BMW M3 vs. Mercedes-AMG C63: Which is better? [For those unsure about which used car to buy: Part 2]

The F80 M3 is not widely available

The first and second generation BMW M3s are already rare on the used car market, and there are also few third and fourth generation models. Here, we will look at the fifth and subsequent generations, which offer more options and are newer in age.

Since the coupe was split off into the M4, there aren’t many listings for the “F80” M3 (sedan) that debuted in 2014. The 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 431 PS and a maximum torque of 550 Nm. The 6-speed manual transmission was priced at 10.75 million yen, while the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission was priced at 11.04 million yen. The average used car price today is around 4.8 million yen, less than half the price it was back then. There are also examples with less than 50,000 km on the odometer that are available. It’s possible to find a 5th generation car in good condition that’s relatively affordable.

The average price of the current M3 exceeds the 10 million yen mark.

The current model, released in 2021, is equipped with advanced safety features using a triple camera and radar, and has evolved into the latest generation of ADAS, including hands-off driving in traffic jams. It is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo engine with 510 PS/650 Nm, and the only transmission available is an 8-speed automatic. When it was released, the M3 Competition was priced at 13.24 million yen, and the M3 Competition Track Package was priced at 14.36 million yen.

The used car market is seeing a much larger volume of vehicles than its predecessor, offering a wealth of options, but due to its recent debut and the dramatic advancements and high performance of its powertrain, advanced safety features, and comfort features, prices have remained stable at a high level. The average price has exceeded the 10 million yen mark. However, there are also some registered, unused vehicles and those with less than 10,000 km on the odometer that are selling for around 4 million yen less than the new car price, making them a good target.

The C 63, which was released in 2015, is less common.

On the other hand, Mercedes-Benz’s C 63 dates back to the W204 “C 63 AMG” that debuted in 2007. The W205 model, which appeared in 2014 and became a Mercedes-AMG, and the current W206 model are the realistic options available. However, there are fewer of them compared to the M3. This may be due to the addition of the C 43 to the lineup.

The Mercedes-AMG C 63, which was added in May 2015, is available in sedan and station wagon. Equipped with an AMG-made 4.0-liter V8 direct-injection twin-turbo engine, it produces a maximum output of 476 PS and a maximum torque of 650 Nm. The high-end C 63 S has its output increased to 510 PS/700 Nm. The transmission uses an AMG Speedshift MCT, which uses a wet multi-plate clutch. The prices for the sedan were 11.95 million yen for the C 63 and 13.25 million yen for the C 63 S. There are few used cars in circulation, but there are some with less than 50,000 km on the odometer for under 6 million yen.

Focus on the bargain value of the electrified C 63 SE

The current C-Class, released in 2021, will be joined in October 2023 by the addition of the sedan “C 63 SE PERFORMANCE (hereinafter referred to as C 63 SE).” It comes equipped with cutting-edge features such as advanced safety equipment inherited from the S-Class, MBUX, and AR navigation. The engine is a hybrid that combines a downsized 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder turbo with a motor, with a total system output of 680 PS and maximum torque of 1020 Nm. The drivetrain is a 4WD “4MATIC+,” with the motor directly driving the rear wheels. The new car price at the time of announcement was 16.6 million yen, approximately 2 million yen higher than the M3 Competition Track Package when it was released.

Although there are still few listings, the current C 63 can be found for around 12 million yen for an unused 2024 model, and around 10 million yen for a 2023 model. If you can buy a C 63 SE, which has equipment and specs suitable for the new era, for under 10 million yen, it would be a good deal.

I’m not sure if it’s because some users dislike the four-cylinder and electrified versions of the current M3 and C 63, but the price of the C 63 seems to have dropped significantly compared to the equipment it comes with. The motor is installed for doping purposes rather than fuel economy, and the 4WD is also in line with the trend in super sports cars.

Related reading

If you’re looking to buy a Mercedes-AMG C43, which is better overall: the older model or the current one? [For those unsure about which used car to choose]

Mercedes-Benz offers the Mercedes-AMG C 43 and C 63 models for its flagship C-Class model. This time, we’ve picked out the C 43, which boasts specs befitting a high-performance model despite being the entry-level model for genuine AMG cars. When it comes to used cars, which is the better deal: the current W206 or the previous-generation W205? Let’s put ourselves in the shoes of those undecided about which used car to choose and find some tips to help you make that difficult decision.