Vs Autobild: (FL) BMW 320d Touring vs MB C220 CDI

[Sunny]

The FL is much better than the old one but still no where as good looking as the avantgarde C inside-out,and when the C gets the new engines it's gonna better than ever

Lol, everytime there is one of these comparisons, we hear, "oh, wait till Merc gets the new engines".

 

[Tarek]

^ Well it's the truth actually,the current engine goes back to the days of W202 and it's still goin strong but hey the new one just released and it's a bitching one

 

[bmer]

Pity the A4 Avant 2.0 TDI wasn't in the test because that's a serious contender in its own right.

Should the A4 had been included, I'm quite sure it would have won the test. Autobild seems to have a thing for Audis.

I couldn't disagree more here

I've always thought of BMW dials to be very old looking and lack innovation and sophistication while MB and to a lesser extent Audi put much more effort making them looking just contemporary and avantgarde.

BMW dials are perfect as they are. They don't try to pretend to be anything else than they are, fine instruments. They present the important information in the most easily understood way. In a business where a lot of things seem to change with every generation it's good that there is something permanent.
They can be updated (with taste), like in the new 7er, keeping the general outlook the same.

Lol, everytime there is one of these comparisons, we hear, "oh, wait till Merc gets the new engines".

To be fair, that is a common line after any comparison test involving the Germans regardless of the winner.

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Why does Mercedes seem to be quite nonchalant about their engines, it's always the case when compared to the cutting-edge BMW ones. In terms of fuel consumption and power.

It takes a LONG time to develop engines. MB was caught on the back foot when it was dealing with Chrysler. I'm sure within 2-3 years they'll be hitting back hard.

Well one thing is for sure, the 1.8l in our C200k so thoroughly outclassed the 2.0l unit in our loan 320i (The X5 was in for service and warranty work) it wasn't even funny. I felt sorry for the BMW.

I'd take the C any day. The ownership experience so far has been unbelievable. The car is just so thorough and well resolved in everything it does. This might not shine through in brief tests, but when you have it for the long term. That's why both 'Wheels' and 'Car' are in love with their long termers.

 

[Mr Robert]

Lol, everytime there is one of these comparisons, we hear, "oh, wait till Merc gets the new engines".

But then again, the engines is the real weak spot of the current C-class line, in that respect, the 3-series is better in every segment. Give the Mercedes better engines and it will not be gimped anymore. Sure, it will not make the car more dynamic or more of a drivers car but the dear points lost in consumption over power round will not leave it four car lengths behind anymore.

 

[bum-man]

It takes a LONG time to develop engines. MB was caught on the back foot when it was dealing with Chrysler. I'm sure within 2-3 years they'll be hitting back hard.

Well one thing is for sure, the 1.8l in our C200k so thoroughly outclassed the 2.0l unit in our loan 320i (The X5 was in for service and warranty work) it wasn't even funny. I felt sorry for the BMW.

I'd take the C any day. The ownership experience so far has been unbelievable. The car is just so thorough and well resolved in everything it does. This might not shine through in brief tests, but when you have it for the long term. That's why both 'Wheels' and 'Car' are in love with their long termers.

^Yes, I do feel that the new W204 has a few things over the competition that simply can't be evaluated over a brief test like this. I feel that come 15 years from now you will see more W204s on the road than any of its competition. Not because it outsold them, but because it out lasted them. Mercedes returning to it's roots I think.

 

[Mr Robert]

^Yes, I do feel that the new W204 has a few things over the competition that simply can't be evaluated over a brief test like this. I feel that come 15 years from now you will see more W204s on the road than any of its competition. Not because it outsold them, but because it out lasted them. Mercedes returning to it's roots I think.

And who does not get really happy when one spot one of these:

My parents had one of these in the early 90's, last time I checked it up it had over 700 000 kms (about 440k miles) on the clock.

 

[Sunny]

To be fair, that is a common line after any comparison test involving the Germans regardless of the winner.

May be, but I don't see many times BMW has to resort to that excuse - may be some some small 4 cylinder engines, not sure which ones, we don't really get here in states, so I am not really aware of them.

 

[klier]

Clocks still look crap though, like a set of cheap, no name brand gauges on an expensive ScubaPro regulator assembly.

Clocks look like crap, window buttons look like crap on that place, the dashboard is kinda 'meh' with all that plastic, the steering wheel is of terrible design, but, worst of all, the pop up nav screen. It just screams cheap afterthought. BMW's solution with two completely different versions of the dash is much better. The whole interior looks much better to me. The difference in exterior is much smaller, though the 3er looks obviously better and newer.

 

[LaArtist]

Will be interesting to see test of the C250 CDI

 

[BMW///MPower]

I just washed my new baby for the first time today and it realy made me appreciate all the fine details in the bodywork, Trust me you don't notice them unless you spent about two hours rubbing the car.
The quality of the 3er interior is outstanding. I drove an X3 this week and I was realy disappointed of the quality compared to my 3er. And the aluminium in the BMW is real aluminium (they fitted it this week), unlike the plastic in my merc (but that was the previous model).
It's nice to see the 3er beat the C class, and bare in mind it's just a face lift compared to a brand new model. Facelifted C will have to take up against the next gen 3er so I don't worry . In this segment I honestly believe Audi has more potential to take customers from BMW then mercedes.

 

[Zafiro]

C-class has a wonderful exterior but unfortunately the interior can't match the exterior. I don't like the interior design and the steering wheel is ugly. Only weak part with the exterior is the rear although I don't think its ugly, just dull I guess.
Let's see how much a facelift can improve the C-class.

The facelift for E90 did good. Now the car looks more fresh. Front, hood, rear lights. Smart move to upgrade.
For me the E90 is more complete, its a good mixture between sport and comfort and the car looks very good.
It feels like the 3-series always will be the best selling car in the german trio.

E90 doesn't need M-package anymore to look good while I think C-class need Avantgarde package to make the car attractive.

 

[justanthony]

I wouldnt buy either of those engines now for anything, but all in all id take the C class. More elegant, more mature image. Interior is absolutely FINE for its class. Especially as its not like the 3er interior is 'stunning'. They're both adequate. The differences between both in whatever department are so minimal it really is just a question of preference/image/choice. Not that you could tell on this site though, where the littlest advantage is celebrated like an olympic victory..

 

[klier]

^ For you maybe. For me, the C interior screams cheap and ugly and not on par with the 3er and A4.
And about the C-class having a more mature image...LMAO give me a break. That's also how you see it, and is hardly something universal or whatever.

 

[Tarek]

^Lol klier,i can always depend on u for a comment like that

 

[justanthony]

^ For you maybe. For me, the C interior screams cheap and ugly and not on par with the 3er and A4.
And about the C-class having a more mature image...LMAO give me a break. That's also how you see it, and is hardly something universal or whatever.

If it bothers you that much then... Not sure you've bought/sat in the C before. But then again your reputation for talking irrationally is becoming legendary

 

[klier]

Sure, it's irrational whenever it suits the offended MB boys, I get it.
It's irrational now to dislike the interior of a Mercedes, I see. Very good point!

And the best C I have ever driven was a fully loaded black C280 Avantgarde V6 for a weekend.....sweet ride, good looking exterior, eye catcher and horrible looking interior. The software and use of Command is good, the screen itself looks nice (other than the pop up sytem, eeewww), the looks and plastic everywhere is a joke.

 

[justanthony]

Sure, it's irrational whenever it suits the offended MB boys, I get it.
It's irrational now to dislike the interior of a Mercedes, I see. Very good point!

And the best C I have ever driven was a fully loaded black C280 Avantgarde V6.....sweet ride, good looking exterior, eye catcher and horrible looking interior. The software and use of Command is good, the screen itself looks nice (other than the pop up sytem, eeewww), the looks and plastic everywhere is a joke.

LOL. Its obviously all about 'MB boys' 'BMW boys' to you. yes i guess im just an 'offended MB boy' Klier. Right?? lol

Someday you'll grow up..

 

[klier]

Nah, don't think that'll happen

 

[justanthony]

Nah, don't think that'll happen

haha. And anyways i take that back buddy. Its not for me to tell you..