Mercedes or BMW

I was leaning towards a mercedes c class but i heard they are very expensive to maintain/repair. A friend of mine said get a BMW because their better cars and their warranty is better. is this true?
what makes bmws warranty better?

MB don't offer 4 years maint program where BMW does in term of warranty they are very similar.

BMW has a better warranty with maintenance covered. Both are priced about the same, comparing the 328i vs MB C250. BMW offers more power and better fuel economy. In my opinion, MB build quality and fit/finish aren't quit as good as BMW. If you prefer a softer ride with less road feel then, MB is for you. BMW's are a driver's car.

BMW = driver's car.
MB = passenger's car.

BMW = driver's car.
MB = passenger's car
Lexus = Asians drivers car

I presently own both M-B and BMW sedans.

Without going into which is the "better" vehicle for your needs (i..e, which rides better, handles better, etc), I would say that neither is easier to maintain or any cheaper to own. BMW and M-B dealers both overcharge to a ludicrous extent, and both cars require a lot more general upkeep than comparable Asian cars. Both brands offer OK reliability, but a few notches below Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura.

The only current advantage of the BMW is the included maintenance. But, if you don't get your work done at a dealer, that probably has a retail value of about $1500.

I'd suggest you just pick the car you like best, based on whatever your own values in a vehicle might be, and ignore what you friend had to say.

Originally Posted by xdriver

BMW has a better warranty with maintenance covered. Both are priced about the same, comparing the 328i vs MB C250. BMW offers more power and better fuel economy. In my opinion, MB build quality and fit/finish aren't quit as good as BMW. If you prefer a softer ride with less road feel then, MB is for you. BMW's are a driver's car.

+1

I say drive both. Both are expensive to repair. I wouldn't pick one car over the other because of warranty/covered maintenance. Even if you plan to keep the car for a long period of time, many will argue the covered maintenance doesn't cover enough.

Originally Posted by SilverX3

BMW = driver's car.
MB = passenger's car
Lexus = Asians drivers car

Has a LS. Found was my mommy's car.

Cost of ownership between the german luxury brands are all too close to make a buying decision over - buy the car you like to drive the most.

Originally Posted by Kilgore Trout

I presently own both M-B and BMW sedans.

Without going into which is the "better" vehicle for your needs (i..e, which rides better, handles better, etc), I would say that neither is easier to maintain or any cheaper to own. BMW and M-B dealers both overcharge to a ludicrous extent, and both cars require a lot more general upkeep than comparable Asian cars. Both brands offer OK reliability, but a few notches below Infiniti, Lexus, and Acura.

The only current advantage of the BMW is the included maintenance. But, if you don't get your work done at a dealer, that probably has a retail value of about $1500.

I'd suggest you just pick the car you like best, based on whatever your own values in a vehicle might be, and ignore what you friend had to say.

Buying used or going out of warranty: BMW has a massive reservoir of user info/DIY online. Have not seen same for MB - very important issue for some.

BMW's 3 has been dissected, xrayed, and completely described right down to the programming and how to change it. Hey....


.

Having been able to drive several different MB's and BMW's I always gravitate towards the BMW's.

BMW's are WAY more fun to drive where as MB's are more muted and soft.

It depends what kind of drive you want.
If you are a person who likes to drive and then go for a BMW.
If you like riding in a car where everything feels softer and the steering wheel can turn with the mere touch of your pinky finger, go with a MB.

MB's never put a smile on my face like a BMW does.

You really should drive both then make a choice for the C & 3 are nothing alike.Mercedes does have a warranty just that you have to pay for it unlike BMW...Well not really true as nothing is a give me.

Originally Posted by xdriver

BMW has a better warranty with maintenance covered. Both are priced about the same, comparing the 328i vs MB C250. BMW offers more power and better fuel economy. In my opinion, MB build quality and fit/finish aren't quit as good as BMW. If you prefer a softer ride with less road feel then, MB is for you. BMW's are a driver's car.

Totally agree, the MbZ dealers usually have better donuts and snacks in the customer waiting area IMO. Tough decision!

I don't like current merc styling

Much prefer Audi styling

I prefer BMW styling to both, but I think the op was more interested in reliability and I upkeep issues. All three of the German brands have issues in those domains, IMO.

OP,

I see you're in Buffalo. Having lived many years there, I remember the potholes and other 'pleasures' of winter driving. I don't know if I'd choose a BMW or MB as a daily driver. I foresee the BMW runflats alone as a potential expense you wouldn't like. I miss the summers a lot, however for year around driving, I don't think I'd prefer either make you're considering - obviously a personal opinion only!

Originally Posted by SilverX3

BMW = driver's car.
MB = passenger's car
Lexus = Asians drivers car

Where I am, most Asian drives BMW and MB. In fact, Lexus is not even offer in most Asian countries.

in Australia..... asians drive Lexus

esp. LS... mostly owned Asian Small Business Owners

I am Asian.... and I hate lexus

BMW any day of the week

definitely not Lexus after seeing this......

Lexus is going a slippery slope with their new cooperate front end, almost reminds me of the ugly Acura cooperate grille. Altough the new Lexus interior is very nice, but their lineup lacks in many areas.

This question might attract only one answer on this forum, but most contributors gave you a very honest and practical answer, to which I subscribe also. Test both cars and listen to your instinct. BMW has more forums online because is generally owned by driving enthusiasts. Of course, which dealer gives you a better deal might also impact on your decision. Cost of ownership is probably the same for both.

This forum is not going to be impartial on the BMW/MB debacle. It is a matter of personal choice. MB was in my shortlist, but was so enamoured by the looks of E92. The various combinations of leather & trims available on E92 sort of sealed the deal for me. However, MB C250 CDI is 2012 Car of the Year under $80k here is Oz. I am sure MB has excellent qualities too.

Originally Posted by Kristian

This forum is not going to be impartial on the BMW/MB debacle. It is a matter of personal choice. MB was in my shortlist, but was so enamoured by the looks of E92. The various combinations of leather & trims available on E92 sort of sealed the deal for me. However, MB C250 CDI is 2012 Car of the Year under $80k here is Oz. I am sure MB has excellent qualities too.

that's correct

even a 5 years old MB C250 beats the brand new F30 328i

Just read the latest wheels, MB beat 650i and Audi S7

shame about MB styling, not my taste

I thought the F30 was too sporty, that is until I test drove the new MB C250, what a piece of crap. The steering is even worst than BMW's if thats all at possible.