fgodoy1

I have been looking at the BMW 325 and MB C230k for a couple weeks now and read a bunch of threads about the 05's and )4's...etc, and after reading JayinLauderdale's report on his new C I have really been leaning towards the C230k as my choice.

I was wondering if anybody who has owned a 325 of recent years and owns a 04 or 05 C could comment on the comparison of quality and reliability of the two. This is more of a concern to me since MB quit their free maintenance policy and I am definitely interested in the 05.

Also, could anybody help me out with a C-spot coupon? This would be very helpful as I am going to purchase in about 2 weeks.

Thanks!

Buellwinkle

What does quality and reliability have to do with free maintenance. The maintenance has a fixed value that you can easily get from their service dept. Ask them what an A and B service costs and what the annual services costs like brake fluid, trans fluid, radiator flush costs over 4 years. Add up the three A and two B services plus the other services and add that to the cost of the MB when comparing it to the '04 Bimmer. For me the maintenance was worth $2,000 which steered me towards the 2004.5 which is already heavily discounted.

If you go by JD Powers 3 year dependabilty survey, then MB is below average, BMW is above average. If you go by the Strategic Vision "Total Quality Survey" which covers the first 3 months (comperable to the JD Power Initial Quality Survey), then the MB is #1, BMW is #6. From the people I know with 325i vs. people with C classes I would say that they are even in terms of problems, likes and dislikes. Doesn't make sense to take one or two disgruntled persons opinion and base your buying decision anyway.

CitronC230K_03

i say go with the C-Class. free maintenance and oil changes dont mean much to me. they are nice dont get me wrong, but first of all i prefer an MB over a BMW anyday. second of, everyone in town seems to have a 3 series. they are "played out".

outie

I have to agree that BMW 3 series are everywhere. Most of them belong to teenagers. The c-class is probably more distinctive.

As for free maintenance I too have no use of it. My father is a mechanic so he can do everything for me. I don't feel like listening to the service advisors telling me that a 1yr old has to replace this and that. It doesn't make sense for a new car to have so many problems.

Yang1815

same here... I'll take MB over BMW... and everyone and their mom has a 3 series here...

cracker123

I gave up my 02 330CI for a 05 C230 so, you know what to pick.

goldenbuddha

Throw caution to the wind, and test drive an Audi A4 3.0 and see if its any better/worst!!

HITMAN

there are way to much 3 series out there....

kokketiel

Radiator and brake fluid flush is not part of the free maintenance, at least not at my dealer. Only A & B services are included. The service booklet clearly states what is included in each.

fgodoy1

Thanks for the comments from everyone.

On the Audi suggestion...my family had an A8 and it only had problems, including two new transmissions in 50,000 miles. Another bad thing is that the two nearest dealers are about 45 minutes away from us. The whole ownership experience was not enjoyable. We went to Champion Audi and everytime we took our car into service the WHOLE staff had been replaced.

So, my family bought an 02 S500, it has 20,000 miles so far and we have had zero problems to date.

I've decided that I'm going to go with the MB may get it this weekend or early next week. I will post some pics if wanted.

CitronC230K_03

and thats the truth!

termigni

3 series sedans are uglier than C. (my opinion, but also arguable) and I'm not even looking forward to the new 3 series for next year cuz it will probably going to get uglier than current version.