How to decide?

fibbi

OK...after some struggling... I would like to trade in my old car and get a new one...
Here's what I have in mind, the new C300, or 328i.

Price-wise the list price for 328i is about $1000 more than the C300.
But C300 may not have that much discount (because it's new).
What would you think? The new C or the 328i? I'm a bit reluctant on the brand new series but the new C300 does "LOOK" very good (both outside and inside).
What would you suggest/prefer? I would like to hear some opinion...

Thanks!!

ashtaron14

In HK, if you're a politician, you drove a BMW, and if you're a businessperson, you drove a Mercedes.

The new MB C-Class is one of the top 3 finalist in this year's World car of the year - Overall Car of the year.
http://www.wcoty.com/vehicles/?year=2008&cat=1

The 3 series is a bit dated (came out longer ago), so the odds of there being another restyle or facelift will be higher.

I would say both are good cars, but I personally like to look at the new C more than the 3-series. You'll be playing with 6 Speed Manual/Auto on the BMW or 6 Speed Maunal/7 Speed Auto on the MB

If you look at the online configurator for the MB Class you'll notice that the Sport Package is now FREE of Charge. MB say that's the most common configuration so it's free on models upwards of C230 and includes the following, while BMW charges $2800 for their Sport Package.
- 17" 5-spoke alloy wheels
- All-season performance tires
- Sport suspension
- AMG front and rear aprons
- AMG side skirts
- Mercedes-Benz star in the grille
- Upgraded brake calipers with vented front rotors
- 3-spoke sport steering wheel
- Aluminium trim
- Aluminium studded pedals

Have a good time deciding

Sunny

sacky

^^ wow sunny that is a very good analysis! if the i personally like the C300 more than the 3seriesss especailly now know that sport package will be included i honestly believe is a better buy than the 3 =p

Derek128

depends on how long u r gonna keep the car
if u r only gonna keep it for 3-4 yrs
doesn't really matter which one u pick

if u r gonna keep it for longer time
wait for the facelift E90
i think the E90 is about to facelift
so most of the existing problems wil be gone ?

siumaibb

Just test drive both cars and choose one that you like better.........

fibbi

thanks for all the inputs. It seems that C300 has a better deal because it comes with more features (even sport package is free). I"m a bit concerned with the brand new series. Would that be problematic?
I"m going to keep the car for another 10 year or so. The C280 that I have now, I don't really enjoy compare with the previous 325i. May be that's why I'm more inclined to get the 328i, and also 328i should be cheaper...
But you guys are right, I will test drive the C300 first to see...

Hyde

The one i priced out came out to be about 52k

I price it with the following options.  so pretty much fully loaded....
Premium Package
Sport
Navigation
7G-Tronic
Metallic Paint
Leather
Keyless Go

I guess you CAN live without premium package and navigation, but whats the point of driving a benz when u dont even have power seats?  Navigation on the new C is just very nice compare to the tiny screen on the non-navi models.  The screen is motorized and rise up automatically.  

You can go with solid colors like black, white or red and save $890.  out of the 3 colors, i'd say white is the only good looking color and easier to maintain.   Leather would really depend on your own preference.  I would only use real leather becuz leatherette are really uncomfortable and doesn't breath very well.  I would much prefer fabric seats then leatherette.  leatherette gets sticky in hot days.  

7G-Tronic is pretty much a must have option.  

Keyless Go is very optional... but this is 2008....  even corolla comes with keyless go, and your benz doesn't??  For me, Keyless Go has already become a must have option for new cars.

I would get the new G35 insead for the same price.  I think the G35 is more comfortable and its a larger car with better performance.

sonson411

I would go for BMW... BMW always fun to drive... fun as in you actually have the feel of driving...