335i and C350 Sport - side by side

[tomegun]

A guy who works in the same building just got a C350 Sport loaded. I kind of scared him today when I asked him to trade keys. I was just kidding, but I would like to go on a drive with him. He told me the 335i is nice, but he “just had to get the Benz.” The side of the building I normally park on, when I don’t drive my Accord, was full for some reason so I parked next to him. I figured he wouldn’t open the door to his brand new car and give me a door ding. I took two pictures with my cell phone. I don’t have any idea how good the pictures will be, but I would like to post them anyway.

Can someone tell me how to post a picture?

He must have left the building because I left for lunch and he had moved one spot away from me.

I have to go ask him what is going on with him. He had a Corvette and an old Taurus a while back. He got a new Toyota Tundra and sold his other cars. Now he has the Benz.

[mryakan]

Just go advanced and then hit manage attachments, browse to your files, then hit upload. Preview the post and they should show up.

Oh BTW, I also use the same trick by parking next to nicer cars "assuming" they would be more careful. But I always remind myself that the "assumption" is just that, so I opt to park next to no one if possible. I've also seen crappy cars park next to me when I park in the middle of nowhere, maybe they don't want dings either or maybe they are messing with me!!!

[Kredithai]

I personally use Webshots to host my pics. Try Imageshack, Photobucket, Tinypic etc. most are free

[bimmer335i07]

I test drove the Mercedes C350 this past Saturday at a Mercedes C driving event. And let me say this, the C350 does not drive like a BMW. Or even close for that matter. The steering is loose and the suspension feels a little softer than what I have and I don't even have ZSP. You really have to floor it to feel any power out of it. I was so... happy just getting back into my 335i. I'd probably get a Benz when I'm 50 or something and just want a cruiser. lol!

[mryakan]

I test drove the Mercedes C350 this past Saturday at a Mercedes C driving event. And let me say this, the C350 does not drive like a BMW. Or even close for that matter. The steering is loose and the suspension feels a little softer than what I have and I don't even have ZSP. You really have to floor it to feel any power out of it. I was so... happy just getting back into my 335i. I'd probably get a Benz when I'm 50 or something and just want a cruiser. lol!
That's the point, it is not supposed to. It is built to appeal to a market that is looking for a posh ride and luxurious amenities, not really anything near an ultimate driving experience. That being said, once AMG gets their hand on a MB model, they do turn it into something to behold.

[SpunkyE30nOk]

there is a vid on youtube of a test between the c350 and 335i...needless to say the bmw destroyed the c350 in terms of driving performance *its to be expected right*.. I do like the look of the new c class esp the amg 63, but id still take an e90/2 over it anyday

[Beer Goggles]

Here's the link mentioned.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=8mEf4WGc_No

[E92Vancouver]

there is a vid on youtube of a test between the c350 and 335i...needless to say the bmw destroyed the c350 in terms of driving performance *its to be expected right*.. I do like the look of the new c class esp the amg 63, but id still take an e90/2 over it anyday

That Mercedes is a good looking car. Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mEf4WGc_No

I would love a CLK but they are about 40% more expensive than a Bimmer.

[BavarianDDR17]

Looks-wise I have to give the front end award to the C350. For some reason I just can't get used to the headlights on the 3 series sedan, and the Benz just looks more aggressive. On the back end, I have to give a slight edge to the 335 even t hough I'm not crazy about the taillights, at least they're in the right place. The rear end on the last C Class looked much better cause these taillights are not only oddly shaped but WAY too low on the rear. And the drive? Hell ya the 335! Getting interested about this C63 AMG though...

[tomegun]

The Benz looks good and all but I think the 335 looks better.

When you think about it, the two companies must go about how they design these cars very differently. The C class is just that: somewhat of the third/lowest class Mercedes makes. It is the cheapest of their bunch. The 3-series on the other hand seems to be a segment all it's own. The 3-series has iconic status and most companies who give a darn about driving dynamics aim to be what the 3-series has been for years. For that reason (maybe), the 3 doesn't have to necessarily take a back seat to the 5 or 7. They are different cars that fulfill different needs. I might not convey my thoughts well, but I think the 3 has an advantage here and it isn't just because I have one. I tried to buy something cheaper, from a company that might have had more visible gizmos and a better reliability rating. It didn't work.
I'm living large right now - if I have 10 million dollars, my daily driver for general purposes would be the car I have right now. That is pretty good.

[RBrylawski]

The Benz looks good and all but I think the 335 looks better.

When you think about it, the two companies must go about how they design these cars very differently. The C class is just that: somewhat of the third/lowest class Mercedes makes. It is the cheapest of their bunch. The 3-series on the other hand seems to be a segment all it's own. The 3-series has iconic status and most companies who give a darn about driving dynamics aim to be what the 3-series has been for years. For that reason (maybe), the 3 doesn't have to necessarily take a back seat to the 5 or 7. They are different cars that fulfill different needs. I might not convey my thoughts well, but I think the 3 has an advantage here and it isn't just because I have one. I tried to buy something cheaper, from a company that might have had more visible gizmos and a better reliability rating. It didn't work.
I'm living large right now - if I have 10 million dollars, my daily driver for general purposes would be the car I have right now. That is pretty good.

Actually, you conveyed your thought's perfectly!! While I think the new C class is nice looking (boy did they ever want it look like a baby "S"), but it doesn't have the great driving dynamics of the 3 series. You'd think that over the years Mercedes might have gotten the message that the C class is always being compared to the 3 series. In every article I've read, even if they like a C class variant, the article will usually have the, "but it's not yet in BMW 3 Series Territory" stated somewhere. And every article I've read on the newest C class has some statement exactly like this. I just had my V-8 moment as until recently, I had only driven Mercedes, but always felt something was missing. Now that I have a 335i, I know what was missing and won't go back.

[Beer Goggles]

I have no love for the new C-Class, I think it's awkward looking.

[BavarianDDR17]

I now have a perfect description regarding the Benz's rear end due to the fact that the taillights are too low: a saggy ass.

[Rush1169]

I think both cars are great looking. IMO, the 335i is the better looking car of the two. My personal complaint about the C350 is the GIANT Mercedes emblem in the grill. While I hate the little star thing on sticking out of the hood (C300 non-sport), I hate the GIANT announcement in the grill just as much.

[mryakan]

I think both cars are great looking. IMO, the 335i is the better looking car of the two. My personal complaint about the C350 is the GIANT Mercedes emblem in the grill. While I hate the little star thing on sticking out of the hood (C300 non-sport), I hate the GIANT announcement in the grill just as much.
But that's what defines MBs. Kinda like saying you hate the kidney grills on a BMW or the BMW blue and white emblem. You are definitely entitled to your opinion, but I am willing to bet if you post this on an MB forum you'll be accused of blasphemy. :stickoutt

[Rush1169]

But that's what defines MBs. Kinda like saying you hate the kidney grills on a BMW or the BMW blue and white emblem. You are definitely entitled to your opinion, but I am willing to bet if you post this on an MB forum you'll be accused of blasphemy.
To which are you referring? The little circle on top of the hood or the BIG GIANT OVERSIZED logo in the grill? I'd assume the former, but I guess it doesn't really matter. My local dealer said he's install a C300 grill on the C350 if it made the deal. It didn't. I'm most likely going to remove the C350 from my narrowed down list for two reasons: Underpowered for the class (335 and IS350) and cheap interior. Although the interior is most likely set, I have a strong feeling that horsepower will be improved for the '09 MY.

[mryakan]

To which are you referring? The little circle on top of the hood or the BIG GIANT OVERSIZED logo in the grill? I'd assume the former, but I guess it doesn't really matter. My local dealer said he's install a C300 grill on the C350 if it made the deal. It didn't. I'm most likely going to remove the C350 from my narrowed down list for two reasons: Underpowered for the class (335 and IS350) and cheap interior. Although the interior is most likely set, I have a strong feeling that horsepower will be improved for the '09 MY.
MB uses the small 3 pointed star on the hood with their traditional grill for "regular" models and the larger 3 pointed star embedded in a wide grill for sports model. They did that loosely before, but they have standardized on that lately. I agree it looks odd on the C350, but it is gorgeous on their coupes and convertibles.

[scottb]

i went to buy the c350 and decided to go by the bmw lot(never been in one) and after driving the 335i i bought it, still waiting for it but the mercedes was junk compared to the bmw.

[pamajmudar]

but I can't wait for my 335xi coupe! (4 more weeks at most!)

[mavjen]

I've seen the C350 in black/black in a MB sales brochure and it looks really sharp in the front. It didn't show the back of the car and now I know why. It looks like a Toyota Camry before the new body came out. I would rather have the "power and performance" of the BMW as stated in the you tube comparison video.

[mryakan]

Is that an ALASKA plate? I didn't know they have BMW dealer all the way there! ;)

[neapolitan]

The giant MB logo on the front always reminds me of the Mercedes garbage trucks that pick up trash. I really like the small MB (theft-magnet) logo, but not the giant one.

Driving in the C and E series MB, I'm always disappointed. I really, really want to like them, but I agree the interior feels to Chrysler to me as others have stated. Pretty early on in my shopping, I realized the BMW was so much more for similar money -- sounds like I'm trolling, but I am sure that almost everybody here feels similarly that has driven both...

[335eye]

MB designs are tawdry. Created to appeal to popular or undiscriminating tastes. Kitschy.

[tomegun]

Is that an ALASKA plate? I didn't know they have BMW dealer all the way there! ;)

Yes it is an Alaska plate. I didn't buy the car there, but I'm an Alaska resident - it is a military thing. Alaska doesn't charge sales tax, will not smog my vehicle all the way down here, and will not care about my tint.
I have to get personalized plates for no other reason than to get rid of those ugly yellow plates. I don't know why they sent me those; one of my other cars has the white and blue Alaska plate and it looks much better.

[tomegun]

After looking at the pictures again, the MB just doesn't do it when sitting next to the 335i. I thought it looked pretty good, but it already looks somewhat dated next to the BMW. The back is especially old looking.

[Mr Wonder]

The size of the Mercedes Emblem is a bit over the top for me.

[robohopar]

i think the MB has a very aggressive look, like it will overtake the BMW anyday, but we all know who the sleeper is in this case :stickoutt , although i'd give the exterior styling to MB, i'd take the 335i over the MB anyday, and no i'm not giving a biased opinion :devillook

[forrestpilot]

[quote=bimmer335i07;10678277]I test drove the Mercedes C350 this past Saturday at a Mercedes C driving event. And let me say this, the C350 does not drive like a BMW. Or even close for that matter. The steering is loose and the suspension feels a little softer than what I have and I don't even have ZSP. You really have to floor it to feel any power out of it. I was so... happy just getting back into my 335i. I'd probably get a Benz when I'm 50 or something and just want a cruiser. lol![/quot

I am 50 or something and will never go MB. Had in past, the 335i is my first BMW and has sold me.

[E92Vancouver]

The size of the Mercedes Emblem is a bit over the top for me.

The pricing of the MB will kick BMW's but. They are a lot cheaper and have a very attractive price point. BMW will either have to drop the price of the 3 series sedan or add more features.

[Beer Goggles]

They are cheaper compared to the 335, when compared to the appropriate car, the 328 it isn't much cheaper.

[E92Vancouver]

They are cheaper compared to the 335, when compared to the appropriate car, the 328 it isn't much cheaper.

BG, the MB 350 is cheaper than the BMW 335 and the MB 300 is cheaper than the BMW 328.

BMW is going to get their butt kicked in terms of sales. They will get the car owners who are contemplating their first high end German car (sorry VW).

The only way BMW can answer this kick in the crotch is to lower their prices or add more bells and whistles and horsepower of course.

[tomegun]

I don't agree. MB buyers are looking for the MB prestige - mainly owning a MB is the only thing that goes with that. BMW buyers want the prestige as well, but in the 3-series they know they are getting the ultimate driving machine. As I said before, MB buyers are those who buy the brand and the 350 is on the low end. BMW buyers are getting the prestige and the driving experience. For instance, if someone is interested in a MB and can afforthe an E-class, they will probably get an E-class. If someone is looking for a BMW and can afford a 5-series, they might end up with a 3-series because they want the car and what goes with it instead of the driving experience - it is a good one too - that goes with the 5-series.