BMW M3 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
VS
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes’ compact executive saloon.
First car
Second car
Pick this one if…
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Best engine: The M3 Competition (510 hp).
Read the full guide
Pick this one if…
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Pick the C-Class for an S-Class-inspired interior, a hushed ride and efficient engines in a premium compact executive sedan.
Best engine: The C 200 (petrol) or C 220 d (diesel).
Read the full guide
Performance
M3 Competition · Petrol vs M254 C 200 · Petrol
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
510 hp
Winner
|
204 hp
|
| Torque |
650 Nm
Winner
|
300 Nm
|
| 0–100 km/h |
3,9 s
Winner
|
7,3 s
|
| Top speed |
250 km/h
Winner
|
246 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
129,5 hp/t
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
230 g/km
|
140 g/km
Winner
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
10,5 L/100km
|
6,2 L/100km
Winner
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.200 L
|
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|
| Wheelbase |
2,86 m
Winner
|
2,84 m
|
| Length |
4,79 m
|
4,69 m
|
| Width |
1,90 m
|
1,81 m
|
| Height |
1,43 m
|
1,44 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW M3 | Mercedes-Benz C-Class | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) | MRA (rear-wheel-drive base) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol | M274/M264 petrol · OM651/OM654 diesel · plug-in hybrid |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 9G-Tronic (9-speed automatic) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6 (early) · Euro 6d-TEMP (later) |
| LEZ access | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
BMW M3
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- OM651 diesel: stretched timing chain on early cars
- 9G-Tronic can shift jerkily (early software)
- COMAND (NTG5) infotainment can freeze
Pros
BMW M3
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- S-Class-inspired interior with high-grade materials
- Quiet, refined ride (optional Airmatic air suspension)
- Efficient OM654 diesel (post-facelift)
Cons
BMW M3
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- Firm ride on AMG Line + big wheels
- Limited rear headroom (sloping roofline)
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
Region
Fuel
Euro norm
First registration
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For sale at dealers
BMW M3
11 for sale · from € 69.950
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
