[Fraggy]

Hello guys,
This is not a "which should I get" thread, which on a BMW forum is pretty pointless. I've owned, loved and purchased 5 BMWs, so I love the cars.

But the newer BMWs are starting to raise questions in my mind. Auto start/stop, runflats with corresponding mushy bushings, electric steering, longevity issues, etc. But let's ignore all that.

The question is I need to do some research. I sat in both C sedans and coupes this weekend and loved the quality interior. It's fantastic. But is the rest of the car on par?

Only quality forums will help. I've only been able to find mbworld but it sucks ass. Any other quality forums similar to ours?

Thanks for the help!!!

[Fraggy]

Anyone?

[BullowM3]

youll probably like the c350 coupe, its sporty and coupes are extremely fun to drive imo

[DaveL]

Think that you are out of luck on finding a knowledgeable Benz forum but not that you would be interested but I have heard Audi forums are decent enough but sorry not much help. By the way C350 is a fine choice and remember 2 points of interest....No run flats and so long turbo.I have been considering a C63 for a couple years now.

[Doctor///M]

Were they the 2012 models? I test drove some 09 models prior to pulling the trigger on my 335 and I couldn't get around the heavy use of plastic on the dash and steering wheel. The interior put me off a lot, but that's just me.

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by SERI335

Were they the 2012 models? I test drove some 09 models prior to pulling the trigger on my 335 and I couldn't get around the heavy use of plastic on the dash and steering wheel. The interior put me off a lot, but that's just me.

I agree. The new dash is wonderful. And the leather is M3 quality on the steering wheel and door panels. It's all so smooth and firm, utter class and style.

Sad part is I love the power of my 335, and with my suspension mods... But sooner or later I need a car, I'm at 108,000+ miles, just spent a few grand on repairs and who know what's to come.

[E90Alex]

i just sat in the c class coupe and the f30 today. Man that c class coupe interior is nice

[Greenkirby21]

the new c class is nice. i don't really like the center console with all those numbers. seems too busy and not needed xD. other then that its a great choice.

[E90 87ss]

mbworld is very good in my opinion, not the best automotive forum, but better than benz world...

I had a 2012 c300 loaner for 3 weeks, command/navi, keyless go, HK... Very nice car and great visibility. I prefer the 3 series over the MB as far as handling... acceleration the MB wins for everyday driving, good amount of torque in the mid to low rpm range in other words the engine doesn't need to rev up to get going. The temperature knobs feel really cheap, S is not as aggressive as DS, and no fog lights... I like the interior...

c350 vs 335i wish I could help... I would pick the 335i aside from reliability issues. My MB was down for 3 weeks though, so not entirely sure how reliable MB is as of yet.

[BMWM3DREAM]

I drove my freinds C 250 coupe, not bad at all. I would say its a good choice.

[Swangin818]

friend of mine has a c250 coupe. Solid car. Interior is on par if not better than 3 series. Dont like the single outlet exhaust though, looks cheap. try luxury4play.com, their mbz section is always poppin.

[stickypaws]

Benzworld is a more civil forum than MBworld although the W204 section on MBworld isn't bad and there are some smart members there. PeachParts Mercedes Shop Forum is good although it's mostly members who are biased towards older MBs. But there's a wealth of good info and plenty of experienced MB owners there.

Reliability with a W204 will be a lot better than the current 3 series over the long haul. Mercedes went to 6th place overall in the latest JD Powers 2012 dependability ratings based on the 2009 models. The newer face lifted W204 should be even better. As a comparison BMW was at 20th place.

I think they're great little cars and the 2012 face lift is an excellent improvement. Mercedes does listen and they changed the rather cheesy looking interior with a much better one, so that is no longer an issue like it was in the past. And as you already mentioned, there are lots of things about the new 3-series that is making BMW less and less desirable these days.

fwiw, I've had my E63 for about 3 years now (I bought it new.) It's been a trouble-free car and a great daily driver. If I were looking for a smaller basic daily driver, the new C Class would definitely be on the top of my short list. If I were to ever get another BMW again, I'd look for an E46 in top condition. I think I'm done buying new BMWs for now. Maybe again someday, but not with the current selections.

[DASHOCKER]

i like the c class sedans. they look and feel very good. i would choose it over the ugly f30 sedan.

[MMMorish]

I just bought my wife a new C250 4MATIC for our anniversary and to be straight up with you, I enjoy every chance I get to drive that car. It's not the fastest car on the road, about on par with a 323i, but it's so comfortable and smooth and the interior is leaps ahead of the comparable Bimmer's interior.

I'd say go for it. Nice car indeed and the LCI is a nice update.

[az34]

those MB Cclass are very nice, i'd rather like the C300 cuz you can have a real 6mt trans. The c350 only come whit the 7auto trans.But you cant go wrong whit a C class.

[saeyedoc]

Had a 2010 C350, hated it. Got rid of it after little more than a year, ended up with a M3 sedan. Cheap interior, had the door handles fall off more than once. Very boring to drive IMO. I'd rather have a 3-series or Audi.

[M3_WC]

Originally Posted by saeyedoc

Had a 2010 C350, hated it. Got rid of it after little more than a year, ended up with a M3 sedan. Cheap interior, had the door handles fall off more than once. Very boring to drive IMO. I'd rather have a 3-series or Audi.

Things have changed since then. New interiors, refresh exterior, new powerplants. A NA 302hp V6 should be fun.

[Garduna]

So ur deciding on a coupe or sedan eh. Only thing I need to ask is this, do u need the 2 extra doors in the back? If not, get the coupe

[Fraggy]

Thanks for the great responses. I will try and drive one soon and see what I think. I have to say my desire to get one is more to get a quality car and not support the recent engineering and pricing decisions that BMW has made.

I drove an F30 335i, and while it was nice, it wasnt the greatest thing Id ever driver. My modified E90 is better... but its getting old...

I know that the C350 is not likely to out drive my E90 either, but at least if its pretty close to an F30, I may feel that I made the right choice. A set of Koni's or Bilstiens (I have no idea with is available for the car) can make a big difference.

[BlackLemon]

I just sold my wife's x5, as she's wanted a car for a while now. We looked at the new 3 series, not sold on the look not the bland BMW interior. We planned to order a c350 coupe. Last minute I opened my mouth and suggested my wife drive the c63 coupe.......bad idea. I got stuck with a big bill for her in coming car.

I've been a BMW fan forever, and now I find myself BMW-less:

I'd go c coupe all day long

[just4kickz]

get it. do likee. reliability is probably the same for any kind of euro car past warranty... costs a lot if you run into problems. our 98' e320 has been in the shop several times but runs fine for the time being. 04' e500 has never had any issues.

[Garduna]

Originally Posted by BlackLemon

I just sold my wife's x5, as she's wanted a car for a while now. We looked at the new 3 series, not sold on the look not the bland BMW interior. We planned to order a c350 coupe. Last minute I opened my mouth and suggested my wife drive the c63 coupe.......bad idea. I got stuck with a big bill for her in coming car.

I've been a BMW fan forever, and now I find myself BMW-less:

I'd go c coupe all day long

LOL the bill will hurt but whenever ur in the driver's seat of that car, you won't be thinking about it