Hi,

I know this is a MB only board, but I couldn't think of a better place for a discussion on what is the best new sedan to buy (all of you on this board off great opinions on cars not just based on one thing like 0-60 times, etc.) I 've pretty much narrowed it down to three, unless you have other quality cars that are comparable would be good buys. Basically I was looking at new C320, BMW 330i/(possible ci) or 530i (I'm not sure when that one is out though?). It seems like 530i will off best bang buck for buck - good steering, road feel, awesome brakes, quicker than old 528i (had a 97 528i and now with modded C280 I realize it really wasn't that fast), and has the larger car feel for luxury room and curb appeal versus smaller 330i (which is probably fastest of all three) or new C320. I trying to get a car that has the best blend of performance, luxury, long lasting appeal (will look good three years from now and has good build quality and won't have dated design), prestige, and overall satisfaction as a total car. Please help on this issue and any comparison betwen new 330i and C320 would be apprecaited. Also, if you know any other good cars out there along lines of the prior 3 that would be apreciated perhaps like 1-2 year old E430, 540i although I really want a new car this time around.

Thanks a lot,

Troy

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1995 Euro C280
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*Debadged
*Kompressor rims
*K&N Air Filter
*Custom Intake/Exhaust
*Bored Throttle Body
*Modified ECU
*Bilstein Sports soon

I think the "Bang-For-The-Buck" would be find a 1-2 year "new" used car. If you go for a brand new car, the first thing you suffer is the massive depreciation on the first year. Usually for the same car, you can save up to 5000 bucks when you get a 1 year old used car. However, if you insist on going for a brand new, here it is....

It will depend on what type of car you really looking for/need. If you need a mid-size with room at the back, E320 may fits you the best. If you still want a mid-size, and a little bit smaller rear leg room, 530i and A6 2.7T may be what you are looking for.

If you don't need that much rear room at all, 330i and Audi S4 will suit you the best. C320, though looks to be a very nice car, it may not be as sporty as it looks(but only time will tell the truth).

Hope this helps
Andy Kuo

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<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>1992 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
<LI>Pearl Grey/Black Leather
</UL>
ICQ#26950002
Mercedes Owners ICQ ActiveList ID#61730549
Mercedes S-Class Page
http://akry.web.com

In fact, BMW offers the best I-6 engines.
The new 330 will out perform the new C320.

The new 3.0 I-6 delivers max torque between 3,500 and 4,750 rpm and there is at least 90% of the peak torque available between 1,500 and 6,000 rpm ! 0-60mph will probably be in the low 6.

The new MB V-6 are very smooth and stable, but doesn't produce as much power as the Bimmer.
The W203 C-class is a very fine car. The car handles very good with the redesign suspension. The chassis is also 26% stiffer, only 0.26 drag coefficien! The aerodynamic lift has been reduced by 57%.
You can go for a used car, but the style will not last. In my opinion, I think the newer cars are better..
hope this help

i hope Benz never abandoned their inline sixes. This configuration, together with the flat-6 and the 60-deg v12, are inherently balanced.

one would normally use a 60-degree bank for a v6 engine. One reason Benz went for the 90-degree v6 for their 6-cyl cars was manufacturing flexibility, enabling the use of the same assembly line components as their 90-degree v8s.

Another reason could be packaging, since a v-6 is more compact (due to a shorter crankshaft) that an inline6. However, an inline-6 has more underhood appeal - with that long engine protruding in the engine bay, with those exhaust headers clearly visible (you might say that there is also something phallic about it ;-) ). Mandrel-bent stainless headers would right at home there for all to see ...

a v-6 also sounds different from an inline-6, due to the pattern of exhaust pulses. A v6 tends to "snarl" while an inline-6 tends to "howl" at high rpms. Regardless, an inline-6 is decidedly "turbine-like"

inline sixes are now a stronghold of BMW, and they were wise to preserve it. It was in fact considered a necessary ingredient (together with rear-drive and low overhangs) for the Lexus IS300 to even be considered as competition for the 3-series.

but benzes have always had more timeless and dignified design than bimmers. Bruno Sacco was one of the awardees for "Auto Designers of the Century" (or something like that), alongside Georgetto Giugiaro and Bertone.

whenever you read a side-by-side comparison of new bimmers and benzes, the editors would usually pick the bimmer for its sporty driving experience, but always cite the benz for its solidity, safety and quality. These are the qualities that used-benz owners like me benefit from loooong after that first test.