guitarman

I've narrowed down my search to either a 2005 C230 or a 2000 BMW 528. The vehicles are pretty close in price, but obviously the BMW is larger. I don't care for the exterior styling of the BMW 3 series, so that's why I've not included the 325 on my short list. Anyone have experience with these two cars and can give me some advice on which to purchase. I'm looking for a fun car that can seat 4 adults. The warranty on the Mercedes will obviously be longer, but on the same token, Consumer Reports says the reliability of the Mercedes is well below average while they like the BMW. Anyone regret purchasing their C class?

FIXEDupW209

as far as getting an unbiased opinion here, it will rarely happen. i would have to say the mercedes. because it will be a brand new car, even if something goes wrong with it, its covered you wont have to worry about it. Newer gadgets. It will seat 4 easily. I have the coupe and love it and would have gotten the sedan if it was available at my time of purchase. I say if your young then get the benz, a bit sporty and younger overall otherwise the bmw but the benz will be worry free in the sence that even if you get an unreliable car, you wont have to worry about costs to fix it.

amdeutsch

Well, since the MY05 aren't out yet you will have to wait a bit. Won't you?

Welcome to the forum.

You will find that regardless of the reliability most on here enjoy their MBs. Some of them even make it a habit to visit their stealer on a regular basis for the free milk and cookies; not to forget the free car washes either. I won't mention any any names*cough* Buellwinkle *cough*. But our famous one is ........ nah I let you find out for yourself.

MB-BOB

Consumer Reports November review of luxury sedans ranks the BMW 745i as less reliable than the MB S Class. I mention these totally different cars, because comparing a 525 with a C230 is just as ludicrous. And the 2000 5-series BMW looks no less boring than the 3-er, imo.

These cars are expensive. I wouldn't buy a 5 year-old car (of any make) in this price range compared to anything new with a warranty, no matter if the prices are comparable. With both BMW and Mercedes, you will need a warranty of some sort, as none of the German makes approach the build quality of the better Oriental makes. But of course that is just me.

Guest0001

Hmm a 5 year old used car or a new car.... That must be hard.

guitarman

Well, they are not exactly the same car to begin with. I'm just curious as to what Mercedes owners would do given the experience with their C's.

Mike T.

Comparing any new car to any 5+ year old used car is plain stupid. Sorry to be so blunt, but it's true. Compare the BMW to a 5-6 year old E Class if you must.

If reliability matters to you, don't buy any used German car that is out of warranty. If reliability REALLY matters to you, don't buy any German car.

Given the choice you asked about, need I drive the point home by saying get the new C?

On the other hand, the new 3er is coming out later this year I believe, and unless it's been overly Bangled, maybe it'll be more to your liking than the current version. The 3er is definitely more reliable than the C, though Toyota and Honda put both to crushing shame.

FrankW

there's no way that other people can make that kind of decision for you.

first: they are 5 years apart
second: one's a 5-series and the other one is a C-class.
third: there are only few people on these board that has the C-class that has also experience the 5-series on daily basis.

last: the only similiarity I can think of is the price of the car.

now, personally I would take the e39 528/530 over the C230k if both are brand new. I can't really find fault from either car. We got a 97 528 on the driveway as well.

also, personally speaking, I would get a 540 if I'm looking for the used 5-series. BUT the 540's 4.4 V8 do have more problems than the I-6.

r_liebo

And E39 BMWs are amazing cars. It has more room than the C, and really is in a higher class of car than a C. However, a 5 year old used BMW will be very expensive to fix, and it will break down.
Compared new, I'd take the BMW. Compared used, it's a no brainer. Go with the C. Unless you are stepping up to something like an M5, the reliability and cost concerns aren't worth going with such an old car.

oggle

Get the C230. You will have a full warranty. Doesn't matter if it breaks down, it's free to have fixed. On the other hand, if the 5 poops, it's more $ out of your pocket. Unless the 5 is 10 times more reliable, you will have problems.

jbcritch

Get a 3 year old 5 series with the 6 year 100,000 mile CPO warranty. The BMW warranty knocks the pants off the MB CPO warranty.

I had a 2001 330Cic and my neighbor just bought a 2001 525 6 speed and he paid 25,000 - cheaper than a new C230 with MORE warranty.

2001/2002 5 series....that would be my choice - IMHO.

(I do love my MB though )