Alright, let me start off by saying this is my first post and I am new to this forum so go easy on me. I currently drive a Lexus IS350 and am in the market for a new car in 07’. I had a few cars that I was debating between and I am sure some of you have heard about them:

2007 Mercedes C63 AMG (expected release, later this year)
Expected power- 475 hp at 6,800 rpm, and 465 lb-ft of torque at 5,000 rpm from a V-8

2007 Lexus IS-F (expected release, later this year)
Expected power-425hp from a naturally aspired V-8

2007 BMW M3 (expected release, later this year)
Expected power- 418 from a V-8

Now, some of you might be saying to yourself, why are you posting this on this forum. Well, I have heard about and seen many other people putting deposits down for the M3 and I was thinking about doing so this weekend. I have been leaning towards the M3 but the other cars have their strong points. A four door would be better for me, but I think coupes look better, also I have never owned a BMW, I have a Lexus and there are Mercedes within my family, so I am familiar with both of them. I am not sure about the switch from one car to a BMW, how is the switch over, are the cars very user friendly with all the gadgets (especially the navigation) that are coming on them today? Also, the Mercedes and the Lexus have more power rumored to come in the car. Also a big thing for me is comfort, I realize here that the car is going to be stiffer that normal cars, but for those with current M3s or new 3 series cars, is it to hard to go on a road trip due to the comfort level, primarily the interior comfort level? How do BMW’s last, I probably won’t get a car for a good 2-5 years after this and was wondering how they hold up reliability wise and if they continue to be fun to drive after years of driving them?


I also wanted your guys input about which car you would get and why, naturally there is going to be bias, given the fact that its Bimmer forums so try and give a unbiased opinion if possible. Also, if I decided to go ahead with the deposits, do any of you have a good central Ohio (greater Columbus area) dealer thy can recommend. Thanks for all the help guys, I thoroughly believe that you all know what you are talking about and look foreword to being a part of the Bimmer forums community!

O, one more thing I forgot, can someone explain the SMG trans.? I have heard it is automatic then I asked the dealer and they said it wasn't, so I was thinking it was a clutchless manual. And do you guys believe the 2007 M3 would have an auto mode with its SMG?

because it will have the smallest engine and NA, from those 3, BMW would be the one with less power... but trust me on this, it will most def. be the sportier one and the one that will put the biggest smile on your face; the road feel is rather dead in the Mercs and Lexus'
i will assume that Lexus would be the more reliable one and the Merc the most comfortable and cruiser orientated.

SMG stands for Sequential Manual Gearbox, it's not an automatic and it's not a manual... it's a combination between them, you can set it to let the computer do the shifting for you(classic automatic) or you can do it with the paddles or the stick.
it has it's advantages, perfect shifting every time, very fast shifts(less than 0.1seconds)

Take a test drive with all 3 before buying, and i already know what car you'll have...

james, where are you located? I'm in bmw sales and i can help you with some of your ?'s

email: sryan@sewickleycars.com

Basically, the way i see it. The whole things boils down to priorities.

C63 AMG = Prestige, and serious straight line business.
IS-F = Comfy and quality/reliability.
M3 = Drivers car, "it'll take it in the twisties, etc."

But really, what do i know? I can't afford any of those, it just seems as though each has it's own character and smaller niche market within that specific niche market ecompassing all three, along with things like the RS4.

james, where are you located? I'm in bmw sales and i can help you with some of your ?'s

email: sryan@sewickleycars.com

I am located right outside of columbus, Ohio. Anything around there would work find.

Basically, the way i see it. The whole things boils down to priorities.

C63 AMG = Prestige, and serious straight line business.
IS-F = Comfy and quality/reliability.
M3 = Drivers car, "it'll take it in the twisties, etc."

But really, what do i know? I can't afford any of those, it just seems as though each has it's own character and smaller niche market within that specific niche market ecompassing all three, along with things like the RS4.

I know that the C63 and IS-F are both daily drivers and i understand that the BMW is a little more sport/track orientated. But, is the M3 alright for daily drivers, does you spine crack at every bump and could it do a long distance drive comfortably?

It's my daily and I've spent plenty of long drives in m3's. Another thing to consider is bmw's 4yr/50k miles free maintenance.

I'd be afraid you won't be able to get your hands on the new 08 until after the turn of the next new year, but we'll see.

Only two BMW dealers in town. I have always dealt with MAG in Dublin because that is where I live. I would rate them an 8 on a scale of 1 to 10. Never been over to Kelly so can't give you an opinion.

I drink the BMW Cool-Aid so its hard for me to be objective. I have driven a few AMG MBs, they are great cars but they still retain their luxery car roots while the M3 has always been a true sports car.

You should try driving a 335i coupe, although the new M3 powertrain, hp and suspension will be different it should a least give you a feel.

It's my daily and I've spent plenty of long drives in m3's. Another thing to consider is bmw's 4yr/50k miles free maintenance.

I'd be afraid you won't be able to get your hands on the new 08 until after the turn of the next new year, but we'll see.

If Im first on the list, I would get it late this year right?

if comfort is high up on your list of important things you may want to get the merc