Next car - C400, 335i m sport or CLA45??

[funkedelic2]

3 great cars, all very different and I can't decide which one I want to pursue for my next car. I haven't had the opportunity to drive any of them but I've owned a 335i before and also a c class sedan.

Which would you buy and why? Leaning towards a c400 because I love the way it looks and at 30 I feel like it's the best fit. I don't know what the CLA would drive like but Im really looking for something that is quick, refined, sporty and comfortable. The days of heavy mods, lower springs and 20" wheels are behind me.

[dubhead]

Redesigned s4 is on it's way, might be another one to consider.

[blownz]

CLA feels to cheap and rides like crap. 335 is too common and needs a refresh (more then the one they just got this year). So I voted for the C400, but you really should try the C450 as it is way better and the price is virtually the same. If I wasn't in a company vehicle right now that is what I would be driving. :thumbsup:

[lilmira]

C450(C43) out of the 3 unless you really mean the C400.

[Mitsu3000gt]

Wait for the new S4 or go with a C450/C43!

BMW needs to up their game IMHO.

[rage2]

CLA with the AMG suspension rides worse than my CLK Black haha. It's because of the lack of suspension travel in the setup. They did fix the problem though, the new AMG suspension is adjustable, and has a comfort mode that makes the car tolerable. Haven't driven the new one with new suspension yet, but I wouldn't bet that it rides anywhere near the C450/C43 in comfort mode which I have driven, again due to the lack of suspension travel. Only so much you can do with magnetic shocks.

[Xtrema]

C450 custom order is closed, some colors has been discontinued.

C400 is boring but I think you may still find a few 2015 on the lots.

C43 order should start soon and comes with the new 9G transmission if you can wait. The only not quite perfect thing on the C450 is the transmission compared to BMW's ZF and Audi's DCT.

B9 S4 is a year away at this point.

[JustinMCS]

Are you looking at new or used? New would be BMW 340i M Sport. The LCI came out this year with LED headlights and tails, etc. Looks really good IMO.

[funkedelic2]

Originally posted by JustinMCS
Are you looking at new or used? New would be BMW 340i M Sport. The LCI came out this year with LED headlights and tails, etc. Looks really good IMO.

Looking for new and just realized the 335i AND the C400 are both discontinued. Not really interested in the Audi.

Just priced out a c450 online, liking this route so far! Can anyone tell me if star advantage financing is a good option over financing or leasing? BMW wont disclose financing options on their website after you price out a vehicle. :thumbsdow

The 340i would be a great choice I just wish the exterior looked more current. The changes they made are barely noticeable and the car looks more dated. The interior as well looks far behind the merc.

[Xtrema]

Originally posted by funkedelic2
Just priced out a c450 online, liking this route so far! Can anyone tell me if star advantage financing is a good option over financing or leasing? BMW wont disclose financing options on their website after you price out a vehicle. :thumbsdow

If you are putting more than 25k/yr on it sure, otherwise, lease. Monthly payment is about the same even when leasing rate is 2% more.

I won't finance a C450 because when C43 comes out, its value may take a beating. Kinda like what C450 did to C400.


Originally posted by funkedelic2
The 340i would be a great choice I just wish the exterior looked more current. The changes they made are barely noticeable and the car looks more dated. The interior as well looks far behind the merc.

440i looks better than 340i for a few bucks more. But you have to like BMW interiors which I believe is the worst of the 3 Germans now.

[shakalaka]

I'd say either the CLA or the 335. Regardless of what CLA is, it's an AMG and that says a lot.

[benyl]

Originally posted by shakalaka
I'd say either the CLA or the 335. Regardless of what CLA is, it's an AMG and that says a lot.

So is the c450/c43

[shakalaka]

I was just referring to his list specifically.

[Mitsu3000gt]

I drove a C450 today and it was a stunningly good car. Transmission was 95% of a DCT as best I could tell. Power was pretty much perfect, one notch above a 335i or similar. Salesperson told us it wasn't an AMG and didn't have a handmade engine though - not sure if that's true.

Drove a 335i M performance before it, and it was nice but the C450 was more car IMO, and was noticeably more powerful. Sounded better too. Next year's 440i should be a closer match power-wise.

[rage2]

The C450 aka C43 is an awesome car for the money.

[funkedelic2]

Seems like an amazing car for the money. Any tips to save money when ordering new? I would like to build mine as opposed to buying off the lot. Figure it may cost me more but I'll get exactly what I want. I've never built a new car before, is there a way to get a discount on the price or are you paying exactly what you are quoted online? Should I go into a dealer and see if I can talk down the price with a salesperson?