polar240

I've had my black 2003 c240 for 3 years now (amg skirt package, bi-xenons, lowered, 18" brabus vi replicas) and enjoyed every minute of it. I'm going to sell it to a family member so it's time for me to look for a new car. Here are my 2 choices: brand new 2006 325i vs 2003 c32 AMG, both would be in silver (had black before). Both of them are around the same price.

The C32 is kinda like a new car because of the new horsepower gain over my c240 but visually it's the exact same (except for the color).

The new 3er is fresh because of the newer body styling but the power just isn't there.

Which would you go for if you were in my shoes?

BTW, I know it's what more important to me performance vs new look but just looking for a second opinion.

Thanks
Steve

FrankW

If you are fine with the C32 being a 3 year old car then go for it.

This is a hard decision. If you were chosing between the C32 and the new 330i I would've tell you to choose the Bimmer, but the 325i...hmm. I'd go with the C32 just for the power.

TheBossman

sry but id have to skip the C32 and go with the bimmer...I just love how the bmw is more of a drivers car and you can really feel the car through the steering wheel, and that engine- soooo smooth. Make sure to get the stick tho. Id only take a C55 over a new 3 series.

polar240

thanks for the input Frank. If I never owned a C240, I'd be all over the C32 but jumping from one W203 into another one is making my decision very difficult. At least they're different colors, lol. Anyone else?

polar240

I agree bossman, the C55 is hot. I live in Toronto and there isn't alot of used C55 for sale right now. Also they're still too expensive for my current budget.

b3d_sage

I concur with FrankW. The 330i is a pretty awesome machine but the C32 is far beyond a 325i performance-wise. There is absolutely nothing wrong with buying a used car *if its on good shape*. I got my C320 used but before purchasing it I made sure to get every bit of the mechanical bits checked. With proper maintenance it is still purring along perfectly to this day and I expect it to continue to do so for many years to come. Treat your car like a baby and it should stay in great shape for a long time, if you're buying used then make sure the previous owner treated it just as well as you would.

edit:
also, you can do plenty of things for a visual distinction from your 240.

ClayJ

It's a tough choice. Those 325i's aren't bad cars -- and it's brand new. If it was to be a 330i you'd probably have to go with it, The C32 is a great car - it's not a C55 which is even a better car - but that S/C'd V6 is happening, and you've got the brakes, aero, and everything else. I will say this though: most of the guys I know who had that car and were really into driving - handling - ended up going with the aftermarket coilover suspensions from Carlsson (I forget what they called it exactly) or the Bilstein PSS-9's. So if handling really is an issue for you..... And of course the last big question is how clean is the C32? Old vs. new is a tough choice.

polar240

I should have mentioned, the C32 is a 2002 with 25,000 miles. The condition of the car should be fine due to the low mileage but of course I'd have to get everything checked out.

How do you guys feel about the styling of the e90 vs the w203. Which do you think looks better?

FrankW

if it is solely based on E90 vs w203 I'd go with the E90 anyday.

b3d_sage

well.... i for one would like an E500. But that's not the topic here. I still think W203's are incredibly sexy cars. Or, you could always get a W208 CLK55. Sexy and fast. I would choose any of those over an E90 if it were based solely on looks.

c230 o5

325 330 bimmerZ looks realy cheap the way they make them now the rear is so in looks like a honda at nightsick of the m3 as well nothing big BUT a c55 amg is alot better them

wherman

The power compared to a C32 isn't there, but compared to you current car it is. The 325 now has 215 hp (Which is the same as the C320) so you will still feel a bit of a bump.

I'd probably end up picking up the new 3 because BMW, while they have their problems too, seem to actually care about fixing them.

Brodie's Benz

If you are going with performance the C32 would be the best choice even though the 325 has a better engine from the previous model. Choosing the style can be difficult. I guess this is a personal preference. I owned an E60 and I love the car too.

mick1

me, I would go for the 2006 bmw because i prefer to drive a new drive car over a pre-owned car.

r3v1ls

Don't forget that BMW has a history of problems with new engines. But on the other hand MB has problems with everything nowadays .
When it comes to look I would choose the MB over the e90's any day. The e90 is an alright looking car, but now matter how much I look at them I can help but miss the e46's, which I thought had the classy and sporty look. The e90's are known as "bangled".
Power wise the c32 will destroy the 325.
But from a smart buyer's perspective I too would go with the 325 because of the warranty and the fact that it's a new car. All depends on what you're looking for. Good luck.

polar240

I've made up my mind! I'll offer the guys with the C32 $35000 CDN (asking $39000CDN) and if they don't accept, I'll go for the 325i. The Bmw Dealer is willing to take off 2% of the MSRP. Wish me luck

alpinweiss

Good luck! I think either choice is good.

Styling is a matter of personal taste. I don't find the E90 offensive, but I don't find it beautiful either (the E46 was better looking). The W203 is my styling preference. Advantage Mercedes.

Engines. The BMW has the wonderful in-line six cylinder, but a brand new design, and new metals. The Mercedes has a vee-engine. Advantage probably BMW (but not sure).

Transmission. BMW available with manual transmission. I am not sure about availability for Canadian model Mercedes, probably automatic trans only. Advantage BMW.

Power. AMG more powerful than BMW 325i engine. Advantage Mercedes.

mick1

also
bmw - full maintenance at no charge for 4 years - advantage bmw

polar240

I'll have to call a local Bmw Dealer to confirm if the free maintenace program is available for Canadians. Paying for the Service A/B for my current MB was totally uncool

mick1

the bmw canadian website says free maintenance for 3 years for 2005 bmw. They don't say anything about 2006 cars

http://bmw.ca/service/service_maintenance.asp?lang=en

b3d_sage

in my opinion service has not exactly been prohibitive. sure, it's a nice bonus but I really don't think it should be a major part of your basis for chosing one vehicle over another. When you're dropping $55k on a car the maintenance costs are relatively minute unless something horrible goes wrong and that's where warranty comes into place.

m-benzw203

there is no way u can compare the C32 vs 325i the C32 has an advantage over all the areas. if u had great experience w/ ur C240 than stick with Benz "if it ant broken don't fix it sometimes
good luck
p.s. C32 is a higher performing car

PC Valkyrie

Hey, let us know what you end up getting!! And keep that other "Canadian forum" informed too!!

elbimmer

This is not a brainer! C32 all the way!

C35Crow

I traded my 2003 325CI in for a 2005 C320 because it was under powered, a coupe with a 5 speed even. I am sure I would of been happy with the 330, and the new 330 has more horsepower. I had no problems with 325, and a ton of problems with the C320. I was going to trade it on a new 330, but drove the C350 and decided to give MB another chance. So far so good.

As far as fun factor, C32 all the way.