[kcgman]

Okay. So this post begins with "I have a friend" who's looking to buy his wife a used car and asked me what I thought about Mercedes vs. BMW. He said he was considering either getting a 328i or an E-series Mercedes. I think he asked me because I drive a BMW. Unfortunately for him, I bought a diesel and while I compared the 335d to the 335i, I didn't really spend much time researching other brands and models. At the time, BMW was the only diesel sports car option.

My first reaction to my friend's question was to tell my friend that Mercedes has a bit more of a luxury focus whereas BMW is more of a car for people who love cars that drive well. I then began to wonder if his comparison of the 3 series to the E-class might not be the appropriate comparison. Isn't the 5 series more of the E-class comparison?

Anyway, does anyone have any helpful thoughts on what the 328i should be compared to? He's looking for a used sedan. Also is there anything he should consider as he makes his decision (or his wife does)? Any other good car brand/models that compare to the 328i and should be looked at? Anyone see any good articles comparing the 2008 or 2009 328i to an "equivalent" Mercedes?

Thanks for the help.

[kgb1637]

You're right about the comparison, the E series is more of a 5 whereas the C class is more of a 3. Depends on what she wants, the Merc is gonna be a comfortable ride, supple leather, and just a nice car. The BMW is what it is, a car thats meant to be driven and to have some fun with.

[fruition3000]

C300 > 328i

I would def go for the Merc. Its a way better looking car for the money.

[Atombyte]

Originally Posted by fruition3000

C300 > 328i

I would def go for the Merc. Its a way better looking car for the money.

Strongly disagree with this, but everyone has their opinion. C-Class is definitely a cheaper car though.

E-Class should be shopped with 5-Series and Audi A6. Merc C-Class should be shopped with 3-Series, Audi A4/A5, and possibly Infinity G35/37.

[Drop top e93]

Originally Posted by fruition3000

C300 > 328i

I would def go for the Merc. Its a way better looking car for the money.

ur stupid throw yourself off a cliff

[Baldur Abendroth]

Why do I see so many people doing opinion studies for their friends? When was the last time someone made up their own mind about a car?

[kcgman]

Originally Posted by Baldur Abendroth

Why do I see so many people doing opinion studies for their friends? When was the last time someone made up their own mind about a car?

Probably the same reason that people make judgmental comments, it's human nature.

[Bartman619]

Originally Posted by fruition3000

C300 > 328i

I would def go for the Merc. Its a way better looking car for the money.

yeah..when I'm 65 years old.

[Alexander]

Umm you're on E90Post...

Therefore Mercedes is a huge piece of crap and E90's are a gift from god.

[e90David335i]

Everything is subjective.
I'd personally go with the Bimmer. (hints me owning one.)
The driving characteristics are superb! However, what you gain in performance, you lose in comfort. RFTs, stiffer suspension, tighter and heavier steering...ect.

The Merc is definitely the stereo typical luxury car.
Plush, gadgets, smooth ride, all the comfort boxes checked.

[biggy1001]

Originally Posted by fruition3000

C300 > 328i

I would def go for the Merc. Its a way better looking car for the money.

The C300 is a much cheaper car, the end.

[py335]

Originally Posted by Baldur Abendroth

Why do I see so many people doing opinion studies for their friends? When was the last time someone made up their own mind about a car?

hmmmm i dont find anything wrong with asking for other people's opinions... and i agree with what some of the other people have already said. the bimmer is definitely a driver's car and not really sure how i can compare it to the E. hope your friends make the right choice!

[rayleiwu]

I own BMW and MB and love both. You might want to ask the same question on mbworld.org or benzworld.org to get idea from both sides. It seems ppl on MB forums are more maturer(or older.. ).. so you might be able to get some unbiased reviews..

[Baldur Abendroth]

Originally Posted by kcgman

Probably the same reason that people make judgmental comments, it's human nature.

I hope you are not saying I made a judgemental comment, looks more like 2 questions to me. Also, it's human nature to do a friends research? I guess I see that as a favor, not human nature.

[Outlaw 06]

As others have already said, the E-Class Mercedes is comparable to the 5-Series BMW. As with BMW, there’s also a big difference between the entry level E-Class car and the top-of-the-line AMG car.

My retired parents have driven MBs for years. My mom currently has a (W211) E550 and my dad has a (W211) E320d. My parents like the MB’s soft suspension and they don’t understand why I enjoy driving BMWs so much. Whenever I drive one of their cars, I tease them by saying MBs are for “blue haired old fuddy duddies” (which they are by the way)…

My guess is that if your friend can't recognize the obvious handling, braking, and other performance differences between the cars, then he'll probably be happier with the Mercedes...

[OC Guy]

Originally Posted by blackonblack818

ur stupid throw yourself off a cliff

A bit extreme aren't you? People like you bring down the forum.

[ZuerstBMW]

If its for his wife, I would get the E class.

[Nalod]

Proper answer is what does the driver look for.

E-class coming off lease go for about the same as 328's which represents more depreciation on the so it may seem like a better used buy. E is smooth tourer and well mannered. I like them.

I came out of a 07' 530i and wanted a smaller more nimble car so I got my preference. My wife if given the same choice woud go E class for the Automatic, 4 doors and more utility.

Too many variables.

IM suprised no body tried telling to get a 335?

E-class > 328i non-sport steptronic

328i Sport 6sp MT> E-class

Depends on what your "friend" is looking for.

[JuppiOne]

I agree with most, Merc=softer more luxurious ride, BMW=Firmer and more sporty ride, but also don't forget, Merc have horrible reliability rating in recent years.

[328skidpad]

what is your friends wife driving now?

[Alexander]

Originally Posted by OC 335i

A bit extreme aren't you? People like you bring down the forum.

We all hate him no worries.

[fruition3000]

I never said anything about quality, ride or anything else. If these two cars were my only option and if I was a chick, I would go Merc solely based on looks.

C300 is def a girls car. Didn't u guys read what the OP wrote? His friend's wife is looking for a car!