Head-To-Head, BMW 3-Series vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Even though this is a comparo between a new gen C-Class and a current gen 3-series (which is about to be replaced by a new gen 3-series), I still prefer the current gen bimmer.

It's still the same generation what are you talking about? It's just a refreshed C-class.

C.

I prefer the C class as it looks sportier and more elegant, to.

The current 3er is nice, but a little to conservative and boring in terms of styling. Every BMW 3er until the current E90 has stood out in terms of design. The E90 looks just bland, bland and blander.

Ugly both. Neither.

that wasn't the question. if someone pointed a gun at your head and made you choose, which one?

They both look better then the Audi A4...but that's a no brainer.

C Klasse for me, thanks :-)

That has nothing to do with build quality. It's a styling element. Viewed from the side, that "gap" sets a dynamic design accent.

I'm just glad the facelifted C-Class has a new interior. The previous one was absolutely TERRIBLE. It could have passed for a much cheaper car.

Until MB comes up with a C-Class that can match the 335i's amazing engine, not counting the twice as expensive C63 of course, I'll have to side with the Bimmer. Not only is is crazy fast, it still gets 30+ MPG on the freeway in real world use.

At least the top end C-Class is better than the equivalent Audi A4, that thing gets spanked by V6 Camry's and Accords. Unless you spend 55k+ on an S4, the A4 is crazy underpowered. Sucks because the new models look pretty good.

Um, the new C350 with 306-horsepower has the new modular Mercedes V6. And that engine isn't called "modular" for nothing. Mercedes engineers developed it in such a way that it can easily be fitted with a single or twin turbos (or a supercharger) with relative ease and few modifications. This motor has not been reviewed yet. It's bound to be fast, but the really amazing thing about this engine, should MB claims be true, are the low fuel consumption and the really low class-leading emission values.

Also, I wouldn't call the 335i "amazing" since its problematic motor has been nothing but a thorn in the reputation of the rather pleasing 335i lineup.

The older 335i's DO have their problems, specifically with the HPFP (high pressure fuel pump), and I know because that's currently my daily driver. BUT, BMW has given every 335i owner a 120,000+ mile warranty covering anything to do with it and I've only ever dealt with any issues arising from it once. The newest models have a dramatically redesigned engine and show no signs of similar issues.

Trust me, you don't want to bring up easy modifications when comparing something to the 335i. Bone stock, people are getting 4.7 second 0-60 times, that's 2 tenths of a second away from a Porsche 911 (Porsche actually claims an equal 4.7 second time, but real world testing shows 4.5). Spend $500 and 45 minutes installing a tuning chip, and you're in the low 4's, easily taking on M3's and even MB's vaunted C63. And like I mentioned above, you're still getting low 30's on the freeway. It really is amazing how efficient it is.

I dont like neither

I'll take the C Class thanks. I have brand loyalty and more importantly I like a decent back seat for naughty activities (...j/k)

They are both good cars. All you have to do is test drive them. You will see when it comes to driving experience 3 series is on top. Otherwise its personal preference.

There's nothing wrong with the BMW's motor. It's the high pressure fuel pump on the twin-turbos that's the problem.

the c-class has a muscular and aggressive exterior look than the 3 series and the MB interior is sportier than the wooden trimmed 3 series'. overally the C-class looks better than the 3 series on all fronts. the 3 series just retains its position on the driving perfomance front.