[LACA335i]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

I think you'll find that most enthusiasts care as much about power and handling as they do luxury. Hence the large percentage of 335i owners on the forum.

depend on what age groupe are we talking?18-30 bmw 30-60 mbz

[dan8131]

Originally Posted by Gquie

I'm not feeling the steering wheel though. hrm.

Agreed...looks like a shitty GM steering wheel you see in Tahoes or one of their other trucks.

[tjnptel1]

Originally Posted by DCJAX

... Seems like people are buying them just so they can say "I have a mercedes".

this coming from a 3-series owner, i feel like yelling "pot calling the kettle black."

not saying that you bought your car for the name, but majority of the people who buy an entry level 3 series buy it say they own a BMW. It's not fair to single out MB in this.

[milehigh5000]

Originally Posted by tjnptel1

this coming from a 3-series owner, i feel like yelling "pot calling the kettle black."

not saying that you bought your car for the name, but majority of the people who buy an entry level 3 series buy it say they own a BMW. It's not fair to single out MB in this.

+1

[hj058]

well...the new C class no doubt the interior has improved quite a bit compare to the old C...however mercedes should have come up with something more powerful more impressive performance engines..not the ones just like old Cs...

[DasBlitz]

I really considered getting the current C class, looks a lot more sportier than this upcoming C class. I feel that will deter a few to go to BMW.

[MrFrizzle]

I test drove the current C class for the hell of it, before I went to BMW.
Its ok, no doubt. But the main reason I didn't buy it was because it was about to be outdated within months.
Spend $40,000 on an old body? Freak no!!
I also wouldn't wait till august, so 3 series it is!!

The new C Class look fantastic, but I must say, it is
Butt ugly!!
I mean, the butt end is gross!!
The front end is awesome, but the back is less than appealing.

[nimamilani]

Originally Posted by tjnptel1

this coming from a 3-series owner, i feel like yelling "pot calling the kettle black."

not saying that you bought your car for the name, but majority of the people who buy an entry level 3 series buy it say they own a BMW. It's not fair to single out MB in this.

+1 exactly on the spot

[BK]

Everyone thought the E90 was ugly at first, too. Some still do, I suppose, but the look grows on you and the E46 already looks dated. The W204 will be the same way. I always thought the old C-class looked nice, but I'm in the minority there and I'm sure the new one will grow on me.

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by BK

Everyone thought the E90 was ugly at first, too. Some still do, I suppose, but the look grows on you and the E46 already looks dated. The W204 will be the same way. I always thought the old C-class looked nice, but I'm in the minority there and I'm sure the new one will grow on me.

I know what you mean, but the W204 is a bit garish I think...the proportions are a little out. It will depend heavily on stance, wheel size and the AMG body kit. I like the W203 and W202 way better, they still look good.

However, I'm quite excited about the commitment to quality on the W204, can't wait to evaluate one for myself (still haven't gone).

[BK]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

However, I'm quite excited about the commitment to quality on the W204, can't wait to evaluate one for myself (still haven't gone).

Are they on dealer lots yet, or is it still "invite only"?

[KL2DC]

Originally Posted by BK

Are they on dealer lots yet, or is it still "invite only"?

they're at the showrooms, I understand, not quite invite only...your usual pre-launch preview.

[DasBlitz]

Originally Posted by BK

Everyone thought the E90 was ugly at first, too. Some still do, I suppose, but the look grows on you and the E46 already looks dated. The W204 will be the same way. I always thought the old C-class looked nice, but I'm in the minority there and I'm sure the new one will grow on me.

Yea, It's always that first change that takes time for people. Personally the front end sides etc. all flowed well for me, besides the back. That is the only thing that had to "grow on me". Now I think it looks ok/good.

But those of you saying MB is not competition are just drowning in your own dreams. You may not feel it is but for the average consumer both are compared and some choose MB.

[DCJAX]

Originally Posted by tjnptel1

this coming from a 3-series owner, i feel like yelling "pot calling the kettle black."

not saying that you bought your car for the name, but majority of the people who buy an entry level 3 series buy it say they own a BMW. It's not fair to single out MB in this.

I thought I mentioned that in my previous post... or I meant to at least. Valid point, but the 335 backs up the brand name in terms of performance, the C class does not seem to do this.

Oh, and technically I don't own a BMW yet, it's still sitting in the parts bin.

Originally Posted by DasBlitz

But those of you saying MB is not competition are just drowning in your own dreams. You may not feel it is but for the average consumer both are compared and some choose MB.

It's clearly competition, same size/price range etc. I think the new CTS are going to be competition too, current generation are very popular, and the 08 models will offer a 300hp direct injection motor. (with an honest to goodness quality interior)

[undecided]

Originally Posted by Jonmartin

the C-Class doesnt even compare in the luxury department either. My mom has a 328 and she got a C230 loaner she called me just to tell me "it feels like a Toyota Corolla" those were her exact words! This coming from someone that knows little about cars and specs and all that. But she was highly dissapointed lol. I'm sure the new one wont be much different I think real benz don't start till over the $80K Mark or maybe an E-class I loved my CL55 that was a real benz and a real luxury car.

The C class rides more like a bigger car than the 3 does. The ride is quieter, bumps more muted, has better sound insulation all around. The steering is heavier (typical MBZ), no way you can say that the 3 is more luxurious. To be honest both the C230 and the 3 feel cheap inside compared to their more expensive brethren (even though peculiarly the 5 feels even cheaper than the 3).

[aspiring335]

Originally Posted by hj058

well...the new C class no doubt the interior has improved quite a bit compare to the old C...however mercedes should have come up with something more powerful more impressive performance engines..not the ones just like old Cs...

I think that the engines in the new C are going to be replaced quite soon after launch with a new line-up of direct injection engines. And the AMG model is going to be the C63, with 475 hp. I'd take the M3 any day of the week, since it's guaranteed to be lighter, have better steering feel and more character, but the C63 will be lightning fast.

[zimbim]

I bought a used c class for the wife and though it drove well, the car was a piece of junk. Ended up buying a new E350 Sport with a pani roof for the wife and I have to admit, it's pretty nice, but I'll take my 335 Coupe any day.

[Garrett]

Originally Posted by rrandyy

I think only a handful of people care about HP. BMW and MB are about luxury. So if you want to talk about comparisons, thats where I would start.

???

BMW are all about performance, first. Then luxury. Mercedes are all about Luxury first, then performance. They are two different matrix of people...!!

BTW, performance is a culmination of good breaking, acceleration, handling and agility..!






-Garrett

[money99]

i hate benz ever since they got bought out they havent made the same cars

[GregL]

Originally Posted by money99

i hate benz ever since they got bought out they havent made the same cars

You have that backwards, Mercedes is the one that bought Chrysler out despite the way they kept calling it a "merger of equals".

[Kennygoodboy]

I was going to start a new thread but this newbie actually used the search function so I thought I would chime in (3 months later).

I am in the market for a sports sedan and I think the new C class is stunning. Its exactly what I want, a sports sedan with eye catching styling with decent performance...then I went to the website. I thought "oh, cool, the C300 comes in a stick...how unlike Mercedes". Then I clicked down to spec out the 4matic. Oh wait, if you want awd, manual isnt available. huh? Ok, no big deal because I probably want the more powerful C350 since 0-60 in 7.1 seconds for the C300 is a snail. So I click on the C350 and it only comes in automatic! WTF? So to get the more powerful, more "sporty" version...I have to order auto as manual isnt available. Well, THAT makes a lot of sense. AND I cant order the C350 in 4matic. So lets summarize...I want the most powerful version in manual in awd. I can get the stick but no awd and no power. I can get the power, but no manual and awd. And I can get the awd but no power and stick. Aaahhhhhhhhhh!! these guys are killing me! So I say to myself, these cars CLEARLY are not for driving enthusiasts (personally, I view myself as 50/50 performance/luxury)...so what car is? Audi is decent but I dont like the styling. So I meander over to the BMW website and there it is...335xi sedan with my stick...no problem. And with the Terra interior, the car looks VERY luxurious and without a doubt its has better performance over the C350 in just about any category. Looks like I found my daily driver :rocks:

[!Xoible]

i really really really hope C is a threat to 3 series, honestly and sincerely.
I want to see 500,000 3 series in OC instead of 3 millions, and see more mercedes.
it'd be nice if my car was a tad more unique

i could careless who buys it or if people switch out of BMW. they're happy, im happy