340xi VS C450
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: Philly and NYC
2019 E63S & 2022 X7 M50
The only reason why I didn't go with the 340xi was because the interiors of the BMW 3-series is just horrible. No refresh in the new model and the dash and interior looks like my Honda Accord whereas the C-class sedans have the interiors of an exotic luxury car
Super Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 692
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From: Cambridge, MA
2015 C300 Sport 4MATIC
it is widely believed that bow's quoted power numbers are at the wheels vs at the crank. when you strap an M5 on the dyno its throwing out almost 660 hp at the crank, and 560 at the wheels, which is the amount of power they claim it has.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Ding...ding...ding! BMW's 8 sp transmission is superb compared to the outdated Mercedes 7G.
The main reason why I would wait for the 9 sp C43.
Last edited by MASSC450; Mar 19, 2016 at 06:33 PM.
Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 240
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2013 BMW 328i
yeah i'd wait for the c43 assuming the sedan gets the 9 speed. seems to cut about .2 seconds off. (the numbers mercedes quotes for the c43 coupe are .2 seconds faster to 60) either that or in the real world they are probably pretty equal.
as a current F30 owner I agree that the interior is terrible relative to the new mercedes (guess what i'm buying next...). even on the M3/M4 with the full leather, you are still probably in a worse interior than a W205 with mb-tex dash, and ash wood etc.
as a current F30 owner I agree that the interior is terrible relative to the new mercedes (guess what i'm buying next...). even on the M3/M4 with the full leather, you are still probably in a worse interior than a W205 with mb-tex dash, and ash wood etc.
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I went with the c450 because it was the best deal to be had.
I looked at the 3/4 35/40 and they wanted an insane amount of money (they are usually quite fair).
I am coming from an S4, and while I love it - it's time for something new. The S4 also has quite a decent bit of body roll that I am sick of. The S4 has supercharger whine, which some will love (I do) and other will hate. The c450 has much more personality in the noise department.
I looked at the 3/4 35/40 and they wanted an insane amount of money (they are usually quite fair).
I am coming from an S4, and while I love it - it's time for something new. The S4 also has quite a decent bit of body roll that I am sick of. The S4 has supercharger whine, which some will love (I do) and other will hate. The c450 has much more personality in the noise department.
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Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3
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2015 Subaru WRX
So I have been looking very closely into the C450 since I am nearly ready to upgrade my car. I have been contemplating pretty vigorously between the BMW M2 vs the C43 Coupe and was going to order sometime this fall. I love the idea of AWD so I swayed to Mercedes. I kind of fell in love with the AWD on my Subaru but the dyno numbers I am seeing on the C450 so far is terrible. (260ish Hp at the wheels on 91/93 Oct) My current Stage 2 15' WRX has more power than this. I wanted to buy a classy car while having more power keeping it stock. Give me some input C450 owners. Is it enough power for you? Is the power band linear or does the turbo die off early? In the past couple days of reading it almost feels like the M2 is a better bet (hp + DCT + Track ready suspension) even though I personally like the design of C43 better.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Massachusetts USA
2017 C43 sedan
The 260whp #s you are seeing are on dyno dynamics and mustang dynos.. My stage 2 sti made 260whp on the same dyno.. Stock was about 215...most BMWs get put on a dyno jet since most are 2wd and those read much higher.. Stock n55 BMW engines read about 300whp on those.. I bet if both cars were on the same dyno the hp would be very close...
Power on the c450 is very linear and seems to pull to redline stock.. I have not tuned mine yet.. I can definitely feel that it's faster than my 09 stage 2 sti... But the quick auto transmission in the Benz definitely helps that feeling cause it covers more ground on the same street I drove the sti..
Power on the c450 is very linear and seems to pull to redline stock.. I have not tuned mine yet.. I can definitely feel that it's faster than my 09 stage 2 sti... But the quick auto transmission in the Benz definitely helps that feeling cause it covers more ground on the same street I drove the sti..
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 18
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From: Chandler, Arizona
2016 C450, 2017 Porsche Macan
I went with the C450 for several reasons. It looks way better both inside and out. There are far fewer of them on the roads (BMWs are everywhere around here). The performance is close enough to everything in its class not to matter to me. And I am totally happy with my choice. 
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
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C450 AMG
Test drove the 340 M-Pack xdrive before I went with the c450 AMG. The C450 is definitely quicker (verify with motortrend or car and driver the c450 traps 2-3 mph more). I also drove a new S4 and it was definitely quicker than that as well. My previous cars were a 2006 stage 2 STI, a 2009 stage 2 STI and a 2015 WRX stage 2, the c450 is definitely quicker than all 3.
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Joined: May 2016
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2015 Subaru WRX
Yeah I usually run mustang dyno and seeing 270-275 hp on my stage 2 wrx at 5000ft elevation. I was just really surprised to see the 260s number on the dynos people are talking about. If I do choose the C43 coupe I would definately do a stage 1 flash. I feel like I am getting too old for loud TBE so I would keep everything else stock.
I think Audis are out of the game. They dumped the dual clutches and going with traditional auto for reliability which seems a little downplayed for a performance line. It comes down to the M2 vs C43. Mercedes definately seem classier as far as looks go. It seems like the C43 coupe will have some upgrades compared to the current C450 so I will be able to better decide when it gets released. I assume the C43 coupe will be about +4k above C450 price seeing the trend on other trims. This puts the C43 coupe I would want at about 62k after options/destination vs 59k fully loaded M2. It is good to know that the C450 is linear. Great to know that no one so far seem disappointed with their C450 decision.
I think Audis are out of the game. They dumped the dual clutches and going with traditional auto for reliability which seems a little downplayed for a performance line. It comes down to the M2 vs C43. Mercedes definately seem classier as far as looks go. It seems like the C43 coupe will have some upgrades compared to the current C450 so I will be able to better decide when it gets released. I assume the C43 coupe will be about +4k above C450 price seeing the trend on other trims. This puts the C43 coupe I would want at about 62k after options/destination vs 59k fully loaded M2. It is good to know that the C450 is linear. Great to know that no one so far seem disappointed with their C450 decision.
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
FYI, the exhaust note on the M2 is very whiny and sounds more like a 4 banger than a TT6.
I'm sure the M2 has more giddyup though. It's considerably lighter, has a has a smoother more responsive tranny, and a much higher HP:weight ratio.
So the real decision here boils down to what you want. C43 has 4matic, a much nicer interior, and better advanced tech options (HUD, Distronic, etc.). The M2 is quicker, has better handling characteristics (on dry pavement) and is much more responsive.
These are not apples to apples comparisions.
I'm sure the M2 has more giddyup though. It's considerably lighter, has a has a smoother more responsive tranny, and a much higher HP:weight ratio.
So the real decision here boils down to what you want. C43 has 4matic, a much nicer interior, and better advanced tech options (HUD, Distronic, etc.). The M2 is quicker, has better handling characteristics (on dry pavement) and is much more responsive.
These are not apples to apples comparisions.
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
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2015 Subaru WRX
Yeah I did notice the M2 exhaust note. And its getting help from speakers too. It sounds nothing like the M3/M4.
This is why I am asking you C450 owners. Between myself and my family we have always been a lexus/audi owners. This is the first time I am looking to go bmw/mb. It feels at the price range I am looking at, if I want a AWD there is no competition for me than the C43. If I want a RWD, the M2.
This is why I am asking you C450 owners. Between myself and my family we have always been a lexus/audi owners. This is the first time I am looking to go bmw/mb. It feels at the price range I am looking at, if I want a AWD there is no competition for me than the C43. If I want a RWD, the M2.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 316
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From: Orange County
C450
It doesn't do much good to compare published peak HP and torque numbers. You need complete, calibrated dyno graphs and then compare the entire area under the curve from idle to redline.
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 1,581
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Yeah I did notice the M2 exhaust note. And its getting help from speakers too. It sounds nothing like the M3/M4.
This is why I am asking you C450 owners. Between myself and my family we have always been a lexus/audi owners. This is the first time I am looking to go bmw/mb. It feels at the price range I am looking at, if I want a AWD there is no competition for me than the C43. If I want a RWD, the M2.
I know it's not a true "M2", but have you driven a M235i xDrive yet? I test drove a 2016, and man was that car fun to drive!
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2016
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C450
I test drive the 340xi, S4 and C450.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
Last edited by hbu; May 3, 2016 at 04:24 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 33
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C450 AMG
I test drive the 340xi, S4 and C450.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
I test drive the 340xi, S4 and C450.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
For performance and handling, S4 wins. supercharger drive gives instant power. S4 has the very good connection to the road. The interior is nicely done. The infotainment system is easy and make sense to use. To only draw back is the back seat is not as big as C450
For 340xi, I am kind of disappointed. The interior is ok but doesn't standout. Kind of boring. The performance is there but doesn't have the excitement as the S4 and C450. Handling is not bad but not as good as S4.
I get the C450 at the end. The interior is nice. The handling is not as good as S4 but very close. At least better than 340xi. 360hp and 380tq is the best amount the other 2.
For discount, I got 7200 off msrp and great leasing rate. 340xi only have 4K off and S4 only have 6% off msrp. So c450 is the winner for me.
Beside, I am not fan of 9 speed transmission. Usually, new transmission always has problem. I rather stick with the 7 speed transmission which its is good enough for me.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 630
Likes: 188
C450, GLS 63 and a few other things
Motortrend tested them at the exact same 4.4 0-60 and 13.0 1/4 mile, although the C450 is trapping over 2 MPH more at the end of the 1/4.
C450 is a second quicker in the MT Figure 8, although almost the same average lateral gs in the figure 8.
So, performance is really close.
C450 is a second quicker in the MT Figure 8, although almost the same average lateral gs in the figure 8.
So, performance is really close.
Motortrend tested them at the exact same 4.4 0-60 and 13.0 1/4 mile, although the C450 is trapping over 2 MPH more at the end of the 1/4.
C450 is a second quicker in the MT Figure 8, although almost the same average lateral gs in the figure 8.
So, performance is really close.
C450 is a second quicker in the MT Figure 8, although almost the same average lateral gs in the figure 8.
So, performance is really close.
My S4 is a manual and I don't believe it is that quick 0-60.
