[5ilver-5amurai]

Good to see a diverse set of opinions here and not just a fan boy extravaganza. Anyone have experience owning both of these cars in their family? You can never really get as good an opinion as someone who has no bias towards their purchase.

[BMWMB]

In 17 years, i have had 10 BMW's. I really was in for something else, so i ordered this C450 AMG Sport break to replace my F10 530d xDrive.

[autopal]

[QUOTE=5ilver-5amurai;18917091]Good to see a diverse set of opinions here and not just a fan boy extravaganza. Anyone have experience owning both of these cars in their family? You can never really get as good an opinion as someone who has no bias towards their purchase.[/QUOTE

I took possession of my C450 a week ago. I just sold my 2009 335i M sport that I owned since new. A bigger BMW fan than me was hard to find, but I decided to approach my next car search with an open mind. I also test drove the F30, both 335xi and 340xi and also the Cadillac ATS with the N/A V6. There was nothing I like about the Cadillac, and it felt gutless, compared to the BMW and Benz. I absolutely love the C450. It reminds me of 6 years ago when I took possession of the 335i. Is it faster than the 340xi? I have no idea, and it doesn't matter, they are both stupidly fast for a sports sedan. During the test drive, I pushed both cars hard, as fast as my average abilities allow, and honestly, there isn't much difference between both cars, except (1) the C450 exhaust noise in sports mode is way more sporty, and I love those pops and bangs the thing make, and (2) in my opinion, the interior of the C450 is miles ahead of the BMW. I see people complaining about the tacked on nav screen, but I really don't mind it at all, to me, it gives the car a kind of modern look, and the fit and finish of the materials are of the highest quality. I ended up choosing the C450, because it was the car that I did not want to get out of, it is a genuine luxury car in comfort mode, and just as good, if not better, than the 340 in sports mode. I also like the C450 "individual mode" which allows you to mix and match the steering, suspension etc, to your individual preference. I think the 3 series is still a great car, but I choose the Benz because, for the first time, I think it is a better, all round package. I could not be happier.

[lens]

Originally Posted by autopal

I took possession of my C450 a week ago. I just sold my 2009 335i M sport that I owned since new. A bigger BMW fan than me was hard to find, but I decided to approach my next car search with an open mind. I also test drove the F30, both 335xi and 340xi and also the Cadillac ATS with the N/A V6. There was nothing I like about the Cadillac, and it felt gutless, compared to the BMW and Benz. I absolutely love the C450. It reminds me of 6 years ago when I took possession of the 335i. Is it faster than the 340xi? I have no idea, and it doesn't matter, they are both stupidly fast for a sports sedan. During the test drive, I pushed both cars hard, as fast as my average abilities allow, and honestly, there isn't much difference between both cars, except (1) the C450 exhaust noise in sports mode is way more sporty, and I love those pops and bangs the thing make, and (2) in my opinion, the interior of the C450 is miles ahead of the BMW. I see people complaining about the tacked on nav screen, but I really don't mind it at all, to me, it gives the car a kind of modern look, and the fit and finish of the materials are of the highest quality. I ended up choosing the C450, because it was the car that I did not want to get out of, it is a genuine luxury car in comfort mode, and just as good, if not better, than the 340 in sports mode. I also like the C450 "individual mode" which allows you to mix and match the steering, suspension etc, to your individual preference. I think the 3 series is still a great car, but I choose the Benz because, for the first time, I think it is a better, all round package. I could not be happier.

Just be careful around those AMG fanboys, they are really butthurt about the AMG badge on the C450.

[auf Deutsch]

From Jan '16 issue:

0-60...4.5
0-100...11.2
1/4...13.1 @ 108
Curb weight...3854

As tested price of $65,555, yeah that much.

For comparo sake, from Jun '15, 435i xdrive:

0-60...4.5
0-100...11.4
1/4...13.1 @ 107
Curb weight...3781

$57,000 as tested

I fully expect C&D's test of the 340i xdrive to at least match the performance numbers produced by the C450. I also fully expect the 340i equipped with mppk/mpe to hmmmm, how do I put this without sounding too harsh....piss all over the C450.

[Blubaron79]

Originally Posted by auf Deutsch

From Jan '16 issue:

0-60...4.5
0-100...11.2
1/4...13.1 @ 108
Curb weight...3854

As tested price of $65,555, yeah that much.

For comparo sake, from Jun '15, 435i xdrive:

0-60...4.5
0-100...11.4
1/4...13.1 @ 107
Curb weight...3781

$57,000 as tested

I fully expect C&D's test of the 340i xdrive to at least match the performance numbers produced by the C450. I also fully expect the 340i equipped with mppk/mpe to hmmmm, how do I put this without sounding too harsh....piss all over the C450.

Haha. I like I said before. It looks like a Suzuki Kizashi.

[Herakles]

Originally Posted by chaungo

Again, not a real AMG.

It may be tuned by them, but not a real one as it's not a handcrafted engine.

It's basically equivalent to the MPPK, tuned by m division but not a M car.

This is laughable - the c450 has a lot more serious AMG parts like brakes suspension compared to the "msport" package which is nothing more than visual appearance updates

C450
Is way nicer inside

[insanecoder]

The C is a slightly better looker inside and out but I still like the F30 msport and the understated interior..
but the handling & heart and soul of the car still edges to the 340 and to enthusiasts thats what matters
BMW always understates its engine and Merc seems to overstate
B58 torque curve is crazy good.. it pulls and pulls fast

[RedKloud]

This is an old thread, but I do want to see how the C43 with it's new gear box holds up against the 340i.

[insanecoder]

Funny how the 340 sedan is still edging Mercedes coup offerings..

[440xiGCMsport]

test drove the new c43 on Friday. I would have to say that I really like it. the steering felt no worse than the BMW. the command system still stinks. the interior is a personal taste and while the style may seem great to some I think it seemed like it was over styled. the engine is a cracker it is probably comparable to the 340 mppk but a bit faster than stock 340 from my but dyno.
I may get it in a month or two and if I do I will do a comparison of it with my 440xiGC when they both arrive. still on the fence on the c43.

[overkill1125]

Was told by the salesman that the c450amg only has Amg parts but The cla45amg is a true amg class. Test drove both and damn the cla45amg is quick and sounds good. I was not able to get the deal I wanted.

[Ali Shiralian]

I don't know but the MB looks real ugly IMO. The look from the rear especially is aweful. I'm no fan boy but I'd never choose MB over the F30 based on looks alone...

[Eriphill]

Originally Posted by Ali Shiralian

I don't know but the MB looks real ugly IMO. The look from the rear especially is aweful. I'm no fan boy but I'd never choose MB over the F30 based on looks alone...

Agreed. The rear taillights of their current line up look especially awful for some reason.

[BimmerBoomer]

In Canada both the C43 and 2018 Audi S4 are around $4000 cheaper than an optioned out 440i xDrive. And yes, I factored service in. Given that the BMW xDrive doesn't have a proper sports suspension and the others do I see it as a non-starter.

[NotQuickEnough]

Originally Posted by BimmerBoomer

In Canada both the C43 and 2018 Audi S4 are around $4000 cheaper than an optioned out 440i xDrive. And yes, I factored service in. Given that the BMW xDrive doesn't have a proper sports suspension and the others do I see it as a non-starter.

People swear by the adaptive suspension, is that not available?

[5ilver-5amurai]

The C43 coupe is a seriously dangerous competitor here. When compared to a 435, the C43 feels a bit quicker but not as planted. Equipped with the performance exhaust and it's about as loud as an M4 - a little surprising. Both are great cars though - I feel like you can't really lose with either a 435/440/C43 coupe.

However, if it's between 2017 models of the 340 vs C43 sedan, I'd be hard pressed to not buy the C43 sedan given this is the 6th year of the current 3 series.

[jmg]

I test drove C450 AMG and a 340i M Sport with Track Handling back in January. I chose the 340i. They are both great cars IMHO but the 340i had more bang for the buck and I was given a good discount. I also didn't care for the C450 interior. I hated the stalk mounted shifter, but I loved the exhaust note. Overall though, it felt heavier and more sluggish than the 340. I wasn't a huge fan of the exterior design either. The wheels were hideous and, to me, the AMG bits didn't stand out in a way I liked. The m Sport is well integrated on the 3. The AMG bits seemed tacked on. Anyway, I'm glad I went with the 340i despite getting rid of it after only a few months.

[440xiGCMsport]

Originally Posted by NotQuickEnough

People swear by the adaptive suspension, is that not available?

the xdrive does have the adjustable suspension but not the sport springs.

[BEM-S4]

Ive spent a lot of time in both vehicles. If I did lots of highway driving or had people in the car all the time there's a very compelling argument to be made for the Benz. On back roads and whatnot the 340 especially Sport / track outshines it.

[Tsilly]

Originally Posted by Ali Shiralian

I don't know but the MB looks real ugly IMO. The look from the rear especially is aweful. I'm no fan boy but I'd never choose MB over the F30 based on looks alone...