road_test+page-3.html 0-60 mph M3 4.3 C63= 3.9 on the same conditions and in diferent tests C&D got the same results, that means almost half second slower than the C63, In accelaration C63 is the unbetable. Half second is not a big deal so at the end every budy will buy what they like.
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 6:57:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

you can get a moonroof in the M3 coupe in place of the carbon fiber roof for no charge. You can get a moonroof on the M3 sedan for $1050. The C-class is also bigger than the 3-Series in only one place -- exterior dimensions. The trunks are the same size and the 3-Series actually has more rear passenger space than the C.

I'm expecting 0-60 in the M3 with M-DCT to be around 4.0 seconds with the 1/4 mile in 12.5. It might not be quite as quick as the C63 but it'll be very, very close, in a better handling car. Top Gear and Fifth Gear track tested the M3 and C63 and it really wasn't close. The M3 looked like a racecar carving through corners, the C63 was like a musclecar oversteering its way through the whole course. That was fun when I was 16. Nowadays I'd rather have the "sharper" car, the one that rewards you the more you drive it, and that's the M3. Edmunds.com just called the M3 a legit 911 competitor, and even said it's more of a pure sports car than the R8. Blasphemy? Maybe, but that's a hell of an endorsement, and it certainly puts the M3 at the front of my list for cars in this class.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 7:45:47 PM | | Votes: 4

JRobUSC : You are right and at the end everything is just matter of physics. M3 is more than 400 pounds lighter than the C63 so it will turn better but still is not a touring Sedan (the one that I like), is an track oriented car (the one that you´ll enjoy). At the end the beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Final Thoughts: Most of the people prefer the sound of the C63 engine, but not me the M3 engine sound....the world most Pure high tech music...
— Yonder7 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 8:26:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

Wow, what a great lookin' car and it's fast too :-O
— EL34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 8:42:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4

I like the M3 more.
— bmwfan1513 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 9:21:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1

457 bhp. Nice!
— VISO (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 9:29:54 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3

I can't say so. After falling in love with the M3 sedan's shape and performance (without having even seen it on the road), the C63 has lost its luster, as has the RS4. I hope Audi brings it with the new RS5 coupe, because THAT car is one that could definitely stand out from the pack.
— S4cabriofoxone (View Profile)

Posted on 3/4/2008 9:52:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

by that time there'll be a new M3 again.
— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 8:34:12 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

c63 will remain the king of cars...
— c36amg (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 5:06:50 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

just went to my dealership yesterday and they brought in an interlagos blue m3 coupe..... msrp 69,970 !
the car has such a presence ,trust me, it blows the c63 away in the looks dept.
— iamdabest1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 12:07:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

GET A STICK MERCEDES!!! GET A STICK!!!
— FerrarisR4me (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 8:16:44 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2

your the smartest person alive.
— 1995e34 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 9:38:12 PM | | Votes: -1

this car is just fast and clumsy, all that power with nothing else to add, ill take an M3 or IS-F please..same on u merecedes
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 3/5/2008 9:47:00 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4

Top gear tested the car, and liked the M3 more. But i would rather get a GTR over both of these, especially in Europe, where there is a price of gap of only about 5 to 6 thousand pounds.
— farabira1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 3:26:45 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2

Top Gear is just a bunch of wankers. Some of you guys absorb their bs like sheep.
— njshift (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 8:37:40 AM | | Votes: 1

Don't let it get to you buddy.
— njshift (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 12:04:47 PM | | Votes: 1

I'm sorry, but this car looks so good from the front and from the side, but looks CHEAP when u see it from the back. Sorry guys but I'm a butt man.
— snatchandgrab (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 8:58:28 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

@fastonekiller
i really dont care what motertrend says, they think r63 got the best handling, whatever with those dudes, CLK AMG63 Black series enough said...
— Denali (View Profile)

Posted on 3/6/2008 5:53:18 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1

The c63 is nice car....If I had to choose...would go for the M3.
— KEVINBSL500 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 12:43:42 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The video posted on this site a few days ago; C63 vs M3 vs RS4 from Top Gear was only the first half. The second half wasn't posted. The second half shows the M3 about 4.5 seconds faster around the track they were at than the C63. The C63 and RS4 were within about .4 second, the C63 being faster.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5nzEax87lw
— FULEXUS (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 1:00:41 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

The Top Gear was "inexperienced" in driving the C63,with no previous track time either. Still, the M3 is likely the better track car, with the manual transmission having a lot to do with it. As for off the track though, the Benz may be the better performer with its ability access its superior torque curve so much earlier. The revs are always high on the track, but not really on the road. And with the near M3 handling and steering feel....you can't make a wrong choice here.
— strafe1 (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 11:00:06 PM | | Votes: 2

EL34 :Wow, what a great lookin' car and it's fast too :-O
very usefull input,stop wasting everybody's time with this.
— simbaba (View Profile)

Posted on 3/7/2008 2:23:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 0

Add your Comments

Images hosted in your AgentSpace can now be posted in the comments section using the following syntax (case matters): [img]IMAGE URL[/img]
Example: [img]http://agent001.myautospies.com/images/sample.jpg[/img]

Email Me When Someone Replies To My Message

Has Mercedes Finally Built A M3 Killer?

About the Author

User Comments

Add your Comments

Submit an article

Photo Galleries

Cars

Autoshows

Latest Articles