Vs 2012 BMW 328 vs Mercedes C250 Coupe.

[mini_cooper4]

There will be a new C sedan in 2014. The current one is dated compared to the new 3-series sedan which is the best buy in this segment... Mostly technology wise
If you prefer coupes you better wait for the new 4-series coupe that will be released next year and will replace the current 3-series coupe.
If you decide to buy a sedan then go with the 3-series as it's better than the C in every possible aspect... space, fuel economy, price, acceleration, handling and it's 5 years newer... of course design wise you probably know best your preferences

 

[K-A]

I am now looking into the sedan as per your advice, but I don't understand why people on this forum keep saying that its about to change. It just had a facelift this year, how can it have another one so soon? Is it worth waiting for? I am guessing its going to make the current C-sedan look really outdated.

I'd say it depends on how you are personally. I think the W204 won't look "dated" per-se, but it won't be the newest kid on the block. I still think the W203 (previous C-Class) looks as good as it did when it was new (I never loved the 203, but my perception of it hasn't diminished after all this time). I personally try not and let what's "newer" mar my judgement of a car, instead I just try and gauge how nice it is to me and whether I think it'll be timeless. It does, however, suck to buy a car just before it gets "replaced". I like to enjoy my cars from when they're closer to introduction, as I find it fun to kind of "grow with them", and you can recall your timeline with the car as its matured.

If you are concerned about those things, then the W204 (current C-Class) will still be in production for another 2-3 ears or so (in the U.S, maybe less in EU).

Also, there is a difference between "Facelift" and "New Body Style". The new 3-Series is NOT a facelift, it's an all new body style (looks very similar to the old one, which may be why you're confused), which means that it will be in production for 7 years starting now, with a "Facelift" (slight tweaks, but same body style and actual core car) in between. The current C-Class is a car that debuted in 2007/2008, and just had a "Facelift" (little tweaks, mid-cycle), so the all-new body will be coming around 2014/2015.

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

The 3 series is running on a whole new Chassis. First year so you're more likely for bugs and kinks. It comes down to what your taste is design is. Both are amazing vehicles. Me? I chose the 6.2L V8 with two doors.

 

[Bridges]

The 3 series is running on a whole new Chassis. First year so you're more likely for bugs and kinks. It comes down to what your taste is design is. Both are amazing vehicles. Me? I chose the 6.2L V8 with two doors.

Thats a bid out of my budget . But another concern I have about the c-class coupe is the DI engine. Apparently, the engine is prone to carbon build-up which results in reduced performance at 25k-50k miles. I heard some drivers being told to take it easy on their cars and accelerate more gradually by mercedes service people, which is bs cause people should be able to push their cars to the max. Especially when its an expensive, semi-performance car. Anyone know anything about that?

Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[K-A]

The D/I factor can be speculated, but M-B is so new to the game at it, I think we'll find out in several years as to how longevity/reliability of those motors is.

So far, D/I has made me feel uneasy toward it for everything but performance and efficiency. From carbon buildup, so reliability issues, to that "engine tap" sound, etc. I still have my reservations and am curious to see how they work for people when cars are out of Warranty and higher in mileage, etc.

 

[K-A]

*Disclaimer: this post relates to the nice W204 Sedan, not the fugly C204 Coupe. *

Everybody here should already know how highly I feel about the 328i that I test drove. The drive was almost unthinkably brilliant considering the specs the car was working with. The only things I didn't like are the looks (don't dislike them except for the not-very-nice-looking front, just think it's "meh"), and the cheesily kiddish plasty-looking wood in the modern trim car (though it's different and playful to have as an Option, I agree).

I just had a C250 as a Loaner for a couple of days. Thoughts:

Complete dog. It performs how you'd expect a 4 cylinder to, unlike the 328i who makes you scratch your head and think.... "how the ffffff"???? The takeoff and acceleration are lazy and lethargic. I am not a speed demon by any means, I don't need much power in a car, and I'm a conservative driver for the most part, however, I need *effortless* motion. The C250 strains and isn't effortless to me. Also, both cars suffer from one of my most hated sounds, the "mini diesel tractor" 4-Banger "tick", and the C's was very bad.

Handling? Not bad, but nothing as exhilarating as the 3-Series.

What do I like about the C over the 3? I was VERY impressed by how well of an environment the C's interior is now (after the putrid pre-facelift's interior especially). I feel that the 3 is a little busier and more "tech-oriented", not as relaxing and soothing as the C's. The C is a very mature and elegant car to drive around in now, I feel.... though my GF, who may be spoiled by my E, yet isn't a car fanatic in the least (the opposite of one), said the interior reminded her of a "Honda, not a luxury car at all".

Also, the chassis of the C is absolutely STELLAR, it literally feels bomb-proof. That thing would go over anything on the roads, and not a hitch or harsh element transmitted to the frame. I can't say enough how sturdy and incredibly solid this car feels. My E-Class has 18" wheels, and honestly, they make the ride quite harshly upsetting for an E-Class when I go over rough patches (though it's absolutely sublime over smooth roads), yet the C250 with the Sport Package comes with 17's.... And they absorb SO MUCH more harshness than even the E with 18's does.

All in all, I still gotta say the 3 has this segment down pat, but the new C is a true "Mercedes alternative", and does certain things that the 3 doesn't, in terms of what you'd expect from a Benz. In short, those things are what make me pick the E over a 5, or an S over a 7, but in this case, by a small margin, not a C over a 3.

 

[Levi68]

I've to say, IMO, silver makes the F30 looks fugly

I agree. It is maybe the combo, black mirrors, chrome grill, red seats. But in general I do not like silver cars. I prefere dark grey.