Shopping the c350 plugin estate
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C350 e
Shopping the c350 plugin estate
This is a repost from the new member forum:
Hello all,
Have owned a lot of cars over the years, but yet to really own a Benz aside from an E class I had for a month. I will never forget how smooth that car was.
Short story, I'm an American living in Thailand and looking to buy something right for my young family. We have a very limited selection of cars here, few options, and everything is twice the price. Fun right?
So my choices, while they might not exactly line up are the 3 series GT 320d or the c350 plug-in Estate. The BMW is 60% made in Germany and then assembly finished at their plant here for tax breaks and costs savings. The Benz is 100% made in Germany and imported, 4-6 months to order, while the BMW is available in limited quantities and colors now.
At 90K US, The BMW comes with 5 years warranty, service, and road side, unlimited miles for all. Plus free 3m tint, first year insurance and some other things like car cover. I'm only responsible for gas and tires for 5 years.
At 100K US, The Benz comes with 3 year warranty, 3 years road side service and 10 years on the battery. Benz offers nothing in this market, they have a waiting list and they know they don't have to.
I know the cars are not apples to apples. BMW does not sell an estate in this market, and I don't want the grey market cars. I'm buying thru the authorized dealership for peace of mind.
The Benz has a sunroof, which I really wanted, BMW does not offer in Thailand because it's too hot lol and they want to keep the cost low lol. Guess it's also another thing that could require expensive service once I'm out of warranty on the Benz? I did see it was recalled once?.
Benz has lumbar support, BMW does not, it's a sport seat that adjusts in other ways. I have a bad back, this concerns me for long drives.. Pretty sure BMW has a solid seat, but won't know.
BMW has a bullet proof Diesel engine that could be very worry free for a long time
The Benz has a (complex?) hybrid engine that will be out of warranty in 3 years, this concerns me.
Concerned about the wind noise issue on the C class, sales person told me it's resolved now?
Concerned about a cabin that rattles? How are Benz cabins?
How slow is the infoentertainment? What a shame it does not have Apple CarPlay. Does siri work thru the hands free?
Drove the 320d and its nice, solid, quiet, raised up a bit such will be helpful here, good visibility which is important here in Thailand. Will go to test drive and see the estate on Monday.
Really tough choice, because on paper and pics, I want the Benz but the BMW might make more sense financially and environment (referring to our roads) if I can give up some things. Looking forward to Mondays road test, I'll be able to see both at our auto show! Any thoughts? I need some help to figure this out.. Much appreciated
Hello all,
Have owned a lot of cars over the years, but yet to really own a Benz aside from an E class I had for a month. I will never forget how smooth that car was.
Short story, I'm an American living in Thailand and looking to buy something right for my young family. We have a very limited selection of cars here, few options, and everything is twice the price. Fun right?
So my choices, while they might not exactly line up are the 3 series GT 320d or the c350 plug-in Estate. The BMW is 60% made in Germany and then assembly finished at their plant here for tax breaks and costs savings. The Benz is 100% made in Germany and imported, 4-6 months to order, while the BMW is available in limited quantities and colors now.
At 90K US, The BMW comes with 5 years warranty, service, and road side, unlimited miles for all. Plus free 3m tint, first year insurance and some other things like car cover. I'm only responsible for gas and tires for 5 years.
At 100K US, The Benz comes with 3 year warranty, 3 years road side service and 10 years on the battery. Benz offers nothing in this market, they have a waiting list and they know they don't have to.
I know the cars are not apples to apples. BMW does not sell an estate in this market, and I don't want the grey market cars. I'm buying thru the authorized dealership for peace of mind.
The Benz has a sunroof, which I really wanted, BMW does not offer in Thailand because it's too hot lol and they want to keep the cost low lol. Guess it's also another thing that could require expensive service once I'm out of warranty on the Benz? I did see it was recalled once?.
Benz has lumbar support, BMW does not, it's a sport seat that adjusts in other ways. I have a bad back, this concerns me for long drives.. Pretty sure BMW has a solid seat, but won't know.
BMW has a bullet proof Diesel engine that could be very worry free for a long time
The Benz has a (complex?) hybrid engine that will be out of warranty in 3 years, this concerns me.
Concerned about the wind noise issue on the C class, sales person told me it's resolved now?
Concerned about a cabin that rattles? How are Benz cabins?
How slow is the infoentertainment? What a shame it does not have Apple CarPlay. Does siri work thru the hands free?
Drove the 320d and its nice, solid, quiet, raised up a bit such will be helpful here, good visibility which is important here in Thailand. Will go to test drive and see the estate on Monday.
Really tough choice, because on paper and pics, I want the Benz but the BMW might make more sense financially and environment (referring to our roads) if I can give up some things. Looking forward to Mondays road test, I'll be able to see both at our auto show! Any thoughts? I need some help to figure this out.. Much appreciated
