I'm considering updating my daily driver since it is getting close to 100K miles. I have driven the BMW 325xi and it put a big grin on my face. The press has always labeled the 3 series as the benchmark when it comes to drivability.

Does the C class make up in luxury what it gives away to the 3 series in performance?

For about equal money, which would you choose?

I am in the same dilema, just a few years older....

Come to think of it, I was in the same dilema 2 years ago, bmw or mb, bmw or mb, mb or bmw... was this close <> to purchaseing a specific BMW 328... and ended up with a '00 E320 ... loved it, it was a little sporty (since it had the amg rims, etc.), and was swift....

Now I am back in the market and really want another MB... but figure if I get an MB now, I will never go back... therefore no BMW...

Upon councel's (g/f ) advice, I "might" go BMW this time just to get it out of my system (or fall in love, who knows) and then come back to a Mercedes E320 or something....

The BMW is definitely more sporty, vs the MB luxury, but I think my MB looked sporty enough for me, LOL...

Bottom line ? Who knows, LOL< I really want the MB ...

I really like my current E-class. and I would love another one but the budget is saying C-class. Is the C-class just like the E-class but only smaller? Does the C-class live up to the Mercedes tradition?

I haven't driven a new c class or bmw in a couple years but I was not impressed with a c class at all. Felt cheap, buzzy engine, not comfy. Go with the bmw.

Larry Bible has sworn off the General Discussion forum, and sometimes I understand why he did, he has some good insights into the C-class, he owns a C240

1991 300e VS. 2001 C320

Thanks for the information and the link to the other thread. Because of that thread I went down to my Mercedes dealer hoping to get a good deal on a C240. They only wanted to give me $10K in trade for my '98 E320. My E320 needs tires and the windshield is a little pitted, other than that it is perfect.

I went over to the BMW dealer and they gave me $14250 plus discounted the 325 $1500. Needless to say I am now driving a brand new 325xi with more options than the C240 for less money.

I'll miss my M-B but the mileage was just getting too high. The people at the BMW store were the most professional that I have ever dealt with.

Congrats... now that you are out of the MB... can you tell us how it was reliabilitywise? How many miles?

Guess, I'll see you now at the bimmer forum....

My E-320 was very reliable. It never failed to start or leave me stranded anywhere. I did replace both rear window regulators over the course of the two years and 30K miles of ownership.

I also went through a set of tires in about 20K miles. These should have lasted about 40K. I guess the 4-Matics chew up tires.

Now at 94K miles the maintenance costs are starting to mount. It needs a windshield, new brakes, tires, plugs, and the balance of the 100K service items.

I don't pick up the new wheels until Tuesday. It will be tough saying goodbye.

What is the best BMW forum?

www.bimmerforums.com
A lot of tech info, and more relaxed crowd... more into talking fun stuff vs problems on the cars....

www.roadfly.com
Haven't really been on here, so no comment.

I found that the BMW crowd is younger, more into the "enthusiasm" of the cars vs this broke or that broke or how do I keep it running..... type of post...

Alot of good tech info... but being a new car you are getting, you won't need to worry about that , now will you?

Cognrats!!!!!!!

Wow, thats a crying shame about the MB dealership, but hey congrats, the BMW 3 series hasn't been voted number 1 every where you look for nothing. Even the so called experts that don't vote it number 1 put it in the top 3. Its one consistent vehicle.