cabrios: BMW vs Mercedes - opinion poll

[fredermac]

I'm new to this forum and would like some advice.  My fiance and I are looking into buying a nice high-end cabrio in about a year and would like advice on on the BMW 330ci versus the Mercedes CLK 320.  We're trying to weigh the various strengths of each, such as price, reliability, service warranty, etc.  I'm sure this topic has come up often in the past, but we welcome all input.

 

[David M]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Hi Fred.  I'm new to this forum too.   I don't know a lot about the relative objective strengths and weaknesses of the cars you mention.  I suspect there may not be a lot in build quality these days between the two (Mercs apparently having fallen a bit in terms of build quality since the mid eighties).  However, for style alone I'd choose the Merc - what I love about all Mercs is the way the design of each model does not seem to date.  BMW's on the other hand seem to date very quickly - compare for instance a W124 to a mid-eighties 5 series BMW.   And I know this is totally subjective, but I think Merc drivers are probably nicer people.   Maybe it's got something to do with the car itself being more subtle and understated than the BMW.   I always equate the flashier BMW - and particularly the cabrios - with new money.  I don't think the image of the BMW driver as being a philistine aggressive are totally fictious either.   I've been tailgated by more BMWs than any other make of car.  Maybe it's got something to do with most Merc being automatics - does that make you a calmer and less aggressive driver?   Anyway, rant over - I dislike BMWs, so you're probably talking to the wrong person!  Go for the Merc!  

All the best,
David.    

 

[fredermac]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Thanks for your input and taking the trouble to answer.  I figured there would be some biased opinions in a Mercedes forum, but we do really want to know about any big gripes that CLK owners might have.

We really really like the CLK's styling overall, but we would like to know about any hidden problems that the salespeople might be glossing over.  We had heard about some questions of quality over the last few years, specifically the JD Power study showing Mercedes fall in quality rankings in 2001.

However, our emotional response is still heavily leaning towards the CLK 320 in our convertible hunt.  We would still appreciate any more opinions.

 

[Tony]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

The BMW 3 series has the reputation of a being  a superb drivers' car - probably second to none in its class, though the new CLK has closed the gap a bit. It's also going to be a bit faster than the CLK and return significantly better fuel consumption. (The Merc 320 V6 is not good on fuel, while all BMW engines seem very efficient). There's probably no difference in reliability.

The cars have a completely different image, of course, if this kind of thing bothers you. The Merc driver tends to be older. The BMW 3 series - particularly the convertible - tends to be aggressively driven by young men. In fact, most older 3 series convertibles seem to be driven by yobs.

The point about going out of date is a good one. BMW bring out a new body shape every few years. Mercedes shapes tend to last longer. Also, old Mercedes don't seem to look out of date, probably because the shape was never up to date in the first place. It's always identifiably a Mercedes, and some of the best looking Mercedes are 40 years old or more.

If I were you I'd get a test drive in both models - that's if you can attract the attention of the BMW salesman and if they're willing to let you drive the car. Personally, if I wanted a four seater convertible, I'd go for the new Audi A4 in preference to either, because it's probably better made (have you seen the shut-lines on the new A4 ?). The Merc's very expensive when you've specced it the way you want and I wouldn't buy a BMW on principle.            

(Edited by Tony at 8:39 am on June 24, 2002)

 

[fuzzer]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

This is a question i have asked myself too . I like the clk cab and i also like the 3 series cab.

There is nothing in them when you take a seat . I quite like the driving position of the 3 series . The clk will be worth more when you come to sell it .

I would buy the clk as it looks a lot more impressive that the 3 series.

I have personally found the BMW dealers a lot lot more helpful than the mercedes ones and have been annoyed by the snobbery of the mercedes ones.

Let us know what u buy.

 

[Dave B]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Hi Fred...

As I see it, BMW make better driver's cars and appeal to trendy/image concious drivers.   Mercs seem to be the more classy cars and offer a relaxed drive.   That's just my opinion though.   As Jeremy Clarkson once said "when was the last time you were let out of a junction by a BMW driver?".

I think MB have had a couple of models in the JD survey top 10 but they continually get hammered for poor customer service - which I have experienced.  If you are prepared for this then it's not so much of an issue.

 

[Guy]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Car magazine October 2000 tested 3 convertibles -
BMW 330Ci v Mercedes CLK320 v Volvo C70 2.4T

Volvo trounced, BMW beaten, Mercedes wins.

Honest!

To order a back issue of Car magazine e-mail
emap@mercury-international.com

 

[Guy]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Another CGI Timeout double post!

(Edited by Guy at 1:13 pm on June 24, 2002)

 

[Spike]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

It s worth taking a look at Quentin Wilsons review of the two at :-

http://www.4car.co.uk/advertorial/virgin/index.jsp

Some of the comments certainly put a smile on my face

--
Sp!ke
230CE

 

[Dave B]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Spike - excellent.  I particulalry like the 3 series comment.....

"Useless For:  Pretending you're a deep thinker"

 

[Arnie]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Hi,

I think that the just-been replaced CLK is far nicer looking than the new wedgy one, but the new one, being based on the new c-class platform will have dynamics similar to the beemer.

For dynamics, BMW is still however just ahead.

For new technology, the new CLK will have brake by wire etc.

As for build quality, probably BMW wins marginally.

For engines: BMW straight-6 is best - no doubt (I have driven both).

For image, perhaps mercedes.

For resale value: mercedes.


Anyway, take a good look at both and drive them to see for yourself. A good dealer should let you have one for the weekend to try.

 

[mattsbeamer]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Hi guys im new here. As you can see from my screen name i would go for the BMW. But since I haven't had anyof the 2 I can't give an accurate answer. A few weeks ago my mum and dad brought me a 1985 318i saloon, and it is still built like a rock.

 

[mattsbeamer]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Not all the young owners of the E30 are yobs, some are just big fans like me .  Don't forget Ali G has a Bimmer, and a black merc, so people might think that about both make. I love Bmw and merc.

 

[Carabosse]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

I entirely agree with Mattsbeamer.

I have driven the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes C-class, Audi A4, Jag X-type and Lexus IS. In my opinion the BMW wins on pretty well every count. (IMHO, Merc and Jag are actually joint bottom of this list.)

Maybe that's why, in the UK, the 3-series Bimmer outsells all the aforementioned competitors put together.

'Nuff said :biggrin:

 

[Matt Crooke]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

All depends on what image you are trying to put across though really. BMW =Young Flash City Exec named Rupert.

Mercedes = Person with d*amn
good taste...a quality car for the real Driver!

Thats only my opinion anyway, so no hate mailplease lol!

 

[mattsbeamer]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

I understand . I love my BM's you love your Mercs. This is a very nice forum ( nice atmosphere, full of nice people).
A long time ago, my dad was thinking about buying this  merc. It was the one before the before the roundheadlight Merc E class. (I think it was a 1992 shape E-class) which is nice.  But he decieded to go with this 1990 Range Rover (the gear box blew up in the 1st few weeks of getting it (30,000) mile. So we took it back and got a nice 1989 BMW 535iSE which I loved to bits.
At the mo, my dads thinking about getting either a Merc 500/600SL, a Range Rover 4.6 V8, or a BMW 750iL.
I will make a topic up so people can give me there opions on the Merc SL.

 

[Carabosse]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

BMW =Young Flash City Exec

One of my cars is a BMW....all I can say is "I wish!"

Well no I don't actually! I think BMWs are so numerous now that they have got away from the "yuppie" image a long time ago. Hey, you see OAPs driving BMWs.....but far more of them drive Mercs! :wink:

I think with the new E-class MB will, hopefully, start to regain the reputation it had for good build quality etc which it may have lost (a bit) after the DaimlerChrsler merger.

A Merc used to be "the" aspirational car but I think BMW at least share that role now.

Some people on this forum may have heard of BMW's Chief Designer, Chris Bangle. His designs for new BMWs are thought by many people to be pretty horrid - there are those in BMW circles who think he's secretly employed by Mercedes!!! :biggrin: :biggrin:

 

[Tony]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

I don't think Merc need to pay someone to screw up BMW's design. They've been doing it pretty well on their own. The only good looking BMW (with the obvious exception of the brilliant M1) was the previous generation 3-series. Most of the rest look stupid. I always thought the Z3 was the most ridiculous design I'd ever seen - the front, rear and windscreen plainly come from three different cars. But they've clearly surpassed even that with the Z4.    

 

[Carabosse]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

I wish I could disagree with Tony about the Z4! Some have described it as something which looks like it's been in a crash...even before it leaves the showroom!

But to be honest - looking at the big sellers -  I don't think that the current 3-series's main competitor, the C-class, looks any better than the BMW. Anyway so long as people keep voting (overwhelmingly) with their cheque books for the Bimmer I doubt BMW is going to change direction. I think the current C-class is a missed opportunity for Mercedes, which is a great pity.

 

[Tony]

cabrios:  BMW vs Mercedes

Does anybody remember the old Triumph Mayflower and Renown ? These had sharp edges too, but were slightly better proportioned than the the Z4. I don't think they ever caught on though.