Mercedes or BMW

Don't do it! Go for the BMW!

After 5 x 3 series, I was tempted by a deal for the MB C250 CDI Edition 125. I'm in a 3 year contract but I'm exiting after 14 months as the build quality is shocking in comparison to a 3 Series.

Squeaks and rattles are common in my car together with a speaker cutting out (only in cold weather). The vibration from the C250CDI engine is reminiscent of a tractor and the lethargy from the auto gearbox even in sport mode makes any overtaking manoeuvre a major planning exercise!

Ultimately, it depends what you are looking for - sitting in the F30 felt like I was coming home. Cant speak yet for the build quality of the F30, but my E46's and E90's were superb. By contrast, the MB has left me very disappointed - it is uninvolving to drive and the dealers are more concerned each time with ensuring that you provide them with a positive response to surveys than actually dealing with the client. BMW by contrast let their product do the talking.

If this sounds like a rant, it is not meant to be. I'm just so disappointed with the MB ownership experience. I will leave you with one story to illustrate the ownership experience - my car was booked in for a service and 2 days before it was due, I received a phone call asking me to defer the appointment for 2 weeks as my car was due an "upgrade". An upgrade I queried and asked what it involved and was advised that they would replace the injection system. As there are mixed reports on the internet of the replacement injectors, I asked whether I could defer and was told that I would not be covered under my warranty if I chose not to have the work done (there was nothing wrong with my car).
I therefore queried, "surely this is a recall then" to which the reply came "oh no sir, this is not a recall, it is an upgrade". The parts were delayed, so my car was in the workshop for 5 days and when I got it back, I still had the pieces of paper wedged in my dashboard to stop the rattles, despite a request to look at them again (previous attempt to cure failed) as they didn't have time.

Originally Posted by The X Men

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.

The C series steering is, in some ways, better than the F30 to me. It feels a bit more precise. The main problem is that it is far too light.

Again, as somebody who owns both brands, I vastly prefer the experience in my E90 (which, btw, cost maybe $60,000 less than the M-B we have). But, the OP's question is really about maintenance and upkeep. And, IMO, both brands pretty much suck in that regard.

With the BMW, every little think you do from changing the battery forward is a big pain in the butt that involves programming from a ruthless dealer.

Same with the M-B. Its insane how much they hit you up with every little thing.

I will say that I've been extremely impressed with BMW's commitment to owners. They've been absurdly responsive to every problem I've had.

I test drove a C250 C204 (C Class Coupe) the other day, steering wheel is like a Japanese car - very light, turbo is awesome so smooth ... then come back to my E92 325i, I love it more

would I buy a C204 ???? Yes, only if it is a C63 C204 ..... when I win a lottery

Audi...now there is one brand I have never been attracted to. Don't even want to sit in one let alone drive one.

Originally Posted by Robin128

Audi...now there is one brand I have never been attracted to. Don't even want to sit in one let alone drive one.

even RS4 or RS6

In the current class of new cars, I think Mercedes Benz might have the edge in reliability. However they are both german cars, have too many parts that CAN and will fail and some of these are beyond MB or BMW's control. That being said, I read that the current C-class was heavily tested before its introductions http://emercedesbenz.com/Jan07/09_Ov...C_Class_1.html I doubt BMW did that with the e90 or F30.

Originally Posted by Tsa1

In the current class of new cars, I think Mercedes Benz might have the edge in reliability.

That is like comparing which shade of black is darker

Six of one half a dozen of the other, pick what you like. Seems silly buying a lux car based on what people you don't even know on a brand specific fan site have to say.

Buy a lexus ....

New IS has the grill that looks like this





but you can't beat Lexus on reliability and after sales services

Originally Posted by robin128

audi...now there is one brand i have never been attracted to. Don't even want to sit in one let alone drive one.

+1

I've just switched from BMW to Mercedes, so here's my take.

I had a 318 E90 for 4 years, finance was up, didn't like the new shape 318, absolutely loved the look of the C-Class in white with the pano roof, so switched to Merc 3 months ago.

So out goes 2.0l 318 Manual, and in comes 1.6l C-Class Auto.

Disclaimer! Note I am comparing a 4 year old E90 with a spanking new Merc....and the Merc is auto box compared to BMW manual.


The 2.0 BMW gave better MPG than the Merc is, and for a saloon, the BMW handles like a coupe, great round bends.

Apart from that,

The build quality and finishing on the Merc is a whole level up from the BMW.
The ride in the Merc is far superior over rough surfaces, ironwork, speed cushions, etc, but not soft through bends.
The performance of the Merc is noticeably superior to the BMW, even though the published BHP only shows a difference of around 10.
The engine runs noticeably smoother in the Merc.
The 7 speed auto box is an absolute JOY and I am loving it. I have no experience of BMW auto's, but this is extreme driving pleasure.
Intelligent bi-xenon headlamps, they are remarkable.

My history is VW Scirocco x 2, BMW 318 x 2, and now Merc. The Merc is hands down the best car I've ever driven.

Originally Posted by Robin128

Audi...now there is one brand I have never been attracted to. Don't even want to sit in one let alone drive one.

+2



CA

BMW hands down