j_o_m_e_i

I am looking forward to owning one of these, but can't decide which one is a better choice. I have to decide as soon as possible since there's a waiting list for both of them. Can someone please help me? Just want to choose the right one and one which I won't regret. I also prefer the one which I won't see EVERYONE driving it.

Joey_G_1975

Well - I'm sure most of us would agree - C300. But really it's a matter of personal preference. In my area almost every entry luxury vehicle is a 3-series. But with the introduction of the 2008 C-Class I'm sure that's going to change!

bltzkrg

Just picked my C300 4matic last week. Love it.

I drove the 328i as part of the shopping around...I just couldn't get past the 1990 interior. It is still a nice car though. I also didn't want to see myself on every corner since everybody has a BMW.

MBfan21

Yes that is the think... everyone has BMWs because they are more affordable than Benz. Literally i was driving the other day and every 4th car was a BMW. I think that car is very played out. It is a fun car to drive but not crazy about it. I think the Benz C300 is more classier and stylish and a definite head turner.

bing330i

How sensitive are you toward price / cost? You might be able to negotiate more w e90 3er as its era of first love is passing while the C is the new beauty in town. Also, if you do an european delivery w 3er, it is not uncommon to get $1k over ED invoice, which means much lower than US MSRP. Not to mention, the Bimmer's 4 yr 50k miles free maintenance program can be valued at some amount (i.e. new brakes/rotors which I did get replaced by the program which could otherwise mean $1k or so to spend for my family).

In terms of popularity, I think they will eventually end up in a similar figure, tho the C might be less initially for the next couple of years as it's just intro'ed while the 3er is toward mid year face lift.

Look - subjective of course, I am personally not a fan of the E90 look, esp its rear end.

After all, your decision will depend on your personal weighted preference. You will soon only remember your new car than your always wondering decision making journey. Enjoy.

MBTex

For my 2 cents I say the C is the "new" one out there so you may turn a few more heads with it initially. After that wears off it'll just be you and your car. I personally also see more 3's out on the road and would lean toward MB for that reason as well.

But, you'll have to be happy with the car and they are both good cars. Just go with the one that you are more comfortable in.

cycler

I have a 2006 325xi. And I love driving this car. Before the bimmer I had a C class and wasnt to fond of it. I did test drive the new C class. Looks great however the bimmer out performs it. I am doing European delivery on my BMW 335xi coupe on November 27th 2007. And the 2006 will go back once I get the 335xi. My payment will be $490.00 per month for 24 months. I have to come up with first payment, bank fee and taxes. Since I am a BMW customer they waive the security deposit. If you did Eurpean delivery on a BMW 335xi sedan your payment would be $440.00 per month. Thats a lot less than the c class and a more fun car to drive. If you wanted the 328xi drop an additional 50-60 dollars. I got leather, sports package, and cold weather package. No need for the premium package since I dont like blue tooth and dont need a built in garage door opener.

cycler

By the way I will also be doing european delivery on a MB once my wifes lease expires on her infinit fx35 which looks like a dopey looking sneaker. Her choice of cars not mine.

aowhaus

The 328xi, Audi A3 3.2, and Lexus IS250awd were high on my list before I saw and test drove the C300. The 328xi is a fine car, excellent handling and power, but the interior is too bland and looks dated for my taste and the exterior styling (like many newer BMWs) tend to look tired quickly, and there are way too many on the road these days.

I'm a sucker for anything new, and because Mercedes doesn't redesign their models as quickly as other car makers I know I will get the most out of my C300 in terms of model lifespan.

alpinweiss

This may not be much help, but I think you will not go wrong with either choice. I am a German car enthusiast, and I have owned both Mercedes and BMW's (as well as other German brands). A couple observations on each:

The Mercedes seems to be a bit more solid, with fewer squeaks and rattles as the car gets older. Mercedes engines and automatic transmissions seem to have fewer problems historically. Manual transmissions in both BMW and Mercedes are made by Getrag or ZF, so probably not a lot of difference there. A Mercedes can last several hundred thousand miles. A Mercedes has slightly more headroom and legroom, and you can delete the sunroof, if you are a tall person. A Mercedes is less common on the street than a BMW.

The BMW is available with a manual transmission in the US market. This is a BIG issue for me. An MB with 4-motion is automatic only. The BMW includes all maintenance free; a potential saving (Mercedes does not). The BMW E90 has been out a couple years, and the MB W204 is brand new. The BMW may have fewer problems as a result of it being a more "mature" design. The BMW I-6 engines are legendary for smoothness and power.

I do not really consider the Lexus or Infiniti to be the equal of the BMW or MB.

Good Luck on your choice!

MBfan21

My sister just got the BMW 328 xi coupe. The navigation screen is small. She says when it gives turn by turn directions, you can't listen to the radio at the same time. The car is brand new so maybe she hasn't figured it out right but if that's the case, I wouldn't want a car that didn't let me listen to the radio during voice navigation.

BlackMercBenz

Get the MB.

If looks and stares were arrows, I wouldn't have anything but holes in my C !!


"Around here, you gotta love what you drive"

chilledbenz

No one has mentioned that the BMW comes with free servicing for 4 years or 50k miles. That comes in handy if you ever bring your benz in to get it serviced and they put a bill for 2-4 hundred bucks on the desk. That being said, I'm not fond of the GM transmissions BMW uses, my 06 325xi had to have it replaced under 10k, and it still sounds horriable in reverse. Also don't like they way my BMW dealership treats me, yeah I know there are other dealerships to go to, but my MB dealership goes above and beyond, and I like the C so much better.

MBTex

It would seem to me that you can group the Japanese luxuries together and the German luxuries together.

The Japanese cars all seem to have outstanding interiors with high tech gadgets and more standard features. The German cars all seem to perform better on the road in terms of handling and all of the other not-so-sexy (as compared to HP and 0-60 times) elements that make a car.

It appears that the Lexus and Acura are trying to become more road friendly and the MB is trying to become more interior friendly (the new MM for instance).

My MDX was a very nice and comfortable vehicle with all of the gadgets, etc that were available at the time in it. But it sure didn't perform like the M class. I considered the TL when looking at cars and went with the MB because it is more of a car....not a gadget machine on wheels...but those Acura gadgets are cool!