Quote:
STRADALE said:
Merc.'s C series?
A friend of mine left me a voice message because he wants to buy a Bimmer 5 series or a Mercedes C and he wants my advice. Usually I'm up to date on the changes/facelifts etc. but have been out of the loop for the past couple months.
Anyone know what is the latest? When does the 5 series change to the new body style? Isn't the C series about to change?
Any help would be appreciated. tia.
I'm in the same shoes like your friend (looking for a new daily beater/commuter car), so I've done a little bit of homework already
I take it that your friend is living in the US
Both models will be available in the US "by this summer" (not further specified), while they'll hit the showrooms in Germany later this month. Though it could be possible that your friend can spec/order the cars already (lead-time according to "my" dealerships 4-5 months for new C-Class and 3 month for facelifted BMW 5 series).
BMW 5 series received some (minor) cosmetic changes to the car's body and (claimed) better interior materials + new engines (slightly more hp etc.)
MB C-Class is a new car (design/engines etc.) and comes with some new tech features/options such as "advanced agility" adaptive suspension (á la PASM), parameter steering and panorama roof.
I'm going to testdrive both cars later this month. Just let me know if your friend wants to know some specific things (of course driving impressions will be subjective like always)
As for Shakal's comment: in terms of "hierarchy" he's right - 5 series is direct competitor of MB E-Class, while 3 series is direct competitor of C-Class (with 3series/C-class being the smaller/cheaper brothers of 5 series/E-Class).
However I disagree with the comment that bigger/more expensive is always "better". It very much depends on your friends user's profile.
5 series/ E-Class: bigger, more prestige, more comfort
3 series / C-Class: smaller, less prestigious, but IMO more agile to drive - somewhat "sportier" (HP/power is not the decisive factor, as both BMW and MB offer powerful engines for their smaller sedans also).
From a practical perspective:
IMO family + kids = BMW 5 series/ E-Class
(of course you can add AUDI A6 to the list)
"Lonesome commuter" + a bit more driving fun (subjective) = BMW 3series / MB C-Class (again, you can add AUDI's A4 to the list).
I won't comment on design as this is just a matter of taste
Hope that helped for a first orientation