Trading mercedes c300 (w204) for BMW 320i (f30) thoughts?

[funkedelic2]

Hey guys, so I was hoping to get opinions on what you guys think about me trading in my current car 2010 mercedes Benz c300 4matic for a 2012 BMW 320i.

The Benz is at 90k but I have some things that I need to fix on it. My girlfriend took out my passenger mirror backing out of the garage so I need to replace most of that. The actual mirror still works, the glass is cracked and it's throwing an error code on the dash. I also need to replace a tie rod end, and it's prompting for an a1 service. So it'll take a little bit of money to fix those things. I have a truck I drive in the winter so ill probably put the Benz in the garage in November.

I have 2 years left on the car, but I'm considering switching to the 320i. At heart I've always been a BMW guy. I've had 3 before I got the Benz. My concern is that there will be a big change in performance going from the 3.0 v6 to the 4cyl turbo motor. I'm thinking if I get the BMW I will do a tune on it. I can't stand the ugly stock 17" wheels so I would most likely replace with 19s and do light mods like tint and a slight drop.

One big advantage I see going over to the bimmer is the fuel efficiency. The Benz is bad on gas and I think you can even run regular in the BMW. I also like the new styling of the f30. The new car would have Nav which I don't currently have. The interior difference is pretty huge.

I should probably point out that I'm close to turning 30 and I have a kid and soon to be wife so I feel like I'm out growing my "tuner"days. So I'm not looking for something fast or something I'm going to mod up the ass either. I just love the look and feel of German cars.

So I would like to hear feedback from anyone that has made a similar transition or someone that has a 320i or any newer 3 series. I had an e92 but I'm not very familiar with the new body style 3 series.

The only con I see is that I will be stuck paying for a car longer, I guess also that it won't be as fast. Not that my car is fast by any means lol. This new car has 22000k and will have warranty up until 80k where my car has no warranty anymore. It's also pretty cheap considering its the new body style and is well equipped. I'm not looking to break the bank so that's why I'm not looking into a 328 or 335. I want something that will be reliable for a few years.

What are your guys thoughts on the trade?

[Stephen81]

nothing to add about the trade but this woman took the mirror off your Benzo. you sure she's the one, OP?

[J.M.]

How much is the 320i? 2013 model?

Personally, I would rather have a car paid off in 2 years rather than extending that to 4+ years.

[funkedelic2]

Originally posted by Stephen81
nothing to add about the trade but this woman took the mirror off your Benzo. you sure she's the one, OP?

Haha unfortunately yes.

[funkedelic2]

Originally posted by J.M.
How much is the 320i? 2013 model?

Personally, I would rather have a car paid off in 2 years rather than extending that to 4+ years.

It's listed for 27k at BMW. (2012) I also saw a 328 for 29k but more kms.

[J.M.]

On kijiji Calgary there's a few 2013 328's in the $32k range, mileage seems to between 22-35k on them.

My dad's best friend just traded in his 2013 328i xDrive with 25000 kms. Not really sure why he traded it in but he did mention something about the tire pressure sensors being an issue.

Have you driven the 320 and 328 back to back for comparison?

[funkedelic2]

Originally posted by J.M.
On kijiji Calgary there's a few 2013 328's in the $32k range, mileage seems to between 22-35k on them.

My dad's best friend just traded in his 2013 328i xDrive with 25000 kms. Not really sure why he traded it in but he did mention something about the tire pressure sensors being an issue.

Have you driven the 320 and 328 back to back for comparison?

Interesting. No I haven't driven either actually. I would like to stick to the 320i if its not ridiculously slow. If I drive both ill probably want the 328i lol. I prefer to save the 4-5k and stick to the 320i. Essentially they are the same exact car other then the motor. I'm thinking of going up to Calgary next week and test driving one.

[Aleks]

You probably won't notice any difference between 320i and C300 down low. I've driven both (My dad used to have a C300) and only difference is at higher speeds where the V6 would have a bit of an advantage.

[bjstare]

y u no 335i??

I have a buddy who got a 328i and he said his only mistake was not getting a 335

[E46..sTyLez]

Isn't it the same engine in both BMWs (320 and 328), just a de-tuned N20 in the 320i? If you are planning a tune on the 320i I would imagine you could get close to 328i numbers anyway. I'm not speaking from experience though, quite possible that my assumption is wrong. Can anyone verify?

I am also kind of a BMW guy, but I would agree with this swap. I would take a newish BMW turbo over a V6 benz. Non-amg benz's seem pretty conservative, where as low end BMW's still seem to have a driver spirit to them.

my $0.02

[Darkane]

I'm pretty sure the benz can be tuned to 300hp+.

The 3.5 is detuned version of the c350 no? Throttle plate similar to the c63.

[Aleks]

Originally posted by Darkane
I'm pretty sure the benz can be tuned to 300hp+.

The 3.5 is detuned version of the c350 no? Throttle plate similar to the c63.

He has a 2010 which is the old smaller engine rated at 228hp.

[snowcat]

When I received my service loaners, I always cringed at that 4 cylinder turbo engine in the 3 and 5 series. Great on gas, with the 8 speed transmissions - but they go as fast and sound like a civic.

[clem24]

320i? I am guessing pleather seats? That would be my #1 turnoff.

Regarding the C300, you still have to fix those things regardless of whether or not you keep it, so it's almost considered a sunk cost. I'd just keep driving the Benz, personally. Save the money and upgrade to something that you really want a few years down the road.

One thing I notice is that deals keep getting better and better, and cars keep getting better and better. I think you feel tempted by the 320i because you feel it's a great deal and hard to pass up, but trust me, better deals *always* comes along, and I think looking back in a few years, you'll regret getting a 320 and not the 335.

You're a car guy at heart and you know it'll happen. Don't fall for the "good deal" trap..