C320 or 330i
 

wasn't sure where to post this.....sorry
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Need some unbiased (is that possible in here) opinions from the guys in here. I’m going to purchase either a 2003 MB C320 or a 2003 BMW 330i.

They seem to be pretty similar in many ways.

So, what would YOU as the reader of this buy and why?

Thanks,

Allan

Thanks for the input.....anyone else???

And yes, I have driven both!

In terms of power & quality the BMW is far ahead of the MB. Also the BMW includes ALL maintence items & repairs under warranty. Except for TIRES.

I own a `98 c230 and a `03 c240, both times I tested the equivalent 3 series before buying the Mercedes. BMW's are fine cars no doubt, when purchasing the `98 c230 the latest version of the three series was a few months away from being released, so I went with the Benz which had a few more years with it's 202 body style..
When looking at the `02's I felt the Mercedes C was a more modern car than the 3 series. The Mercedes interior fit's my 5'10" frame perfectly, the Benz interior is more modern and airy in my opinion that the 3-series.
The nice things about the Benz, rides very quiet, very little wind noise at legal cruising speed -Conti tires. The slap shift method of forward gear change in the automatic is a nice feature. The car steering is excellent at high speed driving on the highway, brakes are very strong at repeated high speed braking, and at the highest speeds hard usage of the brakes doesn't lift the rear very much. In the rain when going through bends the steering loads up very nicely and when it suddenly goes lite as traction fades things are never scary. There are many more positve aspects to the C, trunk space, dash display multi-function from steering wheel is nice.
The bad points of the C: door trim plastic and buttons must be better, radio is no Marl Levinson, engines are a step down from the smooth inline BMW six - but the Benz is a nice cruiser engine, just not the best instrument for going up and down through the rpm's as if being on a closed road course.


The C-class is getting a minor make over in 2004 - I think that is what I read.

Note: there was a recall on some `02- `03 M3's, new crank bearings and oil pump, on a $55K plus new car is a bummer.

The E46 BMW 3-series drives great, looks great, handles better than some sports cars and has power to spare. However, the E46 is the least reliable 3-series to roll off the line in some time.

If you're considering an autobox, go with the Mercedes. BMW and ZF still don't seem to have figured this part of a car out. Every E46 automatic owner I know has had a tranny replaced at some point.

Electrical gremlins haunt the E46. CE lights abound and ACC problems seem pretty common. For some reason they also have glitches with the cooling system, and I've heard of more than a few overheating.

You might consider instead (if BMW is your thang) one of the last E39 5-series. (Had a 1997 528i) I hear lots of good things about those cars. Keep in mind though that BMW service, especially on a 5-series, is pricey. Talking to 540 owners, the purchase price is just the beginning of the wallet opening experience...

I've been very happy with my C240 six speed. If I were considering a BMW it would be for its road manners. If I were looking for those type road manners, I would buy a C class Sport.

My $0.02,

PS This thread belongs in Featured Cars or Open Discussion Forum, there is no technical question. LB