Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2016 BMW M3 VS 2015 Mercedes C63 Near Scottsdale, AZ

The M3 offers an optional Side and Top View Cameras to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The C63 Sedan only offers a rear monitor and front and rear parking sensors that beep or flash a light. That doesn’t help with obstacles to the sides.

Both the M3 and the C63 Sedan have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, front parking sensors, available crash mitigating brakes, lane departure warning systems and blind spot warning systems.

The M3’s corrosion warranty is 8 years and unlimited miles longer than the C63 Sedan’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, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the C63 Sedan.

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.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2015 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 6th in initial quality, above the industry average. With 12 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 14th.

As tested in Motor Trend the BMW M3 is faster than the C63 S (automatics tested):

The M3 stops shorter than the C63 Sedan:

For better traction, the M3 has larger tires than the C63 Sedan (F:255/40R18 & R:275/40R18 vs. F:245/40R18 & R:265/35R18).

For better handling and stability, the track (width between the wheels) on the M3 is 2.2 inches wider in the rear than on the C63 Sedan.

The M3’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.6% to 48.4%) than the C63 Sedan’s (54.3% to 45.7%). This gives the M3 more stable handling and braking.

The BMW M3 may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 300 to 350 pounds less than the Mercedes C63 Sedan.

The M3 is 3.1 inches shorter than the C63 Sedan, making the M3 easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The M3 has 3.2 inches more front headroom, .3 inches more front legroom, 1.8 inches more front shoulder room, .6 inches more rear headroom and 2.4 inches more rear shoulder room than the C63 Sedan.

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 Sedan doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

Both the M3 and the C63 Sedan have standard heated front seats. The M3 also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the C63 Sedan.

On extremely cold Winter days, the M3’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The C63 Sedan doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its August 2015 issue and the BMW M3 won out over the Mercedes C63 S.

The 3 Series was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 20 of the last 21 years. The C63 Sedan has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 3 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” for 13 of the last 19 years. The C63 hasn’t been picked since 2009.