And then there were 2: C43 vs 440i input requested
10-16-2018, 09:26 AM
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And then there were 2: C43 vs 440i input requested
Hello everyone,
I am looking for a small/mid-size sports oriented sedan with AWD and a fun factor to accompany me on a 45 minute one way commute each day. Maybe 1-2 a week I will have my twin first graders in the back seat and occasionally my wife kids and I will go on short trips together in this car (most of the family driving is in her car).
I have been looking at cars since the start of the summer and had a chance to test drive quite a few yesterday. At the moment, I have it narrowed down to the C43 and the BMW 440i GC with MPPSK. Initial impressions were that I liked the interior styling of the MB better and the exterior styling of the BMW. I preferred iDrive to Command. The rear headroom was great in the C43; however, it's sort of a non-issue b/c it's only ever two children in the back seat.
The driving impressions are harder to compare because I was unable to find a 440i GC with the MPPSK to test-so I only tested the base 440/MSport with 320 HP.
As an aside, the local MB dealer has a CPO 2016 C450 AMG Sport in the exact color combos I would order. It's a good price, but the miles are higher than I'd like and I'm not sure if the transmission concerns with the 2016 are sufficient to steer me away from a C450 to a C43.
Any input as to things to consider relative to the C43 Vs the 440i GC (or the C43 vs C450) would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for a small/mid-size sports oriented sedan with AWD and a fun factor to accompany me on a 45 minute one way commute each day. Maybe 1-2 a week I will have my twin first graders in the back seat and occasionally my wife kids and I will go on short trips together in this car (most of the family driving is in her car).
I have been looking at cars since the start of the summer and had a chance to test drive quite a few yesterday. At the moment, I have it narrowed down to the C43 and the BMW 440i GC with MPPSK. Initial impressions were that I liked the interior styling of the MB better and the exterior styling of the BMW. I preferred iDrive to Command. The rear headroom was great in the C43; however, it's sort of a non-issue b/c it's only ever two children in the back seat.
The driving impressions are harder to compare because I was unable to find a 440i GC with the MPPSK to test-so I only tested the base 440/MSport with 320 HP.
As an aside, the local MB dealer has a CPO 2016 C450 AMG Sport in the exact color combos I would order. It's a good price, but the miles are higher than I'd like and I'm not sure if the transmission concerns with the 2016 are sufficient to steer me away from a C450 to a C43.
Any input as to things to consider relative to the C43 Vs the 440i GC (or the C43 vs C450) would be greatly appreciated.
10-16-2018, 09:38 AM
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GLC43, X P100D, S P100D, CT200H
The 43 is a better car than the 440. Unless you just absolutely love BMW, I think most people would agree that the 43 is all around a better car (and faster).
And more modern, since BMW has had the same interior since 2000 E46.
And more modern, since BMW has had the same interior since 2000 E46.
10-16-2018, 09:41 AM
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2018 C43 AMG Brilliant Blue Metallic
I would try to get the 9 speed tranny, the car really wakes up with extra gearing.
Make sure you get the performance exhaust it really makes a HUGE difference in how the car sounds.
But for me there isn't even a comparison the C43 blows away any bmw IMO
Make sure you get the performance exhaust it really makes a HUGE difference in how the car sounds.
But for me there isn't even a comparison the C43 blows away any bmw IMO
10-16-2018, 10:52 AM
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The 9 speed starts with the 2017 C43s, is that correct?
10-16-2018, 01:50 PM
#6
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I've driven both...and unless you were buying a 440i for the purpose of having a manual transmission, the C43 was more fun to drive when comparing the automatics, has a much nicer interior, is better looking and TBH, I was able to buy a C43 for far less than a similarly equipped 440ix. The BMW on paper stickered for more and the discounts available on the BMW were much smaller.
10-16-2018, 02:01 PM
#7
I was in the same boat as you. C43, Cayman, or 440I, had 3 days to decide. C43 was the best choice, Faster, luxurious, sounds better, you get the most bang for your buck.
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10-16-2018, 02:15 PM
#8
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Hello everyone,
I am looking for a small/mid-size sports oriented sedan with AWD and a fun factor to accompany me on a 45 minute one way commute each day. Maybe 1-2 a week I will have my twin first graders in the back seat and occasionally my wife kids and I will go on short trips together in this car (most of the family driving is in her car).
I have been looking at cars since the start of the summer and had a chance to test drive quite a few yesterday. At the moment, I have it narrowed down to the C43 and the BMW 440i GC with MPPSK. Initial impressions were that I liked the interior styling of the MB better and the exterior styling of the BMW. I preferred iDrive to Command. The rear headroom was great in the C43; however, it's sort of a non-issue b/c it's only ever two children in the back seat.
The driving impressions are harder to compare because I was unable to find a 440i GC with the MPPSK to test-so I only tested the base 440/MSport with 320 HP.
As an aside, the local MB dealer has a CPO 2016 C450 AMG Sport in the exact color combos I would order. It's a good price, but the miles are higher than I'd like and I'm not sure if the transmission concerns with the 2016 are sufficient to steer me away from a C450 to a C43.
Any input as to things to consider relative to the C43 Vs the 440i GC (or the C43 vs C450) would be greatly appreciated.
I am looking for a small/mid-size sports oriented sedan with AWD and a fun factor to accompany me on a 45 minute one way commute each day. Maybe 1-2 a week I will have my twin first graders in the back seat and occasionally my wife kids and I will go on short trips together in this car (most of the family driving is in her car).
I have been looking at cars since the start of the summer and had a chance to test drive quite a few yesterday. At the moment, I have it narrowed down to the C43 and the BMW 440i GC with MPPSK. Initial impressions were that I liked the interior styling of the MB better and the exterior styling of the BMW. I preferred iDrive to Command. The rear headroom was great in the C43; however, it's sort of a non-issue b/c it's only ever two children in the back seat.
The driving impressions are harder to compare because I was unable to find a 440i GC with the MPPSK to test-so I only tested the base 440/MSport with 320 HP.
As an aside, the local MB dealer has a CPO 2016 C450 AMG Sport in the exact color combos I would order. It's a good price, but the miles are higher than I'd like and I'm not sure if the transmission concerns with the 2016 are sufficient to steer me away from a C450 to a C43.
Any input as to things to consider relative to the C43 Vs the 440i GC (or the C43 vs C450) would be greatly appreciated.
The 340i rides better, is smoother, and is generally more refined. With the MPPSK, it is actually faster at 90+ mph. Everything under that speed, the C43 is faster.
I went with the C43 because it is more fun to drive. From the performance exhaust to the rear bias AWD, it is a more enjoyable car to drive fast. It can be harsh over bumps and the dash rattles on some cars, but you won’t get bored with it. The C43 is also faster 0-80 mph which is where you floor it most of the time.
The 340i felt more luxury than sport and the C43 felt more focused on sport than luxury. Both great cars.
10-16-2018, 02:58 PM
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Thanks for all of the feedback thus far, I appreciate it.
If pricing was comparable, I think I would definitely be leaning toward the C43. I tend to purchase CPO vehicles when I can (or slightly pre-owned), so the factory incentives tend to have less of an impact on my decisions-although, I wouldn't discount a new vehicle from consideration.
If pricing was comparable, I think I would definitely be leaning toward the C43. I tend to purchase CPO vehicles when I can (or slightly pre-owned), so the factory incentives tend to have less of an impact on my decisions-although, I wouldn't discount a new vehicle from consideration.
10-16-2018, 03:04 PM
#10
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If you can wait, another option to consider is the 2019 M340i. It will be a completely redesigned model and much more of a direct competitor to the C43. The 2019 M340i produces 382hp/369tq. The 2019 C43 will receive a facelift and a small increase in power to 385hp/384tq. Both should be available early next year.
10-16-2018, 03:07 PM
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If you can wait, another option to consider is the 2019 M340i. It will be a completely redesigned model and much more of a direct competitor to the C43. The 2019 M340i produces 382hp/369tq. The 2019 C43 will receive a facelift and a small increase in power to 385hp/384tq. Both should be available early next year.
10-16-2018, 04:54 PM
#12
10-17-2018, 05:19 AM
#14
Benz or nothing.
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B_M_F_710 (10-18-2018)
10-18-2018, 05:21 PM
#15
I have a c43, and my girlfriend has a 440i, both are well optioned 2018 models. Because I spend a lot of time in both, for me, the C43 is miles ahead. A lot of things are just your taste - such as which interior you like better, but I think the merc is much nicer on the inside. I think BMW has the best infotainment system in the industry, but the engine sound and raw sportiness of the c43 make it SUCH a more fun drive - it's not even close for me here. It is IMPOSSIBLE to not have a blast with a fat smile on your face driving the merc.. The C43 feels like a beast when you want it to, but can definitely be a tamed family car when you need it to be. The BMW isn't so sporty, but I would argue that it might be slightly better for relaxed driving - the suspension is a little softer. But you need to think about what you want. If you want a very sporty car which can rip up back roads - while also doubling as a family car, get the C43. If you want a family car, that can be a little sporty, get the BMW.
