Merc over BMW?

oceanblue1

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Hi

I am about to purchase a 08 plate C180K SE (I know, I can only afford the cheapest one :) from a carsupermarket and would value all the enthusaists' opinons on this excellent forum before I take my first plunge on a MB :)

1. With the new C-Class, would you guys say alot of the rust and unreliability problems have been ironed out? People keep trying to convince me BMW is better :(

2. I have heard that dealer servicing can be astronomical. Bearing in mind its a one year Merc, surely theres not much to go wrong. Should I go with an indie or will that effect my 3 year warranty?

3. Any Indie that can service to manufacturer's spec so as not to void the warranty that anyone can recommend in the Coventry area?

4. Bearing in mind its only a C180 hence a 1.8 engine, should I go with manual or auto? Thx
 
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*Thumper

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I've had 2 C class's recently, and both have been impecable .......... the old 54plate did 60,000 faultless miles .....and my current one, has done 12,000 since march, and is a joy to drive and own

I also have a 5 series BMW ....... 2 years old with 42,000 miles on the clock ...... it too does the job just fine, although we had an electric fault this month, that was covered under warranty

Mercland, in Nuneaton (Stockingford) can service the car for you, to manufacturers specifications, so to avoid losing warranty ....... and a B service, was quoted to me for £165 .................. Mines due next month, so I'll let you know how it goes ............... good reports are posted on this site about them.
 

television

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An 08 car will be faultless and welcome to the forum
 

100%Bitch

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Anything is better than a BMW
 

st4

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An 08 car is the much acclaimed w204 model. The press rate this car extremely highly (the press are also very disposed towards BMW products for low Co2 company tax stuff) and rate the 204 equally as good for dynamics and better for comfort

Its a commendable package that has few, if any, draw backs. Indie servicing under EU laws will not invalidate the warranty, so long as the work is carried out to a suitable standard. Thumper recommended a good one. However being such a new car you may find the MB stamp in the book may make the car easier to sell later on.
 

Cole@MBS

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Think the 204 out been out for about a year and half before i got laid of from mobilo, only time i got called out to one, was for a flat or keys locked in boot, 100% car, no real faults to report back on!!
 

turbopete

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cant comment on faults but i say go for the mercedes every time. ride is better than bmw and the MB just looks SO much better!
 
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oceanblue1

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Thx for the feedback.

Anyone have experience on Andy Gayle of Birmingham?

Any thoughts on whether I should go manual or auto?
 

television

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Thx for the feedback.

Anyone have experience on Andy Gayle of Birmingham?

Any thoughts on whether I should go manual or auto?

It should be a Auto for the best driving and Andy Gayle is very good
 

J400uk

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Manual is probably OK in the W204 as it will have hill start assist presumably, but Auto is best for resale and driveabilitiy. I don't rate the SE spec, Elegance or Sport better IMO.

Remember if you service outside the Mercedes network you lose access to Mobilo, and have less chance of goodwill work outside of warranty.

I wouldnt completely discount the BMW 3-series, it is better than the C in some aspects and worse in others. It depends if you want a sporty drive or a more relaxed cruiser.
 

turbopete

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sporty drive? my mates 5 series (530d sport 2004) rattles your teeth out over the slightest road blemish, unlike my 210 e300 turbodiesel and dads 203 c220 cdi
 

roadhog

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I might do if I see one I like. :)

Edit: But not while they've got the LED DRL fitted. Big turn off for me.
 

merc7

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The w204 is a nice car,go for the auto you will never regret it.
 

*Thumper

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Manual is probably OK in the W204 as it will have hill start assist presumably, but Auto is best for resale and driveabilitiy. I don't rate the SE spec, Elegance or Sport better IMO.

Remember if you service outside the Mercedes network you lose access to Mobilo, and have less chance of goodwill work outside of warranty.

You have Moblio for 3 years ....regardless !!
And the Elegance spec, comes with soooooo, much more, for so little extra!!
Auto's command better re-sales, as 400uk say's !!

sporty drive? my mates 5 series (530d sport 2004) rattles your teeth out over the slightest road blemish, unlike my 210 e300 turbodiesel and dads 203 c220 cdi

That would be the run flats !!
 
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oceanblue1

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I thought Elegance only gives rain sensor wiper (which seems pretty pointless to me) a few more wood trim and such.

Since I am buying the smallest engine in the range I am worried it would not have enough grunt for auto. Besides, auto have worst consumption and are slower off the mark than manual, right?
 

*Thumper

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Rain sensors, auto dimming mirrors, extrerior chrome trim to doors & bumpers ........... chrome to boot lid ............. auto dimming/folding door mirrors ........ better alloys (opinion based) .... Faux Leather seats ............. and a few other bits and bobs .

Thats a lot of money on the options list, if you added to an SE
 


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