stupiddude

I'm currently shopping for a used car. We're down to two options:

• 2008 BMW 535i
• 2008 C300 or C350

I'm aware that you guys are probably biased towards one (and so am I, therefore I ask here ).Of course, I know they are in different classes. Difference in pricing means we can simply get a C-class for quite a bit less money, or mileage, or with extra options. We've had 6 BMWs in the past, including our current 2011 X5. We never had an MB before. I really like 535i, but the wife likes the C-class (both interior and exterior). I know exactly the must-have and nice-to-have options on a 535i for me:

• Must: Premium, Sport, Cold Weather (especially split folding rear seat), navigation
• Nice: PDC, comfort seats, Logic 7, Comfort Access keys

OTOH, I don't know anything about C-class options. We got bored by the 3-series, so that's not an option. Cars we've seen (both C and 5) are in the range of $26k-35k. Help us make the decision by providing comparisons between the two.

• Warranty, service?
• Comparable options, functionality?
• Drivability, comfort?
• Known major issues?
• Others?

tuffluck

the 535i has a motor that has been known for unreliability. to me, it was a 2006-2007 version of the 530i or a 550i. so if you're dead set on only considering the 535i or a MB, i would go with the MB. side note, C class is real small. more comparable to a bimmer 3 series than a 5 series. the E series of MB is closer in comparison to the bimmer 5 series. just fyi.

tonymac

I test drove the C350 the weekend I decided to get my 5er. I drove it straight to the BMW dealership. Got in the 5er and both me and my wife looked at each other SOLD!

It is not in the same class bro. Test drive an E class and compare it. It is really a no brainer with the C-class.

CT550

The C class is soft and underpowered compared to a properly equipped 5 or 3 series (or G35). You need to determine what you want out of it: comfort or sportiness? The BMW offers less, but still very adequate comfort combined with unmatched road feel and power. The MB is comfortable and looks pretty good. You can pick up a 550 for nearly the same price as a 535 these days which should reduce or eliminate the reliability issues. Figure out your goals and dive in.

stupiddude

Our focus is comfort. Power is important, but secondary. My wife does not like the rough V8 sound of the 550i. Gas mileage is an important consideration. 550i drinks 15-23mpg, which is quite a bit more than our X5 35i @ 17-25. We want something more efficient than the SUVSAV for light commute/load. OTOH, I think C will be too small for us, while my wife really likes the interior So I need a few more things to look for to break the tie. Keep 'em coming!

JohnC

What is there to like about the interior of a C-Class over a 535? To me the C-class has one of the cheapest interiors going for a luxury brand. If you are really concerned about comfort and have to have a really nice interior, look at an Audi A6 3.2. The car is not as sporty as a 5er, the engine is silky smooth and quiet and Audi makes the best interiors.

bmw021

535i engines are not unreliable....They had some hpfp problems which is easily fixed now with the software remap and exchange for a new part. Also, it is warrantied until 110,000 miles.

Munich77

That is like comparing apples to oranges. The comparison should be the 2008 E350 to the 535 i (I should know as both of them are in the garage). The C300/C350 are not nice cars. I have driven hundreds of miles in a C300 loaner and the car does not hold up well. As others have said, the car is willfully underpowered. To me the interior looks cheap, too. There is way too much plastic and if you get the metal trim it dents. I don't like the trap door over radio, too. Also based on what I have seen in loaners, the interior does not hold up at all. Do yourself a favor and test drive the E-class. I wanted to get my wife into a C300 but we test drove the E350 first. There is a day and night difference.

The 535i is a way better car than the C300/350. The 5 series is roomier, more comfortable, has a higher grade interior and a way better engine. The car also accelerates much quicker. The HPFP is a problem on the car but hopefully that will get fixed soon. Otherwise the car is very reliable. I love driving the car and have no regrets at all .

tonymac

Exactly what I said... only better... lol

Munich77

Well I am quite passionate when it comes to my love for the C-class .