in case the e90 330 is too slow:

[lemming]

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...line.promo.2.*

the new C classs C350 comes standard with a manual transmission.

(always have a backup plan).

4matic is also available.

[SCA]

Mercedes is moving in for the kill with the 268-hp, 3.5-liter C350. Sounds like BMW 3 Series drivers better start checking their rearview mirrors.

If the horsepower jump isn't enough to grab you by the short hairs, the increase in torque will. With 258 pound-feet of torque, the Mercedes' V6 destroys BMW's new 3.0-liter inline six.

Although previously disregarded as a true sport sedan, this new, more powerful Mercedes-Benz C350 should earn a spot on any BMW shopper's short list.

[zach]

Originally Posted by Sean

I'd prefer not to be grabbed there. Thanks though.

[FC]

Originally Posted by lemming

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Drives/FirstDrives/articleId=104715?tid=edmunds.h..insideline.promo.2 .*

the new C classs C350 comes standard with a manual transmission.

(always have a backup plan).

4matic is also available.

Did I not call this a week ago?

MB is not getting prorper press by real enthusiasts given their new 3.5L. From what I've heard, people who have driven E350's claim there is no need to go to an E500 anymore. That is how good that engine seems to be.

[lemming]

right on, mbr.

excellent call.

i just thought they would only offer the big engine in the C with an automatic.

[FC]

Originally Posted by lemming

right on, mbr.

excellent call.

i just thought they would only offer the big engine in the C with an automatic.

It is a shame they do not offer the MT in AWD wagons, and I just saw they dropped the C320 wagon. WTF???!!!

That would have been FAST even with a slushie. Oh well, it WAS very pricey.

[Rob]

Outstanding. Now if we could just get a well executed response from Cadillac and Lexus as well, it will definately be a buyer's market. Ok, maybe Cadillac really isn't necessary, but I love my car - I think they could make a 3 series sized car that is competitive in all aspects and less expensive than an import. Especially with the current value of the dollar.

[Rob]

Oh, one other thought - I have a friend that is going from a 525 lease to a Mercedes CLS (I think that's the name - the four door "coupe"). He found some articles that previewed the car and wanted to buy the 3.5 version instead of the V8 to save a few thousand dollars (he really doesn't care much about performance). I gave him a hard time about it until I found out that 3.5 liter motor pushes the car from 0 - 60 in under 7 seconds. That's respectable and nothing like the E300. They aren't selling the car with that motor in the U.S. though, so he has to suffer with the V8. Should be here in about 2 weeks.

[lemming]

Originally Posted by rwg

Oh, one other thought - I have a friend that is going from a 525 lease to a Mercedes CLS (I think that's the name - the four door "coupe"). He found some articles that previewed the car and wanted to buy the 3.5 version instead of the V8 to save a few thousand dollars (he really doesn't care much about performance). I gave him a hard time about it until I found out that 3.5 liter motor pushes the car from 0 - 60 in under 7 seconds. That's respectable and nothing like the E300. They aren't selling the car with that motor in the U.S. though, so he has to suffer with the V8. Should be here in about 2 weeks.

"suffer".

i love the CLS. it looks beautiful in pictures.

i, too, wish that GM made a saab 9-3 sized car that was RWD or RWD-biased AWD that had the dynamics of the 3 series.

it's not that i love subarus so much, it's that they're some of the fastest cars around right now and there isn't anything compelling for me to give the car up.

i very much would welcome an excuse.

[ayn]

Nice, maybe I'll get an MB afterall... my parents will be happy... lol...