junkyarddogg

Hi all,

I thought I would get some opinions from some MB drivers. First of all, I know these two cars are very different but that is the reason I am thinking of switching. I've recently fully paid off my 2011 BMW 335is coupe and since I like being debt free, I want to make as even a trade as possible, but i'll be willing to pay a bit more if it has the options I want. So i've been looking at the 2015-2016 C300 with luxury package, even though it's not as popular as sport. I like the classic look and the interior looks way nicer than my BMW. Has anyone been in my shoes before? Will I miss the 335 power? I'm gonna go test drive a C300 soon.

Current Car: 2011 Black BMW 335is Coupe (43K miles)

Pros:
-powerful (current mods include BMS dual cone intake, ER charge pipe/bov and stage 1 MHD tune)
-great handling
-fully paid off
-pretty low mileage and in great condition

Cons:
-getting a bit tired of 6 speed manual (I live near NYC)
-i'm in my 30's and feel like it's more of a kid's car (stopped modding years ago)
-harsh ride on 19's and tired of being paranoid of potholes
-tired of driving at angles to avoid scraping the front lip (its sits low)
-base audio system sucks (was initially planning on upgrading but what's the point if I sell)
-back up camera would be nice

Who knows, maybe i'll stick with the BMW after the test driving. Any opinions would be appreciated!

GreekUPS

Take a long test drive. Listen for rattles and creaks, some of these cars have many. Make sure it’s a Certified Pre Owned, you will most likely need to use the warranty. Also some of the 2015’s have wrist pin issues. How many miles on the bmw?

junkyarddogg

Thanks, maybe then i'll opt for the 2016. The bmw has 43K

bzammitt

Good chance you will miss the power...so get a 2015 C400, best of both worlds basically a C300 with a twin turbo V6. Looks very similar to the C450/C43, almost as fast, and literally 60% of the price.

junkyarddogg

Is there a luxury version of this? I like the luxury grill with standing star over the sport grill.

bzammitt

Spend $200 and swap the grill, easy!

CJG

A couple of thoughts- I would drive the luxury and a sport package. They're quite different, and coming from the BMW the luxury may seem very soft to you. Also, I'm no BMW expert, but are you expecting to trade straight across a 2011 BMW for MB five years newer? I don't see that happening, and to come close you are going to have a MB with zero options.

dennish

My dealer uses the Black Book trade in value. Regardless, that's about what they will give you on a trade in.

junkyarddogg

Yeah, the 2015 will come close, but 2016 with lower miles won't happen (most likey 5-10K more). I will probably sell privately anyway which should get me around 20K give or take.

As far as options premium sound, rear view mirror, sunroof, led lights are important to me. Any must have packages?

CJG

I’d go online and look at the options available for each of those years. They may be the same, I don’t know.
But some options only came with packages. So familiarize yourself with what’s available. There are a lot of options. My car has over $15,000 in options, and there are still some I don’t have.

Cali4niadriver

The luxury model is too soft and way too “floaty” for me, but that’s just preference. Yeah for sure the LED headlights, preferably active LEDs but those aren’t as common. Real leather upgrade gets you cooled seats which I love. I also love my ambient lighting and the 4matic system.