Sell 2005 C?
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Sell 2005 C?
Does it make financial sense to sell a 4 year old Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan that is out of warranty, and buy a new BMW 328i sedan? Should I hold onto my current car and cross my fingers that nothing extremely expensive breaks?
Please spare me any sarcastic comments regarding the "soul" value of each manufacturer's products and their reputations.
The Mercedes has had a lot of problems since new. For example, the blower regulator recently failed after having been replaced in November 2007. I find BMW's "Ultimate Service" promotion really appealing because I won't have to worry about maintenance or repairs for 4 years/50,000 miles.
I really like cars, and I could see myself enjoying a manual transmission 3 series. I'm otherwise quite frugal, so I guess I'm trying to find some good justification for pulling the trigger on a new car. Your thoughts?
Please spare me any sarcastic comments regarding the "soul" value of each manufacturer's products and their reputations.
The Mercedes has had a lot of problems since new. For example, the blower regulator recently failed after having been replaced in November 2007. I find BMW's "Ultimate Service" promotion really appealing because I won't have to worry about maintenance or repairs for 4 years/50,000 miles.
I really like cars, and I could see myself enjoying a manual transmission 3 series. I'm otherwise quite frugal, so I guess I'm trying to find some good justification for pulling the trigger on a new car. Your thoughts?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 575
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Not exactly sure what "Ultimate Service" entails as I'm not too familiar with BMW, but Mercedes offers the same warranty, no?
I'm in the same boat as you right now, and so far I think I'm just going to buy the extended warranty, it will cost me $1900 for an additional two years. Seems like a lot cheaper than buying a new car.
I'm in the same boat as you right now, and so far I think I'm just going to buy the extended warranty, it will cost me $1900 for an additional two years. Seems like a lot cheaper than buying a new car.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
wasn't 2005 the year MB kinda turned it around? i was thinking all of the problematic w203's were that of the early 2000's. also- would buying an extended warranty be an option? it would certainly be cheaper than a new car.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 529
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From: London, GB
RHD C200 Sport Coupe, RHD SLK-55, LHD SLK-350
Does it make financial sense to sell a 4 year old Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan that is out of warranty, and buy a new BMW 328i sedan? Should I hold onto my current car and cross my fingers that nothing extremely expensive breaks?
Please spare me any sarcastic comments regarding the "soul" value of each manufacturer's products and their reputations.
The Mercedes has had a lot of problems since new. For example, the blower regulator recently failed after having been replaced in November 2007. I find BMW's "Ultimate Service" promotion really appealing because I won't have to worry about maintenance or repairs for 4 years/50,000 miles.
I really like cars, and I could see myself enjoying a manual transmission 3 series. I'm otherwise quite frugal, so I guess I'm trying to find some good justification for pulling the trigger on a new car. Your thoughts?
Please spare me any sarcastic comments regarding the "soul" value of each manufacturer's products and their reputations.
The Mercedes has had a lot of problems since new. For example, the blower regulator recently failed after having been replaced in November 2007. I find BMW's "Ultimate Service" promotion really appealing because I won't have to worry about maintenance or repairs for 4 years/50,000 miles.
I really like cars, and I could see myself enjoying a manual transmission 3 series. I'm otherwise quite frugal, so I guess I'm trying to find some good justification for pulling the trigger on a new car. Your thoughts?
So I guess the question is covering 3k worth the difference between a C series and the 328i? Personally, I'd look at a CPO'd Merc in the 07/08 age range if I was looking to save money, or a new one if not - depends on how long you plan on keeping it.
If you buy a new MB, you'll only have to worry about brakes, oil changes, and wiper blades out of pocket, so....
Edited : Managed to find the BMW "value equation" over 4 years:
Brand Maintenance Costs
Acura $970.75
Audi $967.17
BMW $0
Cadillac $744.26
Infiniti $649.40
Jaguar $1112.53
Land Rover $233.52
Lexus $974.22
Lincoln $922.14
Mercedes-Benz $1086.60
Porsche $1032.14
Saab $385.29
Volvo $918.93
Last edited by UK-C200; Jul 25, 2008 at 12:59 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
I have always said it's better to get a new car every 4 years (when the warranty is up) because what happens is that cars drop drastically in value after the 5th year because prime banks won't floor inventory at a dealer older than 5 model years old and 65K miles so they don't sell well at auction and that drops the KBB price. So what happens is that say you keep your car 2-3 more years, the depreciation in value for the last 2 years will be substantial. Then add to that an extended warranty to cover the what if's during that time or add in the repairs, again, a substantial amount as any extended warranty or repair for an MB is going to cost ya. It really comes out cheaper and better to just buy new every 4 years.
Now is the absolute best time to buy a new car since nobody is buying and you can get a nice deal on a new C350, I've seen as much as $5k off. BMW doesn't discount as much so at best you will get $3K off. Also, BMW does not have loaners and BMW, at least in my area does not do free car washes. So I think it's a wash (no pun intended), you'll pay more for the 328 but you'll get free maintenance and a free courtesy ride home during service.
Personally, I'm keeping my car a little longer since it's a 6-speed so I'll never get a good price for it and I drive very little since I work from home. Also, I'm able to do much of the repairs on it and I have a good mechanic so I'm not being gouged by the dealer on a regular basis.
Now is the absolute best time to buy a new car since nobody is buying and you can get a nice deal on a new C350, I've seen as much as $5k off. BMW doesn't discount as much so at best you will get $3K off. Also, BMW does not have loaners and BMW, at least in my area does not do free car washes. So I think it's a wash (no pun intended), you'll pay more for the 328 but you'll get free maintenance and a free courtesy ride home during service.
Personally, I'm keeping my car a little longer since it's a 6-speed so I'll never get a good price for it and I drive very little since I work from home. Also, I'm able to do much of the repairs on it and I have a good mechanic so I'm not being gouged by the dealer on a regular basis.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,057
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
rumsbeard - looked into a BMW w/Ultimate Service. The value of the factory warranties are identical (eg BMW cover is same as MB). Looking at the value of the ultimate service (pads, rotors, wiper blades, and oil changes), I figured that it was worth - best case - about 3k over the 4 years.
So I guess the question is covering 3k worth the difference between a C series and the 328i? Personally, I'd look at a CPO'd Merc in the 07/08 age range if I was looking to save money, or a new one if not - depends on how long you plan on keeping it.
If you buy a new MB, you'll only have to worry about brakes, oil changes, and wiper blades out of pocket, so....
Edited : Managed to find the BMW "value equation" over 4 years:
Brand Maintenance Costs
Acura $970.75
Audi $967.17
BMW $0
Cadillac $744.26
Infiniti $649.40
Jaguar $1112.53
Land Rover $233.52
Lexus $974.22
Lincoln $922.14
Mercedes-Benz $1086.60
Porsche $1032.14
Saab $385.29
Volvo $918.93
So I guess the question is covering 3k worth the difference between a C series and the 328i? Personally, I'd look at a CPO'd Merc in the 07/08 age range if I was looking to save money, or a new one if not - depends on how long you plan on keeping it.
If you buy a new MB, you'll only have to worry about brakes, oil changes, and wiper blades out of pocket, so....
Edited : Managed to find the BMW "value equation" over 4 years:
Brand Maintenance Costs
Acura $970.75
Audi $967.17
BMW $0
Cadillac $744.26
Infiniti $649.40
Jaguar $1112.53
Land Rover $233.52
Lexus $974.22
Lincoln $922.14
Mercedes-Benz $1086.60
Porsche $1032.14
Saab $385.29
Volvo $918.93
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Long Beach, Ca.
2007 C230 Sport Sedan
If I were you, I would really consider getting an extended warranty. I have a 2007 C230 Sport with 25k miles. The car has been amazing! The reason I chose the 2007 over the 2005 and older model C-Class, is because of the "SUPERCHARGER." Not only are the superchargers expensive to fix, but they charge an arm-and-a-leg just on labor. I've had cars with superchargers and they are a blast to drive due to the immediate power. But again, you will be looking at high cost of repairs once that supercharger starts knocking for help. If you really want to get another car, I would really recommend getting the 2006/2007 C-Class due to them not having the blower. But its your choice...
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Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 511
Likes: 0
From: Nuevo México
2005 C230K Sport Sedan, 6 speed manual
The W203 Mercedes is a really pretty car. The BMW E90 doesn't quite measure up to the MB on appearance.
There is no doubt the BMW will cost less to maintain the first 4 years. It is not free (as advertised), unless you are willing to accept 15,000 mile intervals between oil changes. IMO, this is too long.
The Mercedes will have some maintenance and repair costs, due to being older and out of warranty. But it may be close to being paid-off.
Although used car sales are really slow right now, the C230K is selling fairly well, due to the good gas mileage. You should be able to get decent trade-in value.
If you wish to trade in the Mercedes on the BMW, also look at the MB W204 with manual, and the Audi A4 with manual transmission. All are really nice cars.
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Super Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 639
Likes: 4
From: Phoenix, AZ, USA
2005 C240 4MATIC, 2020 GLC300 4MATIC
I really depends on your philosophy on owning cars.
The fact of the manner is that a paid off car, with maintenance costs past the date of pay-off, is usually much cheaper than a car loan. However, you have to be willing, and like to own cars a long time - you're not a "have to have something new" buyer. If you paid off the car, and pocketed the monthly payment after that date every month, you'd have enough money every year to maintain the car, and make some interest on the money as well.
That said, both the W204 and the current revised 3 series BMW are doing pretty well reliability wise at the moment. The extended warranties are about the same. It would depend on what deal makes more financial sense to you, since it's your money, and your emotion is attached to it.
If you do keep your car, and it's a nice car, now matter how old it is, I would get the extended warranty if you still can, as it will save you money if anything major does go wrong - since it's a human built car, it can. No car
The fact of the manner is that a paid off car, with maintenance costs past the date of pay-off, is usually much cheaper than a car loan. However, you have to be willing, and like to own cars a long time - you're not a "have to have something new" buyer. If you paid off the car, and pocketed the monthly payment after that date every month, you'd have enough money every year to maintain the car, and make some interest on the money as well.
That said, both the W204 and the current revised 3 series BMW are doing pretty well reliability wise at the moment. The extended warranties are about the same. It would depend on what deal makes more financial sense to you, since it's your money, and your emotion is attached to it.
If you do keep your car, and it's a nice car, now matter how old it is, I would get the extended warranty if you still can, as it will save you money if anything major does go wrong - since it's a human built car, it can. No car
