bdwg22

So far so good for my black mb tex. It's been 20 degrees in NJ and I park in my heated garage so it's been through daily temp extremes. My build date is 12/2014.

Count Laszlo

Right on... Our '12 C350 was manufactured in SA. It's by far the best car we've ever owned. Every time I wash it I'm reminded by its incredible quality. The paint is amazing and flawless. You just tap your knuckle on the front fender, door and quarter panel and suddenly realize how solid and quality it truly is. Even the grill from the star outward is made from a wonderfully crafted set of pliable plastics that seem quite expensive to make. Mercedes didn't need to do this at all. But they did. And most consumers would look past this completely not realizing the effort that actually has gone into these cars to make them so great. Consumers today focus on stuff like iPhone connectivity and don't realize they actually bought a POS until a few years later. I can point out dozens of areas on the Benz that are worthy of serious notation. And most importantly, no one can beat how beautifully the doors sound when they close. It reminds me of my Dad's old W108/9 300SEL and 280S.

Sol01

Sol01

I am afraid we agree to disagree on this point. for me 3 series is superior on both chassis, engine and wins hands down when it comes to handling. I do however believe that C class trumps it on the interior quality but that is just about it

Sol01

Not the reviews that I have seen and as I am sure you are aware ride quality alone is not going to win you any comparison tests alone. also not sure that ride quality on C class has been universally approved of. many have criticised it but then again we seem to be in love with 3 series in UK so maybe our car magazines are also obsessed with it

Glyn M Ruck

I know the BMW 3 Series is an entry Exec favourite in the UK. Many of my staff used to drive them. Good for our SA plant. However here, BMW's give plenty of trouble. Our local Car magazine has not tested a single performance model in the last 10 years that has not suffered a failure during the test regime. They can be fragile & don't wear well. There are one hell of a lot of million plus Km Benzes on this planet. Especially in Europe, Africa & Asia.

Glyn M Ruck

W204 was rated top car in class for a number of years here until it got too long in the tooth. W205 is expected to regain the crown. Only downside is we have suffered a delay in the launch of the 6 cylinder models. Diesel model with Airmatic would be my winning bet at present.

Glyn M Ruck

Why do you drive a Benz if you feel this way??

Sol01

good point. I guess I am a Benz badge ***** and like the brand, also not all of us have to drive what is perceived to be the best car in its class by media

Glyn M Ruck

I'm with you there. Our media have always been pro BMW, warts & all. But Benz comfortably outsells them here at a price premium.

abstractls

5k miles, no issues here. And I have every option possible

StanNH

Here, about 50% of W205 owners are reporting no problems. You're in that fortunate half. That number should be closer to 90% though.

abstractls

Which means that 90% of people aren't having problems. People that aren't having problems drive their car and go about their day. People that are having problems go on forums. And then there are car nuts like us. Just because people here are having problems (And it isnt 50% btw) doesnt give a real picture of any issues.

Glyn M Ruck

Correct ~ forums concentrate issues. Many people only post when they have an issue.

coladin

I agree, both of my W204s, even in AMG guise with the very stiff suspension, not even a squeak, ever. Even in -30 weather, a testament to MB build quality for sure.


My W205, today it is -32, is very tight and squeak free.

coladin

The only reviews where I read the BMWs are better handling is in the M3/M4.


All other reviews, throughout their entire line, actually, pan the handling ov the BMWs, too harsh, lament the loss of the legendary steering feel, etc... but of course there is no "loser" here, all the German mid entry-level brands Audi, BMW, Mercedes, even with Jaguar joining the fray, all make very, very good cars. It boils down to personal preference.

huyuci

I beg to differ. I had always been a BMW fan until recently. My last BMW was a e90. It's great and all. But it's getting old. The new 3 isn't much different from it, if not uglier. To be fair, the M3 looks really great, but look at the price. I was going to get another 328i, but the interior looks so boring, and the plastic looks cheap. Oh, I always thought that only a BMW can hug corner like my car did, but I was so wrong. So, I converted to the dark side and get a C300. And pretty happy that I did.

Count Laszlo

I will humbly admit the F80 M3 looks amazing. I do not like the look of the F82 M4. And the moniker is, well... controversial.


I'm hoping to test drive the F80 M3 to make a final assessment. Have been thinking of buying one. We'll see. But IMO, it's the only product left that BMW offers that is remotely attractive. Everything else is just fat.

Evil Sean

Well this brought me out of lurk mode. Saying that 50% of owners are having problems is a bit sensational, don't you think? I know you've been having probs, but let's be realistic here.

StanNH

I said that 50% of the owners here are reporting some problems. That's based on an ongoing poll on this forum. That's all I said ... I never said that was anything but what is showing up on this forum.

Sol01

Test drive the M235i, That is a blast. nothing in Mercedes line up comes even close in that price range. not too sure about M3/M4, they are getting heavier and not as sharp