I'm really struggling to choose between these two cars.

I have about £10k - £15k to spend and would ideally want an estate. Its quite hard to find an estate of reasonable age and mileage with a few toys.

The issue I have is that my father's BMW 535D on 19" rims is just too hard a ride to live with. I have also driven a 330D SE on run flats, and that was OK. However, to think that the M Sport edition would be an even harder ride I am concerned. Its the M Sport I am after, as I don't like the styling on the SE models.

I have no issue of ditching the run flats, but I don't know how much difference it will really make to the ride quality.

This is when the merc arrived on the scene. More comfy, no silly I Drive (which on 2008 ish models is horrid), but are they any fun?

I do about 15k miles a year, maybe 20k miles. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

 

I would go with the 330d/335d tourer m sport on 18's without run flats, merc make some lovely cars but they are a bit too pipe and slipper for my liking, did see a nice c220 white saloon with black roof which took my fancy the other day though, well then there is the c63:-), go 330d:-)

 

I had reservations about the merc old man image , mines an e class 320 which is even worse , I've always had BMW but fancied a change
I think the merc has a lot nicer cabin than BMW , other than that I think they're pretty much the same ,

 

I too am a little worried about the pipe and slippers image. I'm starting to get over that now. I'm glad that your experience is that they are much the same car. I had heard some people saying they were boring. It's hard to get a feel for living with a car from just a test drive!

 

I think it's quite fun chucking a bit of a big bus around , and surprises a few folk

 

I have a 08 330d msport. The ride is firm but not harsh by any stretch. Don't mind the idrive either but i've never had a bash at any other idrive so i don't know what i'm missing anyway

 

Had a 520d M sport with the optional non run flats 19" wheels.

It was firm yes, but a million times better than a car on 18" run flats.

No doubt 18's on normal tyres would be comfier, but not as aesthetically pleasing.

 

I honestly think this choice comes down to how you personally rate the cars as they are both very good. Personally speaking I prefer the BMW over the Merc C class looks wise (yes even though I own a Merc) and I think it probably fractionally as the edge in ultimate performance, but on the road this is more to do with how you as an individual feel about them.

I would take them both for a test drive and press on and see which you feel is the best for you when you want to drive a bit. In cruise mode the Merc probably edges it on the ride stakes, but again the differences will be subtle.

One other thing to consider given your mileage is who is going to service them. If you go main dealers make sure your local one has a good rep.... some Merc dealers are truly awful ... BMW dealers I don't know about but I guess they will be the same! They all know how to charge too... and then some. That said I have befriended by local MB dealer and without asking I get 25% discount on parts partly because the parts manager likes my car!

If you want a local independent both marques have some great independent garages and the forums for the marques will reveal which ones local to you are good. They charge significantly less for labour yet still use OEM parts. They are plentiful too which is good. Many in MB's case are MB approved too.

 

Not sure on comparing it to a BMW in terms of fun but considerably better built than either of them.
Lexus F-Sport

 

Otherwise I'd be recommending an XF

 

335d Touring. Ours has verb bulletproof for fine years, rides very well on 17" non run flats, is very quick and will be for sale soon. 53k mile but ageing ; 2006.

 

What about a Legacy or an Audi?

 

I have an E92 330d SE, its on 18's with non RFT (Falken FK453's) and the ride is lovely!

Defo go for the Beemer over the Merc.

 

Well, I took a C350CDi out for a test drive. Looks like this is going to be the one, especially as it had the Brabus tuning package from new.

Fingers crossed I have made the right choice.....I hope. If not I will be back here, thanks for the suggestions

 

Sounds good, whats the Brabus tuning pack? Any pics?

 

A bit of engine tweaking and mapping that yields approximately an extra 50hp and 60Nm of torque. Well worth it!

 

Good choice, I was just about to say go for the merc, don't think I could ever bring myself to own a BMW, the image is worse than being a scooby driver.

 

Pics to follow this weekend, assuming the deal goes ahead. I've left the dealer with a few tasks to complete otherwise the purchase won't go ahead.

One of which is proof that the Brabus tuning package is actually present. Its all well and good having a fancy engine cover, but if someone has removed the bits and sold them on ebay its not much cop (this has been done before)!

 

Make sure you get the complimentary tartan rug for the parcel shelf

 

Haha, course it is.


Cheers,
Grant

 

I have worse than that

 

I have a spare one if you need it. When I had my Jag it came with two of them Obviously I have kept one for my Merc

 

If you want a fast, (relatively) economical, luxury GT cruiser go for the Merc.

Just traded our 192,000 mile E320 CDI for a nearly new E350 coupe last week.

The E320 CDI rode beautifully even after all the years and miles, returned 45.6 mpg average (rural living, not a traffic light for miles) for the last 20k miles and could have been passed off as a 70k miler. For a big car it was very easy to place and handle when you felt like putting your foot down. Missing it already.

We transplanted our tartan rug from the old car to the new one but we keep ours in its proper place: under the rear centre armrest. Don't listen to those mis-guided wannabees trying to persuade you to keep yours on the back shelf!