2013 C350 4matic or 2013 328i Xdrive?

ed328ci · 01-13-2013, 12:10 PM

For the same money, including allocated annual cost of maintenance, as 328i XDrive with Premium, a C350 4Matic sedan with Premium, Convenience, Driving Assist packages. Equipment wise the C350 will have a backup camera that the F30 would lack for the same money. And yes, C350 4matic sedan is offered here in Canada, but not in the US.

The C350 has a more powerful engine, but the F30 has a more responsive transmission. Braking is about the same. The F30 under steers marginally less. I like the look the F30 a bit better. F30's iDrive is better than the C350's UI.

Having trouble making a choice. Which would you pick? Which is likely to be more reliable?

FC · 01-13-2013, 12:17 PM

No idea.

I think it's a toss up. I would imagine the F30 drives better just because it's a BMW, but with AWD and no sport pkg, and the more isolated F30 chassis, I don't know.

With a gun to my head I'd pick the C-class because I think it looks better and I seem to recall having more rear leg room than the E90. Also more bugs have been fixed. But the F30 is bigger now and you think it looks better, so I don't know. I haven't driven either.

Sorry.

*clyde* · 01-13-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed328ci

For the same money, including allocated annual cost of maintenance, as 328i XDrive with Premium, a C350 4Matic sedan with Premium, Convenience, Driving Assist packages. Equipment wise the C350 will have a backup camera that the F30 would lack for the same money. And yes, C350 4matic sedan is offered here in Canada, but not in the US.

The C350 has a more powerful engine, but the F30 has a more responsive transmission. Braking is about the same. The F30 under steers marginally less. I like the look the F30 a bit better. F30's iDrive is better than the C350's UI.

Having trouble making a choice. Which would you pick? Which is likely to be more reliable?

Have you driven both of them yet? Everything you mentioned sounds like paper and spec sheet differences. I think I'd want to see what they're like to drive and sit in.

IMO, the Benz C-Class is one of, if not the most beautiful small or mid-size sedans in the past 15 years. Not wild about the tail, but everything forward of the last 12" or so is just gorgeous.

Sharp11 · 01-13-2013, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clyde

Have you driven both of them yet? Everything you mentioned sounds like paper and spec sheet differences. I think I'd want to see what they're like to drive and sit in.

IMO, the Benz C-Class is one of, if not the most beautiful small or mid-size sedans in the past 15 years. Not wild about the tail, but everything forward of the last 12" or so is just gorgeous.

They're CPO bargains as well - I watch the Sunday morning used car show from the Merc/BMW dealer out of New Haven - smoking deals off lease, those cars are.

Bruce330cic · 01-13-2013, 01:36 PM

The Mercedes also has a much nicer interior than the BMW, IMO. I agree with Clyde about the current C class....it's a damn fine looking car. I would definitely consider one if I were in the market. I'm not a fan of the new 3 series styling at all.

kognito · 01-13-2013, 01:42 PM

I have not driven, but I did sit in an F30. I have driven the new C350.

For me, the C350 is a much more comfortable interior, but I am a big guy.

Went to BMW Bellevue to check out the F30, what a bunch of assholes at that dealer. Was too much trouble to them to have a test drive. At MB Lynnwood, however, I was treated me like I was a king. Only slight bummer (and I dont blame them) They had one C350 coupe awd in stock. This was what I wanted to drive. It was on the showroom floor.

ed328ci · 01-13-2013, 07:57 PM

Thanks guys. I have driven both. My mom has a F30 RWD, and I have driven that car many times. Have taken the C350 4Matic for two test drives. As stated, under steers a bit more than the F30. Road feel is about the same. Sorry BMW. Acceleration is give and take. C350 has a more powerful engine, but the F30 has a faster responding transmission. 2013 A4 2.0T SLine 8 speed auto is actually a little better driving car than either. Braking is about the same.

C350 has more feature for the same cost. For the same out of pocket cost, especially with Mercedes's much lower finance rate, the C350 will be outfitted with Sirius radio, rear camera, Logic 7 stereo, and Bluetooth streaming. These items will cost another $2,000 in packages for the BMW.

I am only 5'8", and fit the same in either car.

bren · 01-13-2013, 08:13 PM

Sounds like the Merc is ahead, what's stopping you from pulling the trigger?

ed328ci · 01-14-2013, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bren

Sounds like the Merc is ahead, what's stopping you from pulling the trigger?

Still like the looks of the F30. And there will be a C class replacement either this year or the next. And the UI for iDrive is MUCH better than Command.

What are your thoughts on reliability?

FC · 01-14-2013, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ed328ci

Still like the looks of the F30. And there will be a C class replacement either this year or the next. And the UI for iDrive is MUCH better than Command.

What are your thoughts on reliability?

C-class should have good field data and known bugs fixed by now. F30 is in its first year. BMW's (and most other cars) are usually a bit buggy the first 1-2 years.

01-13-2013, 12:10 PM	#1
ed328ci Realist Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E90 325i Location: GTA with a long commute Posts: 185	2013 C350 4matic or 2013 328i Xdrive? For the same money, including allocated annual cost of maintenance, as 328i XDrive with Premium, a C350 4Matic sedan with Premium, Convenience, Driving Assist packages. Equipment wise the C350 will have a backup camera that the F30 would lack for the same money. And yes, C350 4matic sedan is offered here in Canada, but not in the US. The C350 has a more powerful engine, but the F30 has a more responsive transmission. Braking is about the same. The F30 under steers marginally less. I like the look the F30 a bit better. F30's iDrive is better than the C350's UI. Having trouble making a choice. Which would you pick? Which is likely to be more reliable? __________________ Common sense, isn't

01-13-2013, 01:42 PM	#6
kognito older fart than ZBB Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: On the road again Posts: 8,900	I have not driven, but I did sit in an F30. I have driven the new C350. For me, the C350 is a much more comfortable interior, but I am a big guy. Went to BMW Bellevue to check out the F30, what a bunch of assholes at that dealer. Was too much trouble to them to have a test drive. At MB Lynnwood, however, I was treated me like I was a king. Only slight bummer (and I dont blame them) They had one C350 coupe awd in stock. This was what I wanted to drive. It was on the showroom floor. __________________ 2017 GMC Sierra 1500 SLE 2020 Fusion Titanium

01-13-2013, 07:57 PM	#7
ed328ci Realist Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E90 325i Location: GTA with a long commute Posts: 185	Thanks guys. I have driven both. My mom has a F30 RWD, and I have driven that car many times. Have taken the C350 4Matic for two test drives. As stated, under steers a bit more than the F30. Road feel is about the same. Sorry BMW. Acceleration is give and take. C350 has a more powerful engine, but the F30 has a faster responding transmission. 2013 A4 2.0T SLine 8 speed auto is actually a little better driving car than either. Braking is about the same. C350 has more feature for the same cost. For the same out of pocket cost, especially with Mercedes's much lower finance rate, the C350 will be outfitted with Sirius radio, rear camera, Logic 7 stereo, and Bluetooth streaming. These items will cost another $2,000 in packages for the BMW. I am only 5'8", and fit the same in either car. __________________ Common sense, isn't

01-13-2013, 12:17 PM	#2
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,264	No idea. I think it's a toss up. I would imagine the F30 drives better just because it's a BMW, but with AWD and no sport pkg, and the more isolated F30 chassis, I don't know. With a gun to my head I'd pick the C-class because I think it looks better and I seem to recall having more rear leg room than the E90. Also more bugs have been fixed. But the F30 is bigger now and you think it looks better, so I don't know. I haven't driven either. Sorry.

01-13-2013, 01:36 PM	#5
Bruce330cic Crotchety Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: 2020 Tesla Model 3 LR Location: North Hollywood, CA Posts: 844	The Mercedes also has a much nicer interior than the BMW, IMO. I agree with Clyde about the current C class....it's a damn fine looking car. I would definitely consider one if I were in the market. I'm not a fan of the new 3 series styling at all.

01-13-2013, 08:13 PM	#8
bren lawn boy Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: e46m3, f25x3,C5 Z06, C4 Vette, 06 CTD Ram, and a trailer Location: Maryland Posts: 14,029	Sounds like the Merc is ahead, what's stopping you from pulling the trigger?