New car choices

optik said:
Whats the price difference in the two?

I've never been a fan of MB or BMW except for their high end and sport models.
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Surprisingly, the prices are about the same. The MSRP on the MB is about $30k, while the BMW is about $31k with the options I want. The MB I'm looking at is the new 05 model with the AMG style body kit on it and the upgraded cross drilled front brake rotors. The car also has staggered rims, running 225s up front and 245 out back. It also comes with a 6 speed. Still trying to do research on the car because not much is written on it, especially the 1.8 supercharged motor. Hoping it's a new MB design and not something from Chrysler's parts bin. Here's a pic of the car from the front.
 
The engine has been out for years in the SLK. I guess it's not as refined as some MB engines, but not as refined for MB means it's better than 90% of the stuff out there. You won't be tearing up the streets with the engine but the power is on part with others in the category. There are NO Chrysler parts on the C. From what I've seen, the parts are flowing from MB down. I think it's funny we're looking at the exact same vehicles. I don't want anything fancy or powerful, I just want a decent car that's built well out of quality materials and the 3 and the C fit what I'm looking for. All me and my family have owned are American cars but they've really dropped the ball when it comes to quality. All of us are looking elsewhere for cars. BTW, not sure if you've looked at an A4 but I specced out a 1.8T quattro and it came in about $3k cheaper than either the MB or BMW.
 
shotime said:
The engine has been out for years in the SLK. I guess it's not as refined as some MB engines, but not as refined for MB means it's better than 90% of the stuff out there. You won't be tearing up the streets with the engine but the power is on part with others in the category. There are NO Chrysler parts on the C. From what I've seen, the parts are flowing from MB down. I think it's funny we're looking at the exact same vehicles. I don't want anything fancy or powerful, I just want a decent car that's built well out of quality materials and the 3 and the C fit what I'm looking for. All me and my family have owned are American cars but they've really dropped the ball when it comes to quality. All of us are looking elsewhere for cars. BTW, not sure if you've looked at an A4 but I specced out a 1.8T quattro and it came in about $3k cheaper than either the MB or BMW.
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I agree with your wholeheartedly. My family always owned American and I fell in love with German cars in the beginning. Unfortunately in our quest to get what we pay for we've had to turn to Japanese cars for reliability. They are the only folks that take true pride in the quality of their products anymore. Also "made in America" is no more with US cars. They are now made in Mexico where cheap labor is very available. Oddly, the only cars truly made in America (albeit with many Japanese parts) are Japanese cars like Honda/Acura in Ohio (not their entire line but most like the Accord, TL, and Civic off hand) and Mazda to name two.
I have read a couple reviews on the MB and I have to say it is not a small step down the line of fine cars, it is nearly it's own line. Don't expect the same quality and feel of luxury- I found my Acura to be far more luxurious and EVERYTHING is standard except navigation. Additionally the 4 banger is W E A K turbo'd or not. It cannot hold a candle to the BMW, IMHO. Drive 'em both and drive an E while you are at the MB dealer for comparison. I used to be an avid MB guy but let's face it, they are resting too long on their laurels because the name is still selling cars without anything solid needed behind it.
 
Glad to hear the 1.8 is not a Chrysler variant. The engine is really the most concerning thing for me. I haven't had a chance to drive it yet because there are none available to demo in my area. The salesperson wanted me to order one without even driving it, assuring me that I would love it. Of course, she kept focusing in on the cosmetics of the car, but wasn't too knowledgeable about its drive train. Couldn't even tell me if it had a limited slip differential in it. As for the Audi, in my area, the Audi was 3-4k more than a comparably equipped MB or BMW.
 
so your main concern is the engine? I'd definitely go for the BMW. It has an inline6 which is smooth as silk and no doubt accelerates quicker than the C230s 4 banger. Also note that BMW has always used conservative horsepower numbers.

The C230's supercharged 1.8L engine seems a little iffy. Sounds like they are pushing it too hard, which is bad for engine internals. If you plan on keeping the car for more than 4 years (when the powertrain warranty runs out) I strongly suggest you go the naturally aspired route. Superchargers/Turbos really tax the engine especially for the long term.
 
one more thing, if you want smooth shifts (one of your problems with the G35) go with the BMW 325. BMW is known for having the best trannies out there! it really is effortless to shift, and downshifting is made much easier with there high tech syncros.

Personally i love the feel of my G35. shifting requires effort and skill. but it really feels like you are controlling a beast! with a few mods i'm hoping to reach 300hp!
 
Just to bring closure to this thread, I purchased the BMW 325i. I got the sports package with the car and it is by far the best handling car I've ever owned. It is so well balanced, that it makes up for the lack of horsepower. Thanks for all of the input.
 
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