Need help on new car
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Joined: Oct 2008
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From: So-Cal
c350
Need help on new car
So I've been with out my black c350 for a while now. I've been fixing up an older benz but it took a dump on me. So now I'm in the market for a newer car and can't decide between 2002 e46 m3 white, 2008 c300/c350 white, and possibly a mini cooper s(the fuel economy is pulling me on this one). What are some peoples opinions? I would love the c300 but the m3 is at a good price. But idk if I can be bmw owner.. they're all cocky 
Last edited by envyxc350; Jul 21, 2011 at 12:01 AM.
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From: NNJ
'11 C350 '13 F150 lariat
If you can deal with the HP lack in the MB at least ur familiar w the car. Those Bmrs are pretty nice, my neighbor has one w 80k and they do have their probs, ignition coil goes bad on them, as well as other stuff, u dont wanna own entry-mid level luxury past 75k in my book, thats when everything starts needing love. I would get the best price vs mileage in a used car, you can mod anything these days, and fuel is pricey and will always be. I like the minis myself, a nice 2 door S would be sweet, theres a guy by me w the british flag setup one w wheels and its an S, hes got it modded nice and quick car......
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From: So-Cal
c350
Yah I got rid of it a while back as I wanted a project car for the track but that didn't turn out so well. So now im thinking of getting a white c300 with the 6speed but they're so rare unless you build one. I think August will be the best month as the new 2012's will be coming in and the 2008's will be even less.
The car was sold as is, :/ no part out, sorry man.
The car was sold as is, :/ no part out, sorry man.
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From: UCF area Orlando/West Palm Beach FL.
c350coupe, Gencoupe R-spec
yeaa you should be able to get a good deal around august. wish you would have parted out the car. ive been wanting a 3rd pair of shoes bronze as well, and headers. but good luck with your next purchase
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From: California
MB W204/W212, BMW E66, Porsche 958, VW MK6 TDI, Maserati Ghibli SQ4
The e46 might look cheap at first glance, but you have to look at total cost of ownership.... Make sure you factor in the costs of Oakley's, bluetooth headsets, and popped polos.
j/k. I like e46 M3, but wouldn't touch an 02.
j/k. I like e46 M3, but wouldn't touch an 02.
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From: Orange County, California USA
'11 Mercedes Benz C300; Black on Black 7g-tronic, Nav+4 uni
Hmm..... I was actually have a similar dilemma before I got my c300. But I was looking at a 05 M3 and a mini clubman s. 
Now I am kind of a sucker for mercedes, I personally feel that the M3 is a really fun car (much more fun than a c300), but like azn said, the running costs on a 02 BMW may be quite high. My parents had a 07 750Li and once the car was out of warranty it was just a money pit with problems constantly popping up. Now I didn't get the mini because I thought it was too small, I know the w204 is not a big car but the mini "looks" small. It is not a very big car when it comes to putting adults in the back and its not as comfortable as the C. Now all the choices are good but it really comes to personal decision. The C doesn't drive like a track car or a go cart like the other two but it has a good torque curve and it is quite fun when passing 
.
Also is the M3 going to have an SMG or 6-speed?
And all MB fanatics don't hate me when I say this, but have you thought about a 335i 6-speed, it is a bit newer than an 02 m3 and it is a great car. (my next car maybe...) It is an awesome handler and the twin turbo inline 6 is a great soundtrack, the 6 speed is pretty good, clutch feels really good and it can be driven every day. Also it can kick a stock m3 e46 in the a** is you tweak it a bit
Now I am kind of a sucker for mercedes, I personally feel that the M3 is a really fun car (much more fun than a c300), but like azn said, the running costs on a 02 BMW may be quite high. My parents had a 07 750Li and once the car was out of warranty it was just a money pit with problems constantly popping up. Now I didn't get the mini because I thought it was too small, I know the w204 is not a big car but the mini "looks" small. It is not a very big car when it comes to putting adults in the back and its not as comfortable as the C. Now all the choices are good but it really comes to personal decision. The C doesn't drive like a track car or a go cart like the other two but it has a good torque curve and it is quite fun when passing . Also is the M3 going to have an SMG or 6-speed?
And all MB fanatics don't hate me when I say this, but have you thought about a 335i 6-speed, it is a bit newer than an 02 m3 and it is a great car. (my next car maybe...) It is an awesome handler and the twin turbo inline 6 is a great soundtrack, the 6 speed is pretty good, clutch feels really good and it can be driven every day. Also it can kick a stock m3 e46 in the a** is you tweak it a bit
Thread Starter
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From: So-Cal
c350
Hahaha mike that last part was great! But the m3 I'm looking at is SMG witch I could handle, its alot of fun to drive. Im just worried about it having 60k miles and then the repairs start. The c300/c350 would be my pick but I'm still considering others. the 335i is a bit pricey, at least the newer ones which look good. I would love to get the mini with 30 city mpg but I don't think you can take the car seriously. I really want a c300 6speed in white but I cant find any.
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From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
Jk. You have class.
Hahaha mike that last part was great! But the m3 I'm looking at is SMG witch I could handle, its alot of fun to drive. Im just worried about it having 60k miles and then the repairs start. The c300/c350 would be my pick but I'm still considering others. the 335i is a bit pricey, at least the newer ones which look good. I would love to get the mini with 30 city mpg but I don't think you can take the car seriously. I really want a c300 6speed in white but I cant find any.
) and you can't go wrong with either the DSG or the 6MT.
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From: California
MB W204/W212, BMW E66, Porsche 958, VW MK6 TDI, Maserati Ghibli SQ4
Hahaha mike that last part was great! But the m3 I'm looking at is SMG witch I could handle, its alot of fun to drive. Im just worried about it having 60k miles and then the repairs start. The c300/c350 would be my pick but I'm still considering others. the 335i is a bit pricey, at least the newer ones which look good. I would love to get the mini with 30 city mpg but I don't think you can take the car seriously. I really want a c300 6speed in white but I cant find any.
So Mike, I take it since you have a 7 series that you would subtract out the Oakleys and ordinary bluetooth headset and instead add a pair of Burberry sunglasses, an Amosu’s Diamond MotoPure H12, and Gucci sweater tied around your neck and over your shoulders?
Jk. You have class.
I wanted an E46 M3 for the longest time but really started to veer away from it after hearing of my friend's many issues with his. If you're looking for performance and fuel economy have you considered something like a VW GTI maybe? I think the MK6s look great (Especially yours Mike) and you can't go wrong with either the DSG or the 6MT.
Jk. You have class.
I wanted an E46 M3 for the longest time but really started to veer away from it after hearing of my friend's many issues with his. If you're looking for performance and fuel economy have you considered something like a VW GTI maybe? I think the MK6s look great (Especially yours Mike
) and you can't go wrong with either the DSG or the 6MT.Honestly, I'm having a great time throwing my VW around. Great commuter car and getting 45-50mpg out of it to boot! And VWs are dirt cheap to mod as well.
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From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
Concern is more with a decade worth of spirited driving. Also 02-04 had their share of issues. You'll want a facelifted e46 and ideally the 06 e46 SMG box was one of the best imo.
rofl. I drive like an old man when in the 7. That thing's a boat. So it'd more like in my Depends drinking Ensure waving my cane at the passing Ms.
Honestly, I'm having a great time throwing my VW around. Great commuter car and getting 45-50mpg out of it to boot! And VWs are dirt cheap to mod as well.
rofl. I drive like an old man when in the 7. That thing's a boat. So it'd more like in my Depends drinking Ensure waving my cane at the passing Ms.
Honestly, I'm having a great time throwing my VW around. Great commuter car and getting 45-50mpg out of it to boot! And VWs are dirt cheap to mod as well.
It's quite disturbing actually. I'm sure you're wife doesn't like seeing you driving in the 7 then!I wish I could trade up (or as some would say "down") to a MK6. It would be a more age appropriate car for me, cost less insurance wise, better fuel economy, free service for the first 3 years, dirt cheap to mod as you said and I swear, flat out, my W204 is cursed man! I've run into so much bad luck in this thing! Also, I'm still not used to it that others, both people my age and those who are older, keep giving me the death stare. It sucks.
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From: Irvine, CA
2009 C350
I would probably opt for the 4 door regardless. It's convenient having those extra doors to load stuff in the back seat and having passengers getting in and out faster/easier. For only like a grand or so more I'd say it's worth it too.
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From: London, U.K.
MB C220 Sport W204, 18" AMGs, Grey lthr, xenons, p'ktronic, HKardon, Comand nav.
Car choices
A Mini Cooper? I can't think of anything worse, esp if you're used to the ride of a Benz.
Screw your teeth in man, you'll lose 'em otherwise. Here in the UK its a ladies car.
Plenty of other cars with good gas mileage or you could import a diesel......
Screw your teeth in man, you'll lose 'em otherwise. Here in the UK its a ladies car.
Plenty of other cars with good gas mileage or you could import a diesel......
Thread Starter
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From: So-Cal
c350
I actually love the mini cooper, but its just not aggressive or classy enough for me. I'm pretty sure about getting the c300/350. How much would the 2008 c300/c350 be going for? On ebay they're going for a good price but dealers are hacking them way up when I went the other day.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
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From: NJ
2008 C350 Sport
I had a 2004 E46 330ci I ordered and watched online as it went through the build and ship process...it was my 3rd beamer, and the worst car I ever owned unforunatley - guess they make a bad one now and then...complete steering rack went, over 4 grand by the time they were done with that, fuel pump after that - forget the cost at the moment but it was hundreds, water pump too, and then ignition switch was the final straw, over 400 bucks for that too and then I sold it...bought the CTS I was so pissed at the German cars...
Buddy has a mini - guy above is correct, screw your teeth in, feels like no suspension at all..
Not saying i wouldnt oen a BMW again, I was actually shopping for a 335i when I bought the C350, but would stay away from a 2002 with over 60K in it...
good luck with whatever you decide to do...
Buddy has a mini - guy above is correct, screw your teeth in, feels like no suspension at all..
Not saying i wouldnt oen a BMW again, I was actually shopping for a 335i when I bought the C350, but would stay away from a 2002 with over 60K in it...
good luck with whatever you decide to do...
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From: Columbia, SC
W204 2010 C300 Sport/6M
I was looking at the same cars when I decided on the C with the 6 speed in it. Except I was looking at the JCW Mini that was certified. I was gonna use it for a daily track car. I might go A3 Diesel and mod that to the hilt just to be different and get over 40mpg. HA ha.
