I test drove the new 2006 325i yesterday. A little bit faster than my C230K for the acceleration and it has a very smooth engine compared to the 4 cyl Supercharged engine but not very impressive interior. It does not have the feeling and looks of the C230K at all.

 

but that one is 6 cylinder...was it?

 

yes it was 6 cyl.

 

I'm a former BMW 3 series car. Your correct in your assessment of Bimmer's. The interior diffference is planned like you described. BMW is a dfference take on the sport luxo sedan. The interior of most Bimmer's have a "sports look," versus the Luxo look of the Mercedes. Mercedes targets the luxuary buyer group and BMW the sport luxuary buyer group, ages 30 something to 50 or less. My assessment of my C280 and the 3 series Bimmer? The Benz is much easier to live with day to day, it handles better then I thought a Benz would, When use in "sports mode (4speed setting)" on the automatic transmission, the car can keep up with most 3 Series Bimmer's except the M, but the AMG C would give the M a run for its money, but IMHO, the M is a faster car then the C AMG cars. The Bimmer seats were horrible on a long trip, the benz seat are great. Quality of material? Both cars use excellent quality material, except the interior styles are for different purposes.