Mason00

I'm looking at purchasing either an '05 or '06 MB C230 Kompressor SS for this summer. However, I have just recently been introduced to the newly redesigned '06 BMW 3 Series which is looking pretty good. Price wise, the C230 is pretty much on par with the '06 325i and that vehicle boasts 225HP with the 330i hitting 255HP compared with the C230s 189 HP and the C350 with 272 HP but the new 3 series has so much more advancements since it is the new rebirth of the 3 series.

MB Forum Members, what would you get if you were going to get a new car. Your opinion won't really change my mind, which isn't made up yet, but feedback is always healthy

nukblazi

Have you read about all the "enhancements" to the 7 and 5 series, and how well they worked? I don't know whether to point you towards honda or toyota to tell you the truth.

For the money, you'd be better off purchasing the new 300C or Magnum Hemi. Honestly, the BMW design cheif, Bangle, isn't nicknamed "bungle" for nothing. His cars are ugly, he claims they're too advanced for us. The tech glitches in the BMWs have been terrible. I wouldn't purchase a 2003+ BMW if I was you.

Many MB owners are very pleased with their vehicles, and others are a bunch of whiners. The cars are expensive. The parts are expensive. The electronics are glitchy and the cars in general have their quarks. I say that if you are the type of owner that understands that these complex, imperfect cars require precise maintenance, and patience. If you are looking for toyota like reliablitiy, move on. If you understand what you are getting into, welcome, but trust me, stay away from new Bimmers for a little while.

Just be prepared for your first ESP/BAS error. Be prepared, depending on your location, to have to take it to maybe two or more dealers, or to the same dealer more than once, to resolve the problem. As you have already found, there is a lot of support here, and we are a strong community. And, we are certainly not BungleMW.

TNblkc230wz

I like my c320 over a 330i now and I'd like the improved C350 over a new Bangle BMW. I fell in love with BMWs in the 90's and fell out of love in the 2000's.

elchinocache

i couldnt have said it better, you took the words right out of my mouth

Mason00

I don't think the 3 series will have much problems. It has been thoroughly tested. Yes yes MB faithfuls, downplay the car. I really don't think the highy tested fleet of 3 series will have problems like the 5 or 7 series. Time will tell, but don't claim to be experts by stating it will have problems. It is great competition for the C Class.

CitronC230K_03

i think you will find a biased opinion here, i know i am a faithful MB owner!

nukblazi

I am the very proud owner of a 1991 BMW 325i. You will find my chassis in many forms of motorsports today, whooping the pants off the e36 and e46 BMWs. The e30, still the best BMW ever. Now that's a car.

I am hardly a MB faithful. I love my 2002 C Sport Coupe. It is the first and last MB I will own. I plan on keeping this coupe, and the e30, for as long as god will allow. I hate the newer cars from both companies. I consider choosing MB, the lesser of two evils.

inFiniTE LooP

well, the new 3-series looks very slick, however, iDrive for navigation (yikes!) if it came down to it, if i was going to get navigation with the car then i would pick the mercedes, if not, then i would get the 3-series and make sure it was a 6 speed manual transmission

edit: oh yea, also, if i was gonna pick between the 2 higher trim levels, i would have to get the mercedes as well

edit2: i messed up my vote and voted for the 330i on accident...how? i dunno, but it just happened

Battery!

BMW has a lot at stake with their 3 series - I think it's 70% of the their worldwide sales. Since your poll doesn't take into account a price, I think the best value would be a C350 6MT ordered at a little over invoice. The 330 will be a terrific car to drive (the only part I don't like from pics is the rear), but it will also be about $5k more comparably equipped. I would avoid the nav on the 3 because it gives you I-drive, and I'd rather stick to the basics of what BMW does best - providing the best driver's car...although the '05 C sport sedan is a damn good competitor and cheaper!

PsssTkiD

why cant it be like that ...cadillac comercial where bmw and benz are dancing together. ..then this cadillac ruins everything ... haha

CitronC230K_03

yeah shoowing off its excesive body roll. yeah cadillac, your right party is over. so much for great handling cars. thanks for ruining it!

Outland

The commercial is for the bigger cadillac, the sts, IIRC. The cars it competes against, are going to have some body roll. Your Coupe would roll just as much doing those same manuevers. Careful where you thow the stones. The real joke is the BLS, the car they are having built by Saab. Its a 9-3 with FWD and Caddy styling cues. The 9-3 isn't a bad car, but its no Cadillac...so what exactly is the message they are going to send to European buyers?

I think the new 3 series is bordering on ugly. Its not Butt Ugly, but its no looker either. Aside from being a bigger car, with better engines, there's not much improvment from what I can see. Oh well, the BMW lovers will just keep eating that same **** styling that's made their cars mistakeable as Kia or Pontiac products.

sacguy

The 3 series is a nice, clean lined sports sedan and the Mercedes has a more luxury sedan look. Really is a matter of preference. Both cars are attractive in their own distinctive way.

CitronC230K_03

true. but overall i definately prefer the merc over the bimmer.

PsssTkiD

you are here in MB forum, MB mostly wins here.

go to any BMW forum.....and ask them which is better

if they choose the bmw... it's because they're bmw enthusiast

if they choose the MB... then u get urself an answer. -->MB wins

CitronC230K_03

i totally agree with that statement. i dont know how many times ive voted in these polls, MB against another make. but everytime i vote MB. honestly i really dont even think about it. i know im biased and its oftern a biased opinion they will find here on MB forum when comparing an MB to another make.

PsssTkiD

same here.. .after i got my MB....mb all the way.

but if ppl go here compare ie. cadillac or bmw..... of course, pick the cuzzin..:-D german made.

mbny

hmm, tough choice. coming from a true bmw enthusiast, i'd have to give it to the benz appearance wise. new 3 is decent looking, but really does share a similar look with most other economical cars on the road. as for driving, i can't really give you an answer since i haven't driven a new one yet. i think most of us will think the bmw will be a better performance oriented car however as usual. but i can't give my opinion there. i wouldn't be scared out of the bmw though in terms of reliability. alot of it's new enhancements and technology is based on the current 5 and 7 series which have had many of the kinks already worked out.

TonyG230

I picked the C350 because of the engine. New and with 272 hp plus it will be in the Coupe to boot! A nice ride I'm sure. PS. Only in Canada !!

PsssTkiD

aww, i know!..u suck!... haha... i want a 350 coupe ...it's prolly gonna be spinning everywhere hahha...