JWS3

I've been a long term BMW owner (currently own a 2002 530) seriously turned off by the new crop of exceedingly ugly cars turned out as of late. I started to look at MB and thought the E500 had much potential, but in the end I came to realize that it is just not worth well over 60K. Its nice, but not THAT nice.
I normally would not have considered a C, but a recent article on the new model got me interested. 268hp, much more torque, available AWD and not Banglepugly. I saw the 320 interior in stone on MBUSA w/ Nav and to me it looks almost as good as the E, but for a whopping 15-20K less.
My questions are thus:
1) Has anyone here compared a BMW to a C with respect to handling?
2) Am I mistaken or is it not offered w/ heated seats? If so, that would be a curious and possibly fatal omission for a 38-45K car.
3) Any other comments.

mick1

i think you should take a test drive and make a decision. i used to drive a 328i ('99) and I don't miss it.

postoak

Heated seats are definitely an option. I saw cars on the lot with them, just last week.

Does your 530i have the sport package? The C-class has sport "models" rather than packages, so be sure to compare apples to apples.

Unsolicited comments:

I just went from a 325i with manual to a C240 with auto. I am favorably impressed with the pickup of the C. Even though an auto, they must do something with the rear-end ratio to give it some oomph.

Another thing about the seats. BMW gives you the option of all nylon or all leather. With MB you choose between leather/nylon and all leather. To me the appearance of the two options on the BMW is about the same, at least when new. There's a much bigger difference between the two MB choices. I think the standard seating looks a little cheap and the upgraded seats look even better than leather in the BMW.

Overall, I'm really enjoying my C and encourage you to get one. If need be, a sport model.

Edited: For clarity

revstriker

Hi.

1) I have owned a C320 and a BMW 3 series at the same time. The BMW certainly felt tighter on the turns, and had a more sporty feel to it. The C feels heavy and more luxurious in my opinion. Also, I'm sure you can cheaply modify the suspension on the MB to match the BMW.

2) It used to be offered with heated seats (option). Not sure what the story is now.

3) My only other comment is that you should consider where MB is in it's model run. That is, I think 06 is the last year of this body style of C class. I'm not sure how interested I am in buying a car to just have it look old within 1 year.

CitronC230K_03

heated seats are still an option, atleast for 2005 and i would expect the same for 2006. $680 is the cost on MBUSA build your own.

JWS3

Do I read these posts correctly that the current C class in in its last year? I thought it just underwent an interior makeover either this year or last. I'd rather not get the car if it is very soon to be replaced in 2006 as a 2007 model year. I'll wait and see what developes if this is the case. Any other other thoughts/info here?

Yes, my 530 is sport package equipped, which is why I am concerned with handling. Considering how hard its snowing as I type this, I'm equally concerned with getting 4matic Even with snows my car stinks in anything more than 1/2" of snow.
I did a quick "build your own" on MBUSA and even w/ 4matic, NAV, lighting, sunroof, sirius, folding seats and other packages it listed for around 46, meaning I could get it for 44-45. Much better than the 64-68K price tag of the E500s I was looking at. I drove an E350 and was not terribly impressed with the power. Still too little oomph for a car that size. The E500 was, of course, better. To me, however, it just isn't worth 65K, especially after I checked its depreciation after only 1 year. The E PLUMMETS in value. A car that sold for 65K new in 2004 would only get 48-49 on a trade in 2005. Not that I'd trade so quickly, but I am quite hesitant to buy a car which loses its value at about the same rate a drunken sailor parts with his money.
Thanks to all for your imput here. Much appreciated. Never thought I'd ever consider a Benz, but the new BMWs fell out of the ugly tree and hit every branch on the way down. Some of the bigger branches got hit multiple times.

revstriker

From my understanding, MB will be introducing a new model (W204?) in 2007, and it will be available over here as a 2008. That means by mid 2007, the new model should be arriving in dealers.

I will probably be buying a new MB at the end of this year. Because of this, I don't think I will be getting another C Class (although I haven't made up my mind yet).

postoak

The problem for you, as I see it, is that you probably won't be satisfied with the handling of the MB unless you get the sport model -- and the sport model doesn't come with AWD.

If you can live without AWD, I would suggest you take a test drive of a C320 Sport Model and see what you think. BTW, if past MB history is any guide, once the C350 Sport Model begins arriving at dealer lots, you'll probably be able to get a left over C320 for $7,000 - $8,000 off MSRP.

r3v1ls

Well the C350 is gonna be in 06, so if you have the time, i would definitelly wait for it. Some people on this forum from europe already got the new c350's with the 7 speed auto transmission, say it's really nice.

mbny

JWS3 - I currently have a 02' 330Ci w/ sport package and ordered a 05' C230k sport sedan which i should have next week. Here's how I felt about the comparison. Initially I test drove the C320 sedan. Compared to the 330, the power was not impressive and i could not justify the huge price difference over the C230 sport sedan for only 26 horsepower. So since what i'm really looking for is more a commuter/work car, i chose to go with the C230 since i'll have the 330 for those days when i want alittle more power. I have to say i was impressed with the handling of the C class sport models. They handle well, not as well as the BMW, but handle well with more comfort. It has an added level of luxury to it and i noticed it to be smoother over poor roads than my BMW. I think that the C350 could be a good choice for you. Less weight than the E350 so it will be quicker and handle better. I too have been steered away from BMW due to it's new styling. I have to say that I felt the braking system was better in the C class sport models than my 330. My father has the 04' E320 4matic with the appearance package and just about every available option. Although it's abit sluggish and handling is kinda sloppy, i'd take one anyday. Definitely aimed as a luxury car. That light gray leather w/ navi is sweet. Haven't had the opportunity to drive the E500 however. Good luck with your decision, keep us posted