A friend of mine is trying to decide which of these two cars to lease for 3 years. They are quite similar in price, with the main difference being the Merc comes only with an automatic, whereas the Bimmer has a manual which he prefers. He drives about 50 miles per day, mixed interstate and 2 lane backroads. I generally prefer Mercedes over BMW, but in this case the 3 series seems to be the nicer, and more fun ride. How do you feel?
BMW 328i or Mercedes C280W
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BMW is the driver's car, so if he's into that there is really no subsitute (minus more focused sport cars). The MBZ is a cruiser and they have a whole new model coming out this fall...the current one is pretty aged and was never on par with the E46 and now E90 in terms of quality and driving.
The 3.0 N52 engine is very fun in the 328i and loves to rev (7k redline), it uses a light alloy/mangesium block which shaved I believe 30-40 lbs. off the previous M54 6 cylinder. The major drawback to the new 3-series IMO is the materials used, it feels much more Japanese inside and out...however it's still the best pick for the driver.
The 3.0 N52 engine is very fun in the 328i and loves to rev (7k redline), it uses a light alloy/mangesium block which shaved I believe 30-40 lbs. off the previous M54 6 cylinder. The major drawback to the new 3-series IMO is the materials used, it feels much more Japanese inside and out...however it's still the best pick for the driver.
If he prefers a stick, then I'm not even sure what the purpose of this comparison is. The choice is made. If he enjoys driving, he shouldn't be disappointed with the 328i.
MB is junk.
BMW, of course. The Benz C-series isn't worthy of the name.
A friend of mine bought a MB and had to have the top half of the engine re-done under warranty right off the get-go. A real pain. Tell him to go for the BMW but to bite the bullet and get the 335 twin turbo.
i dislike the C class.... but he should still get the engine upgrade for the bmw, if only to a 330.
There is no 330i anymore any the 328i is a 3.0...it's pretty quick IMO, have you driven one?
Option #3. Audi A4 2.0T. Manual tranny. Great Gas mileage (31mpg/hwy). Very fun car. New Turbo has virtually no lag. Give it a try. I have one and love it. Quattro is awesome in rough weather as well. Did I mention tuneable?
JHZR2
Staff member
buy the BMW with the smallest, most underrated engine possible. Not the "insurance risk" or gas users that the bigger engines are, and if he really wants a BMW for what it is - as a driver's car, and not a tool to show off with, then the power will be A-OK. The is because driving a BMW for those who appreciate them for what they are do not need gobs of power. They are a driver's car, and would be great with 90 hp, as its really about the smooth interaction of all components working together perfectly... Precision machinery of the finest, best tuned sort, put together in a package that is pure joy to utilize.
The only MBs worth driving are the diesels.
JMH
The only MBs worth driving are the diesels.
JMH
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thanks for all (most) of the input. JMH you summed up the heart of the BMW driving experience perfectly. One of my favorite quotes "it is more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow". Sure the twin turbo would be a hoot, but the 328 has 230hp, perfectly adequate. Up here in Connecticut the dealer is stuffed with 328ix's (all-wheel drive) but I am going to recommend the 2 wheel drive version for a better driving experience 95% of the time. Again, thanks for the input
While I like Audi designs, three major things stand out to me:
1) Horrible resale, while BMW is one of the best.
2) Worse driving vehicle (poor weight distribution, numb/isolated steering, FWD origin, engines aren't as refined or "fun" to drive as a BMW engine etc).
3) Reliability is typically rated below BMW and they don't offer the free maintenance anymore.
The Mercedes C class is a reliability nightmare, I don't recommend them to anybody. The new BMW 3 series really drives well and is just as comfortable as the Mercedes. If the price doesn't put you off, there is no reason not to buy a new 3 series.
I have been a pro BMW and pretty much anti MB until recently.I've owned 3 series and now current drive a Mercedes C280.
My BMW's:
E21 1979 320i-Good BMW maybe my sentimental fave.
E46-Wagon 325I Nice but extremely uncomfortable.
E90 325I sedan-Nice overall car but rode a bit choppy.
My current Mercedes is awesome.
It has a comfortable yet composed ride along with a real weighty feeling the BMW's didn't have along with excellent brakes.
The W202 build quality is excellent with the classic MB lines I prefer.
I also find the M112 V6 smoother at idle and through the rpm range than the BMW's i've owned or driven.It's a real gem of a motor.
My BMW's:
E21 1979 320i-Good BMW maybe my sentimental fave.
E46-Wagon 325I Nice but extremely uncomfortable.
E90 325I sedan-Nice overall car but rode a bit choppy.
My current Mercedes is awesome.
It has a comfortable yet composed ride along with a real weighty feeling the BMW's didn't have along with excellent brakes.
The W202 build quality is excellent with the classic MB lines I prefer.
I also find the M112 V6 smoother at idle and through the rpm range than the BMW's i've owned or driven.It's a real gem of a motor.
Merc is not what it used to be, and looks are def not as good as BMW. Audi is not dependable, worse than Merc, and still has loads of electrical problems...
Of all the german cars I would def pick the BMW 3-series, it's def the most fun to drive, still looks good (although I like the pre 2004 noses better), and prob the most dependable.
Of all the german cars I would def pick the BMW 3-series, it's def the most fun to drive, still looks good (although I like the pre 2004 noses better), and prob the most dependable.
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Let's see:
"Merc is not what it used to be"
Your current Benz is not as good as the one you previously owned?
"and looks are def not as good as BMW."
You like the Bangle design? Ick.
"Audi is not dependable, worse than Merc"
Which Audi you do you owned or are have owned?
"and still has loads of electrical problems..."
Please list them.
"Of all the german cars I would def pick the BMW 3-series, it's def the most fun to drive, still looks good (although I like the pre 2004 noses better), and prob the most dependable."
The 3 series has never been especially reliable. That's why you will see many more Audi A4 police cars than 3 series police cars.
"Merc is not what it used to be"
Your current Benz is not as good as the one you previously owned?
"and looks are def not as good as BMW."
You like the Bangle design? Ick.
"Audi is not dependable, worse than Merc"
Which Audi you do you owned or are have owned?
"and still has loads of electrical problems..."
Please list them.
"Of all the german cars I would def pick the BMW 3-series, it's def the most fun to drive, still looks good (although I like the pre 2004 noses better), and prob the most dependable."
The 3 series has never been especially reliable. That's why you will see many more Audi A4 police cars than 3 series police cars.
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Oh it's missing on the BMW too
No one has mentioned that a redesigned C-class (W204) is already out in Europe and will be coming soon to the US market to replace the current W203 C-class. Check out the W204 board at mbworld.org to see pictures.
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