Go with the Bimmer. I just picked up an '00 323ci. What a fantastic machine. It doesn't have tremendous power, but it the delivery is silky smooth, and the integrated feeling of the chassis is tremendous.
BMW 328i or Mercedes C280W
- Thread starter WOOCHOW
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I mentioned a new model was coming this fall
It's smooth under normal loads and since MBZ likes to keep the NVH down more compared to the 3. However, at high loads and extended periods of high revving the inline engine is smoother and much more enjoyable...it lets you know when your working it at WOT for sure but that's part of the experience.
I really don't see why people compare MBZ and BMW...they are generally aimed at two different drivers.
I haven't found that to be the case.The M112 in my C280 doesn't mind being wound up at all.It's sounds and feels more refined than the BMW straight sixes i've owned IMO.
I didn't expect the engine to be so refined because of the V vs an inline however this engine has won me over from BMW's straight sixes.
The 335i is turbocharged. The 328i isn't. But BMW has been cranking out turbocharged diesel engines (outside of America) for years.
Yup, my friend's Dad found a turbo 745i (gas) that were only sold in Europe but sitting in a salvage yard here in San Diego haha.
M engines do not get FI however BMW has built turbo gas engines before but with the horsepower wars I guess they found it necessary to stay in the league. I have driven the 328i but have yet to drive the 335i...supposedly it's a great setup with minimal turbo lag and is underrated horsepower wise also.
Torque wise it's said to feel like a V8.
I never really did like the round headlight treatment on the MB C-class (or the E-class for that matter). The new
2008 C-class … edmunds …looks better IMO.
Ultimately, for me, I would lean to the BMW because of their inline-6’s. I would think the I6 should be smoother through the rev band than a MB V6 because of the inherent balance of I6’s. I’ve driven my dad’s 2003 SLK 3.2 (V6 with balance shafts) and it is quite nice below 4000 rpm, but I didn’t think it was that great above 4k. Although, I haven’t driven a BMW I6 for comparison.
2008 C-class … edmunds …looks better IMO.
Ultimately, for me, I would lean to the BMW because of their inline-6’s. I would think the I6 should be smoother through the rev band than a MB V6 because of the inherent balance of I6’s. I’ve driven my dad’s 2003 SLK 3.2 (V6 with balance shafts) and it is quite nice below 4000 rpm, but I didn’t think it was that great above 4k. Although, I haven’t driven a BMW I6 for comparison.
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