Test drove a new 3 series yesterday...

[-xXx-]

Hey guys.

So yesterday, I had an opportunity to test drive 2 cars which I am very interested in. One being the sexy panty dropping C-Class coupe. Another being the new F30 320i (in M Sport package raise: :inlove: )

Aesthetically, the C-class was personally a better place to be in especially with the interior. Car was as expected, smooth, luxurious, easy, and comfortable. However, as I am interested in an auto, that is where my biggest issue for me with this car came in. That auto box is sluggish. Sooo sluggish. I tapped that damn flappy paddle at least 3 times in quick succession before it would change under hard acceleration. I do not think there is a sport shifter available, but if anyone knows better, please let me know. :thumbs:

Then on my way home, I decided to stop at the Northcliff BMW and test drove a 320i. WOW. What a drive. And so responsive. That gear box was just brilliant for a non dual clutch transmission system (stand to be corrected). The interior wasn't phenomenal in any aspect, but it did definitely have the right stuff. The standard tech it comes with, actually trumps the C-class (I found this awesome). The quoted fuel figures from BMW were just as amazing. IF true in real day driving, then I commend them on this, not like it's something new for BMW to get the fuel economy right, but nonetheless very impressive.

Before I left, I priced one. Estoril Blue, M Sport Package, Xenons and S/R. And this is where my biggest issue with the car came in: R435k for the above

In any case, BMW are offering this deal with their special buy back option. That's the only way I can justify paying that kind of money for a car.

I hate being in these predicaments... impulse usually gets the better of me. :nonono:

Anyways... advice please... if you can offer any at all :thumbs:

Thank you.

 

[tivoli786]

lol I am liking my M 6 Speed manual so can't compare but I can say fuel figures are looking good at the mo though I am driving like Miss Daisy lol saving on fuel for the mo so Eco Pro is helping me

 

[-xXx-]

Thnx... At least that is one non-variable in the equation now :rollsmile:

 

[herr bmw]

i would go for the bm.havent driven the merc,as i dont like them.

just being honest:rollsmile:

 

[zaleonardz]

And my dear sir has just described the battle between BMW and Merc since the very beginning.

I actually think, and have said this many times, that the Merc's build quility is better then the BMW's, and its a nicer place to be in, perhaps even more classy.

However, if you want a drivers car, with the above boxes all still ticked, buy the BMW..

 

[-xXx-]

Thanks guys... need to get the finances in check now. I need to weigh which option suits the pocket better too, especially in the long run.

Saw a M sport F30 this morning on my way in to work. Was so jealous. It was white, so it didn't have the same sex appeal as that Estoril blue one I want, but still so sexy.

p.s. Any after market mod options on the new F30's. The 320i in particular?

 

[DeoJor]

Merc interior is more comfortable because it has to be. It takes you longer to get to where you are going :fencelook:

Personally i liked the feel of the BM and that's why I bought it! :rollsmile: I have a heavy foot and am doing mostly town driving so fuel is a bit heavy, but loving the responsiveness of the car. I'm not even missing my six cylinder E90, which says a lot.

 

[Sabretooth tiger]

And my dear sir has just described the battle between BMW and Merc since the very beginning.

I actually think, and have said this many times, that the Merc's build quility is better then the BMW's, and its a nicer place to be in, perhaps even more classy.

However, if you want a drivers car, with the above boxes all still ticked, buy the BMW..

+1

 

[OppositeLockMT]

Drove a facelift C250 the other day, quick but I felt totally out of place. They've tried to make it a bit more driver-oriented but it still has that disconnected feel about it. Found the COMAND system outdated aswell.

 

[Karthik]

The BMW has an awesome feel to it indeed , though wasn't there news on this forum where some guy got banned for saying he can get a 320i with sports pack , xenon and s/r for R 388k or so ? Find him on the forum and you got yourself a good deal .

 

[-xXx-]

So many things to consider. In no rush though, so that is good

Lots of opinions too and definitely things worth thinking about.

I seriously need to drive the coupe again though. the drive was too easy. Straight road, freeway, straight road. Need to get some twisty parts in there. I guess that way I will better understand it's driving dynamic.

I got to hammer the beemer a bit, and it feels sooo good.

@DeoJor (or anyone for that matter), what does the ride feel like on the M Sprot package? I didn't get to drive that and instead drove the standard rather bland base model (Which was quite amazing).

 

[hermanl]

I've just been through making a similar decision. I had an 08 SLK350 which was a second hand purchase and wanted to swop it for something brand new.

First up regarding Mercedes - the 7 speed auto box is terrible, at least the one in my SLK was anyway and I doubt it's changed much. In terms of build quality and reliability, don't fool yourself with merc's reputation built up from the 80s and 90s. The new ones aren't any better than a BMW, in fact I'd say worse based on my personal experience. The service from the dealers was also not great at all.

My choice was between C180/C250 coupe, 328i m sport and M135i. You won't get a C180 coupe with a decent spec for 435. The one I specc'd came closer to 480 :thumbdo: a 250 will be well over 500.

In the end the m135i won me over because it's just so much fun to drive...but the 3 series came a close second in terms of how much I liked it.

 

[DeoJor]

@DeoJor (or anyone for that matter), what does the ride feel like on the M Sprot package? I didn't get to drive that and instead drove the standard rather bland base model (Which was quite amazing).

My E90 was also M Sport and in comparison the F30 is much more forgiving. The diff between the base and M Sport is slightly firmer but combined with the sport seat it is very precise and exciting... hope this helps :fencelook:

 

[petrivanzyl]

Get the BMW

:fencelook:
Even a 320d
:fencelook: