First impressions from an e92 -> w204 c63 -> 2017 M3 lurker

[fullthrottlem3]

Like many of us I have lurked this forum for several months while I was waiting for my 2017 non-ZCP car. I stepped out of my 2013 C63 and never looked back. I too was one of those constantly flip flopped between this and new c63s, but now that I have the car I can't even fathom anything else. Yes, I have read every review out there, but after actually driving for some time all of those bad reviews go out the window. This car is without doubt a step up form both the e92 and w204 c63 in my opinion (let the hating commence).

Anyway here my first impressesions:

1. coming from the 2013 c63, the non-ZCP is so much better in the ride comfort area.
2. Sure there isn't as much steering feedback, but not enough for me to even call it an issue. I just assume I am driving a really fast sled down a mountain.
3. the sound from the interior is not what I expected. unless someone told me that the sound was piped in through the speakers, I would have never known. I am actually even wondering if something is wrong with my active sound --- and it's not on at all.
4. I dislike the default settings, I hope they hear our cries to allow you to set defaults like in the e92.
5. I don't feel any lack of power. Yes, my C63 was full of instant power but I actually enjoy how this car delivers powers. There is enough low torque to make the turbos a non issue.

I am still in break in driving so I can't really comment on spirited driving yet, but so far I am very happy.

Anyway just wanted to share my initial impressions.

[NewM3driver]

Enjoy!

[KIS]

Enjoyed your comments. I, like you, went from an e92 to a C63 and now have an M4 on order. I am looking forward to my new ride.

[brad850csi]

Any of you ex C63 owners that have driven an F8x feel like taking a comp pack F13 M6 for a bit of a hard drive me?

Stupid New Zealand doesn't have any and I can't decide on M4, M6 or C63s Coupe. But I have to say I'm leaning to the M6.

[SeanWRT]

One question, why the repetition of "none" ZCP? What exactly does this package bother you?

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by fullthrottlem3

Like many of us I have lurked this forum for several months while I was waiting for my 2017 non-ZCP car. I stepped out of my 2013 C63 and never looked back. I too was one of those constantly flip flopped between this and new c63s, but now that I have the car I can't even fathom anything else. Yes, I have read every review out there, but after actually driving for some time all of those bad reviews go out the window. This car is without doubt a step up form both the e92 and w204 c63 in my opinion (let the hating commence).

Anyway here my first impressesions:

1. coming from the 2013 c63, the non-ZCP is so much better in the ride comfort area.
2. Sure there isn't as much steering feedback, but not enough for me to even call it an issue. I just assume I am driving a really fast sled down a mountain.
3. the sound from the interior is not what I expected. unless someone told me that the sound was piped in through the speakers, I would have never known. I am actually even wondering if something is wrong with my active sound --- and it's not on at all.
4. I dislike the default settings, I hope they hear our cries to allow you to set defaults like in the e92.
5. I don't feel any lack of power. Yes, my C63 was full of instant power but I actually enjoy how this car delivers powers. There is enough low torque to make the turbos a non issue.

I am still in break in driving so I can't really comment on spirited driving yet, but so far I am very happy.

Anyway just wanted to share my initial impressions.

Thanks for the review. I always disliked the C63 (and most mercedes in general) stylistically. the lack of a manual transmission makes the decision much easier for me towards bimmers.

The default settings are terrible but i immediately press M1 before putting the car into gear. I am reminded to do so by the lack of a Heads Up Display until hit M1 or M2.

[F80Dreamer]

Congrats on the car...I am only a week into ownership and just love this car. You make an interesting point on the reviews on this car not being great. I couldn't be more impressed with this car, I guess when you are the class benchmark for so long, "expert" reviewers need to find faults with the car to make things interesting

[Gibson6594]

Where's that thread that, aside from popular belief, proves that the F8X reviews have actually been excellent?

[dmk08]

Default settings are so they can claim MPG from efficient.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Default settings are so they can claim MPG from efficient.

I understand Engine in Efficient and DCT in D1 for fuel efficiency claims. But why limit us to Sport for dampers and steering ?

[fullthrottlem3]

Originally Posted by SeanWRT

One question, why the repetition of "none" ZCP? What exactly does this package bother you?

Just wanted to be clear on the type of car I have, no hate for ZCP , i just don't have it.

[JoeKixxon]

Originally Posted by F80Dreamer

...I guess when you are the class benchmark for so long, "expert" reviewers need to find faults with the car to make things interesting

I think this is true. Obviously I'm biased because M3 is my dream car and I love it, but also the reviewers need something controversial to talk about. They can't all be M3 fanboys. Leave that to the members here!

I like to go back and watch the Chris Harris full review on YouTube to remember how the M3 was perceived before it was compared to everything from an actual Civic to a Camero to a Caddy or Lexus or Mercedes.

Congrats on the new car OP! And thanks for sharing your thoughts. Good points.

[RobbyMack]

Originally Posted by Gibson6594

Where's that thread that, aside from popular belief, proves that the F8X reviews have actually been excellent?

This. That thread should be a sticky (heck it might be but I'm always on mobile). We could shut down so many of those "m has lost its way" threads with that simple post. Honestly people worry too much about what other people (journalists) think of their car. All that should matter is whether you like it. The rest I'd armchair racing and splitting hairs at best.

To the OP congrats! I never dabbled in the dark side of merc although I did think about for a second. My e90 to f80 transition has been great. Not only is it miles better looking but I no longer have to fill up the tank every time I want to blow a riced up civic off the line. It's also loads faster and a bit more rear leg room. All in all a win in my book.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I understand Engine in Efficient and DCT in D1 for fuel efficiency claims. But why limit us to Sport for dampers and steering ?

Laziness!

[SMC23]

Originally Posted by CanAutM3

I understand Engine in Efficient and DCT in D1 for fuel efficiency claims. But why limit us to Sport for dampers and steering ?

Agree.

For me I wish default for dampers was also 'comfort'. Does anyone know if this can be coded?

[firedown31]

Originally Posted by scanido

Agree.

For me I wish default for dampers was also 'comfort'. Does anyone know if this can be coded?

it can not be. But I got a case of beer for the first person to figure it out.

[fredo3]

I agree with the OP. I've owned my ZCP M3 for a month and I've yet to notice the active sound. Oh and what an amazing car.

[Super Spartan]

Originally Posted by frankiebones

Thanks for the review. I always disliked the C63 (and most mercedes in general) stylistically. the lack of a manual transmission makes the decision much easier for me towards bimmers.

The default settings are terrible but i immediately press M1 before putting the car into gear. I am reminded to do so by the lack of a Heads Up Display until hit M1 or M2.

what do the default settings revert back to when you first start the car?

[frankiebones]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

what do the default settings revert back to when you first start the car?

Efficient Throttle, Sport Steering, Sport Suspension.

[CanAutM3]

Originally Posted by Snappy Phoenix

what do the default settings revert back to when you first start the car?

Engine: Efficient
EDC: Sport
Steering: Sport
DCT: D1
DSC: On

What is even worse, is that it reverts back to those useless default every time you turn-off an M-mode (M1 or M2) .