BMW 318ci vs. Merc C180k Sports Coupe

My sister is going to buy a new (used) car, and these are the two she's looking at.

BMW 318Ci

http://www.capitalcarsbmw.ie/usedcars/images/capitalt267.jpg
Power: 143bhp @ ?
Torque: 148 lb ft @?
0-60: 9.3s
Top speed: 135mph
Insurance Group: 13

Merc C180K Sports Coupe

http://www.diskdrive.co.za/road_tests/rt2002/images/MercC21.jpg
Power: 143bhp @ ?
Torque: 162 lb ft @?
0-60: 9.7s
Top speed: 138mph
Insurance Group: 13

She's not a nutter or a car enthusiast like me, and she'll be getting an auto. Knowing this, which one of these two cars would you recommend? She wants to spend about £12k and doesnt want the car to have too many miles on it (20k). Mercs of similar age and mileage to the 3-series seem to be cheaper and better equipped. Im not too sure about the reliability and build quality of the Merc though.

What do you guys think?

speaking purely from the heart, i can't say that the mercedes does anything for me.
knowing that their auto-box isn't exactly the sharpest tool in the box does help things but granted that your sis probably wouldn't notice that's probably not important.

one thing though, you're probably as aware as i am of MB's rather bad reputation of late and this car was made pretty much smack bang right in the middle of the period in question.

BMW and MB both make great cars, but I'd opt for the 318Ci mainly because of the looks more or less.

I do think though that MB's cars tend to be more reliable than BMW's.

BMW and MB both make great cars, but I'd opt for the 318Ci mainly because of the looks more or less.

I do think though that MB's cars tend to be more reliable than BMW's.

I disagree with that statement on reliability. The BMW 3-series is considered to be a very reliable car by most sources. On the other hand, the C-Class is the prime example of Benz cost cutting. It just isn't a good car. Benz reliability and quality are nowhere near what they should be on this car. BMW's 4-cylinders aren't as good as their 6-cylinders. So a 323Ci/325Ci might be worth stretching for. Either way, I'd get the BMW.

I do think though that MB's cars tend to be more reliable than BMW's.

Maybe in the 80s, but not any more. MB has percieved reliability and quality. The problem is they don't live up to those expectations, they don't even come close any more. MB's reliability ratings are well below the industry average.

another vote for the 318Ci...

the C180L really is not an attractive car by any respects...

Im agreeing with most on here, the BMW is better looking and more reliable

You sure she couldn't at least find a 320Ci, Jay?

BMW, more fun to drive, much better looking, and the auto on the benz is really sloppy. I can't really comment on the quality of the two right now but I'd think they are about the same.

I disagree with that statement on reliability. The BMW 3-series is considered to be a very reliable car by most sources. On the other hand, the C-Class is the prime example of Benz cost cutting. It just isn't a good car. Benz reliability and quality are nowhere near what they should be on this car. BMW's 4-cylinders aren't as good as their 6-cylinders. So a 323Ci/325Ci might be worth stretching for. Either way, I'd get the BMW.

For the love of God, miss a BMW beat! please!!!


cause every friggin time I have to agree with you...In Europe I drove a Merc C180 (4 door)...I have also driven an older 318 (99)

The Merc feels like a tank, heavy and rock solid, its comfortable...but it doesn't handle very well, doesnt seem to brake that well, and really doesnt feel like a drivers car

The BMW it realtively quick, and handles beautifully...but obviously its not as soft, not as comfortable

For a car enthusiast the BMW is definately the car to go, but for the non enthusiast its a really tough call, but I think I have to go with the bimmer because as you said it has more options and looks soooo much better

For the love of God, miss a BMW beat! please!!!


cause every friggin time I have to agree with you...In Europe I drove a Merc C180 (4 door)...I have also driven an older 318 (99)

The Merc feels like a tank, heavy and rock solid, its comfortable...but it doesn't handle very well, doesnt seem to brake that well, and really doesnt feel like a drivers car

The BMW it realtively quick, and handles beautifully...but obviously its not as soft, not as comfortable

For a car enthusiast the BMW is definately the car to go, but for the non enthusiast its a really tough call, but I think I have to go with the bimmer because as you said it has more options and looks soooo much better

Im pretty sure that in the time I've been here, I havn't missed a single discussion in Car Comparisons regarding BMW. No way im going to stop talking about them now.

You sure she couldn't at least find a 320Ci, Jay?
I don't think she'd 'appreciate' the extra power :dunno:

ack... tell her to be a smart girl and go get a cooper.

Damn you all, we don't get the 318 in coupe form...

She's a chick who wants an auto and doesn't know much about cars....Sports Koupe for sure! Fits the bill perfectly.

I personally would prefer the BMW simply because they make drivers' cars, especially in the class we're talking about.

How is the MB a sports coupe if a ford focus is faster to 60 :screwy:
I'd prolly reach for a 6 banger bmw...

Sport is really a blah word that really doesn't denote anything and just tries to make a car sound faster

i.e. Ford Contour "sport" there was nothing sporty about the Ford Contour

Well it was finally decided... Here is my sister's new car:

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/3231/bmw0033wy.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/7171/bmw0057tr.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4717/bmw0070wk.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/4863/bmw0014ex.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/5292/bmw0090es.jpg

318Ci (143bhp)
Manual
Jet Black
Beige Leather interior
Sunroof
CD
Climate Control
Cruise Control
Multi function steering wheel
and all the usual BMW standard equipment.

It's a 2002 and has only done 24,000 miles, 1 owner from new. Excellent condition inside and out and was bought at a very good price. Needless to say my sis is very happy. Anyway, just wanted to let you guys know how it all worked out in the end...

Beautiful car, she made a very good choice. My buddy was a Merc mechanic and he said the C class Merc's don't drive anywhere near as nice as a 3 series.

Thanks, i did the searching for her and it was the nicest 318 i saw, so i bought it on the spot. Gave it a good thrashing on the way home too :lol:

Jay, lying won't get you anywhere, just show us the Mk 4 Golf 1.4 she bought just to haunt you :p



I like it a lot, with bigger rims you'd have a hard time telling it was a 318Ci, really good colour combination as well.

Yup, definitely planning to put some 17's on it.

Either

http://www.bmworg.ru/img/cars/wheel/bmw_wheel_b044.jpg

or

http://www.bmworg.ru/img/cars/wheel/bmw_wheel_b068.jpg

Whadayareckon?

I really like the 5-spoke "M" wheels. A friend has them on his 330i and they look great. Only problem is washing them. There is alot of surface area that is hard to hit.