E90 325i vs benz w204 c230

[Schwepps]

maybe a porsche would be better ....hihihihihih ...u r in a bimmer community and expect members to recommend you other than a bimmer ......wake up bro ....

No way a Porsche would be better, not when RFTs are too jarring for some! Kidding, kidding.

Also, this bimmer man fully recommends the W204 for ken to get his wife. Perfect car for wifey, and still a good drive for him when he has to take the wheel.

 

[izuaff]

merc for the oldies, nuff said

 

[E46Fanatic]

Yeah I like the C204 as well. However, I think Ken and the wife will get bored with it after a few months since both like to race each other to kill free time . The Mk6 GTi with a few tweaks would be a better match for the yellow P car at home

 

[ken]

Yeah I like the C204 as well. However, I think Ken and the wife will get bored with it after a few months since both like to race each other to kill free time . The Mk6 GTi with a few tweaks would be a better match for the yellow P car at home

got 1 fun car at home enough dee need a more comfort car with some power for outstation drive as well. surely the mk6 GTI is a beauty, we have both been missing the mk5 eversince we sold it. however, the GTI is another drivers car. Not the most comfortable ride as a passenger especially in the rear. Need to ferry our folks at times and they have a weak back la

 

[E46Fanatic]

Well the W204 C230 v6 is greatly improved over the W203 230 V6 I drove a while back. Although on paper they seem to share the same engine and 7G tranny, the low end torque of the W204 v6 is much stronger. Also the engine note is fiercer past 4.5k rpms and actually sounds pretty exciting unlike the W203 v6 which was more sedate and civilized. Based on paper the W203 V6 peak torque comes in at ~3500 rpms. For the W204 although same engine and tranny it peaks at 2900 just 150rpm higher than the N52 on the 325i (it also peaks lower compared to the 323i N52). So I was pleasantly surprised. Brakes feel as good as the BMW and much improved over the W203 although the W203 AG had stunning looking front discs.

Suspension wise, the comfort setting is way to floaty but the sports settings is perfect. Paddleshifters are correct as well + and - on each side ala M DCT config, and the tranny changes pretty fast. Handling of the car through brisk corners was fine as well, composed in Sports mode setting

Steering is the weakest point compared to the E90. Its tuned more to lady drivers than driving enthusiasts. Larger steering, thin diameter, and very light and not so precise. Its more relaxed vs. the hightened sensory feedback from the E90 steering feel.

Another yucky thing is the speedo dial. Not used to the short needle and doesn't arouse the senses to see the needle move. Fit and finish was top notch, no idrive/advanced command APS on the test unit.

W204 C230 is selling like hot cakes. Limited units left of the car before the new C250 4 pot direct charged engine makes it to our shores. Something like 201hp and 350nm torque according to the salesman. The V6 is being phased out.

Overall I thought the W204 230 v6 to be a decently exciting car to drive when pushed, on Sports setting, and Manual paddle shift mode. Sounds quite nice like an arcade game as well when you are revving it up. It offers about 75-80% of the driving excitement of the E90 325i when pushed in sports mode. I much prefer the interior design of the W204 and fit and finish. Shape as well my vote is for the W204 as its newer design and not so dated. Love the flared arches and the big bling bling front grille . Comfort and as a daily driver putzing around town it seems less stressful and more relaxed and feels more classy/expensive inside due to the dash instrumentation layout. So the E90 325i sports looses out in this area to the C class. Overall a very nice car to own and have as a daily driver esp in white.

 

[astroboy]

.... Comfort and as a daily driver putzing around town it seems less stressful and more relaxed and feels more classy/expensive inside due to the dash instrumentation layout. So the E90 325i sports looses out in this area to the C class. Overall a very nice car to own and have as a daily driver esp in white.

Don't forget to throw in a Chauffeur, that will complete the package.. :wink:

 

[E46Fanatic]

Don't forget to throw in a Chauffeur, that will complete the package.. :wink:

Sadly thats the Merc image. BMW's complete package will be a hot chick making out with you in the front seat after a wild party night.. Wait... not true.

 

[ken]

Well the W204 C230 v6 is greatly improved over the W203 230 V6 I drove a while back. Although on paper they seem to share the same engine and 7G tranny, the low end torque of the W204 v6 is much stronger. Also the engine note is fiercer past 4.5k rpms and actually sounds pretty exciting unlike the W203 v6 which was more sedate and civilized. Based on paper the W203 V6 peak torque comes in at ~3500 rpms. For the W204 although same engine and tranny it peaks at 2900 just 150rpm higher than the N52 on the 325i (it also peaks lower compared to the 323i N52). So I was pleasantly surprised. Brakes feel as good as the BMW and much improved over the W203 although the W203 AG had stunning looking front discs.

Suspension wise, the comfort setting is way to floaty but the sports settings is perfect. Paddleshifters are correct as well + and - on each side ala M DCT config, and the tranny changes pretty fast. Handling of the car through brisk corners was fine as well, composed in Sports mode setting

Steering is the weakest point compared to the E90. Its tuned more to lady drivers than driving enthusiasts. Larger steering, thin diameter, and very light and not so precise. Its more relaxed vs. the hightened sensory feedback from the E90 steering feel.

Another yucky thing is the speedo dial. Not used to the short needle and doesn't arouse the senses to see the needle move. Fit and finish was top notch, no idrive/advanced command APS on the test unit.

W204 C230 is selling like hot cakes. Limited units left of the car before the new C250 4 pot direct charged engine makes it to our shores. Something like 201hp and 350nm torque according to the salesman. The V6 is being phased out.

Overall I thought the W204 230 v6 to be a decently exciting car to drive when pushed, on Sports setting, and Manual paddle shift mode. Sounds quite nice like an arcade game as well when you are revving it up. It offers about 75-80% of the driving excitement of the E90 325i when pushed in sports mode. I much prefer the interior design of the W204 and fit and finish. Shape as well my vote is for the W204 as its newer design and not so dated. Love the flared arches and the big bling bling front grille . Comfort and as a daily driver putzing around town it seems less stressful and more relaxed and feels more classy/expensive inside due to the dash instrumentation layout. So the E90 325i sports looses out in this area to the C class. Overall a very nice car to own and have as a daily driver esp in white.

have to echo what e46f said ... very well said n explained.
suspension on std mode is bit soft for my liking esp on highway drive. with sport mode on, cars lowers by 15mm n feel much better. however, on bumpier road in the housing areas n across bumps, the std mode seems ok.
power wise, i think its comparable to 325. at higher rpm, 4.5k to redline, v6 does produce a nice screaming sound. steering definitely lighter than e90 but its less engaging for spirited driving. normal town use, ideal. easy n comfort to drive.
design n shape is individual preference. sportiness looses out to 325 sports with nice looking body kit n 18" wheels. c class has a full size spare tyre.
rear leg n headroom seems more compared to e90
gadgets, poor compared to 325 sports. no GPS n all the i drive features. unless opt for the adv spec which costs rm15k extra compared to std c230
overall value for $, i think 325 sports is better with all BSRI n current BMW promotions n discounts.
unless one have tried e90, then only should consider the c class.
another way i would describe it, bmw = ultimate driving machine, merc = ultimate being driven on
just my 2 cents.

 

[astroboy]

Bear in mind that the moment u stop your C230, eyes from outside will focus on the rear door while the drivers are treated as Chauffeur..

Young chap seen with C230 is perceived as lucky fella who's born in a rich family.

Young chap seen with a 325i is perceived as a young and successful entrepreneur.

 

[Schwepps]

I don't think that's entirely true Astro. Cs are rarely driven by chauffeurs, as it looks silly and wannabe to be chauffeur-driven in a C. The image problem the C has, is that it looks wannabe for a guy: of someone who aspires to a bigger Mercedes. Whereas the 3 is an aspirational car in itself and the owner's image is that he's not the type to want a 5, or heaven forbid 7. Frankly, if you ask me to get a 5 or 7, I'd rather be in something else.

But Cs are perfect for wifeys, no doubt about it. And yet, with active suspension, can be fun for hubby too. The W204 is the best C put out by Merc so far. :top:

 

[peanut]

Sadly thats the Merc image. BMW's complete package will be a hot chick making out with you in the front seat after a wild party night.. Wait... not true.

I started out owning bimmers many years ago and can testify that making out with hot chick was one of the reasons to get my first bimmer but that reason has never materialized. Must be me and not the car! :1::1:

 

[racheltoh]

Someone once told me a lady driving a C is a mistress wor . C200 *was* my target

 

[Schwepps]

Mistress is racy type. Tai tai is conservative type. So which car is tagged to which image?

 

[Spaceman]

I don't think that's entirely true Astro. Cs are rarely driven by chauffeurs, as it looks silly and wannabe to be chauffeur-driven in a C. The image problem the C has, is that it looks wannabe for a guy: of someone who aspires to a bigger Mercedes. Whereas the 3 is an aspirational car in itself and the owner's image is that he's not the type to want a 5, or heaven forbid 7. Frankly, if you ask me to get a 5 or 7, I'd rather be in something else.

But Cs are perfect for wifeys, no doubt about it. And yet, with active suspension, can be fun for hubby too. The W204 is the best C put out by Merc so far. :top:

couldnt have said it better...spot on!

but 5er looks not too bad..

 

[e60FANster]

I started out owning bimmers many years ago and can testify that making out with hot chick was one of the reasons to get my first bimmer but that reason has never materialized. Must be me and not the car! :1::1:

i bot my integra and nailed my wife...ahaha.... best investment ever...

 

[Schwepps]

couldnt have said it better...spot on!

but 5er looks not too bad..

The 5er and 7er are great cars, better than the E and S classes. But for the money for a 5er I would get a 335i, and for a 7er I would get an M3 A 3er is the only BMW I would consider...except maybe a Z4

Interestingly I was in New York and surrounding area for almost 2 weeks and I saw 3ers, and a few 7ers, but not a single 5er.

 

[infinityKL]

just a few words from me...

e90 beats evrything to the C except for its looks..

but then the e92 eats both the above alive... beauty!!

cabutzzz

 

[E46Fanatic]

The 5er and 7er are great cars, better than the E and S classes. But for the money for a 5er I would get a 335i, and for a 7er I would get an M3 A 3er is the only BMW I would consider...except maybe a Z4

:top: We share the same genes LOL. Unker is such a young man at heart.

 

[David Yong]

E92 335i is the way to go man....

 

[Schwepps]

:top: We share the same genes LOL. Unker is such a young man at heart.

Yes indeed, sonny. Wanna know something else funny? We have an E class and driver at home, but I only use him when I'm going somewhere difficult to park. Even then, I sit in front with him. And when he sends us to KLIA, he sits in front and I drive - I can't stand piddling along the KLIA highway at 110-120kmh. Ohh and he's never even started my E90 before, let alone driven it! Don't think he would know how, because I've never told him he has to step on the brake first. Hahahaha!