BMW 318i vs. C220/C230

[Brian A]

I'm looking for informed opinions.....I'm trying to decide between a Mercedes ('96 C220 or '97 C230) and a BMW ('97 or '98 318i). I've heard from dealers that the BMW 4-cylinder isn't much good. I've also heard that the only colors to get in a Mercedes are black, white, or grey or they won't hold their value? Any thoughts on those two questions? Any general opinions, good or bad, on the 4 cars mentioned above?? I appreciate any constructive input. Thanks!

[DVSNCYNIKL]

Originally posted by Brian A
I'm looking for informed opinions.....I'm trying to decide between a Mercedes ('96 C220 or '97 C230) and a BMW ('97 or '98 318i). I've heard from dealers that the BMW 4-cylinder isn't much good. I've also heard that the only colors to get in a Mercedes are black, white, or grey or they won't hold their value? Any thoughts on those two questions? Any general opinions, good or bad, on the 4 cars mentioned above?? I appreciate any constructive input. Thanks!

To be honest, I'm I like both marques but, I tend to associate performance with BMW. It depends really on what you are looking for. If you are looking for something basically to cruise or drive around, no particular rush, get the C230. Has power, but mainly cruising. If you are looking for something to maybe modify in the future and haul ass, get the 318, lot of aftermarket parts for it. I know, my friend has one.

Now, as for the colors. I've mainly seen only those colors. And it's silver not gray. But to be honest, I haven't seen many other colors available for it. Go with the silver, it is actually more popular.

[Brian A]

Thanks for the response.....

I'm primarily looking for something to cruise in although I want enough pick-up that I'm not embarassed when I leave a stoplight.....I don't need any more than that.

Thanks for all of the input.

Brian

[enzo@af]

Is the 318 the semi-hatchback? There was one of those in One Lap of America awhile back that had M3 power...if you would be interested.

[matt]

I believe the 318 ti is the hatch and the 318 also came in a coupe and sedan.

[PookJP]

The 318i is a coupe or sedan, the 318Ti is the hatchback. I would definatley recomment the BMW over the Mercedes. There is more to a car than its engine, and the chassis dynamics of the BMW are unparalleled. You essentially have the same suspension/underpinnings of the more expensive 3-series, but with less engine power. You will be comfortalbe on your cruises, and when you feel like having a little spirited driving, the BMW will be up for that too.

Let's not ignore the old C-Class' looks as well. Where the BMW's shape has aged well with its swept back look and elegant shape, the Mercedes is a box. It was dated upon introduction. You gotta go for the sex value!

[jameshsu]

i drive a 95 c220 and my wife drives a 95 318i and my brother drives a 96 318ic. there is no compareson between the mercedes and bmw's. simply put, bmw sucks. the 4 cylinder bmw not only lacks power, it is badly constructed also. both of the bmw has dried out and cracked rubber trims around the rear windshield and it is noisy inside the cabin (the sedan, not the convertible). the noise is not just from the wind, it also came from the loose parts inside the doors, dash, and god knows where else. on the other hand, the mercedes is quieter (no rattling noise what so ever), runs smoother, has better paint job, and has better resale value. eventhough the mercedes is also a 4 cylinder, it feels more powerful and runs faster and smoother-especially above 70mph. in conclusion, i will never buy a bmw if i can get a mercedes (even that means more money). bmw is more fun and youth appealing (translation- chick magnet) but mercedes is build to last!! my c220 has almost 100k miles on it and the 318i has only 75k miles. we will trade in the 318i at the end of this year for a ml430 and kiss bmw good buy for ever. many of my friends drive other class of bmw's and they all have bad experiences. you are welcome to email me if you have any more question about the two. i highly recommand the 97 c230 for it's value and durability. good luck

[John@CdnRockies]

I would also chose the Mercedes over the BMW. We had a 318 for nearly five years. My wife described it as "a sheep in wolf's clothing". Nice handling but God, it was slllooooow! Even the Camry and Celica that we had were livelier.

We now have a Mercedes C320 - admittedly a big notch up in cost. In terms of ride, durability and comfort we would never hesitate to chose the 220 Mercedes over the BMW - even given the extra cost.

[mattsbeamer]

Id have the BMW.

[Arcticfox]

I had an M3 and just bought a c230. BMW is sportier. But I think you should go for a 325. You just can't beat a BMW 6.

[bsonkin]

1st of all, you are comparing 2 different sized 4-cylinder engines. The bmw is a 1.8liter (hence the "318" model) and the mercedes is 2.2liters depending on the model (hence the 220/230 model name). The best thing of all would be a 6 cylinder bmw, which are unmatched- especially 1999 or later.

[Beachcomer]

I've owned (2) 325 coupes (94 and a 95). Both were good top-end motors and good handling cars. I now have a 97 318 sedan and a 94 C280. The 4 cyl BMW is the same good handler as the earlier-owned 6's and it will run as fast (as I cared to go) on the hwy... And the fuel efficiency was an added bonus. However, my wife's MBz would outrun (comparing the Automatic-equipped cars together) the 325. And the added amenities of the MBz make it my option. Why not consider the 98 c230 with the supercharger (as spunky as the 6cylinder (non-modded) 325/328s. The c-classes come in red, burgundy (wine), charcoal, black, black opal, white, silver, teal, gold, and navy blue. And, the deductions associated with color are very small--get a color that you like (not a potential buyer down the road). Hope for the best in your search.