Dilemma: Should a BMW 330i M Sport owner buy a Mercedes-AMG A45S or C43

My BMW 330i M Sport is fully loaded and also has had a Stage 1 ECU flash.

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I’m torn between finalising on an AMG A45s or an AMG C43. Please help me decide or give me input. All suggestions and ideas are helpful. This whole thing started out as buying a preowned “fun car” for about 50-60L, and the front runner of choice was actually a BMW M2. My current daily driver is a 330i M Sport Shadow Edition (I know, serious first world problems), which ticks all the boxes otherwise. My yearly driving is limited to about 2000km.

Some practical problems:

I also am the primary driver and transport provider for 2 elderly mothers of a median age of 80 plus, one of whom is perfectly content sitting with me on test drives at extremely high triple-digit speeds, and the other who will squeal if I take a sharp turn at 40km/h. We also own a new Polo GT TSI which is the primary car for the missus, but with a tall burly teenage son, 2 elderly ladies, and my wife and me, it is simply not comfortable enough in a pinch for all of us together when we do go out in the Polo. Hence a decision was made to keep the 330i as the “bigger comfortable family car”.

The 330i is fully loaded and has already had an ECU flash to stage 1, and for all practical purposes gives me all the performance I could want in everyday life (a little more couldn’t hurt), albeit in a very quiet, refined, and unexciting way. There is no exhaust roar. There is no drama. And after testing some AMGs, I now feel that at the speeds I can easily achieve, I’d definitely want larger and better brakes on the 330i, that inspire confidence.

I am 54 and I figure I might be able to enjoy a pure sports car with possibly failing eyesight and slowing reflexes for maybe another 4-5 years. Hence the decision that I don’t want to go in for any half baked solutions- life and time is ticking away. The other issue is that while I love BMWs, (this is #3!) they have neither the range of performance cars in my budget, nor the availability of a new M2, nor the availability of any demo cars in terms of performance models. I like the M340i a lot, but as I said earlier, don’t want a smallish upgrade in performance and driving dynamics to the 330i, especially since it is no longer stock.

In full disclosure, I do not consider myself an advanced driver (even though an AMG demo guy told me he “loved the way I drive and handle the car” - which may mean nothing but sales spiel) I also prefer coupes or sedans, I’m not fond of SUVs (which kind of negates the GLC43, GLA35, and the X3M, even if it were within my budget) The A35 was a fun car to drive, but it was cramped and didn’t bring enough “special” to the table over the current 330i to warrant purchasing. The C63 felt too involved in driving, with too much focus required, and not relaxing to drive. I’m sure it will make a great track car. The E53 is absolutely stellar and brilliant, has the right sound, feel, dynamics and comfort, but is out of reach fiscally, just as any of the other BMW M cars.

AMG A45S: Almost supercar-like performance, reasonable space for its size. Looks very ordinary otherwise (which can be both a benefit and a downer) loaded fully with every possible AMG gadget and creature comfort and that amazing engine and driving dynamics.

AMG C43: Dated, but a looker. Sounds and drives great, but not close to the A45s. No MBUx, no fancy display panels, analogue gauges, more reasonably priced than the A45s. Bigger car physically too, and a coupe!! I wish it had a HUD though.

I need to make a decision and commit. Please help with thoughts and comments.

Here's what BHPian Sahil had to say on the matter:

The A45S is a pocket rocket. Stupendous performance but tight on space. It’s more a replacement for your Polo than Beamer.

If you can make that happen you would have an envious two-car garage with the 330i & A45s

Here's what BHPian androdev had to say on the matter:

From your post it's not clear what type of car you prefer - M2, A45S, C43, E53, "other M cars" all showed up in your desirable car list. If you say you are keeping the 3 series for family duties, then I am assuming you don't care about space and seating capacity in your new car.

Given your "running out of time" mood, I suggest you look for a pre-owned two-seater sports coupe/convertible instead of the AMG/M version of regular family cars. Very similar to the logic of why you ruled out M340i. Something like AMG GT genre/theme instead of AMG S63. I don't literally mean AMG GT but something that is a personal sports car with zero thought given to the family. Maybe something like BMW Z4/Porsche Cayman - not exactly performance monsters but special enough?

A45s vs C43 is a tough choice - A45s has the heart but doesn't look special (as someone said it is a rich man's polo GT) and C43 is a nice looking coupe, may not meet your expectations in terms of overall thrill. Maybe neither?

Here's what BHPian Turbanator had to say on the matter:

Unfortunately, both of the options you have chosen will not be a big upgrade over the 330i that you own. Though the 0-100 numbers are better on the referred AMG model, the real-world difference won’t be much. After this initial euphoria has downed, you will start questioning your decision. A45, may appear to be fast, is a little loud but cannot replace the 6 or 8 cylinders, AMG/ M models. Best case, you can pick the A45 today and sell in a Year or two after you get bored. You will take the minimum hit as it’s the cheapest.

Will suggest picking something proper, you should consider selling your 3 series to get the E53 at least. If that’s already considered, and ruled out, do take a drive of M340i. The new bookings will begin soon. You can have 95% of fun on the M340i than anything else you are looking at.

Here's what BHPian iliketurtles had to say on the matter:

I would echo the sentiments of those around here in saying that you should go all-out rather than buy a ho-hum-vee.

I was about to propose the idea of an F80 M3 to you (since it fits your budget perfectly, but I sense you'd say you don't want more of the same (aesthetically at least, to an extent) since you have a 330i.

I believe you were on the right track with looking at an M2. If this is a car for you, and you really want that rush of adrenaline, the M2 is your car. If you want a modicum of practicality, get the M340i. I can give you the contact of a good chap in Navnit motors, the Juhu dealership. With bookings reopening, I don't think it'll be as long a wait as you imagine.

I would not plump for the A45s (you have 2-litre turbo petrol. The AMG might have serious roid rage, but you have to step up to a 3.0-litre engine) or the C43 (I think it's a bit old, although a looker. Just my 2 cents.

Here's a quick roundup of my rambling:

• BMW M2
• BMW M3
• BMW M340i

That should be your focus, in that order, for my money (or yours in this case).

As an aside, consider getting a catless/catted downpipe with a mild burble tune done to add some aural drama to the car. And as far as stopping power goes, try out EBC Yellow Stuff brake pads as a first step. If you need more, you can always get a big brake kit, but I think that would be overkill for a 330i.

The M340i puts out about 380-ish BHP stock, and barrels away to 0-60 in about 4 seconds in as much as it doesn't matter. A simple ECU tune will push it near 420 BHP or more. You'd have to add a LOT of hardware to the 330i to get anywhere near that number. My point is that performance-wise, it will 100% be a step-up.

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