Any views on the C350 Sport C Class as a family car

[Hol]

Been thinking about a BMW 335dt 4door as a main family car as they seem to be a pretty good driving experience for those days I need to go anywhere. I say need to as my commute is 2hrs of train journeys a day so I compromise a prestige car for a first class commuter ticket. (Although I wont be giving the ticket up as well).

The trouble is that the top Diesel 3 series looks soooo boring, especially in the blue, whereas the C350 Sport is actually a nice looking car. But I don't know anyone who has had one.

Both have a few toys and flappy paddle changes, so spec wise on a par, although the beemer does have bit more power.

Probably not going to buy new, but there are plenty of nearly new out there.


Ideally, id like comments from someone who has driven both?

[mercGLowner]

I used to have a 335d Coupe, huge amounts of power and torque and a great engine. A also used to have a 320d Touring, they do not have lots of space inside them, rear seats in particular, if used as a family car. Depends on how big your kids are I suppose. I would also bear in mind that the 3 series is replaced next year, whereas the C Class has just been revised and facelifted.

[marcevo1]

haven't driven the bmw (i cant on religious grounds... i'd burn)- mate has one - very quick and tidy - but as you say looks dull - obviously i tell him its dull, not that its fast hard jittery ride on it too opposed to the merc (even in sport trim)

c350cdi - very good motor but the c250cdi has a lighter front end and just as quick with the 7 speed. Think its about 70 - 100kg lighter up front. both have similar torque and power delivery.

if anyone goes on about v6 noise opposed to 4 pot - shoot them... they both sound awful at low revs and both quite quiet at speed (unlike my v6 alfa....)

if buying new the other dilemma is the new 350 is due September

I'm still not decided on the 250 though.... despite just saying the above will I feel cheated when the new 350 is released....... its a personal lease opposed to company car so the co% / Tax isn't really an issue

[Tiggsy]

I've had a C350 Sport for a year:

Good:

looks. Loads better than the BMW which is balnd as hell. Also a 3 series BMW has all sorts of negative image issues that dont seem to fall on the merc.

fast - I had a 540 sport BM before and this is as quick in 99% of cases. It's also far quicker than the 250 in the real world. I read lots on how the extra weight yada, yada...but the 350 is simply faster in all the back to backs i did.

MPG - easily over 40 on a fast Mway run and not to shabby round town if you need to save £££. Wifes Puma sucks gas way faster!

Fake leather - The plastic leather is superb. No one would know(care) it wasnt leather and with kids it just wipes clean. I'd pay extra to have it if it wasnt standard!

Bad:

Sounds like a taxi at low revs/cold


Dont get excited aqout:

Paddle gear shift - 100% waste of time. With 7 gears you will NEVER find it easier to flip through them yourself. I used it once on the way home from the dealer, pointless.

Command - I didnt bother and glad i didnt pay the extra. I have a tomtom hard wired in and the ipod hook up (controlled by the wheel and fitted aftermarket far cheaper) Tomtom is a better satnav than command anyway!

If it got nicked I get another tommorow (I'd be tempted by the 335 BMW engine but just like the look of the Merc so much more.