I actually went today and test drove both- c230 and 325i. I definitely liked the 325 better. I was rather disheartened with the Benz. I felt that the bimmer was quiter, more powerful, more economical, easier to drive, and more roomy. I like the look of the Benz a little more, but that's it. The Bimmer has fold-down seats, the Benz did not. I have always loved Benz, but BMW is beating them to my opinion. I actually like my '98 c230 more than the '06!
BTW- we got 3 inches of NASTY snow/ice today, and the Bimmer did WAY better. In fact, I'd say the the Bimmer was VERY GOOD in the snow, I almost couldn't make it slide or spin!

 

Nice choice; with the manual transmission! I'm comfortable with the 5 speed, driver-adaptive, auto in my C280 Sport (though it does have it's idiosyncrasies) but I love "heal-toeing" it with a manual. You are sure to turn some heads in your black, stealthy 'Cedes.

 

The BMW is a kid’s car, and Benz is for people looking for the extra luxury and upscale nature of Benz as well as performance. Look at the 17" wheels, I have the supercharged 4 cyl w/6 speed and people think it is much more expensive than I paid. Handles sweet and looks the part too. Friends of mine have 3-series that they like and have worked with chips, suspension, etc... but these are not as refined as the Benz. The free oil changes that BMW include are nice, but not many car companies cover basic maintenance.

 

Get both of them.

I like supesized cars but...
Somedays, I want to just cruise in plushness, quietness, straight luxury tank. (1989 MBZ 560SEL)
Or sometimes I want a little bit of luxury with a sports, a little more engine rev, redline, feel as I cruise at 100+ (1987 BMW 735i)
But me personally will always be in the mood for quality, safety, classic styling.

 

Have you DRIVEN the new 3 series? Because what you said is not consistent with the car I am looking to purchase. The Benz is cheap feeling compared to the 3.

 

Well alot of kids my age get a car and change almost everything to get more speed and stuff. But some of them do it to their 3 series so much that it no longer even feel like a BMW. In fact I can't even call it a true BMW anymore (or Mercedes C-class) because they change so many parts that the onlt thing that's basically original is the body and the hood emblem. Everything else is like some Japenese "sports" suspension or racing seats, neaon lights and new paint job and ruckus. Makes no sense.

Most people I come across that prefer BMW feels that Mercedes is too stodgy or too plush for the price. While Mercedes perferers feel BMW is too unrefined or not luxurious enouugh for the price.
The nagain, they are too different types of cars geared towards almost two different type of folks. BMW overall is known for it's sports sedans while Mercedes is known for being a straight luxury or high line executive vehicle. But both of them have stepped into easch other territoies on more than one occasion. The BMW 7 series, or the Mercedes C-class or some of the AMG based vehicles.

 

Nice car RainMan15.

Like Fly_Major_Fly said, Agn105, deep down you already made up your mind. I was in your situation last August and it took me 4 months to finally close on a car. And Im very happy with it despite whatever advice my buddies gave me and I'm sure you will be too with your decision. Good Luck!

 

Dont call me stuck up but...............

I have a 2001 C320 and a 2001 325i. Now here's my feelings.

The BMW has had more issues, but it has more mileage.

The Mercedes is an automatic and the BMW is a manual. So I like them differently on different days.

Now since you are looking at the 230, then I might suggest the 325i for torgue and over all performance.

On a 100% comparison though, the BMW 325i seems a little tougher than my 320, but the ride is smoother on the Benz. Besides that, they are neck and neck in everything else.

 

I have never owned a BMW but i have driven a 95 325i personally i liked it. I have never actually driven any C-class but I am currently looking at getting a C43 I like the style of the older C-class plus i like the idea of it being a "sleeper" I could buy an e36 M3 but too many teenagers buy a 318i and turn them into German Ricers (all of this is coming from a 20 yo) plus i like the luxury of Mercedes. But i have noticed that there quaility isn't quite what it used to be. When i close the door on my 560 it feels a whole lot better made than if i close the door an a 06 s-class. Overall I think they r and have earned to right to be two very respected car companies offering cars that fit different people different ways.

 

Buy the Benz, I own an SL and also a C class and have much more satisifaction than my friends that drive BMW's. My best advise would be to track down people you know that have 4 or more years experiance with both cars & ask their opinions. That will show you first hand why you will want to go with the Benz!