Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2013 BMW M3 VS 2013 Mercedes C63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the M3 and the C63 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

The M3’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the C63’s (12/unlimited vs. 4/50,000).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the M3 for 4 years and 50,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, tire rotation, lubrication and any other scheduled maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the C63.

There are over 12 percent more BMW dealers than there are Mercedes dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the M3’s warranty.

The battery on the M3 is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures which can degrade battery life. By keeping the M3’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The C63’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

On the EPA test cycle the M3 Coupe gets better fuel mileage than the C63 (14 city/20 hwy vs. 13 city/19 hwy).

The M3’s brakes have 10% more swept area (the area covered by the brake pads) than the C63 (694 vs. 629 square inches), so the M3 has more braking power available.

The M3 stops shorter than the C63:

For better traction and acceleration, the M3 has larger standard rear tires than the C63 (265/35R19 vs. 255/35R18).

The M3 Coupe is 3.5 inches shorter than the C63 Coupe, making the M3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the M3 Coupe is quieter than the C63 Coupe:

The M3 Coupe has 1.4 inches more front headroom, 3.4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.3 inches more rear headroom and 4.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the C63 Coupe.

The M3’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The C63’s standard manually variable intermittent wipers have to be constantly adjusted.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the M3 to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The C63 doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the M3 offers an optional Active Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The C63 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The M3 will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. Kiplinger’s estimates that the M3 will retain 37% of its original price after four years, while the C63 only retains 36%.