[DonBMW3]

Originally Posted by kpcoupe

This may be the wrong forum to put this in seeingas this is for BMW, but I think its a fiar question. What happened to Mercedes? I have a 1999 MB C230, which I believe is was the last year that Mercedes was a 100% Mercedes. For example having one wiper was simply Benz, I thought it was very cool, but the newer models don't have it. It's like BMW's kidney grill, w/o it its not BMW. When I was looking at the new C Class I was kind of disappointed, but will probably buy it anyway. Still, does anyone agree?

I bought a 1999 C280. Yes, 100% Mercedes, but after the cost cutting had begun. I called the single windshield wiper the "smear-o-matic." It was cool, but a totally bad idea. My car had many electrical problems, was subject to several recalls, and was VERY hard on tires, which I believe is typical for Mercedes suspension setup. It was very capable on the road, but not involving or fun to drive at all.

I was back in a BMW in less than two years. In my experience, BMW engineering, design and quality are far superior to MB.

[hafnia]

I testdrove the new C-class - a 280(they didn't have a 350) and was a bit disappointed - cheap plastic and IMO not at all the "drivers car" feeling you get from a 3-series. Not a bad car, but I would prefer a Beemer over a Merc anyday.(ok could be tempted by a CLS 63AMG)

[F32Fleet]

Originally Posted by aspiring335

I was under the impression that, after Porsche, BMW was the most profitable car maker. The margin per car may not be very large on the 3 series, but even there the options really pad the profit per vehicle. A lot of Porsche's profit in recent years has come from the Cayenne, much more so than the Boxster.

Unlike Mercedes, BMW have not diluted their brand with dozens of ridiculous niche models like the B Class, R Class, etc., and they also haven't had the distraction of trying to integrate the nightmare that is Chrysler. The most profitable companies are usually the ones with focus and discipline.

RU Serious?

X3
X5
Z
1 Series
6 Series "renewed after 15+ yr hiatus which was only short run to begin with"
BMW ver of the "R Class".

[Safety2213]

Actually - I disagree with most of you. I honestly think we are getting much more for our money and that we as consumers are getting more for our money. To begin:

Safety - while your 1999 C class might only have 2 airbags, the latest version will have 6 airbags and the new version might even have more.

Power / Efficiency: Your car had 185hp w/ 200lb/ft while this year's model has 228 hp / 221lb with virtually the same economy of 22 / 28 vs yours of 21/29

I agree that parts feel cheaper however I believe that we are getting much more car for our money than in the past.

Even my stripped down 335i has more features than a fully loaded 3 series from 10 years ago except for leather!

[sambonator]

Originally Posted by Markinsd

I have a C32 and was looking for a new Benz. MB did not have a car I wanted so I went with the 335i. I wanted to wait for the C63 AMG, but couldn't see waiting another year for a new car. The regular line of C Class is less than spectacular and since I have an AMG, I can't go back to the boooring non-amg.

I wouldn't go buy a C Class right now unless you are ordering a new w204 class coming out in the fall. I think the new body style looks pretty dope.

I went from an e46 330i to the C32, now the 335i and when my lease is up plan on getting a C63 if the car is 450+hp and looks as good as the pics I've seen. I may consider the new M sedan too..

How did your C32 compare to the new 335i, performance-wise?

Sam

[aspiring335]

Originally Posted by Socom

RU Serious?

X3
X5
Z
1 Series
6 Series "renewed after 15+ yr hiatus which was only short run to begin with"
BMW ver of the "R Class".

Sure, BMW has several models, but I would say that each of them targets a segment that actually exists. Mercedes invents segments all the time. Here's their Euro line-up:

A
B
C
CLK
CLS
SLK
E
S
CL
SL
M
GL
R
Viano

It seems to take Mercedes at least two models to attack a market BMW can do with one.

[mesier1111]

Originally Posted by kpcoupe

Weren't they selling Chrysler to Kirk Kerkorian or something?

Well, almost correct. Yes, a major hedge fund based in NYC has bought Chrysler.

[Inkidoo]

Everybody is disappointed of Mercedes. My family never bought one again after 5 Mercedes, and I am not planing to change that.

[Luke]

Originally Posted by aspiring335

Sure, BMW has several models, but I would say that each of them targets a segment that actually exists. Mercedes invents segments all the time. Here's their Euro line-up:

A
B
C
CLK
CLS
SLK
E
S
CL
SL
M
GL
R
Viano

It seems to take Mercedes at least two models to attack a market BMW can do with one.

The Merc's range is really becoming huge, they have two cabrios already SL, SLK and theyre planning two more, first an open CL and the other being a four-door cabrio(concept Ocean Drive)..
Who the hell's gonna buy those?

BTW you forgot the good old G-class..

[e90fanatic]

merc is always the leading technological car...always has the newest gadgets...with on of the most quiet and luxurious cabins and designs. One wiper blade mercs are not mercs. Today's merc is all about class and style...just one step below Maybach. I think they are doing a great job with the S class. Just hope the new C does a better job than the outgoing model. If I were looking for a big sedan, i'd choose S over 7 anyday...though 7 is due for a new model so that might make it harder for me to choose.

[Dammmittt]

Originally Posted by kpcoupe

do explain pls.

Cuz when you're driving that fast in he rain...it tends to reduce the performance of your wipers...and the larger the surface area for the air to push on the worse it'll get. So you wouldn't be able to see.

[Neema]

Originally Posted by aspiring335

Sure, BMW has several models, but I would say that each of them targets a segment that actually exists. Mercedes invents segments all the time. Here's their Euro line-up:

A
B
C
CLK
CLS
SLK
E
S
CL
SL
M
GL
R
Viano

It seems to take Mercedes at least two models to attack a market BMW can do with one.

.........................now i know my A, B, C's......next time wont you sing with me

[LACA335i]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

It's a Chrysler.

chrysler part of Mercedez Benz. MB do use chrysler part for their low cost low end model like a c class.