[hishamdalle]

Hi Gents,
I've been a BMW driver since 2006. 2006 M5 and then a 2013 M3. Now moved to Canada and considering an AWD so I'm looking at a 2015 335xi but when I shopped around I found a 2015 C400 4matic for $200 less per month (on a lease).

I drove both and can't say the Benz was as exhilarating as the BMW but for the difference in price I'm tempted to switch. Was wondering if anyone here had a link to a comparison between the two.

Both cars, the 335 and C400 come fully loaded and with the sports packages and all bells and whistles.

[bimmercar]

Originally Posted by hishamdalle

Hi Gents,
I've been a BMW driver since 2006. 2006 M5 and then a 2013 M3. Now moved to Canada and considering an AWD so I'm looking at a 2015 335xi but when I shopped around I found a 2015 C400 4matic for $200 less per month (on a lease).

I drove both and can't say the Benz was as exhilarating as the BMW but for the difference in price I'm tempted to switch. Was wondering if anyone here had a link to a comparison between the two.

Both cars, the 335 and C400 come fully loaded and with the sports packages and all bells and whistles.

well, I was offered $11k off MSRP of $54k USD, 2015 C400 4matic, in Jan of 2015 and I did not take it. I found the transmission slow, and I liked my 2015 328xi loaner that I had better in terms of handling and power delivery.

[CalCarNut]

Originally Posted by hishamdalle

Hi Gents,
I've been a BMW driver since 2006. 2006 M5 and then a 2013 M3. Now moved to Canada and considering an AWD so I'm looking at a 2015 335xi but when I shopped around I found a 2015 C400 4matic for $200 less per month (on a lease).

I drove both and can't say the Benz was as exhilarating as the BMW but for the difference in price I'm tempted to switch. Was wondering if anyone here had a link to a comparison between the two.

Both cars, the 335 and C400 come fully loaded and with the sports packages and all bells and whistles.

Throw the deal on the Benz in front of the BMW dealership and ask to match. Barring that..up to you if you want the Benz styling (and pocketing the $200) more than the driving experience of the BMW which will potentially cost you the $200 more/month. I looked at the C300..and went with BMW.

[NightWriter]

The C450 is a significant upgrade over the C400 (which didn't sell well in the first place), so dealers are likely desperate to try to get rid of them.

I would seriously consider a killer lease deal, but I would avoid buying, as it will likely have terrible resale value. Whether it's worth it or not compared to the 335i is up to you.

[tboooe]

OP, curious if you are looking for AWD would you consider Audi?

[lens]

Just be wary again unless you get the prepaid maintenance, servicing is gonna cost a fortune.

[SeanWRT]

200 less a month make your conversion, and you drove M! So grt BMW drivers we are having here...

[spuntyb]

The loss in driving dynamics with the Benz wouldn't be worth the extra weight in my wallet. If we were talking $500/month or more, then maybe. But it's entirely up to you if it's worth it.

[rolltidef32]

$200 is a lot per month, but you've got to think about why it's cheaper will all options being equal as you describe.

A Merc is nothing to sneeze at like an Infiniti or some other crap, but if you're into the spirited drive, the Merc doesn't measure up. If you want to look nice, feel comfortable, and have the occasional burst of passing speed, then sure, the Merc will be just fine.

I put sporty, then style in my hierarchy, but to each his own.

No sense to bash Merc because you really can't; it's a Mercedes Benz and that still means something. The new C is really a solid all around car; just not a 3 series.

[5ilver-5amurai]

I'd go with the 3 in this case. You'll find driving pleasure in both machines but I'm thoroughly underwhelmed by the new C-class exterior. Even the new C63 isn't attractive in my eyes.

I would, however, check out the 2016 CLA45 - 375 HP out of a 4 cylinder turbo is pretty ludicrous. It's worth checking it out if you're planning on dropping about 50g's in Canada.

[lens]

Originally Posted by 5ilver-5amurai

I'd go with the 3 in this case. You'll find driving pleasure in both machines but I'm thoroughly underwhelmed by the new C-class exterior. Even the new C63 isn't attractive in my eyes.

I would, however, check out the 2016 CLA45 - 375 HP out of a 4 cylinder turbo is pretty ludicrous. It's worth checking it out if you're planning on dropping about 50g's in Canada.

There's been alot of bashing on the CLA45, cheap interior, rear seats basically useless as its cramped, and alot of engine problems within the past 2 years since it's been released.

[Nacho98]

Originally Posted by 5ilver-5amurai

I'd go with the 3 in this case. You'll find driving pleasure in both machines but I'm thoroughly underwhelmed by the new C-class exterior. Even the new C63 isn't attractive in my eyes.

I would, however, check out the 2016 CLA45 - 375 HP out of a 4 cylinder turbo is pretty ludicrous. It's worth checking it out if you're planning on dropping about 50g's in Canada.

Wait - you think the C63 is woof woof but the melted CLA45 toy is worth looking at?

To the OP, if you've driven BMW for the last ten years, try something new, $7200 over 36 months is a lot of money. Change is a good thing.

[Earthmaster]

CLA45 amg in canada out the door is like 70k-75k man CAD... IF YOU can find the car. its pretty low allocation.

[nicknaz]

Keep the M3, try 1 season with RWD + snow tires or maybe get a 320i xdrive?

[BDWonder]

Originally Posted by hishamdalle

Hi Gents,
I've been a BMW driver since 2006. 2006 M5 and then a 2013 M3. Now moved to Canada and considering an AWD so I'm looking at a 2015 335xi but when I shopped around I found a 2015 C400 4matic for $200 less per month (on a lease).

I drove both and can't say the Benz was as exhilarating as the BMW but for the difference in price I'm tempted to switch. Was wondering if anyone here had a link to a comparison between the two.

Both cars, the 335 and C400 come fully loaded and with the sports packages and all bells and whistles.

neither dude... the 335's have crappy handling rides. And the body roll is horrible. I've driven the 340, and that is slightly better. GO for the 340. If that is an issue, and is only between 335 and c400, than it's a tough decision. The power delivery of a 335 is great. But the c400 is so much better on the inside. I've lived for 2 years with a 435. But I must say, I think id eventually choose the C400. Just living day to day with such an interior, and c400 is not a slouch in power. And those c400 diamond/crystal like headlight are orgasmic, so much better than the "halogen"-look-alike bmw LEDs. I think just driving and knowing these newere BMWs, I'd try something new. And its cheaper.

[jd_perspective]

$200/mo less on equal MSRP? Then if money matters do it. I would if all things were equal. MB offered me $60 mo. less on a C350 coupe vs my 428GC but I spent more because the car was nicer

[newoldbeemer]

Personally I don't care for the new Mercs, too curvy and flowy - especially the C class. As a guy I need some amount of straight lines and in the design. Audi on the other hand is just too plain. BMW hits the right spot between a modern design and still keeping it elegant. I know its very shallow to go by that but its what we look at everyday.

[5ilver-5amurai]

Originally Posted by chaungo

There's been alot of bashing on the CLA45, cheap interior, rear seats basically useless as its cramped, and alot of engine problems within the past 2 years since it's been released.

The only thing I really agree with here is that the rear seats are cramped...they are definitely not comfortable for anyone taller than 5'10.

That being said, the interior quality is pretty nice, it feels just a touch below my 435 but not by much imho. The engine hasn't really had many problems, I'm part of a CLA forum and I typically see more issues with the N20 and N55 on this forum... the B48 and B58 might be more reliable???

[5ilver-5amurai]

Originally Posted by Nacho98

Wait - you think the C63 is woof woof but the melted CLA45 toy is worth looking at?

To the OP, if you've driven BMW for the last ten years, try something new, $7200 over 36 months is a lot of money. Change is a good thing.

The new C-class in general looks like an old man's car - just my opinion. The CLA looks a lot more aggressive...

[itrocks4u]

You won't enjoy C400.

[RoundelM240]

OP - Do you honestly think someone on a BMW enthusiast forum is going to make an objective recommendation for another brand?

And what exactly is an "old man's car"? I ask, because I'm 67 and I drive an F30 335i M-Sport with MPPK, MPE, and APEX wheels, among other modifications. And I'll be driving that or something similar until they take my license away in 20 years or so.

[CIWS]

Originally Posted by roundel335

OP - Do you honestly think someone on a BMW enthusiast forum is going to make an objective recommendation for another brand?

And what exactly is an "old man's car"?

Crown Vic, Buick Roadmaster, Honda Fit, Ya know



OP - go drive both cars. Make sure you give them some beans and test their handling. Then simply decide which one stands out to you as the car you want to be driving for the next 3+ years and then buy that one. I think the one comment above about resale on the C400 not being that great down the road is pretty accurate, it did not seem to last long or sell well before they've already upgraded it. That is if that's any consideration for your situation.