Buh Bye W203
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Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 172
Likes: 3
From: Portland, OR
2005 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
Buh Bye W203
Ordered a BMW 228i after test driving it the other day...if you haven't driven one, I highly recommend it. It's a well balanced machine with great performance and looks. Optioned out it's a no brainer when compared to the CLA or A3. I just wish Mercedes would offer a sedan with the W203s proportions and keep that rear wheel drive! Why are the entry level cars getting so big only to be replaced by front wheel and out sourced models?
I really wanted to stick with Mercedes, but the CLA was a huge disappointment to me. Can't do front wheel drive and I just found it really difficult to see out of - don't get me started with that cheap screen either. The CLA was not for me. Felt the same way about the A3 - overpriced and boring to drive. Aesthetically, the A3 was also not the best and seemed a bit boring and driving it was ho hum.
Would have waited for the W205, but it's probably going to be too big and out of my price range optioned out (I buy new and don't lease). It's gone the way of the 3 series - too big and expensive. Not to sound terribly snooty, but I prefer my cars made in Germany and not Alabama! If I'm paying a premium it should be made in the Fatherland.
Either way, it was great being on the forums and I appreciate everyone's input/help.
I really wanted to stick with Mercedes, but the CLA was a huge disappointment to me. Can't do front wheel drive and I just found it really difficult to see out of - don't get me started with that cheap screen either. The CLA was not for me. Felt the same way about the A3 - overpriced and boring to drive. Aesthetically, the A3 was also not the best and seemed a bit boring and driving it was ho hum.
Would have waited for the W205, but it's probably going to be too big and out of my price range optioned out (I buy new and don't lease). It's gone the way of the 3 series - too big and expensive. Not to sound terribly snooty, but I prefer my cars made in Germany and not Alabama! If I'm paying a premium it should be made in the Fatherland.
Either way, it was great being on the forums and I appreciate everyone's input/help.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 527
Likes: 20
From: Carolinas
2005 C230K SS
I had not idea the CLA was front wheel drive....ewwwww, not on a premium brand....I bet there are folks buying that thing unaware of that fact...
I have both a w203 and a e46 3 series, and there are things I believe BMW does better at (better climate control, instrumentation, rattle free engine bay). There are also things that MB does better at (headliners that don't sag after 5 years, stock audio, that MB-tex stuff isn't bad either)
If I had to get rid of one of them though, it would be the bimmer...that being said, enjoy your bimmer.
I have both a w203 and a e46 3 series, and there are things I believe BMW does better at (better climate control, instrumentation, rattle free engine bay). There are also things that MB does better at (headliners that don't sag after 5 years, stock audio, that MB-tex stuff isn't bad either)
If I had to get rid of one of them though, it would be the bimmer...that being said, enjoy your bimmer.
