Cross-shopping between 2016 328i xDrive and 2016 C300 4Matic
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Benz
Cross-shopping between 2016 328i xDrive and 2016 C300 4Matic
I think most people that chose the C300 4Matic had considered a 328i xDrive and I'd like to hear what are your thoughts on why you chose the MB over the BMW.
A more direct comparison would probably be the mid-cycle refresh model of the 328i xDrive in 2016 vs. the 2016 C300 4Matic since in terms of comfort and driving dynamic, BMW definitely changed the suspension setup and other misc. changes that makes it a lot better than the pre-mid-cycle refresh models(2012-2015).
The MB W205 has just started it's life-cycle, while the BMW F30 is nearing the end of its.
A more direct comparison would probably be the mid-cycle refresh model of the 328i xDrive in 2016 vs. the 2016 C300 4Matic since in terms of comfort and driving dynamic, BMW definitely changed the suspension setup and other misc. changes that makes it a lot better than the pre-mid-cycle refresh models(2012-2015).
The MB W205 has just started it's life-cycle, while the BMW F30 is nearing the end of its.
BMW didn't want to make a deal. It was the first place I looked. Literally could not spec a 328xi for less or even competitive to the deal I could get the c450 for.
That's a tier above the 328 for less than they wanted for the 328.
So, now I'm driving a c450 and I absolutely love it.
That's a tier above the 328 for less than they wanted for the 328.
So, now I'm driving a c450 and I absolutely love it.
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GLC 63 S AMG / Corvette C8 / Jaguar SVR
BMW didn't want to make a deal. It was the first place I looked. Literally could not spec a 328xi for less or even competitive to the deal I could get the c450 for.
That's a tier above the 328 for less than they wanted for the 328.
So, now I'm driving a c450 and I absolutely love it.
That's a tier above the 328 for less than they wanted for the 328.
So, now I'm driving a c450 and I absolutely love it.
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
My wife HATES her 2014 BMW 328i xDrive (vague steering, diesel sounding engine, complete brake job at 24,000 miles), and thought my 2015 C300 Sport was a much better overall vehicle. She loves my current 2016 C450 even more!
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2016 C300 Hyacinth Red (Premium Plus, Sport, Intelligent Drive, Airmatic, Active LED)
I had both cars, a 2013 328 XDrive Sport and a 2016 C300 4Matic.
The BMW is definitely a more dynamic and sporty car and the 8 speed auto shifts much quicker. The trade off is a stiffer and more uncomfortable ride.
I still prefer the C300, it has a much more refined ride (Airmatic), quieter engine, much better tech, looks better, and the interior is a class above. I do miss the BMW's handling on a fast on-ramp though
The BMW is definitely a more dynamic and sporty car and the 8 speed auto shifts much quicker. The trade off is a stiffer and more uncomfortable ride.
I still prefer the C300, it has a much more refined ride (Airmatic), quieter engine, much better tech, looks better, and the interior is a class above. I do miss the BMW's handling on a fast on-ramp though
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2015 c class
I liked the idea of having a brand new body style and totally new model car. I felt if you are driving a new vs a 5 or 6 year old BMW to most on the road they pretty much look the same. They are EVERYWHERE. At least with the new C Class you know you are not buying something that is due for a total refresh any time. I also felt I could get a better deal and more bang for the buck with the C Class.
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Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Columbus, OH
2016 C450
I traded in a well optioned 2014 328i xDrive wagon for the C450. I like pretty much everything about the C450 better. Engine, suspension, steering, and interior. I can say I preferred the iDrive system over the Benz's, mainly because navigating the menus was more intuitive and there was a split screen option, but that is about it. Obviously the engine and suspension are very different in the C300 vs the C450, but I think the newer MB is just way ahead of the older style Bimmer.
I did not consider another BMW because the styling and interior is tired, and they drastically rake you over the coals on options. As others have noted, you will be hard pressed to get more than a few percent off the BMW, whereas I was able to negotiate 16.5% off my C450. The C450 had a $10k higher sticker price than the old bimmer, but I got it for about the same price. Clearly, I wouldn't expect that sort of a deal on a C300, but it is possible. If I were cross shopping the two, the MB would beat out the BMW for certain. Check out the A4 though. If the S4 had been available when making my decision, it would have been a tough choice. Although, again, the massive discount wouldn't have been there. Good luck!
I did not consider another BMW because the styling and interior is tired, and they drastically rake you over the coals on options. As others have noted, you will be hard pressed to get more than a few percent off the BMW, whereas I was able to negotiate 16.5% off my C450. The C450 had a $10k higher sticker price than the old bimmer, but I got it for about the same price. Clearly, I wouldn't expect that sort of a deal on a C300, but it is possible. If I were cross shopping the two, the MB would beat out the BMW for certain. Check out the A4 though. If the S4 had been available when making my decision, it would have been a tough choice. Although, again, the massive discount wouldn't have been there. Good luck!
Last edited by MJ83; Jul 15, 2016 at 01:06 PM.
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Corvette/2017 E-300
My wife HATES her 2014 BMW 328i xDrive (vague steering, diesel sounding engine, complete brake job at 24,000 miles), and thought my 2015 C300 Sport was a much better overall vehicle. She loves my current 2016 C450 even more!
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
She would have gone for a C450 like I did, but we just couldn't get a good deal on one at the time.
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From: Columbus, OH
2016 C450
Not only did my wife fall in love with the styling of the new Jaguar XE, but she really liked the quick response time of the supercharged 3.0L...and 5 years free maintenance to boot!
She would have gone for a C450 like I did, but we just couldn't get a good deal on one at the time.
She would have gone for a C450 like I did, but we just couldn't get a good deal on one at the time.
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2013 BMW 328i
the 3 series, X drive cars if you want a dynamic and sporty feel, you have to get the adaptive suspension as stock Xdrive cars only have the "comfort" base suspension.
even if you buy a m-sport or sport trim one (which has like sport seats and the looks package).
so it makes the 328i xdrive sport + dynamic suspension cost more than a C300 4matic sport
on top of that the interior is drastically less nice. you'd feel like you are in a better class of car in the C300.
the 328 has a better transmission than the C300 right now, and puts out more real HP , but like others have said, you can get C450s for 328i xdrive price so that solves that issue if you want the power
even if you buy a m-sport or sport trim one (which has like sport seats and the looks package).
so it makes the 328i xdrive sport + dynamic suspension cost more than a C300 4matic sport
on top of that the interior is drastically less nice. you'd feel like you are in a better class of car in the C300.
the 328 has a better transmission than the C300 right now, and puts out more real HP , but like others have said, you can get C450s for 328i xdrive price so that solves that issue if you want the power
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
I think most people that chose the C300 4Matic had considered a 328i xDrive and I'd like to hear what are your thoughts on why you chose the MB over the BMW.
A more direct comparison would probably be the mid-cycle refresh model of the 328i xDrive in 2016 vs. the 2016 C300 4Matic since in terms of comfort and driving dynamic, BMW definitely changed the suspension setup and other misc. changes that makes it a lot better than the pre-mid-cycle refresh models(2012-2015).
The MB W205 has just started it's life-cycle, while the BMW F30 is nearing the end of its.
A more direct comparison would probably be the mid-cycle refresh model of the 328i xDrive in 2016 vs. the 2016 C300 4Matic since in terms of comfort and driving dynamic, BMW definitely changed the suspension setup and other misc. changes that makes it a lot better than the pre-mid-cycle refresh models(2012-2015).
The MB W205 has just started it's life-cycle, while the BMW F30 is nearing the end of its.
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
Interestingly enough, I was in the market for the FPACE, but the early adopter tax was outrageous. In other words, no discounts off MSRP, terrible lease rates, and all the first build issues you might expect with a Jag. I didn't have to have an SUV, so I went were the deal was. I will definitely check out how they evolve over the three year term of my C450 lease.
The best deal we could get on my wife's XE was $1,500 off sticker...plus because she placed her order by the end of April, Jaguar will give her an additional $500 discount AND make her 1st months payment.
Not bad considering this is a popular vehicle right now.
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2016 C300
Interested to see how she likes the XE. I sort of dismissed it at first because the interior leans toward simple and bland, but then again it's a lot less challenging to make an uncomplicated interior that doesn't rattle and creak.
As beautiful as the C interior is, I'm getting the sense that the price of beauty in the 205 is a bunch of lovely bits that don't always get along with each other.
Every irregular road surface or expansion joint generates a new creak or groan. As soon as I chase down one another shows up, and I'm on 18" Michelin PSS (a very soft riding tire) plus AirMatic on Comfort so it's not like the car is being vibrated apart. I can't imagine what happens to the C450's on 19" run flats after a few months, and I'm in Florida where the roads are generally good.
I like the car, but wow am I glad it's a lease.
As beautiful as the C interior is, I'm getting the sense that the price of beauty in the 205 is a bunch of lovely bits that don't always get along with each other.
Every irregular road surface or expansion joint generates a new creak or groan. As soon as I chase down one another shows up, and I'm on 18" Michelin PSS (a very soft riding tire) plus AirMatic on Comfort so it's not like the car is being vibrated apart. I can't imagine what happens to the C450's on 19" run flats after a few months, and I'm in Florida where the roads are generally good.
I like the car, but wow am I glad it's a lease.
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From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
No creaks at all. Running on 19" Contis with the black split spokes. Interior is quiet as a mouse. Tires are quiet too, but they are beginning to show wear at only 2k mi.
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2016 C300
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2016 C300
Those who have had both an F30 BMW and a W205, how does build quality compare? Lots of forum members complain about creaks and rattles here. But on F30 forums, it's a pretty similar story. Have weight loss and cost targets simply meant that creaks and rattles are part and parcel from now on in this class?
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From: Columbus, OH
2016 C450
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 23
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From: Columbus, OH
2016 C450
Those who have had both an F30 BMW and a W205, how does build quality compare? Lots of forum members complain about creaks and rattles here. But on F30 forums, it's a pretty similar story. Have weight loss and cost targets simply meant that creaks and rattles are part and parcel from now on in this class?
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From: Philly and NYC
2019 E63S & 2022 X7 M50
Originally Posted by MASSC450
My wife HATES her 2014 BMW 328i xDrive (vague steering, diesel sounding engine, complete brake job at 24,000 miles), and thought my 2015 C300 Sport was a much better overall vehicle. She loves my current 2016 C450 even more!
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
This September she trades her BMW in for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport AWD.
Member
Joined: May 2016
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2016 C450
Those who have had both an F30 BMW and a W205, how does build quality compare? Lots of forum members complain about creaks and rattles here. But on F30 forums, it's a pretty similar story. Have weight loss and cost targets simply meant that creaks and rattles are part and parcel from now on in this class?
Having said that, I believe that the people complaining about the rattles and squeaks over on Bimmerpost (and I was one of them), are a small sampling of ownership.
I am afraid that we are in a time when, even though some of our cars price out at close to $70k, we are still driving more or less the base models of our brands. I read a post on Bimmerpost where a guy brought in his very well equipped $60k 335 M Sport with a constant rattle in his center console and the SA told him if he wanted a quiet BMW he should have gotten a 5 series.
I honestly feel that most people who buy our cars (BMWs, MBs and Audi's), have a good experience with them. Remember, when you are in a "rattle" post on a forum, you are listening to a small sampling of people.
Anyway, and I said this in another post, I went from an Audi to a BMW to my current C450 in the past 4 calendar years and the Benz, in my humble opinion, is the best all around car of the three.
EDIT: I also only have 1000 miles like MJ83 and my rattles on the bimmer arrived at about 2500 miles, so time will tell.
Last edited by Jdem22; Jul 19, 2016 at 10:30 AM.
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
I sat in an F-Pace, very nice indeed, but cross-overs aren't my cup of tea either. Personally if I were to go the SUV route, I'd want something more on the "off-road" side like a Land Rover or a Grand Cherokee. I'm old school...you want something fast and maneuverable, you get a car...if you want something that can go off-road, you get a truck or truck-like SUV.
Last edited by MASSC450; Jul 19, 2016 at 10:22 AM.
