Best $35k - $45k choice with backseat (F80 M3, W204 C63, W205 C63)

[Alfisti]

Are we forgetting Lexus? Their V8 is not a numbers car but makes a lovely NA sound and dead set bullet proof.

[G30M]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

I was hoping to get some advice or insight on my next car. I had my heart set on a W204 C63, but I'm having a heck of a time finding a good one in my price range in the right color, options, etc. So now I'm considering a W205 C63 since the cost really isn't that much different. I'm also considering an F80 M3 as I think it is by far the best looking, but I think I may save that for my next car after this one. I want to enjoy something with a V8 while I still can. That is why I really wanted the W204 C63. However, even though the W205 has turbos, it still sounds great and is plenty fast in stock form.

Do any of you have experience with the 3 cars mentioned above that could give me any insight?

Are there any other options that I'm missing? I would really prefer RWD, and a back seat is necessary unfortunately. Thanks in advance.

The mercs should cost a lot more to maintain than the F80 ...

when i say maintain i mean it is likely to spend time at the shop with premature faults and requiring major repairs

[x3sm]

Go classic, E90 M3, E55 AMG, or IS-F?

[spammysammich]

Originally Posted by Alfisti

Are we forgetting Lexus? Their V8 is not a numbers car but makes a lovely NA sound and dead set bullet proof.

I was heavily in the hunt for an ISF before my car became available. For the type of driving I do, and the fact that I never track my car it is almost a better fit for me. If I could have more than two cars, an ISF would be in the collection.

[heitzke]

Originally Posted by g21

Just to throw it in coz it's cheaper to buy and fix...
B8.5 Audi S4 is my favourite car
Make sure it has bang Olufsen and sport diff

I had one for a while and honestly didn't love it. Liked a lot of things about it but it was just a little lifeless, even with the sport diff. I had an IE ECU & TCU tune and that made it MUCH more enjoyable but I had some expensive issues to sort.

In the end it started burning oil so I ended up selling it to Carvana. Before that I had the carbon buildup that was causing a CEL due to the SAI system. Cool car and was quick for sure, but don't think I'd buy another one tbh.

[baege]

I would go for a 2013-2015 RS5
such a beautiful car with a sweet smooth amazing sounding V8 with a DCT as opposed to the weak ass tranny in the older Merc or a 545i or 550i

[pbonsalb]

The RS5 is sort of an E9x M3 rival. A little heavier, AWD and nicer interior, direct injection and an extra 0.2L displacement. My neighbor at the beach had one.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...parison-tests/

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...mparison-test/

[Donatello.]

Originally Posted by PYE46M3

Does it have to be german? If not chevy SS is a great choice. Rare, good looking, spacious and comes with a manual. Plenty of aftermarket support too. I love them in red or blue ! You'd be looking closer to 50k though

Just wait for the market to correct. They could not give them away for $50k when new

[flyinb501]

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to follow back up on this and let you know the outcome. I ended up purchasing a beautiful 2010 C63 P30 with only 45k miles. The car is an absolute beast, and I'm having a blast with it so far!

[stein_325i]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to follow back up on this and let you know the outcome. I ended up purchasing a beautiful 2010 C63 P30 with only 45k miles. The car is an absolute beast, and I'm having a blast with it so far!

Gorgeous spec, love the white and chrome.

[kyriian]

Reminds me of my 11.

It does fall into the headbolt problem group though, so hopefully its already done or you plan to do so.

[chassis]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

Hi Guys,

I just wanted to follow back up on this and let you know the outcome. I ended up purchasing a beautiful 2010 C63 P30 with only 45k miles. The car is an absolute beast, and I'm having a blast with it so far!

Looks great! Congratulations. Where did you find the car listed for sale? Dealer, cargurus, private party, something else?

[NickyC]

Decent F80/F82 can be found at the top of that range. You cannot have a better all around car for the money. It’s got it all.

[flyinb501]

Originally Posted by chassis

Looks great! Congratulations. Where did you find the car listed for sale? Dealer, cargurus, private party, something else?

I actually started a thread on MBWorld, and one of the members contacted me and told me he would be selling his car. I flew out that weekend to pick it up.

Originally Posted by NickyC

Decent F80/F82 can be found at the top of that range. You cannot have a better all around car for the money. It’s got it all.

I think I will keep this one for 2 years and an F80 will be next.

Originally Posted by kyriian

Reminds me of my 11.

It does fall into the headbolt problem group though, so hopefully its already done or you plan to do so.

Yes, I know and I had originally ruled out pre face lift cars partly because of that. The headbolts have not been done on this car, and I haven't decided yet if I will do them or not. I'm honestly not too worried personally, but may just have it done for resale puposes. We'll see.

This is what the previous owner told me:

"There is so much misinformation about it... All affected cars (only about 1 or 2 percent of all M156 ever built) are high mile and bad maintenance record. If they fail, it's a slow process that can be spotted early by finding traces of coolant in the oil. I analyze the oil after an oil change, no coolant, no problem. My dealership has never seen a car with failed bolts. So I simply don't worry about it.
And I have the warranty on top. If it makes you nervous, 2 grand at an independent shop replaces the bolts with the uprated ones. I am a master mechanic, and very anal about warming the engine up and changing oil more frequent than the manufacturer recommends. 2500rpm max until the oil temp gauge stops blinking, oil change every 3-4 thousand miles. Ceratec every 2nd oil change.
I have every single maintenance record from new for the car."

[thrilla]

Congratulations on a great car. The issues in the M156 are overblown. The key is being proactive with proper maintenance, like any high performance engine. Sounds like you got yourself a well taken cared of car.
Welcome to the club!

[chassis]

Originally Posted by flyinb501

I actually started a thread on MBWorld, and one of the members contacted me and told me he would be selling his car. I flew out that weekend to pick it up.

I think I saw your thread there. Congrats and enjoy!

[flyinb501]

Thanks guys!