[micknugget]

Originally Posted by lawgone

I've seen several reviews not liking the placement of the iDrive screen. The screen itself looks good but the placement has been much criticized for looking like someone slammed an iPad into the top of the dash.

Several review (see the cnet and autospies reviews on youtube) really like the placement of the screen. The cnet one goes into detail as to why. Apparently Federal regs are going into effect that any video screens must be mounted as high as possible. This is so that your eyes remain somewhat on the road as opposed to looking down. For BMW to mount the screen as high as they do and have it "encased" so to speak, it would make the dash look massive. I for one think that they did a great job.

[Augenbrauezug]

Originally Posted by micknugget

These reviews are absolutely worthless. They like the BMW's steering while another review hates it. They hate the iDrive screen while just about every other review loves it. Also, there 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are lower then other reviews and I really REALLY doubt that the Merc does 0-60 in 6.4 sec. Mercedes says 7.1 and I think that's pretty close to what it really does.

Well ya, humans review them and humans have opinions.

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by sr5959

Why did Mercedes build a 1.8 Turbo when Audi and BMW are using 2.0s???

I don't get that either. They really hurt an otherwise awesome car.

[Fraggy]

I also saw the F30 rolling over more and showing more body roll.

[Diver]

The new 328 is as fast as the prior 3 series 330 NA I6 but it gets 33MPG on the highway. Impressive.

[federator]

Originally Posted by NICKTENN

Anybody notice the 3's one fog light on while it was cornering? What's that about?

yeah, I've also noticed that in many reviews (mostly shot in the US)

[svache]

The one fog light when cornering is part of the cornering lights. When you turn, or have your blinker on, it will illuminate the fog light on the side where you want to go to, making that side a bit more brighter

[francis_william]

Originally Posted by svache

The one fog light when cornering is part of the cornering lights. When you turn, or have your blinker on, it will illuminate the fog light on the side where you want to go to, making that side a bit more brighter

Yes,the same design on the Mercs S class.

[JohnMan]

The c class is a good car, design-wise and it's not too bad performance-wise either, but I always thought the C class appeals to a slightly different side of the market, people who do like a little sportiness in their ride, but ultimately place comfort and reliability as the primary things they look for in a car.

The 3 series in contrast has stronger emphasis on sportiness and overall performance. It allows for practical daily use (the sedan version anyway) but it is car that lets you have more fun than a C class.

So all these reviews are nice to read, but won't really change things. People who like C class will continue to buy C class, and those that like the 3 series will continue buying the 3 series.

[Sky_Driver]

Originally Posted by JohnMan

The c class is a good car, design-wise and it's not too bad performance-wise either, but I always thought the C class appeals to a slightly different side of the market, people who do like a little sportiness in their ride, but ultimately place comfort and reliability as the primary things they look for in a car.

The 3 series in contrast has stronger emphasis on sportiness and overall performance. It allows for practical daily use (the sedan version anyway) but it is car that lets you have more fun than a C class.

So all these reviews are nice to read, but won't really change things. People who like C class will continue to buy C class, and those that like the 3 series will continue buying the 3 series.

let me remenber lexus is.

[kdbryce]

I just had the c300 sport (with the facelift, just not the new engine) as a loaner car while my car was being serviced. The steering was so soft it was seriously a struggle to drive, the seats were uncomfy, the knob for the [benz version of] idrive was in a terrible spot, and it was really slow.. But I did like the way the steering wheel looked

[JohnMan]

Originally Posted by Sky_Driver

let me remenber lexus is.

Yeah Lexus IS is also in the same market as the C class, that doesn't change what I just said earlier however.

[ppatel223]

Originally Posted by sr5959

Yes I loved the steering wheel too on the C, great design. But as MickNugget says the driving experience plus economy plus technology meant F30 for me. And the free maint... 👍

Interior of C class is ugly, I used to own one.

[antzcrashing]

Originally Posted by sr5959

Why did Mercedes build a 1.8 Turbo when Audi and BMW are using 2.0s???

because the majority of mommas that buy this car do not ask how many liters are displaced in the engine before buying... they ask instead, hey can I get in a Mercedes for X dollars, if yes, interested

[Raspartan]

I like the exterior styling of the C class, but when I test drove one I was appalled by the steering. It seemed to take too many turns to get around a corner.

[Carnook]

Originally Posted by lawgone

I've seen several reviews not liking the placement of the iDrive screen. The screen itself looks good but the placement has been much criticized for looking like someone slammed an iPad into the top of the dash.

Personally I think that was the point. First, they didn't try to hide or disguise the screen. It's there and it's important so I feel like they've finally acknowledged that in the design. Second, tablets are super hot so I think BMW figured why not just make it like a tablet.

I really like the design. I was never a fan of the double hump on the e90 because it made the instrument cluster feel less driver focused and less prominent.

[izuaff04]

is there another sports compact sedan that can topple F30? i don't think so....

[sr5959]

Originally Posted by Propagator

I would also choose the F30 over the C class if it was for me. But if it was for my wife, I think the C, especially with the substantial discount that you can have, would be a better choice.

I agree. Most women I know prefer the looks of the C and I think they would prefer the solid feel to the drive as well, rather than F30 which is sportier. However they all love the 'kick open' trunk!

[sr5959]

Originally Posted by micknugget

Several review (see the cnet and autospies reviews on youtube) really like the placement of the screen. The cnet one goes into detail as to why. Apparently Federal regs are going into effect that any video screens must be mounted as high as possible. This is so that your eyes remain somewhat on the road as opposed to looking down. For BMW to mount the screen as high as they do and have it "encased" so to speak, it would make the dash look massive. I for one think that they did a great job.

+1. I love the screen placement/design, and the fact it's not a folding/hidden screen, I hate those. I also never liked the hump in dash for Nav on E90.

[sr5959]

Originally Posted by Diver

The new 328 is as fast as the prior 3 series 330 NA I6 but it gets 33MPG on the highway. Impressive.

Yes this combination was a big factor in the decision for me.

Also I believe BMW's original claim of 36mpg highway is accurate not EPA's 33. This is based on my experience and I have done 2500 miles in it.

[sr5959]

Originally Posted by ppatel223

Interior of C class is ugly, I used to own one.

The new one is much better than the old.

[theArgiope]

Current C sucked until the 2012 facelift.

I tested a C350 and love it. Might trade my e90 M3 for it.

Yea, yea, but I've had my fun and I'm about to have a baby. Have to compromise on the luxuries.

I'd take a C350 over a 335i... but a 328i over a C250. The Benz has a very boring 4 cylinder.