[BEM-S4]

Either way your dealer can search for you and they all go to auctions and can buy exec demo cars. You just tell them for example I require 435, 2016, RWD, etc. Color options are whatever.

If you give them a little time they can find you just about anything for 20-25% off in an exec demo. Which given your buy and hold strategy and budget is without a doubt the smart money play.

[Stones1970]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

I think it said sport package you should check it out. I forget exactly but at some point 3/4 sport became standard and track handling was then optional.

I checked - it has the visual elements of the sport pack but not the 704 suspension. Still worth taking a test drive though.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Stones1970

I checked - it has the visual elements of the sport pack but not the 704 suspension. Still worth taking a test drive though.

You need to do some digging because I am recalling various things I have read about cars that I looked into over the years - but Dinan makes something to tune the standard suspension or you can always swap it out.

If you check the classifieds you will see TONS of gear taken off better cars brand new and sold for pennies on the dollar. I say better for ease of discussion, as an M3 may not be better for you for whatever reason. So whatever, in any event you will find a lot of M3/M4 guys ditch their stock stuff to upgrade then sell their basically new stuff here very cheap.

Bottom line it's a lot easier to upgrade suspension than engine.

[Stones1970]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Either way your dealer can search for you and they all go to auctions and can buy exec demo cars. You just tell them for example I require 435, 2016, RWD, etc. Color options are whatever.

If you give them a little time they can find you just about anything for 20-25% off in an exec demo. Which given your buy and hold strategy and budget is without a doubt the smart money play.

Great advice. Thank you.

[DF]

If this is a commuter car I might go benz because the interior is far nicer. The 2 is a better drivers car.

[MadOzodi]

Drove my mom's C300 last night. The interior looks and feels nicer than my 2er.

Alas, IMO, the biggest selling point of the C300 over a 230i when considering long commutes, is A/C'd seats!!!

[caycep]

I rented the Hertz version of the C300 once. Did not like it. Tacky interior and driving not as tight as the 228i. It did remind me of a Hyundai Sonata though.

[bimmerfile]

Took a new 2017 MB C43 cabrio for a test drive recently.
While I love the looks of the exterior and interior, the handling and on-the-road feel of the C43 was really disappointing. In fact, I couldn't believe it for a car $20K+ that more than the M235.
Even my wife, who usually doesn't comment much about handling and performance, was first to say that she could feel the C43 wasn't up to our M235 and that she didn't like it. Power was decent, but not what I feel in the M235..
There was nothing (other than the ext/int looks) that we liked about the C43. Can't imagine that its weaker sibling, the C300, would be any better.
BTW, we were really hoping to love the C43 as my son wants to buy my M235i and finances are not an issue.
And, unfortunately, the negligible LCI changes to the M240i don't justify swapping the M235i to an LCI M240, so I guess I'll keep the M235i and my son can find another ride.

[beenthere1]

I had the current C300 as a loaner for two weeks while my m235i was in the shop. I now drive a 240.

The biggest difference the BMW has is the adaptive suspension and variable sport steering options that are in the track handling package. These two allow the BMW to really "hunker down" and provide a more connected driving experience. The C doesn't have anything like that.

However, if you don't care about sporty, then the Benz is an excellent car. Thus, you need to decide:

1. Do I need four doors. If no, BMW

2. Is the interior of the Benz worth the price premium over the BMW. (Note, the Benz leasing program is a lot stronger than BMW at the moment so please, price this out). If no, BMW.

3. Do I ever want a sporty ride? If yes, BMW.

[wdc330i]

Might look at the AMG version, if budget will allow: https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...e-CPE/type-amg

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

Might look at the AMG version, if budget will allow: https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...e-CPE/type-amg

Based on my experience with the C43 AMG, I recommend that you take one for a comprehensive test-drive before you put down a deposit.

[wdc330i]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Based on my experience with the C43 AMG, I recommend that you take one for a comprehensive test-drive before you put down a deposit.

I have to confess I have never driven one. And probably won't. Now, if they still made the wagon in AMG, that might be a contender. We miss having a 5 series wagon available instead of the X5.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by wdc330i

I have to confess I have never driven one. And probably won't. Now, if they still made the wagon in AMG, that might be a contender. We miss having a 5 series wagon available instead of the X5.

There's an RS4 rumored to be coming here. The E wagon is too big for me.

[RoundelM3]

Not sure why the OP is considering a 2-series vs. the C-class, when the 3- and 4-series are more comparable in size and weight. Of course a heavier C-class is going to ride smoother than a lighter 2-series with a shorter wheelbase. I think the OP should include comparing a 330 or 430 in his test drives.

As I own both a 228i convertible and 335i sedan, I can attest to the fact that my 335i is more comfortable on longer trips in terms of ride comfort and interior comfort, but the 228i has in no way been uncomfortable in any sense of the word.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by roundel335

.............................. Of course a heavier C-class is going to ride smoother than a lighter 2-series with a shorter wheelbase. .

That was neither my or my wife's opinion after our C43 test drive recently. We felt the M235i did a much better job at absorbing and deadening road imperfections - and we're running RFTs on our M235i.
Could have been that we picked the wrong C43 to test?

[englishguy84]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

That was neither my or my wife's opinion after our C43 test drive recently. We felt the M235i did a much better job at absorbing and deadening road imperfections - and we're running RFTs on our M235i.
Could have been that we picked the wrong C43 to test?

OP here. The C43's ride is harsh. It's noted on MB forums and in reviews. Apparently a common problem with their steel sport suspensions.

Also, in reply to the above question as to why I'm comparing the 2 with the C--price wise, I can get a big discount on the C that puts it in the same category as a 2.

[boypaulkim]

i think it depends on what you're after.

1. bmw is sportier.
2. mb is more luxurious.
3. 230i will be relatively harder to sell than c300.
4. 230i is still made in Germany unlike the c300.

i have thought of the same thing and went for the 230i.

[englishguy84]

Originally Posted by boypaulkim

i think it depends on what you're after.

1. bmw is sportier.
2. mb is more luxurious.
3. 230i will be relatively harder to sell than c300.
4. 230i is still made in Germany unlike the c300.

i have thought of the same thing and went for the 230i.

I'm starting to think I need to either adjust my price range or find an executive demo 4 series because that might be the best middle ground. The C coupe is still made in Germany but I want the BMW handling, just in a highway-friendly package.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by englishguy84

I'm starting to think I need to either adjust my price range or find an executive demo 4 series because that might be the best middle ground. The C coupe is still made in Germany but I want the BMW handling, just in a highway-friendly package.

The 2, or even the 4, are not highway un-friendly, but the more sedate and isolated sense of the MB products does give them an edge for long distance cruising.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

The 2, or even the 4, are not highway un-friendly, but the more sedate and isolated sense of the MB products does give them an edge for long distance cruising.

This is pretty much it. Seems OP wants a German coupe he can afford that will behave itself on the highway and still be reasonably poised for some more spirited driving around the back roads. None of these cars will be horrible on the highway, OP really needs to drive a few and figure out what will best suit his budget and needs.

From what I can gather a 428 or 435 exec demo coupe would bridge the gap between 2-series and Benz nicely for a decent value.

OP - since you are buying don't forget that more $ now isn't always $ lost. Said another way, paying $35K for a $50K car is often better all-in than $30K for a $35K car.

[Stones1970]

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

This is pretty much it. Seems OP wants a German coupe he can afford that will behave itself on the highway and still be reasonably poised for some more spirited driving around the back roads. None of these cars will be horrible on the highway, OP really needs to drive a few and figure out what will best suit his budget and needs.

From what I can gather a 428 or 435 exec demo coupe would bridge the gap between 2-series and Benz nicely for a decent value.

OP - since you are buying don't forget that more $ now isn't always $ lost. Said another way, paying $35K for a $50K car is often better all-in than $30K for a $35K car.

Great point, you're absolutely right. It's time to do some test driving--preferably a slightly extended one, rather than a 5 minute loop--and figure out what feels right. You pretty much nailed it. I'm willing to trade some measure of isolation in exchange for the connectedness/fun factor, but I don't need a pure canyon carver for the driving I actually do (vs. the driving I wish my commute called for!). Some other considerations--it seems pretty agreed upon that the H/K in the 4 (and maybe the 2) is better than the Burmester in the C. I drove a boring economy car since college while paying off my student loans; I'm now nearing 30 and in a financial position to own a German luxury midsize long-term without it affecting my financial goals, so I do want to have some fun, not just sedately cruise. I'd say my driving style is more on the "spirited" side of things than "aggressive."

[BEM-S4]

Just FYI the base hifi in the 2 is bad, 4 a bit better. But if you want to save a few bucks or at least delay the outlay the base hifi 4 with a Bavsound upgrade is a lot less than HK and very good. I have it in my wagon. Basically base + Bavsound in 4 is equivalent of HK in 2.