[Doofus]

I didn't really know where to post this, so I apologise in advance if it's in the wrong section.

Has anyone here moved from an E90/92/93 to a Mercedes C Class Coupe/Saloon?

My E92 is 5 years old now, and I am looking to potentially purchase a newer car, and I have to say, the AMG-line trimmed C Class Coupes are really catching my eye. I was wondering if anyone had any experience of making this move (or even the reverse move), so I could get some real life feedback?

My car:





Example of what I'm looking at:







The interior is what really sells it to me at the moment. It's gorgeous.

[BMWinAZ]

Years ago I moved from a C350 to an X3 with MSport package, later I added an e90 to the lineup and recently replaced the aging e83 with an f30. I personally don't plan on ever going back to MB. Audi maybe. Of course, never say never. I liked the C350 just fine but had to ditch it once it developed a potential fatal crankshaft problem. I was sad to see it go, but really never looked back once I sat in the BMW sport seats, IMO the best car seats in the industry. I have them in all of my BMWs. It also is my personal opinion that the handling in the sport variant of BMW is much better than it was in my C350.

[mecheng77]

Mercedes has flashy interiors, not such how well the interior will age aesthetically and how durable it is. BMW has a more sober but durable and uncluttered interior. Overall, the 6 cylinder Mercedes engines are quite durable, not sure about the rest of the car. In my area they hold their value better than the same generation E90, maybe because more BMWs were sold or maybe they are more durable.

I drove the previous generation Mercedes C class, it was okay but the C250 was slow. I haven't driven the newer generation.

[Fritzer]

Modern Mercedes is really flashy, and the entry level ones scream "I want to look rich, but I could only afford this".(At least to informed people, your average plebeian probably couldn't tell) I just wish the entry level ones were real entry-level quality, because then they would be less flashy and more affordable and you would still get a quality product. It would also give more merit to their higher-end vehicles. The brand is so diluted because even the cheapo Mercs you can get nice interiors and AMG BADGING, AMG SPORT PACKAGE, but it's just a x250 or x350 model.

I get that the new Mercedes interiors are nice and all, but they honestly aren't the best driving cars, at least the entry level ones. Laughable compared to an E9x when it comes to driving performance. But hey, it's a trade off. Depends on whats more important to you, driving or looks/perception. I know which one I would choose in a heartbeat.

[wanna325i]

I don't have any seat time behind a coupe. But I drove sedan version, I enjoyed it.( C300 AMG package), Great daily driver, comfortable seat etc.

[ThugzZ BunnY]

does it drive as well? no.
will you push the car hard enough to really notice? probably not.
they are comfortable, they do look good, and in most places are cheaper.
but they do cost more to maintain and are notorious for electrical issues. also their version of idrive is trash.

[BeaterM3]

Originally Posted by ThugzZ BunnY

does it drive as well? no.
will you push the car hard enough to really notice? probably not.
they are comfortable, they do look good, and in most places are cheaper.
but they do cost more to maintain and are notorious for electrical issues. also their version of idrive is trash.

I have a 2011 e92 335i and the fiancee` has a 2013 C300 Sport.

The C300 feels like you are floating over everything. You're doing 80 and feels like you are doing 50. Very comfortable drive; you barely feel the road. I can't stand BMW's IDrive but Merc's version of Idrive and the nav system is garbage.

Front engine mount wear seem like the most common problem on these. As well as random electrical glitches. She's had a TPMS sensor fault show up and turning the car off and on never came back and TPMS all work. Had a turning signal bulb fault pop up...again, turning off and on, it works and no other fault. I will say, the car has been bulletproof for her so far. Her car will be needing the front engine mounts replaced soon.

While she absolutely loves the car, I don't think it would be a vehicle I would enjoy driving daily. The C300 doesn't drive aggressively enough for me. It doesn't pack the punch I like. Even with my Xdrive, my steering and handling seem tighter and stiffer than her C300 with the Sport springs and suspension.

[Doofus]

Originally Posted by revengeismine

I have a 2011 e92 335i and the fiancee` has a 2013 C300 Sport.

The C300 feels like you are floating over everything. You're doing 80 and feels like you are doing 50. Very comfortable drive; you barely feel the road. I can't stand BMW's IDrive but Merc's version of Idrive and the nav system is garbage.

Front engine mount wear seem like the most common problem on these. As well as random electrical glitches. She's had a TPMS sensor fault show up and turning the car off and on never came back and TPMS all work. Had a turning signal bulb fault pop up...again, turning off and on, it works and no other fault. I will say, the car has been bulletproof for her so far. Her car will be needing the front engine mounts replaced soon.

While she absolutely loves the car, I don't think it would be a vehicle I would enjoy driving daily. The C300 doesn't drive aggressively enough for me. It doesn't pack the punch I like. Even with my Xdrive, my steering and handling seem tighter and stiffer than her C300 with the Sport springs and suspension.

Thanks, this is exactly the kind of feedback I am after. I’ve really enjoyed my 3 year ownership (so far) of a 325d LCI M Sport, as it has been a dream to drive, and I’m currently torn between sticking with it, or going for something that has more of a luxury look and feel to it, as well as being newer. I originally was looking at the f30s but they really don’t do it for me compared to the 2016+ C Class Mercedes. I am wary of the downgrade in terms of the infotainment system, though, as I read everywhere that nothing is quite as good as the iDrive and I do wonder if I’ll miss that as I do use it a lot (nav, music with iPod, etc). I probably need to take one for a test drive, to be honest.

Edit: I am also wary of how much of a downgrade the actual driving experience would be. Even the f30s get a bad rap compared to the E90s.

[Nickco43]

Most BMW models you can find very well written DIYS, dealer software, dealer workshop manuals, etc free online. MB owners are the upmost dealer sheep that never work on their cars.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

MB owners are the upmost dealer sheep that never work on their cars.

I would agree 97% with your statement. I know some guys who work on some pretty sweet W124s and W201s. Lots of diesel guys in the crowd too. Suffice to say, there are way more SwedeSpeed guys - and that's saying something.

Most Merc owners are definitely dealer-types. Around where I live the basic 16 year old, posh, girl car is a CLA250 or C300. The local dealer probably makes a killing on leases.

Only new Merc I would buy would be a X-Class if they ever brought it to the US, would be nice to have a german truck for hauling/towing. They should sell it under the Sprinter dealers as work trucks.

[Jesda]

The C-class has a nice looking interior but the styling is that of an amorphous blob. I miss the Bruno Sacco era of MB. Mechanical dependability is generally fine.

If you like it, buy it.

[Doofus]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

Most BMW models you can find very well written DIYS, dealer software, dealer workshop manuals, etc free online. MB owners are the upmost dealer sheep that never work on their cars.

That's another thing I forgot to mention. I did look for the Benz equivalent of this forum, and frankly, nothing even came close.

[Yngvejos]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

Most BMW models you can find very well written DIYS, dealer software, dealer workshop manuals, etc free online. MB owners are the upmost dealer sheep that never work on their cars.

That's true. I drive a Mercedes Vito at work. I have an inverter in the cargo room to charge batteries for power tools, it connects directly to the card battery and had to be switched off when I parked the car to prevent battery drain.

I installed a relay and tried to search online to find a kl15 terminal in the cargo room to switch it on with the ignition. I couldn't find any information online, so I ended up tapping into the lighter socket inside the cabin.

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by Nickco43

Most BMW models you can find very well written DIYS, dealer software, dealer workshop manuals, etc free online. MB owners are the upmost dealer sheep that never work on their cars.

This is true, when I was looking at w204s, I tried to research what the common
Weak points were but couldn’t find and forums.
I know the w203s were prone to rusting and look very dated with the front lights. The w202s are classic and well built but are old.

All the other European makes have great support online: Volvo, Audi, VW, BMW

[08TUNDRA]

I'm not really biased but I work in a Mercedes dealership and have driven thousands of miles in every model of Mercedes lately, I own an e92 335i and an e46 m3 the w205 c300 are great cars. if you are looking for a daily driver you cant really go wrong. They are great on gas a c300 can get 30+ highway without trying and they look great in amg line. Just like all the German cars make sure you take your time and buy one with the options ticked because it makes all the difference in these. Steering is arguably better than a pre face-lift f30 and the suspension also has selective dampening so put the thing in sport plus and you can have some fun. (obviosly not as much in an e90). the command system is not that bad it is similar to the cic idrive. You have the option for android auto and apple carplay which puts it miles ahead of the e90 in terms of tech. Test drive it and youll like it.

[Ozzie335i]

I wouldn't want either car as the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

[catcher22]

I agree with what the others said above. In fact, I was going to post yesterday, but didn't, and was surprised others said the same thing I was going to.


My brother owned a c class, I know it well. And an entry level car it was. Gorgeous on the inside, but didn't hold up well at all. After about 8 years both the drivers and passengers seats began to come loose. Everything on the interior began to rattle and fall apart quickly after that. Now, on the E class this doesn't happen. On a BMW 3 series, that doesn't happen either.

[mecheng77]

Originally Posted by catcher22

I agree with what the others said above. In fact, I was going to post yesterday, but didn't, and was surprised others said the same thing I was going to.


My brother owned a c class, I know it well. And an entry level car it was. Gorgeous on the inside, but didn't hold up well at all. After about 8 years both the drivers and passengers seats began to come loose. Everything on the interior began to rattle and fall apart quickly after that. Now, on the E class this doesn't happen. On a BMW 3 series, that doesn't happen either.

Which Generation and year C class?

[Gamb1t]

I just hate how MB tacked on an Alibaba tablet on the dash. Lazy implementation IMHO.

[Fritzer]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

I wouldn't want either car as the steering wheel is on the wrong side.

The most important issue!

[Sayek]

Just add my 2 cent... dont think will help OP much.

I have owned E92 LCI just over 3 years.
I have never driven a MB but several family members have C, E and M class so cant really go into comparison of driving.

Nephew leased a new C class. Before the end of his 2 year contract the drivers leather seat bolster had ripped.. i could not figure out if that material was leather or plastic. And the tablet on the dash just looked wrong.

Sat in a older 10 year M class and it did feel luxury but thats on a same level as X5.

A cousin of mine paid a deposit for a nearly new 5 Series. 2 days later he asked for the deposit back and bought a 3 year old C class. When i asked him why did not stick with the 5 series his reply was his neighbour has a Merc and its more prestige than a BMW.

This cousin only drives about 5 miles each way to work and weekend family trips.
He was more concerned what his neighbours think so the MB beat the BMW to his drive.

Other point about DIY maintenance. All MB owners in the family never touched a spanner and stick with the onboad service indicator.

[Doofus]

Originally Posted by Sayek

Just add my 2 cent... dont think will help OP much.

I have owned E92 LCI just over 3 years.
I have never driven a MB but several family members have C, E and M class so cant really go into comparison of driving.

Nephew leased a new C class. Before the end of his 2 year contract the drivers leather seat bolster had ripped.. i could not figure out if that material was leather or plastic. And the tablet on the dash just looked wrong.

Sat in a older 10 year M class and it did feel luxury but thats on a same level as X5.

A cousin of mine paid a deposit for a nearly new 5 Series. 2 days later he asked for the deposit back and bought a 3 year old C class. When i asked him why did not stick with the 5 series his reply was his neighbour has a Merc and its more prestige than a BMW.

This cousin only drives about 5 miles each way to work and weekend family trips.
He was more concerned what his neighbours think so the MB beat the BMW to his drive.

Other point about DIY maintenance. All MB owners in the family never touched a spanner and stick with the onboad service indicator.

Do people generally see Mercedes as more prestigious than BMW?

I've always had BMW, Mercedes and Audi in the same bracket, in my mind.