2009 Mercedes-Benz C 300 vs. 2009 BMW 335 i
The 2009 Mercedes Benz C300 and 2009 BMW 335i exude luxury, comfort, power, speed, and reputation. There are many issues to consider when buying the right entry-level luxury car. All of the above enter into the equation with the important addition of price. It is worth writing them all down and putting them in order of priority because one or two aspects may ultimately help you make your decision.
Luxury, a selling point for both the C300 and 335i, is traditionally
more synonymous with Mercedes Benz, just as power is associated with
BMW. Incidentally, speed does lean in favor of the 335 i, delivering almost 75 more horses
worth of power. Mercedes fitted electronic limiters in the C300 to stop
it going above 155 mph; in case you really want to step on it, you
should keep that in mind. Reputation is for you to decide, BMW seems
brash in comparison to their compatriots at Mercedes Benz who are
recognized for cars that draw less attention to themselves.
As for price? The invoice price on the Mercedes Benz C 300 is $30,597.
The BMW 335 i can go anywhere from $35,970 to over $45,000. Consider
your factors; prepare to pay up to $10,000 extra for the BMW, but only
if it is worth it based on your priorities – price not being your top
priority.
2008 Specs (if it helps)
BMW 3 Series Coupe
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| Model Line Overview | |
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| Model lineup: | BMW 328i Coupe ($35,300), 328xi Coupe ($37,100), 335i Coupe ($40,600) |
| Engines: | 230-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6; 300-hp 3.0-liter dohc 24-valve inline-6 |
| Transmissions: | 6-speed manual or automatic |
| Safety equipment (standard): | dual front and front-seat side airbags, roof-mounted curtain air bags covering both rows, 3-point harness for all seating positions, child seat tether anchors and LATCH system, anti-lock brakes, dynamic stability control, run-flat tires and tire-pressure monitor system, adaptive brake lights, daytime running lights |
| Safety equipment (optional): | active cruise control, rear park distance control, cold weather package with headlamp washers, xDrive all-wheel drive |
| Basic warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled in: | Regensburg, Germany |
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| Specifications As Tested | |
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| Model tested (MSRP): | BMW 335i Coupe ($40,600) |
| Standard equipment: | leatherette upholstery, automatic climate control with air conditioning, 8-way power front seats with memory for driver’s side, power windows, dark burl walnut trim (with light poplar, gray poplar or brushed aluminum as no-cost options), remote locks, start/stop button, rechargeable flashlight in glove box, title and telescoping steering wheel with audio controls, cruise control, power moonroof, Logic7 audio system with 13 speakers, split and folding rear seats, 18-inch wheels with run-flat tires, Xenon adaptive headlamps, fog lamps, rain-sensing windshield wipers with heated washer jets, power and heated exterior mirrors, ground lighting in door handles, dual chrome exhaust tips, chrome-trimmed doorsill plates |
| Options as tested (MSRP): | Premium package ($2,450), Sport package ($1,000), heated front seats ($500) |
| Destination charge: | ($695) |
| Gas guzzler tax: | N/A |
| Price as tested (MSRP): | $45,720 |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 3.0-liter dohc I6 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 300 @ 5800 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 300 @ 1400-5000 |
| Transmission: | 6-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | 19/28 mpg |
| Wheelbase: | 108.7 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 180.3/70.2/54.2 in. |
| Track, f/r: | 59.1/59.6 in. |
| Turning circle: | 36.1 ft. |
| Seating capacity: | 4 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 37.1/55.3/41.8 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | N/A |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 36.1/51.9/33.7 in. |
| Cargo volume: | 11.1 cu. ft. |
| Payload: | N/A |
| Towing capacity: | N/A |
| Suspension, f: | independent |
| Suspension, r: | independent |
| Ground clearance: | 4.9 in. |
| Curb weight: | 3571 lbs. |
| Tires: | 225/40R18 front, 255/35R18 rear |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc with ABS |
| Fuel capacity: | 15.9 gal. |
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Mercedes-Benz C Class
| Model Line Overview | |
| Model lineup: | Mercedes-Benz C300; C350 |
| Engines: | 228-hp 2.8-liter V6; 268-hp 3.5-liter V6 |
| Transmissions: | 7-speed automatic; 6-speed manual |
| Safety equipment (standard): | frontal airbags, side-impact airbags, curtain airbags; electronic stability control, traction control, ABS, EBD, Pre-Safe |
| Safety equipment (optional): | none |
| Basic warranty: | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled in: | Sindelfingen, Germany |
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| Specifications As Tested | |
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| Model tested (MSRP): | Mercedes-Benz C350 Sport |
| Standard equipment: | N/A |
| Options as tested (MSRP): | N/A |
| Destination charge: | N/A |
| Gas guzzler tax: | N/A |
| Price as tested (MSRP): | N/A |
| Layout: | rear-wheel drive |
| Engine: | 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm): | 268 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm): | 258 @ 2400 |
| Transmission: | 7-speed automatic |
| EPA fuel economy, city/hwy: | N/A |
| Wheelbase: | 108.7 in. |
| Length/width/height: | 180.4/69.7/57.0 in. |
| Track, f/r: | 60.4/60.5 in. |
| Turning circle: | 35.4 ft. |
| Seating capacity: | 5 |
| Head/hip/leg room, f: | 37.1/52.3/41.7 in. |
| Head/hip/leg room, m: | N/A |
| Head/hip/leg room, r: | 36.9/54.9/33.4 in. |
| Cargo volume: | 17.6 cu. ft. |
| Payload: | N/A |
| Towing capacity: | N/A |
| Suspension, f: | independent, coil springs, gas struts, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, r: | independent. five-link with coil springs, gas shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground clearance: | N/A |
| Curb weight: | 3498 lbs. |
| Tires: | P225/40ZR-17 front; P245/40ZR-17 rear |
| Brakes, f/r: | disc/disc with ABS, EBD, Brake Assist |
| Fuel capacity: | 17.4 gal. |