[baege]

Looking to replace my 16 cayman S, it was great while it lasted, but now the things I once loved about it have become minor annoyances (harsh ride, rawness etc)

I test drove a m240ixdrive yesterday with the zf 8 speed transmission and was very impressed. The engine is an absolute peach with butttery smooth instant power and torque. The transmission is direct and immediate in its shifts. The compact proportions of the car are perfect.

I really liked the car (I didn't walk away smiling like I did with the ftype r, but the f type has been ruled out for practicality considerations).

I am close to placing an order, but the thought crossed my mind that I should perhaps at least compare it to the c43...which is a little pricier but in the same ballpark.

would welcome any thoughts on comparisons of the c43 with the m240i

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by baege

Looking to replace my 16 cayman S, it was great while it lasted, but now the things I once loved about it have become minor annoyances (harsh ride, rawness etc)

I test drove a m240ixdrive yesterday with the zf 8 speed transmission and was very impressed. The engine is an absolute peach with butttery smooth instant power and torque. The transmission is direct and immediate in its shifts. The compact proportions of the car are perfect.

I really liked the car (I didn't walk away smiling like I did with the ftype r, but the f type has been ruled out for practicality considerations).

I am close to placing an order, but the thought crossed my mind that I should perhaps at least compare it to the c43...which is a little pricier but in the same ballpark.

would welcome any thoughts on comparisons of the c43 with the m240i

Having left MB behind for BMW, my thoughts are that the C43 is very powerful and technically well-executed, but I have two show-stoppers. Before that, you realize you are comparing two different size classes? The BMW to compare to the C43 would be the M3 (assuming sedans) or M4 (coupe). The 2 Series comparable size/price would be the MB CLA45, as MB doesn't do a two door in that segment.

https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-amg/cla45-4matic.

1) Even with its power, MB just doesn't feel the same as BMW. MB, even in the AMG version, has that "bank vault on wheels" sensation while BMW is more athletic/nimble feeling. Choose your subjective preference.
2) I can't get past the current generation of interiors, to me quite garish, with the emphasis on the "glued on iPad" look for the nav, worse than any other manufacturer. MB has heard the negative feedback and abandoned that for E Class, and likely so for the next C Class refresh.

If you're not absolutely sold on XDrive, the rwd version of M240i will feel even better! Many in northern areas do just fine with rwd and winter tires while enjoying the reduced weight over the front axle for most/the rest of the year.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Having left MB behind for BMW, my thoughts are that the C43 is very powerful and technically well-executed, but I have two show-stoppers. Before that, you realize you are comparing two different size classes? The BMW to compare to the C43 would be the M3 (assuming sedans) or M4 (coupe). The 2 Series comparable size/price would be the MB CLA45, as MB doesn't do a two door in that segment.

https://www.caranddriver.com/mercedes-amg/cla45-4matic.

1) Even with its power, MB just doesn't feel the same as BMW. MB, even in the AMG version, has that "bank vault on wheels" sensation while BMW is more athletic/nimble feeling. Choose your subjective preference.
2) I can't get past the current generation of interiors, to me quite garish, with the emphasis on the "glued on iPad" look for the nav, worse than any other manufacturer. MB has heard the negative feedback and abandoned that for E Class, and likely so for the next C Class refresh.

If you're not absolutely sold on XDrive, the rwd version of M240i will feel even better! Many in northern areas do just fine with rwd and winter tires while enjoying the reduced weight over the front axle for most/the rest of the year.

cheers on the thoughts

the class is definitely longer than the 2 series, but the width is pretty similar which is what I find most influences a sense of compactness.

[Ron Jeffries]

agreed on the bank vault on wheels comparison. i reckon you might as well drive one and decide what you like. the 2 is better for me. i’d have gone with the little MB suv had i not done what i did.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by baege

cheers on the thoughts

the class is definitely longer than the 2 series, but the width is pretty similar which is what I find most influences a sense of compactness.

Yes, I understand your feelings about the sense of width....FYI, both CLA and C Class are wider than 2 Series, although we are talking small differences at this point. The 2 is the most "cozy". A plus or minus for you?

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by baege

Looking to replace my 16 cayman S, it was great while it lasted, but now the things I once loved about it have become minor annoyances (harsh ride, rawness etc)

I test drove a m240ixdrive yesterday with the zf 8 speed transmission and was very impressed. The engine is an absolute peach with butttery smooth instant power and torque. The transmission is direct and immediate in its shifts. The compact proportions of the car are perfect.

I really liked the car (I didn't walk away smiling like I did with the ftype r, but the f type has been ruled out for practicality considerations).

I am close to placing an order, but the thought crossed my mind that I should perhaps at least compare it to the c43...which is a little pricier but in the same ballpark.

would welcome any thoughts on comparisons of the c43 with the m240i

Short answer: Our experience with the MB C43 AMG was disappointing, particularly for a car that had a pricetag $25K higher than a comparable M235i/M240i- that the ride (handling and performance) of the C43 was not on par with our M235xi.

[Kolyan2k]

C43 does not compare to M3 or M4. C43 is not a real AMG just like M240 is not really an M car. C43 and of course C63 are nice, but reliability is pretty questionable. Merc scored much less in consumer reports then either Audi or BMW

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by Kolyan2k

C43 does not compare to M3 or M4. C43 is not a real AMG just like M240 is not really an M car. C43 and of course C63 are nice, but reliability is pretty questionable. Merc scored much less in consumer reports then either Audi or BMW

Not an MB fan, but wondering how is it not a real AMG, hand-built engine and all?

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...C/model-C43W4#

[aerobod]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Not an MB fan, but wondering how is it not a real AMG, hand-built engine and all?

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...C/model-C43W4#

The AMG 4-cylinder, V6 and current V12 engines are not "one-man, one engine" builds from the Affalterbach factory like the traditional AMG engines. The current C43 is a rebadged C450, really the same philosophy that BMW has applied in making what is really a 235i/240i an M235i/M240i.

[USA-RET]

I cross shopped and BMW just provides more bang for the buck IMO.

Don't forget to factor in the maintenance cost between the MB and the BMW.

Maybe not as bad as Porsche, but BMW sweetens the deal w/ Free.

[Sportstick]

Originally Posted by aerobod

The AMG 4-cylinder, V6 and current V12 engines are not "one-man, one engine" builds from the Affalterbach factory like the traditional AMG engines. The current C43 is a rebadged C450, really the same philosophy that BMW has applied in making what is really a 235i/240i an M235i/M240i.

I haven't kept up with MB after disposing of both of ours a few years ago, but if you are correct, they are walking a fine line of deception with the claim of "Handcrafted Engine" at the top of the C43 page. I guess this has caused some lack of clarity, as discussed here...

http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/01/12/me...al-amg-models/

[p912guy]

As others have suggested, C43 is really more comparable to 340/440 and C63 is M3/4 comparable. I'm a convertible person. I won't be in the market to replace my m235i vert for at least 4-5 more years. However, with recent rumors of BMW possibly dropping the convertible from the 2 Series lineup and the 718 Boxster possibly being discontinued in a few years, at least MB seems committed to providing a convertible option so I might have interest in the C43 at some point. That said, of the options available to day, coming out of a Cayman, I think you'll find the 240 or 340/440 more to your liking than MB.

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by p912guy

As others have suggested, C43 is really more comparable to 340/440 and C63 is M3/4 comparable. I'm a convertible person. I won't be in the market to replace my m235i vert for at least 4-5 more years. However, with recent rumors of BMW possibly dropping the convertible from the 2 Series lineup and the 718 Boxster possibly being discontinued in a few years, at least MB seems committed to providing a convertible option so I might have interest in the C43 at some point. That said, of the options available to day, coming out of a Cayman, I think you'll find the 240 or 340/440 more to your liking than MB.

Don't forget to include the next gen 4-series M440i G22 cabrio as a possible replacement. It'll be a ragtop which means more trunk space when top is down. That's the one I'm holding out for. Dunno if it's coming out in 2020 or 2021.

[BEM-S4]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

I haven't kept up with MB after disposing of both of ours a few years ago, but if you are correct, they are walking a fine line of deception with the claim of "Handcrafted Engine" at the top of the C43 page. I guess this has caused some lack of clarity, as discussed here...

http://www.bmwblog.com/2016/01/12/me...al-amg-models/

You've really hit in my major problem with this fake AMG, pretender ///M, etc. It's not a legit AMG hand built engine. But does that make it a bad car? Nope. By badging it a C43 which in my mind is worse than what BMW is doing with its quasi M naming conventions, it shifts the whole frame of reference to a comparison the car will never win. Rather than focusing on how much of an upgrade it is vs the 300, or discussing the fact that it's a great car in its own right, it's automatically set up to fail vs the C63. Which if were being honest is a completely different animal and not a fair benchmark.

[Kolyan2k]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Not an MB fan, but wondering how is it not a real AMG, hand-built engine and all?

https://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehic...C/model-C43W4#

Its not hand built like other AMGs, C43 has exactly the same engine as previous C450, they just slapped AMG badge on it. But as I said, still a nice car just like M235/M240 are nice. I would be more concerned about reliability with Merc.

C63 is on another level they say.....better then M3/M4.

Some also say that S4 is just a better car all around then C43, probably more reliable too considering it's 3rd in consumer reports

[albertw]

The C43 dropped off my short list after a test drive. A useful back seat was the only real plus. (I also considered the RS3.)

It had wind noise like a cheap subcompact, but I could have lived with that. The biggest problem was the transmission. When I backed off the gas approaching a low speed corner it upshifted, then coming back on the gas there was a 1 - 1.5 second lag while it downshifted two or three gears, then the power came on with a lurch. Added to turbo lag it made it difficult to drive the car smoothly. I couldn't tune it out by changing the driving mode, but I didn't get time to fully explore all the possibilities and the clueless salesman couldn't even understand the problem. If the C43 had been perfect I could have overlooked the poor reliability rating, but it wasn't.

In contrast, the BMW salesman told me we had all afternoon and I should drive until I was sure. It didn't take long to convince me the BMW has a much "smarter" transmission, and a two hour drive didn't turn up any significant issues. The available RWD and the lower price made the M240 the better choice for me.

[stevenvillatoro]

^ This. The M240i impresses its driver; the Merc impresses others.

[p912guy]

Originally Posted by bimmerfile

Don't forget to include the next gen 4-series M440i G22 cabrio as a possible replacement. It'll be a ragtop which means more trunk space when top is down. That's the one I'm holding out for. Dunno if it's coming out in 2020 or 2021.

I hope you're right. I would be very interested, especially if the do go "soft top" and it dropped a few hundred lbs.

[baege]

Originally Posted by Sportstick

Yes, I understand your feelings about the sense of width....FYI, both CLA and C Class are wider than 2 Series, although we are talking small differences at this point. The 2 is the most "cozy". A plus or minus for you?

compact and cozy is definitely a plus

[bimmerfile]

Originally Posted by p912guy

I hope you're right. I would be very interested, especially if the do go "soft top" and it dropped a few hundred lbs.

http://driving.ca/bmw/4-series/auto-...ctable-hardtop

[Toxophilite]

I considered a c43 but the insurance cost alone made me run the other way. The other thing that convinced me to get the m240 was that the m240 had more bang for buck. A similarly equiped c43 was much more than an m240i. Oh and one more thing: the c43, in my opinion, has a much better looking exterior and interior UNTIL you have to get in the car. The buttons felt really cheap and the center console materials just felt subpar. The BMW felt solid the entire time.

[yaymitch]

Maybe consider the RS3 or S3. Those are more comparable to the M240.

While the Merc CLA is in same class as well, I wouldn't even consider those. The CLA's are awful, drive harsh and unreliable. Plus seem really cheaply built. I wouldn't buy any Merc below a C-Class.