Mercedes C43 vs BMW 440i Grand Coupe vs Alfa Romeo Veloce
Discussion
TheBinarySheep said:
Thanks, really helpful.
Did you have exhaust addon with any of the C43's and was it worth it? I've been looking through autotrader at images to see which ones have the exhaust button next to the gear knob, but very few do. I'm just wondering does the car still make a lovely noise without it?
The older shape C43 with the slit exhaust type was much louder, I believe they made the newer ones quieter than those due to certain regulations. The new quad pipe ones still have a lovely sound and in Sport + you get some nice pops. All of mine had the exhaust button on, even the one which didn’t have Prem or Prem plus back. Did you have exhaust addon with any of the C43's and was it worth it? I've been looking through autotrader at images to see which ones have the exhaust button next to the gear knob, but very few do. I'm just wondering does the car still make a lovely noise without it?
One thing I did notice on the newer shaped ones is that the electric seats weren’t to be assumed as it was an optional extra, always get a bit daft moving your seat on a £55k car without the electric button.
I’d certainly go for the newer shape of the budget allows, with prem plus as that makes the dash/computer the best of all the variants
I had a Giulia Veloce for 2 year before my current car. The 440i & C43 were on the shortlist for its replacement and both are excellent cars - a couple of leagues above the Veloce in my opinion both from a quality (& reliability) and performance point of view. I ended up going for the 440i over the C43 simply because I (only just) preferred the exterior looks and a car came up with an unusual spec. Both the Mercedes & BMW are special cars though.
Dave350 said:
I had a BMW 440 (2016) for 2.5 years, and I've had about 5 x C43's from 2018-2020 of all the different spec offerings. The C43 was hands down a much better driving experience and cabin to be in, I do think the 440i exterior shape is very nice, but doesn't have the wow factor of the C43.
C43 with premium plus pack being the necessary option pack from my experience, feels very poverty spec without.
I never struggled with the boot space personally.
Would you mind telling me how real world economy compares between your newest C43 & your 440i, Dave? Just wondered how the V6 with 4 wheel drive compares to the 440i's B58 in everyday use. I get a pretty astonishing average of 29mpg out of the BMW.C43 with premium plus pack being the necessary option pack from my experience, feels very poverty spec without.
I never struggled with the boot space personally.
Thanks
On a motorway run between Birmingham and Manchester up the M6 with a few 50-60mph average zones I've seen 38mpg.
Everyday pottering around and in the city is usually c.25mpg for me.
Avg worked out as 28-29.
The AWD made the C43 a much nicer daily in comparison to the 440i with far more grip especially when damp and it moved off the driveway in the snow unlike the 440i. The 440i did have the fun factor with its unpredictability but the more sensible daily option is the C43!
The only downside for some is the crabbing, e.g. the wheel crabs when on full lock in a car park if moving slowly, but in all honesty it didn't bother me at all, and I'd still go for a C43 over the 440i.
Everyday pottering around and in the city is usually c.25mpg for me.
Avg worked out as 28-29.
The AWD made the C43 a much nicer daily in comparison to the 440i with far more grip especially when damp and it moved off the driveway in the snow unlike the 440i. The 440i did have the fun factor with its unpredictability but the more sensible daily option is the C43!
The only downside for some is the crabbing, e.g. the wheel crabs when on full lock in a car park if moving slowly, but in all honesty it didn't bother me at all, and I'd still go for a C43 over the 440i.
I think I've decided to keep my current car once it's fixed. I've worked out that by changing car I'm going to be up to £14k worse off for a car that's older, not really any more powerful and potentially lacking key features I currently have.
I was worried about the reliability of my current car going forward, but I can afford to replace the engine and still be financially better off.
While I'd love a 3.0 V6 with the associated noise, it seems financially it's a no brainer to stick with what I've got for the time being.
The decision isn't set in stone just yet though.
I was worried about the reliability of my current car going forward, but I can afford to replace the engine and still be financially better off.
While I'd love a 3.0 V6 with the associated noise, it seems financially it's a no brainer to stick with what I've got for the time being.
The decision isn't set in stone just yet though.
Change of plan. We've decided to get rid of the Superb and move onto something else.
It's amazing how difficult choosing a car can be, but I thought I'd share thoughts and get some opinions.
Audi S5 (2017) - I like this, looks good, plenty of power, four wheel drive, 6 cylinders, sounds good, and hatchback for better boot access. I've watched loads of reviews, and my only concern is that as with the Superb, I'd regret not getting something that feels more direct and responsive (sporty). Many reviews say that the steering/ride isn't as direct as some of the competition, and the gearbox can be a bit lazy if it's not in sport. While I want more power, I don't want it to be at the sacrifice of the drive and feel (or fun factor). Within budget, I'm looking at a 2017 model, obviously outside of manufacturers warranty but still with less than 30k miles on the clock.
BMW 330i (2019) - I absolutely love the look of these. In my opinion it's one of the best, if not the best looking saloon in its class. No four wheel drive, 100hp down on the S5, but from reviews the drive is more direct, responsive and the handling on twisty roads trumps the S5. Interior quality looks excellent. With this one I'm afraid I'd have the opposite problem to the S5, while it's probably a better drive, will I regret not getting something with more power. Really, it's only 20hp down on the Superb (at stock) and I was pretty happy with that. Having watched plenty of views, the engine sounds ok, and there's at least some noise from the exhaust which seems very similar to that of a Mini Cooper S. A 2019 model would still fall under the manufacturers warranty which could be extended to provide further peace of mind.
Merc C43 (2017) - I think I've pretty much ruled this one out because of the dated technology, and the interior is starting to look dated compared to the new 3 series. Again, it would be outside of warranty. I like the idea of this car, the brand, the look, the engine and its twin turbos, but I can't get past the infotainment lacking Apple CarPlay and looking generally old. It has a smaller boot than everything else (by about 80 litres), but I could have gotten past that.
Alfa Guila Veloce (2019) - It's still in with a chance, but it's very similar to the 3 series and given a choice between the two, I'd always opt for the 3 series.
340i/440i (2018) - While this would meet my needs for more power and a direct/sporty feel, once you've looked at the new 3 series the previous generations just look dated in comparison and I don't think I could get past that. In isolation the previous gen 3/4 series is a lovely looking car, but when it's put side by side with the latest generation there's night and day between them. I think the previous gen 3 series design goes all the way back to 2014, that's 7 year.
Audi S4/S4 Avant - I'm not a fan of the looks, they're just too bland for me. I want something I can park up in a supermarket that makes me want to look back at it, and I don't think these do that.
Kia Stinger 3.3 - Just nope, not a fan.
Golf R/Seat Leon/VRS etc - I've ruled these out. I've had a few things from the VW that use the EA888 engine and I fancy a change. Something a bit more upmarket. For the same price as a used 3 series, I could get a more or less new Octavia VRS. They look great, and while I always liked my old Mk 3 VRS, I always found it struggled with front end grip.
Honda Civic Type R/Renault Megane R.S. - These cars would be fun to strive with enough power day to day, but at 40 year old I think I'm a little too old for these. I'd also prefer something with a bigger boot.
Volvo V60 T5 R-Design - On paper this is probably a car that should be perfectly suited to me. More mature, enough power, auto gearbox, plenty for space for carrying the family around, and I recon it's the best looking estate on the market. The problem is, many reviews say that the car is geared too much towards comfort and that the gearbox is slow to respond. That rules it out because while it's more than likely fantastic doing daily duties, it just won't impart any kind of excitement when you want to hit those B roads.
Anything from Jag - Designs look too dated.
My decisions seems to change from hour to hour. I'm not rushing into anything, especially as we're in lockdown anyway, but it's frustrating. I feel like I'm edging towards a 2019 330i, but it's just that niggling feeling that I'll want more power and whether or not I'd be willing to sacrifice driver engagement to get it. If I could get the the latest 340i within budget, that would be my made up, but they're almost £10k more and I just don't have the money.
It's amazing how difficult choosing a car can be, but I thought I'd share thoughts and get some opinions.
Audi S5 (2017) - I like this, looks good, plenty of power, four wheel drive, 6 cylinders, sounds good, and hatchback for better boot access. I've watched loads of reviews, and my only concern is that as with the Superb, I'd regret not getting something that feels more direct and responsive (sporty). Many reviews say that the steering/ride isn't as direct as some of the competition, and the gearbox can be a bit lazy if it's not in sport. While I want more power, I don't want it to be at the sacrifice of the drive and feel (or fun factor). Within budget, I'm looking at a 2017 model, obviously outside of manufacturers warranty but still with less than 30k miles on the clock.
BMW 330i (2019) - I absolutely love the look of these. In my opinion it's one of the best, if not the best looking saloon in its class. No four wheel drive, 100hp down on the S5, but from reviews the drive is more direct, responsive and the handling on twisty roads trumps the S5. Interior quality looks excellent. With this one I'm afraid I'd have the opposite problem to the S5, while it's probably a better drive, will I regret not getting something with more power. Really, it's only 20hp down on the Superb (at stock) and I was pretty happy with that. Having watched plenty of views, the engine sounds ok, and there's at least some noise from the exhaust which seems very similar to that of a Mini Cooper S. A 2019 model would still fall under the manufacturers warranty which could be extended to provide further peace of mind.
Merc C43 (2017) - I think I've pretty much ruled this one out because of the dated technology, and the interior is starting to look dated compared to the new 3 series. Again, it would be outside of warranty. I like the idea of this car, the brand, the look, the engine and its twin turbos, but I can't get past the infotainment lacking Apple CarPlay and looking generally old. It has a smaller boot than everything else (by about 80 litres), but I could have gotten past that.
Alfa Guila Veloce (2019) - It's still in with a chance, but it's very similar to the 3 series and given a choice between the two, I'd always opt for the 3 series.
340i/440i (2018) - While this would meet my needs for more power and a direct/sporty feel, once you've looked at the new 3 series the previous generations just look dated in comparison and I don't think I could get past that. In isolation the previous gen 3/4 series is a lovely looking car, but when it's put side by side with the latest generation there's night and day between them. I think the previous gen 3 series design goes all the way back to 2014, that's 7 year.
Audi S4/S4 Avant - I'm not a fan of the looks, they're just too bland for me. I want something I can park up in a supermarket that makes me want to look back at it, and I don't think these do that.
Kia Stinger 3.3 - Just nope, not a fan.
Golf R/Seat Leon/VRS etc - I've ruled these out. I've had a few things from the VW that use the EA888 engine and I fancy a change. Something a bit more upmarket. For the same price as a used 3 series, I could get a more or less new Octavia VRS. They look great, and while I always liked my old Mk 3 VRS, I always found it struggled with front end grip.
Honda Civic Type R/Renault Megane R.S. - These cars would be fun to strive with enough power day to day, but at 40 year old I think I'm a little too old for these. I'd also prefer something with a bigger boot.
Volvo V60 T5 R-Design - On paper this is probably a car that should be perfectly suited to me. More mature, enough power, auto gearbox, plenty for space for carrying the family around, and I recon it's the best looking estate on the market. The problem is, many reviews say that the car is geared too much towards comfort and that the gearbox is slow to respond. That rules it out because while it's more than likely fantastic doing daily duties, it just won't impart any kind of excitement when you want to hit those B roads.
Anything from Jag - Designs look too dated.
My decisions seems to change from hour to hour. I'm not rushing into anything, especially as we're in lockdown anyway, but it's frustrating. I feel like I'm edging towards a 2019 330i, but it's just that niggling feeling that I'll want more power and whether or not I'd be willing to sacrifice driver engagement to get it. If I could get the the latest 340i within budget, that would be my made up, but they're almost £10k more and I just don't have the money.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Friday 12th February 10:15
Decisions decisions - whilst I am a v happy owner of a 2017 440i GC, I too would be put off now given that there must be a new GC due out soon so I’m sure the new 3er/4er inside looks newer.
My only hesitation on the 330i would be:
1. With respect it is “just” a 3 series and whether you’d want something more special looks wise, although thankfully they’re not as common on the road today as the F series shape. I think this is down to its success, ie it’s the go-to mid size exec saloon of choice.
2. Some of the others in your line up have sweeter engines than the 30i, and again I’m not sure if you wanted something more special. They have a m340i but X drive I think and also unfortunately pricey. Only if you wanted to consider range-topping or more performance oriented like some of the peer cars you put down.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the line up - hope this helps.
My only hesitation on the 330i would be:
1. With respect it is “just” a 3 series and whether you’d want something more special looks wise, although thankfully they’re not as common on the road today as the F series shape. I think this is down to its success, ie it’s the go-to mid size exec saloon of choice.
2. Some of the others in your line up have sweeter engines than the 30i, and again I’m not sure if you wanted something more special. They have a m340i but X drive I think and also unfortunately pricey. Only if you wanted to consider range-topping or more performance oriented like some of the peer cars you put down.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the line up - hope this helps.
ukpolak said:
Decisions decisions - whilst I am a v happy owner of a 2017 440i GC, I too would be put off now given that there must be a new GC due out soon so I’m sure the new 3er/4er inside looks newer.
My only hesitation on the 330i would be:
1. With respect it is “just” a 3 series and whether you’d want something more special looks wise, although thankfully they’re not as common on the road today as the F series shape. I think this is down to its success, ie it’s the go-to mid size exec saloon of choice.
2. Some of the others in your line up have sweeter engines than the 30i, and again I’m not sure if you wanted something more special. They have a m340i but X drive I think and also unfortunately pricey. Only if you wanted to consider range-topping or more performance oriented like some of the peer cars you put down.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the line up - hope this helps.
Having something 'special' would be great, but it comes to something when 'just' a 3 series has a more engaging drive than a sporty offering from Audi (S5).My only hesitation on the 330i would be:
1. With respect it is “just” a 3 series and whether you’d want something more special looks wise, although thankfully they’re not as common on the road today as the F series shape. I think this is down to its success, ie it’s the go-to mid size exec saloon of choice.
2. Some of the others in your line up have sweeter engines than the 30i, and again I’m not sure if you wanted something more special. They have a m340i but X drive I think and also unfortunately pricey. Only if you wanted to consider range-topping or more performance oriented like some of the peer cars you put down.
I don’t think you can go wrong with any of the line up - hope this helps.
It's a really tough decision. There's going to have to be some compromise somewhere, I just don't know where.
Two of the most fun cars I've had over the years have been an MG TF, and an Abarth 500. Neither one were particularly quick, but they just had that something about them that made you enjoy driving them. That's what I'm looking for. I need to figure out what 'special' means to me, is it something unique, something powerful, something that handles well? All three? I'm not sure... yet.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Friday 12th February 11:08
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Friday 12th February 11:09
TheBinarySheep said:
Change of plan. We've decided to get rid of the Superb and move onto something
BMW 330i (2019) - I absolutely love the look of these. In my opinion it's one of the best, if not the best looking saloon in its class. No four wheel drive, 100hp down on the S5, but from reviews the drive is more direct, responsive and the handling on twisty roads trumps the S5. Interior quality looks excellent. With this one I'm afraid I'd have the opposite problem to the S5, while it's probably a better drive, will I regret not getting something with more power. Really, it's only 20hp down on the Superb (at stock) and I was pretty happy with that. Having watched plenty of views, the engine sounds ok, and there's at least some noise from the exhaust which seems very similar to that of a Mini Cooper S. A 2019 model would still fall under the manufacturers warranty which could be extended to provide further peace of mind.
340i/440i (2018) - While this would meet my needs for more power and a direct/sporty feel, once you've looked at the new 3 series the previous generations just look dated in comparison and I don't think I could get past that. In isolation the previous gen 3/4 series is a lovely looking car, but when it's put side by side with the latest generation there's night and day between them. I think the previous gen 3 series design goes all the way back to 2014, that's 7 year.
My decisions seems to change from hour to hour. I'm not rushing into anything, especially as we're in lockdown anyway, but it's frustrating. I feel like I'm edging towards a 2019 330i, but it's just that niggling feeling that I'll want more power and whether or not I'd be willing to sacrifice driver engagement to get it. If I could get the the latest 340i within budget, that would be my made up, but they're almost £10k more and I just don't have the money.
I drove an M440i just before Christmas and I completely agree with what you say regarding the exterior looks of the new G series 3/4 versus the F series 3/4, especially the front/rear end - but I do have to say that once you spend more than 10 minutes in the new one coming from a well spec’d LCI old one, you will soon realise that the basic architecture is pretty much the same. For example, the iDrive controller has just been tinkered with in the way that it looks, but works & feels exactly the same. And iDrive 7 (to me) is more cluttered on the central screen and doesn’t really offer an awful lot more than 6 - but the live cockpit in the instrument binnacle is obviously all new and a huge, positive step. But, even that is flanked by some pretty nasty digital dials which are difficult to read whilst in use and move the ‘wrong’ way - BMW’s have always had fantastically clear dials but now I wouldn’t want to be without HUD which is daft. The new steering wheels are also a step back in the way they look and I didn’t feel the overall quality of the car was any better. Vernasca leather is no better than Dakota, so I’d want the Merino again. BMW 330i (2019) - I absolutely love the look of these. In my opinion it's one of the best, if not the best looking saloon in its class. No four wheel drive, 100hp down on the S5, but from reviews the drive is more direct, responsive and the handling on twisty roads trumps the S5. Interior quality looks excellent. With this one I'm afraid I'd have the opposite problem to the S5, while it's probably a better drive, will I regret not getting something with more power. Really, it's only 20hp down on the Superb (at stock) and I was pretty happy with that. Having watched plenty of views, the engine sounds ok, and there's at least some noise from the exhaust which seems very similar to that of a Mini Cooper S. A 2019 model would still fall under the manufacturers warranty which could be extended to provide further peace of mind.
340i/440i (2018) - While this would meet my needs for more power and a direct/sporty feel, once you've looked at the new 3 series the previous generations just look dated in comparison and I don't think I could get past that. In isolation the previous gen 3/4 series is a lovely looking car, but when it's put side by side with the latest generation there's night and day between them. I think the previous gen 3 series design goes all the way back to 2014, that's 7 year.
My decisions seems to change from hour to hour. I'm not rushing into anything, especially as we're in lockdown anyway, but it's frustrating. I feel like I'm edging towards a 2019 330i, but it's just that niggling feeling that I'll want more power and whether or not I'd be willing to sacrifice driver engagement to get it. If I could get the the latest 340i within budget, that would be my made up, but they're almost £10k more and I just don't have the money.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Friday 12th February 10:15
This of course is all just my personal opinion, but in summary and especially taking the current huge price/value differences into account, I’d take an F3/440 over a G3/440 for the moment.
MarkJS said:
I drove an M440i just before Christmas and I completely agree with what you say regarding the exterior looks of the new G series 3/4 versus the F series 3/4, especially the front/rear end - but I do have to say that once you spend more than 10 minutes in the new one coming from a well spec’d LCI old one, you will soon realise that the basic architecture is pretty much the same. For example, the iDrive controller has just been tinkered with in the way that it looks, but works & feels exactly the same. And iDrive 7 (to me) is more cluttered on the central screen and doesn’t really offer an awful lot more than 6 - but the live cockpit in the instrument binnacle is obviously all new and a huge, positive step. But, even that is flanked by some pretty nasty digital dials which are difficult to read whilst in use and move the ‘wrong’ way - BMW’s have always had fantastically clear dials but now I wouldn’t want to be without HUD which is daft. The new steering wheels are also a step back in the way they look and I didn’t feel the overall quality of the car was any better. Vernasca leather is no better than Dakota, so I’d want the Merino again.
This of course is all just my personal opinion, but in summary and especially taking the current huge price/value differences into account, I’d take an F3/440 over a G3/440 for the moment.
Pretty much sums it up. I echo these comments on the iDrive 7 and dash. HUD definitely helps avoid looking at that disorientating rev counter. This of course is all just my personal opinion, but in summary and especially taking the current huge price/value differences into account, I’d take an F3/440 over a G3/440 for the moment.
jason61c said:
There’s no way you’d look back at a 3 or 4 series.
I thought the c43 would be the most interesting option(also the Kia). Surely you can’t rule a car out be cause of Apple CarPlay?
You say that, but when I've washed the Superb and used to look back at that. I thought the c43 would be the most interesting option(also the Kia). Surely you can’t rule a car out be cause of Apple CarPlay?
Of course I can rule out a car because of Apple CarPlay. I use it every time I get in the car, it's something I've become used to especially since we have it in both cars at the minute. I use everything Apple, work laptop, desktop machine, phone, watch, iPad, multiple HomePods around the house, so the eco-system has become an integrated part of our lives, and is one of the reasons CarPlay is important to us.
My wife and I had a discussion over the weekend, and I think we're pretty much decided that we're going for a 2019 330i M Sport Plus, something like this.
Some will argue that there are better cars out there for our budget, but something like this is still under warranty, still quick enough, looks modern with a modern interior, and things like Apple CarPlay, Virtual Cockpit, adaptive suspension, limited slip diff etc. The boot is smaller than we're used to but it'll work for 95% of what we need it for. We'll have roof bars to carry bikes anyway, so we'll pick up a roof box for holidays. What attracts me to this car over others is that it's fairly new, looks sharp, quality materials and above all, the handling, which while probably not THE BEST, it will handle better than anything we've had previously.
It should handle well around B roads, have enough power to at least have a little fun, and while it's only a four pot, the exhaust does make some noise in Sport mode to add to the experience.
In the end, the final choice was between the 330i, or a Mini Clubman JCW, but we ruled that while the JCW would be the most fun to drive, the boot was just too big of a step down from what we're used to.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Monday 15th February 09:42
The G20 330i is a great car. The interior is top notch and the performance is great with the pure added RWD dynamics that you get. Good choice and hopefully you aren’t disappointed.
I had a #205 C300 coupe which I had to regretfully sell during Covid as my job was at risk/pay reduction. Lovely car, RWD and dynamically balanced. I had the choice of the C43 before purchasing but the wife wasn’t happy with the amount I’d be paying.
So I had a similar conundrum as my job proved safe and salary returned. With feedback from my family they thought as lovely as the c coupe was, my two kids felt cramped in the back as they grew. I then looked at the E class coupe as I prefer MB coupe styling to the others. This time however I was shopping on a budget but wanted something that looked svelte with coupe styling.
It then came down to looking at the F3x series 440i vs C43 saloon/sedan and E300coupe, and even the G20 330i. What a problem to have. The best deal I could find was on the F series 440i. I was hesitant at the interior being ‘dated’ having both Audi and Merc before. However the clincher for me was the M Performance Power and Sound kit which brings performance up to C43 levels.
The space provided by the F3x series 440i is great. Huge boot/trunk and comfortable interior. My teens are comfortable at the back and have their own doors.
Sure the interior in the F3x isn’t as ‘flashy’ as my #205 C300 coupe but in all honesty the F3x series BMW feels more solid and I’ve a touchscreen which I didn’t have in the newer gen C Coupe!
The Merc C interior was more luxurious to look at as I had the premium plus with cream (official grey with black contrast and silver stitching) interior, panoramic sunroof, and Burmester, but the central screen started to rattle in the c300 and the plastics although looked lovely, didn’t feel as I expected - they were quite light and plasticky. I felt scared to touch anything and disappointed at the feel when I did. I thought my Audis of past had better quality materials but just not as flashy.
The Harmon Kardon sound system in the F3x series sounds better is more powerful and more customisable than the Burmester in the C. The Burmester had nice clear highs and mids, but the Bass was lacking. I had B&O and Bose in past Audis and they were superior to the Burmester in the #205 C Class. You couldn’t adjust the frequencies in the Burmester in my C but you can in with the HK in the F3x so I’m happy to get the all round clear sound back with decent bass.
Even though I was weary of it, I don’t notice or think about the ‘dated’ interior in the F3x 440i as it has impressed me being both very solid and functional with the dark wood trim. It still luxurious in that it’s solid and very well put together with good quality materials that feel as they look.
I may now have regained a better sound system imo but I don’t listen to it as I now drive with my windows down when I can to listen to the MPPSK. It makes me giggle like a child as it can get raucous (louder than a stock M4) at a touch of a button with the option of 360hp+ on tap.
All great cars and you can never go wrong imo. I’m a super fan of German cars in general and found it to be a very difficult decision as all have their strengths. I’m the guy who drives a BMW, wearing a Mercedes’ F1 cap, and drinks coffee from an Audi Quattro sport mug in the mornings. ??
I had a #205 C300 coupe which I had to regretfully sell during Covid as my job was at risk/pay reduction. Lovely car, RWD and dynamically balanced. I had the choice of the C43 before purchasing but the wife wasn’t happy with the amount I’d be paying.
So I had a similar conundrum as my job proved safe and salary returned. With feedback from my family they thought as lovely as the c coupe was, my two kids felt cramped in the back as they grew. I then looked at the E class coupe as I prefer MB coupe styling to the others. This time however I was shopping on a budget but wanted something that looked svelte with coupe styling.
It then came down to looking at the F3x series 440i vs C43 saloon/sedan and E300coupe, and even the G20 330i. What a problem to have. The best deal I could find was on the F series 440i. I was hesitant at the interior being ‘dated’ having both Audi and Merc before. However the clincher for me was the M Performance Power and Sound kit which brings performance up to C43 levels.
The space provided by the F3x series 440i is great. Huge boot/trunk and comfortable interior. My teens are comfortable at the back and have their own doors.
Sure the interior in the F3x isn’t as ‘flashy’ as my #205 C300 coupe but in all honesty the F3x series BMW feels more solid and I’ve a touchscreen which I didn’t have in the newer gen C Coupe!
The Merc C interior was more luxurious to look at as I had the premium plus with cream (official grey with black contrast and silver stitching) interior, panoramic sunroof, and Burmester, but the central screen started to rattle in the c300 and the plastics although looked lovely, didn’t feel as I expected - they were quite light and plasticky. I felt scared to touch anything and disappointed at the feel when I did. I thought my Audis of past had better quality materials but just not as flashy.
The Harmon Kardon sound system in the F3x series sounds better is more powerful and more customisable than the Burmester in the C. The Burmester had nice clear highs and mids, but the Bass was lacking. I had B&O and Bose in past Audis and they were superior to the Burmester in the #205 C Class. You couldn’t adjust the frequencies in the Burmester in my C but you can in with the HK in the F3x so I’m happy to get the all round clear sound back with decent bass.
Even though I was weary of it, I don’t notice or think about the ‘dated’ interior in the F3x 440i as it has impressed me being both very solid and functional with the dark wood trim. It still luxurious in that it’s solid and very well put together with good quality materials that feel as they look.
I may now have regained a better sound system imo but I don’t listen to it as I now drive with my windows down when I can to listen to the MPPSK. It makes me giggle like a child as it can get raucous (louder than a stock M4) at a touch of a button with the option of 360hp+ on tap.
All great cars and you can never go wrong imo. I’m a super fan of German cars in general and found it to be a very difficult decision as all have their strengths. I’m the guy who drives a BMW, wearing a Mercedes’ F1 cap, and drinks coffee from an Audi Quattro sport mug in the mornings. ??
Edited by Autodad on Tuesday 12th April 09:25
Edited by Autodad on Tuesday 12th April 09:48
Edited by Autodad on Tuesday 12th April 10:28
TheBinarySheep said:
Honda Civic Type R/Renault Megane R.S. - These cars would be fun to strive with enough power day to day, but at 40 year old I think I'm a little too old for these. I'd also prefer something with a bigger boot.
You’re definitely not too old!Edited by TheBinarySheep on Friday 12th February 10:15
From what you’ve said I’d be looking at the Honda. Brilliant to drive and very spacious and practical. I think they would make a great daily family car in general.
Never too old for a hot hatch. I’ll be 50 next month and still enjoy my Fiesta ST.
TheBinarySheep said:
Looking for opinions on these three cars please. To be used by a family of 2 + 2.
My heart says Merc C43, but the size of the boot is the only thing putting me off and I wonder how well I'm going to fit the stuff required for a hobby into the boot along with all of the general stuff you carry when you go on UK holidays. Estate version of out of my price range. Roof bars and a box could help with holidays I suppose. Plus points, looks good, sounds great, has the most power of the three. Lovely interior too. The most expensive of the three at around £28k for a 2017.
The 4 Series, lightly bigger boot, and more usable being a hatchback. Interior looks nice but it's the least best looking of the three. Sounds nice but has less power than the C43. Looks wise, it's lovely, but it's the least best looking of the three. A little cheaper than the C43 at around £24-25k for a 2018.
Alfa, it's 4 cylinder, 280hp and has the lowest power of the three. However, to me, it's by far the best looking. Interior looks lovely although I can see some standard hard plastics similar to what you get in a Fiat 500 in there. Again, it's a saloon so limited usability but it does have a slightly bigger boot that the Merc. The good thing with the Alfa is it's the cheapest of three at £24k for a 2018. Because of the engine, this one probably won't come top of the list for people on PH, but I think the lack of more cylinders is made up for by it's looks.
At late notice I'm also going to throw the Jaguar XF 300 into the mix as well, but I've not given it too much attention because it doesn't look as good as the three above, and it's a 4 pot. For me the only thing going for this is the boot.
I'm coming from a Superb 280 which has been remapped to 350hp, but due to turbo failure and other engine issues and weighing up changing cars. I like the Superb, it's a great car, loads of space, plenty of equipment, even at stock it has plenty of power for day to day driving but there's a couple of things it lacks for me. The first, handling. I improved the handling by fitting Koni shocks which did improve things, but there's still too much lean in the corners which could be solved with a stiffer roll bar. The second thing missing, noise. I know it's a 4 pot, but because of the cars target market it's been made to be quiet and it just doesn't have that noise you get that puts a smile on your face when you plant your foot down. In comparison, my wife's Mini Cooper S, while not being the fastest thing on the roads, has a lovely grumble and some nice pops that make you want to wind your window down and hear them some more.
Does anyone have any experience with either of the cars above, especially anyone with a family, how did you get on with the boot?
Buy a C55 or C63 or XFR miles better in every way & cheaper and will not lose as much money plus V8 throbbing grrrMy heart says Merc C43, but the size of the boot is the only thing putting me off and I wonder how well I'm going to fit the stuff required for a hobby into the boot along with all of the general stuff you carry when you go on UK holidays. Estate version of out of my price range. Roof bars and a box could help with holidays I suppose. Plus points, looks good, sounds great, has the most power of the three. Lovely interior too. The most expensive of the three at around £28k for a 2017.
The 4 Series, lightly bigger boot, and more usable being a hatchback. Interior looks nice but it's the least best looking of the three. Sounds nice but has less power than the C43. Looks wise, it's lovely, but it's the least best looking of the three. A little cheaper than the C43 at around £24-25k for a 2018.
Alfa, it's 4 cylinder, 280hp and has the lowest power of the three. However, to me, it's by far the best looking. Interior looks lovely although I can see some standard hard plastics similar to what you get in a Fiat 500 in there. Again, it's a saloon so limited usability but it does have a slightly bigger boot that the Merc. The good thing with the Alfa is it's the cheapest of three at £24k for a 2018. Because of the engine, this one probably won't come top of the list for people on PH, but I think the lack of more cylinders is made up for by it's looks.
At late notice I'm also going to throw the Jaguar XF 300 into the mix as well, but I've not given it too much attention because it doesn't look as good as the three above, and it's a 4 pot. For me the only thing going for this is the boot.
I'm coming from a Superb 280 which has been remapped to 350hp, but due to turbo failure and other engine issues and weighing up changing cars. I like the Superb, it's a great car, loads of space, plenty of equipment, even at stock it has plenty of power for day to day driving but there's a couple of things it lacks for me. The first, handling. I improved the handling by fitting Koni shocks which did improve things, but there's still too much lean in the corners which could be solved with a stiffer roll bar. The second thing missing, noise. I know it's a 4 pot, but because of the cars target market it's been made to be quiet and it just doesn't have that noise you get that puts a smile on your face when you plant your foot down. In comparison, my wife's Mini Cooper S, while not being the fastest thing on the roads, has a lovely grumble and some nice pops that make you want to wind your window down and hear them some more.
Does anyone have any experience with either of the cars above, especially anyone with a family, how did you get on with the boot?
Gassing Station | Car Buying | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff