Mercedes or BMW

[Lunchcutter]

I am interested in hearing opinions on the above two makes of 2nd hand cars. In particular the BMW 318i Executive 2002 model v the Mercedes C 180 C200 2002/2003. Does anyone have experience with either of these? I am leaning towards the 318i purely on aesthetics (sp) but would love to hear opinions of other SA footy people. I have done some research and these two makes and models seem on a par. Im budgeting for 13 - 16k bracket. Any comments appreciated. thank you.

[the big bang]

purely just on looks, i like the beamer better. never driven either of them, and i'm a bout as mechanically minded as a brain dead water buffalo so i can't really comment on anything else about it, other than the fact i think the beamer looks better!

[Psyber]

I've driven both on a few occasions. I liked the slightly firmer suspension on the C class Mercedes.
The E and S class are more pitched at the US market's concept of comfort, and tend to wallow.
Mercedes tend to use soft brake rotors which give you good braking, but that means the rotors tend need to be replaced frequently.
I don't know what BMW do.

I've never been a real fan of either make because of them both being luxury rather than performance cars - apart from special models like the M3 and the AMGs.
I've owned at different times a few Porsches, and I've also driven a few VWs and I've liked them.
My current sports model is an old [1995] Audi S2, and it is the most reliable car I've ever owned, which is why I've kept it.
Audi's tend to be less expensive second-hand, so long as you avoid the dealerships who are now trying to match BMW and Merc second-hand price maintenance policies.

I have heard that while anyone can service a BMW only the dealerships can tell its computer it has been serviced and turn off the warnings.
I know it was so at one time but I'm not sure it is current. [Graeme at Enzo's Auto Service in Frome St can probably tell you.]

[In general, any German car is better than any Italian car - I've had an Alfa and a Maserati! ]

[Booney]

I am interested in hearing opinions on the above two makes of 2nd hand cars. In particular the BMW 318i Executive 2002 model v the Mercedes C 180 C200 2002/2003. Does anyone have experience with either of these? I am leaning towards the 318i purely on aesthetics (sp) but would love to hear opinions of other SA footy people. I have done some research and these two makes and models seem on a par. Im budgeting for 13 - 16k bracket. Any comments appreciated. thank you.

Psyber* is your man for this, although I know he is not a BMW fan, so his statements will need clarifying.

For mine, I would go the C180, the reasons for this are too long to mention in here but I know for a fact that the late model BMW's in the bottom of the fleet ( the 3 series ) had significant short cuts taken to bring them down in price to match the C Class Mercedes of the same era. Mercedes had been building the C Class like that ( cost to build ) for years and have it right. BMW rapidly altered things to compete in the late 90's early 00's.

All in all though, any second hand car in that price range ( lets face it, $16k is a lot of money ) would need to be very well checked over before buying. RAA inspection is a must.


* Edit - Like I said.... *

[Lunchcutter]

Thanks Blokes for taking the Time to Comment .. will let you know when i finally decide which way I'm gonna go