w204 vs 3-series
05-04-2007, 07:39 PM
#26
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
E550 4MATIC
+1
You have just said the very true words about the major difference of the C-class and 3er.
I have been looking at my C55 W203 and E90 side by side in my parking lot every day. The Benz always carry that 'grand look', like a piece of precious jewel, so untouchable! And, this is exactly why some people will buy a C-class over a seems to be 'quicker' 3er.
t
You have just said the very true words about the major difference of the C-class and 3er.
I have been looking at my C55 W203 and E90 side by side in my parking lot every day. The Benz always carry that 'grand look', like a piece of precious jewel, so untouchable! And, this is exactly why some people will buy a C-class over a seems to be 'quicker' 3er.
t
05-05-2007, 05:13 AM
#27
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2011 E-class coupe, 2012 C-class
Here is a survey that tells how Mercedes is ranked above BMW:
http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...s050322luxury/
http://www.motortrend.com/features/a...s050322luxury/
05-05-2007, 05:14 AM
#28
Super Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Copenhagen, Denmark, Europe
Posts: 647
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2011 E-class coupe, 2012 C-class
The Mercedes C-Class is such a versatile car. This is just my opinion but I feel like if you see a young guy in a C-Class (like myself) it looks good; if you see an older guy, say my Dad's age (50s). it still looks good. A 50 year old in a 3 series looks kind of ridiculous in my opinion. Sorry if there are any guys in that age bracket here that drive 3-series but I just feel like the 3-series screams young arrogant pr***.
05-21-2007, 03:33 AM
#31
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
E90 (styling in particular) in eyes of E46 owners is a disappointment.
W203 facelift (big improvement in interior styling & handling) has impressed the world. Yes, we have yet to see the W204 in real but with big faith. BTW, I just noticed that many exterior trims exist on the W203 seem disappeaing on the W204.
W203 facelift (big improvement in interior styling & handling) has impressed the world. Yes, we have yet to see the W204 in real but with big faith. BTW, I just noticed that many exterior trims exist on the W203 seem disappeaing on the W204.
05-21-2007, 04:36 PM
#32
Junior Member
It truly is personal preference to a huge degree..
I think the only thing that can be compared are performance-based metrics... handling, stability, etc.
Looks and style are purely individual taste.
Personally, I can't enough of the W204 in pictures. The E90s look great, but the 08 Cs kill them in looks.... performance may be a different story
I think the only thing that can be compared are performance-based metrics... handling, stability, etc.
Looks and style are purely individual taste.
Personally, I can't enough of the W204 in pictures. The E90s look great, but the 08 Cs kill them in looks.... performance may be a different story
05-22-2007, 01:14 AM
#33
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh c'mon now.
Let's break it down...again.
Value: 3 Series Wins (Price is even. Bang for buck is a better comp)
Performance/Handling: 3 Series Wins
Looks: Tie (It seems almost unanimous that most prefer the C sedan over the 3 sedan, but would take the coupe over the C sedan...but we've yet to see the C coupe so I'm leaving it as a tie)
Luxury/Amenities: C Class Wins
Now...it seems like it's coming down to looks. What we have to realize is that they're both the best at what they do; The 3 is sportier, yet a little more spartan in comparison to the C, which has all the luxo styling and comfort.
The 3 has sportier styling, albeit a little more younger and outwardly aggressive, than that of the C. Yet it's obvious that the C has a more "prestigious" look to it. I'm not much of a fan nor hater of the 3 sedan, but I'm really diggin' the W204.
Personally, I say it comes down to the drive. I'm not feelin' the interior of the sport W204...the steering wheel looks cheap. However, if the handling difference is negligible, then I'd go for the W204...when the new engines arrive. Luxury comes in as a close second to performance for me.
I wanna see how they manage to get the car to balance in the AMG model once they ram that 63 engine in the front. That thing is going to be uber nose heavy.
Let's break it down...again.
Value: 3 Series Wins (Price is even. Bang for buck is a better comp)
Performance/Handling: 3 Series Wins
Looks: Tie (It seems almost unanimous that most prefer the C sedan over the 3 sedan, but would take the coupe over the C sedan...but we've yet to see the C coupe so I'm leaving it as a tie)
Luxury/Amenities: C Class Wins
Now...it seems like it's coming down to looks. What we have to realize is that they're both the best at what they do; The 3 is sportier, yet a little more spartan in comparison to the C, which has all the luxo styling and comfort.
The 3 has sportier styling, albeit a little more younger and outwardly aggressive, than that of the C. Yet it's obvious that the C has a more "prestigious" look to it. I'm not much of a fan nor hater of the 3 sedan, but I'm really diggin' the W204.
Personally, I say it comes down to the drive. I'm not feelin' the interior of the sport W204...the steering wheel looks cheap. However, if the handling difference is negligible, then I'd go for the W204...when the new engines arrive. Luxury comes in as a close second to performance for me.
I wanna see how they manage to get the car to balance in the AMG model once they ram that 63 engine in the front. That thing is going to be uber nose heavy.
Last edited by E92ftw; 05-22-2007 at 01:17 AM.
05-22-2007, 11:48 PM
#34
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: FW, WA
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'06 SS
How is anyone so confident that the BMW will handle better?
I haven't driven the new C yet, but I won't be making any decisions about it's handling until I have.
As for the looks, I think that pmb600 has is down. The C goes so well with any buyer. There is something for everyone and they all fit. A 25 year old guy in a C is going to fit. A 65 year old guy in a C is going to do just the same. And the new difference between the Avantgarde (Sport) and Elegance (Luxury) models will do wonders to convey the buyers intent.
The 3 Series has always struck me as a young man's car. An old dude in a 3 Series just seems odd.
I haven't driven the new C yet, but I won't be making any decisions about it's handling until I have.
As for the looks, I think that pmb600 has is down. The C goes so well with any buyer. There is something for everyone and they all fit. A 25 year old guy in a C is going to fit. A 65 year old guy in a C is going to do just the same. And the new difference between the Avantgarde (Sport) and Elegance (Luxury) models will do wonders to convey the buyers intent.
The 3 Series has always struck me as a young man's car. An old dude in a 3 Series just seems odd.
05-23-2007, 10:36 AM
#35
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'02 C32; '02 M5; '08 328i (US)
The W204 is a stunning car to look at in real life, although I'm not a big fan of the new Lexus like rear view mirror design, but the W204 design is way ahead of the Bangle design.. I think Bangle killed BMW for a lots of people, me included. I still can't stand the cheap interior look and the odd exterior, the 3 series are very solid build cars, it's light years ahead of W203 in terms of build quality, I guess that's why MB paid extra attention to build quality on the W204.
Handling wise, with adaptive dampers now available for W204, early reviews already shown that it's a pretty even match for E90. But I bet E90 would still have better steering feel than the W204 (My C32 feels like crap compares to any of E46 or E90, the steering feel is just too light and too blurry) since MB usually keeps the steering very light.
But what I hate about MB is they always keep the old engines with new model lunch, new engines will only be available during mid-life facelifts
Honestly, C350 just would not cut it for a lots of people and AMG will be too extreme for the not so hardcores. BMW always include a 'fallback performer' on their lineup which MB seems to be missing. The 335 is a pretty crazy car with lots of mod protentials, and a more sensible buy for the regular families when M3 is too high profile...
But in terms of pricing.. The base model C350 Elegance is already US$4,000 over the base model 335i and the base model C350 AMG edition is even US$13,000 higher!!!! (Price based on Hong Kong price released) So now, C350 is a lot higher in terms of price, but has much better look. The 335i is cheaper and has better performance, I guess *IF* you can stand the Bangle design, the 335i is definately a better buy. For the $$ is no object folks, why C350 when the C63 is a little bit further down the road? And as for C63 vs M3, price should be the least concern with these people so it would all comes down to personal perference :P
Handling wise, with adaptive dampers now available for W204, early reviews already shown that it's a pretty even match for E90. But I bet E90 would still have better steering feel than the W204 (My C32 feels like crap compares to any of E46 or E90, the steering feel is just too light and too blurry) since MB usually keeps the steering very light.
But what I hate about MB is they always keep the old engines with new model lunch, new engines will only be available during mid-life facelifts
Honestly, C350 just would not cut it for a lots of people and AMG will be too extreme for the not so hardcores. BMW always include a 'fallback performer' on their lineup which MB seems to be missing. The 335 is a pretty crazy car with lots of mod protentials, and a more sensible buy for the regular families when M3 is too high profile...But in terms of pricing.. The base model C350 Elegance is already US$4,000 over the base model 335i and the base model C350 AMG edition is even US$13,000 higher!!!! (Price based on Hong Kong price released) So now, C350 is a lot higher in terms of price, but has much better look. The 335i is cheaper and has better performance, I guess *IF* you can stand the Bangle design, the 335i is definately a better buy. For the $$ is no object folks, why C350 when the C63 is a little bit further down the road? And as for C63 vs M3, price should be the least concern with these people so it would all comes down to personal perference :P
05-23-2007, 02:38 PM
#36
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Thanks for sharing.
My views too
My views too
........ I still can't stand the cheap interior look and the odd exterior............
=== E90 interior is definitely not brilliant, but at least not hateful. The true crap interior is in the E60.
But what I hate about MB is they always keep the old engines with new model lunch, new engines will only be available during mid-life facelifts
=== Firstly, MB's 4-Valve engines are not that 'old'. At least we KNOW these are "old engines" in the W204. I bought a 2006 330i E90, well great, so-called new engine Double Vanos, 3 stage instake L6, 258hp, 40hp more than the E46 330i, top of the class (I thought). And damn, just less than a year later, BMW quietly announced the 335i Twin Turbo and provided an upgraded Auto Tranny response time in it (330i E90 Auto Tranny lags badly) . Worst of it all, now the 2007 330i gets 272hp instead of my 258hp 330i. Why, just to equal the engine power with C350 something? BMW has never been able to resolve conflicts among the designers/engineers and the marketing department or they are just not as capable as MB in terms of speed to market? What it means, they are fooling the consumers!
Honestly, C350 just would not cut it for a lots of people and AMG will be too extreme for the not so hardcores. BMW always include a 'fallback performer' on their lineup which MB seems to be missing. The 335 is a pretty crazy car with lots of mod protentials, ...............
Ever since I bought my C55 W203, I started to notice MB was really the leader of the engine power war. e.g. C55 has 367hp vs M3 E46's 342hp, the 6.3L V8 outputs more power than BMW's V10...etc . It was only after MB planted the new 388hp V8 into the E500, BMW then later upgraded their 545i (333hp) to 550i(367hp). I am still seeing a high chance of more powerful engines go into the W204. Have we not remembered the 388hp V8 that goes into the current CLK? There is no reason why we can't have a 388hp C500 except for marketing reason (if MB wants to keep that V8 privilege to higher classes). It seems it does make more sense now because MB has a big gap here to fill to compete with the 335i's 306hp.
A 388hp C500 V8 ( or a detuned V8 for the C430/C500 say 340hp) makes more sense now as W204 AMG will be at least 420hp (my guess is 450hp) to compete with M3 V8's 420hp. However, I must admit that the power gap among CLK500's 388hp vs CLK63AMG's 476hp make more marketing sense.
But in terms of pricing.. The base model C350 Elegance is already US$4,000 over the base model 335i and the base model C350 AMG edition is even US$13,000 higher!!!! (Price based on Hong Kong price released)
In USA, the difference of base model and the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500 as our car price usually 2 times the US price.
=== E90 interior is definitely not brilliant, but at least not hateful. The true crap interior is in the E60.
But what I hate about MB is they always keep the old engines with new model lunch, new engines will only be available during mid-life facelifts
=== Firstly, MB's 4-Valve engines are not that 'old'. At least we KNOW these are "old engines" in the W204. I bought a 2006 330i E90, well great, so-called new engine Double Vanos, 3 stage instake L6, 258hp, 40hp more than the E46 330i, top of the class (I thought). And damn, just less than a year later, BMW quietly announced the 335i Twin Turbo and provided an upgraded Auto Tranny response time in it (330i E90 Auto Tranny lags badly) . Worst of it all, now the 2007 330i gets 272hp instead of my 258hp 330i. Why, just to equal the engine power with C350 something? BMW has never been able to resolve conflicts among the designers/engineers and the marketing department or they are just not as capable as MB in terms of speed to market? What it means, they are fooling the consumers!
Honestly, C350 just would not cut it for a lots of people and AMG will be too extreme for the not so hardcores. BMW always include a 'fallback performer' on their lineup which MB seems to be missing. The 335 is a pretty crazy car with lots of mod protentials, ...............
Ever since I bought my C55 W203, I started to notice MB was really the leader of the engine power war. e.g. C55 has 367hp vs M3 E46's 342hp, the 6.3L V8 outputs more power than BMW's V10...etc . It was only after MB planted the new 388hp V8 into the E500, BMW then later upgraded their 545i (333hp) to 550i(367hp). I am still seeing a high chance of more powerful engines go into the W204. Have we not remembered the 388hp V8 that goes into the current CLK? There is no reason why we can't have a 388hp C500 except for marketing reason (if MB wants to keep that V8 privilege to higher classes). It seems it does make more sense now because MB has a big gap here to fill to compete with the 335i's 306hp.
A 388hp C500 V8 ( or a detuned V8 for the C430/C500 say 340hp) makes more sense now as W204 AMG will be at least 420hp (my guess is 450hp) to compete with M3 V8's 420hp. However, I must admit that the power gap among CLK500's 388hp vs CLK63AMG's 476hp make more marketing sense.
But in terms of pricing.. The base model C350 Elegance is already US$4,000 over the base model 335i and the base model C350 AMG edition is even US$13,000 higher!!!! (Price based on Hong Kong price released)
In USA, the difference of base model and the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500 as our car price usually 2 times the US price.
Last edited by cntlaw; 05-23-2007 at 02:52 PM.
05-23-2007, 06:49 PM
#37
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 2,240
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
E550 4MATIC
Good discussion guys...
cntlaw when you say "in the USA...the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500" did you mean the Sport version or the actual C63 AMG. Because if you meant just the Sport version in the US the sport option is likely to be free. For the W203 MBUSA did not charge more for the Sport sedan (US Sport Sedans come standard with AMG body styling).
I doubt we will see a C550 (C500 Rest of world), more likely if MB wanted to go this route they would do the C450 as that engine produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 320hp.
cntlaw when you say "in the USA...the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500" did you mean the Sport version or the actual C63 AMG. Because if you meant just the Sport version in the US the sport option is likely to be free. For the W203 MBUSA did not charge more for the Sport sedan (US Sport Sedans come standard with AMG body styling).
I doubt we will see a C550 (C500 Rest of world), more likely if MB wanted to go this route they would do the C450 as that engine produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 320hp.
05-23-2007, 10:04 PM
#38
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: N.Y
Posts: 651
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BMW 135i
05-23-2007, 11:35 PM
#39
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
Good discussion guys...
cntlaw when you say "in the USA...the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500" did you mean the Sport version or the actual C63 AMG. Because if you meant just the Sport version in the US the sport option is likely to be free. For the W203 MBUSA did not charge more for the Sport sedan (US Sport Sedans come standard with AMG body styling).
I doubt we will see a C550 (C500 Rest of world), more likely if MB wanted to go this route they would do the C450 as that engine produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 320hp.
cntlaw when you say "in the USA...the AMG packaged version can be estimated using $6500" did you mean the Sport version or the actual C63 AMG. Because if you meant just the Sport version in the US the sport option is likely to be free. For the W203 MBUSA did not charge more for the Sport sedan (US Sport Sedans come standard with AMG body styling).
I doubt we will see a C550 (C500 Rest of world), more likely if MB wanted to go this route they would do the C450 as that engine produces somewhere in the neighborhood of 320hp.
Here, now everybody is buying E90/E92 and even sold more E93 than we could dream of. The little problem with MB, is we still do not know the direction of the W204 Coupe, a RHT available or is it just another poor designer's way to their coffins?
MB created the CLS-class for satisfying MB shoppers who have most concerns about the brand and class. E.g. a S-class > E-class is in everybody's heart! The high car tax in Asia means people who are ready to justify for a MB price car, would usually make more sense to choose a low-end engine but higher class than a high-end engine 'entry class' model.
CLK C209 is already imaged and packaged as a luxury Coupe class standing on its own feet. I must admit up-class the CLK is the right thing to do. The 476hp CLK63 (or 500hp in the CLK63 Black series limited edition) has definitely filled a gap of MB's absence of a light weight high performance coupe. CLK63 can even be a threat to the M6; and as it seems the supposed to be more competitive CL-class (or CL63 AMG) doesn't quite make what the M6 can achieve in the market.
The position of 2008 CLK C210 should be much clearer to the consumers. For performance fanatics, a CLK's 2-Door extra luxury costs 20% more, so a more affordable and practical 4-door C-class with same performance engine obviously becomes a market essential.
Intersting read in June issue of Mercedes Enthusiast, Eric Clapton owns a G55 AMG, not a X5 nor Range Rover!
Previously, I meant the AMG Sports Package, not C63.
HK$ price Before Tax ,,,,US$
434054 AMG 55647.94872
396216 Elegant 50796.92308
So the pre-tax price difference here is US$4851
Yo might know that Elegant is not quite a 'base version'.
Our local dealer link:
http://www.zungfu.com/products/Passe...&type=Elegance
Last edited by cntlaw; 05-24-2007 at 11:27 AM.
05-24-2007, 01:09 AM
#40
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: FW, WA
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'06 SS
This is OT, but Eric Clapton's G55 in that issue is sweet, $25,000 in stereo upgrades...
I do like the line they used about the Cayman: "As SUV that says, 'I've got more money than sence.'"
I do like the line they used about the Cayman: "As SUV that says, 'I've got more money than sence.'"
05-24-2007, 02:53 PM
#41
Member
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Tri-State Area NY/NJ
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BMW 330i
The W204 is a stunning car to look at in real life, although I'm not a big fan of the new Lexus like rear view mirror design, but the W204 design is way ahead of the Bangle design.. I think Bangle killed BMW for a lots of people, me included. I still can't stand the cheap interior look and the odd exterior, the 3 series are very solid build cars, it's light years ahead of W203 in terms of build quality, I guess that's why MB paid extra attention to build quality on the W204.
Last edited by Spoonie; 05-24-2007 at 04:39 PM.
05-25-2007, 08:50 AM
#42
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
I've seen the W204 in person (non sports package) and it was a yawner. The interior also had much more acres of cheaper looking plastic than the W203. Combine that with the underpowered carryover V6 engine and we have a recipe for mediocrity IMO. The new “C” will not cause a stir in its class imo and doesn’t offer anything special over the competition; in fact the C-Class offers less in key areas than the completion. Nice work MB
Last edited by cntlaw; 05-25-2007 at 08:53 AM.
06-04-2007, 10:28 AM
#43
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 3x3 padded cell
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W202 C240
W203 C350 and 330i
My family has both (C350 and 325i)
E90 handles better. Styling bland.. almost rubbish. interior a little better than rubbish.
the difference in power is the way the BMW delivers it.
everything else belongs to the C350.
lower down the range, MB engines are underpowered in comparison and
the handling no way matches to BMW.
My family has both (C350 and 325i)
E90 handles better. Styling bland.. almost rubbish. interior a little better than rubbish.
the difference in power is the way the BMW delivers it.
everything else belongs to the C350.
lower down the range, MB engines are underpowered in comparison and
the handling no way matches to BMW.
06-04-2007, 11:49 AM
#44
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: So. California
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Mercedes C230 SS Komp
I think as they say in business, "know your customers wants". We are all relatively young on here (35yrs old for me). I do believe the base customer for BMW and Mercedes is a bit different. The average BMW driver looks to performance first, well as the Merc buyers look for style and comfort over performance. When I test drove both cars the sales teams actually presented the two extremes to me. The BMW team went for the kill about performance 
...... and the Mercedes sales crew pushed the luxury side of the equation.
...... and the Mercedes sales crew pushed the luxury side of the equation.
06-04-2007, 12:48 PM
#45
Member
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi all I have a W203 and love my car and looking forward to seeing and test driving the new W204 but one thing that keeps bugging me when I compare the BMW and Mercedes is the resale value. BMW resale holds it`s value very well and Mercedes does not and this will play a major factor. I know alot will lease the new W204 , so let me ask you where do you all stand on the money factor between the two cars.
06-05-2007, 04:15 AM
#46
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 3x3 padded cell
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W202 C240
I think as they say in business, "know your customers wants". We are all relatively young on here (35yrs old for me). I do believe the base customer for BMW and Mercedes is a bit different. The average BMW driver looks to performance first, well as the Merc buyers look for style and comfort over performance.
MB is referred to as an "old mans car" here.. but when you young and driving a modded MB you stand out a little more
06-05-2007, 04:33 AM
#47
Newbie
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: 3x3 padded cell
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
W202 C240
because of the "old man" persona given to MB in my country and rightly so. MB holds better resale than BMW whose majority is younger drivers.
Last edited by Unpopular; 06-05-2007 at 04:40 AM.
06-08-2007, 12:28 AM
#48
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hong Kong
Posts: 2,469
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
C55AMG W203; 330i E90
I finally had a chance to jump into the showroom to see a LHD C280 white.
Impressions:-
1. Dash has the Lexus fell, lots of gargets, features & design win!
2. As the dasd is huge, the black interior I saw felt too much plastics. Have yet to see a Grey interior. ( the center storage behind the hand brake pedal of E90 is leather and fell good as where the arms and hands always rest on).
3. Amazing reading lights design under the rear view mirror!
4. Amazing steering wheel gear shift pedals same 3-mode operation as my C55!
5. Leg room in the rear seats felt like a E-class , beat W203 and E90 for sure.
6. Command system - zero learning curve - perhaps it is the best in the world so far.
7. Just love the city lights matte eyebra warm feel! 100% S-class look rear --> Super !
8. Front door closing sound were felt very solid, rear doors were not.
Impressions:-
1. Dash has the Lexus fell, lots of gargets, features & design win!
2. As the dasd is huge, the black interior I saw felt too much plastics. Have yet to see a Grey interior. ( the center storage behind the hand brake pedal of E90 is leather and fell good as where the arms and hands always rest on).
3. Amazing reading lights design under the rear view mirror!
4. Amazing steering wheel gear shift pedals same 3-mode operation as my C55!
5. Leg room in the rear seats felt like a E-class , beat W203 and E90 for sure.
6. Command system - zero learning curve - perhaps it is the best in the world so far.
7. Just love the city lights matte eyebra warm feel! 100% S-class look rear --> Super !
8. Front door closing sound were felt very solid, rear doors were not.
06-08-2007, 10:30 AM
#49
Member
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: FW, WA
Posts: 209
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
'06 SS
I think as they say in business, "know your customers wants". We are all relatively young on here (35yrs old for me). I do believe the base customer for BMW and Mercedes is a bit different. The average BMW driver looks to performance first, well as the Merc buyers look for style and comfort over performance. When I test drove both cars the sales teams actually presented the two extremes to me. The BMW team went for the kill about performance ...... and the Mercedes sales crew pushed the luxury side of the equation.
...... and the Mercedes sales crew pushed the luxury side of the equation.I bought my first W203 when I was 21. I test drove the BMW 328i and it was nothing but; "feel the power, ignore the interior." The C230K was entirely; "notice the comfort, do you need more power?" I had neglected to mention that I was buying the car for my wife, and after driving both I knew that the cheap BMW interior feel would have annoyed her in time. She didn't give a damn about power. Benz for her.
When I went to purchase my car, the dealership had already in a year won me over with courteous and friendly staff, AMAZING service, and an entire lack of the "sales" feel (I'm in sales my self, but something far more fun). I drove a car they had on the lot, even took it home for a night, but I decided that I would rather wait for the option packages I wanted exclusively (a loaded 6spd, instead of an auto) and I returned the car and placed my order the next day.
I'll buy a W204 with a 6spd (so I'm stuck with the C300, but that's fine), but I do want to give them a couple years and see if engine/trans offerings do change. Perhaps the new C63 will have a 7g-Tronic that will shift fast enough, and when I tell it to?
I know that a C300 and a C63 is comparing tack hammers to jack hammers, but I really can't stand driving an automatic, it's SO BORING. Though it wouldn't hurt for them to ditch the buttons in favor of some paddles like Alonso and Hamilton get...
06-08-2007, 01:15 PM
#50
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: NYC Metro Area, NJ
Posts: 87
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2000 BMW X5
The Mercedes C-Class is such a versatile car. This is just my opinion but I feel like if you see a young guy in a C-Class (like myself) it looks good; if you see an older guy, say my Dad's age (50s). it still looks good. A 50 year old in a 3 series looks kind of ridiculous in my opinion. Sorry if there are any guys in that age bracket here that drive 3-series but I just feel like the 3-series screams young arrogant pr***.
ooooooo... im from north jersey... i think i will be getting a 3 series now, because that was the look I was going for...
Keep in mind in terms of price... I have really been debating between 300C Sport and 328i Coupe. I have failed to realized that BMW has free maintenance for the length of my lease. Following Yahoo Autos cost of ownership for the C280 (closest proximity I can get to how much I will be paying for service over the first 3 years) I need to add $2281 dollars to the car, or $64 a month above my monthly payment. I may be looking at it wrong (who knows
) but it is something to take into account.Question for me is, who will have the better iPod integration.
