W204 C220d or F30 320d

[ForzaGilles]

I'm looking at buying a three year old 320d or C220d, but i'm a little undecided as to which is the best bet. Spec for spec they seem to be similar money, but is the Merc going to be more expensive to run? Is mpg similar on both? What about comfort and refinement? I'm not too concerned about which has the last word in handling balance, cost of ownership plus comfort and refinement are more important to me. Has anybody here owned or driven both?

[Notwen]

I have some general input (though not F30 specific), having had a BMW 320D Sport (2008) and then a 320D Efficient Dynamics (2011) and currently a C220D Sport, all company cars so can't really help with maintenance costs or residuals, though non of the 3 ever left me stranded or other unscheduled/expensive trips to the dealer
The 320D Sport looked great, but was too firm for my liking, engine was great and usually got high 40's low 50'sMPG mixed, seem to recall it had a appetite for tyres.
Fleet then changed to the 320D ED, softer sprung but always felt like it was wandering on the motorway (despite being checked 3 times on a 4 wheel alignment), gutless and overgeared but rewarded with mid 50's MPG regardless of driving style.
C220D Sport, engine does not feel as nice as the BMW unit, but much prefer the 7 speed auto. Looks nice in Sport trim, but still rides well. Usually get high 40's MPG. For me the MB is a nicer place to be overall, and when due for change will be sticking with a C class (though the new one is still to grow on me)

Edited by Notwen on Monday 14th December 11:19

[va1o]

F30 is a generation newer and much smoother engine, would definitely go for that unless you can stretch to a w205

[ForzaGilles]

Thanks for the info guys. I think an F30 is the way to go Just need to sell my Golf now. After getting a couple of trade in values, private is the way to go!

[MX-5 Lazza]

My drive to work is 22 miles of pretty much all B roads each way and in my manual 2011 C220d I am averaging around 55mpg. I don't "try" to drive economically but on those roads I am stuck driving at the speed of everybody else with almost no chance of overtaking so I might as well just relax and take it easy. The worst I see is around 48 and the best has been 67.7mpg!