BMW Owner Thinking of Converting

[mgarvey]

Hi all. I am UK-based and thinking of changing my car later this year.

I currently own a 3-series BMW (E91 320d Touring) and much as I like the car I fancy a change this time.

The W204 C-Class is pretty much top of my list, up against the 3-series, new A4, Lexus IS and Alfa 159. Each has its pros and cons, but I've always liked the C-Class, having considered the W202 and W203 when selecting previous cars. Somehow I've always ended up with something else - usually on value for money grounds - but the C has always been the runner up.

Anyway, I drove a new C180k yesterday and was impressed. Pros and cons compared to my current 3-series:

Pros

So smooth and comfortable
Quiet
Feels really classy
That nice 3-pointed star

Cons

Feels like a small engine pushing a big car (though it went well enough)
The silly parking brake - sorry Mercedes fans, but I've never liked it
Still a little pricey compared to most of the competition

Anyway, I'll be mulling over this for a while then making a choice in late Summer. In the meantime I'll keep an eye on the forums to see what owners think.

 

[cawimmer430]

Welcome to GCF.

I've driven a few W204 C-Classes and the reviews are all in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class section. Please take a look and feel free to ask any questions. I've driven the C200 CDI, C220 CDI, C180 Kompressor and C200 Kompressor.

 

[far2000]

Welcome....This is the best plae for unbiasedopinions,reviews and help...You will definitley ,make the rite decision over here..

Enjoy..

Farouk

 

[EnI]

Anyway, I'll be mulling over this for a while then making a choice in late Summer. In the meantime I'll keep an eye on the forums to see what owners think.

Wait till A4 Avant is available in your market, and the facelifted 3er Touring (early Fall): with quite some changes.

 

[wltsm]

Assuming you're going for the diesel, wait for the new 4 cylinder diesels coming out in the C class!

Also, as Eni has said, wait for the new A4 avant and 3er F/L till you make your final choice!

 

[xntrek]

Hey there,

The W204 C-Class is pretty much top of my list, up against the 3-series, new A4, Lexus IS and Alfa 159. Each has its pros and cons, but I've always liked the C-Class, having considered the W202 and W203 when selecting previous cars. Somehow I've always ended up with something else - usually on value for money grounds - but the C has always been the runner up.

I'm an E90 (320i) owner at the moment ... and I just put in an order for a W204 (C220 CDI). I absolutely agree with the "value for money" statement ... and this version is no better in that regards - apples for apples against the Audi and BMW - it does fall short by up to $AUD 10,000. Having said that, I went around, negotiated hard (it is possible to do, regardless of their objections to the contrary) and knocked that difference down to within $4500 - which was *reasonably* easy to justify.

Why not another Beemer or one of the others? Well, first, the new C has finally come back to where MB should have been - where as BMW sort of feels second class to it now. The BMW 09 models look nice, but I got sick and tired of the artificial draw lines placed by HQ (Active Cruise Available - on the 323, 325, 330 - but not the 320! Why not?) - no such concerns in the C Class.

I found that the Alfa was a fun car to drive ... at first ... got sick of it pretty quickly though.

I must admit, I was actually swayed by the new A4 - sort of reminded me of a love child of the E90 and W204 in many ways ... but the front wheel drive in conjunction with a lower resale rate swayed me back out ... maybe next time ...

I look forward to seeing your final decisions and hearing why you went that way.

---
-- long time lurker, first time poster

 

[Monster]

Hello and welcome to GCF, there is no better place to be if you want car advice

Still a little pricey compared to most of the competition

How does the resale value of the C-class compare to others, you might get back that extra price you pay when trade in time comes.