Bmw v Merc

[Lawrence-gzed9]

Thought it would be a simple choice but the more I look into it the more it becomes a difficult choice. The question is do I go for a Mercedes A35 or a BMW M135i.

[Mr E]

Which one do you like more?

[kiethton]

The shame is that, with the current M135i, they're basically now the same thing....except one is now far uglier and doesn't have the driving dynamics to compensate

[Dave Hedgehog]

drive them both and get the one you like

[Big GT]

Golf GTI or Focus over the Merc or BMW hatch.

[Plate spinner]

Mr E said:

Which one do you like more?

This.

[dibblecorse]

If I had to choose between those 2, I'd go for the A35, mainly because its more of a statement car, looks nicer, in my eyes, we have 2 BMWs so this isn't BMW bashing.

Civic Type R would also be a great shout if you want dynamics, but my artificial left knee rules out manuals ....

I'd swerve the Golf R's as they are dull as ditchwater in anything but a straight line.

[s2000db]

I’ve just bought a M135i, was a very nice drive, and the interior was superb.
HUD a big plus imo. Exterior is a bit bland, but you can now order a black grille to improve the looks a little. Waiting for delivery still.

I thought the interior of the A35 was like being trapped in a cutlery drawer, however if you like a bit of bling then could be your choice... ymmv.

[Lawrence-gzed9]

Thanks for the info guys. Some more stipulations, needs to awd and automatic. Leaning more to the bmw but only just.

[JaredVannett]

You seem to have your heart set on the Kia, so got for that op!

[Lawrence-gzed9]

Bloody spellchecker again

[Court_S]

The BMW doesn't really do much of me, but I do prefer the interior to that of the A35 which is too shiny / chintzy for me. The new seats in the BMW are comfy and look good. On the basis that I spend my time inside the car, the BMW would be my choice.

[anonymous-user]

Drive both. Whichever one gives you what you want to feel most is the one

[mikey k]

Petrolsniffed said:

Drive both. Whichever one gives you what you want to feel most is the one

OP - this!
I've just come from an M140i, I test drove the new M135i and didn't like the power delivery compared to my M140.
The interior is cheaper as well.
I've managed to get a nice deal on a lightly used Merc C43 to keep the 3.0 engine thing going
I can see me changing it to an A45 shooting brake down the line.

[donkmeister]

Lawrence-gzed9 said:

needs to awd

Can I ask why?

From experience of the A and the 1, I prefer the 8-speed slushbox in the BMW to the 7-speed DCT in the Merc. Try out the different seat options in both too, some you might hate or love.

[Rik Blythe]

Avoid merc!!!!!
I bought a new merc glc 3.5 years ago.£ 50k it developed a steering problem thing they called skipping. Basically it eats tyres... they didn’t give a monkeys. After sales is non existent !

BMW and Merc are solid brands my thing is personal experience. I got out of the merc at a loss of £27k and now I’m in BMW MINI JCW. I love it and its fast as you like.

Good luck either way

[mikey k]

Rik Blythe said:

Avoid merc!!!!!
I bought a new merc glc 3.5 years ago.£ 50k it developed a steering problem thing they called skipping. Basically it eats tyres... they didn’t give a monkeys. After sales is non existent !

BMW and Merc are solid brands my thing is personal experience. I got out of the merc at a loss of £27k and now I’m in BMW MINI JCW. I love it and its fast as you like.

Good luck either way

Skipping is not just a Merc issue
My M140 did it, I had a McLaren that did it.
Common issue with large wheels and wide tyres.
My M140 also eats from tyres even though its RWD, because you cannot adjust the front geometry on it to suit your driving style

[Terminator X]

Lawrence-gzed9 said:

Thought it would be a simple choice but the more I look into it the more it becomes a difficult choice. The question is do I go for a Mercedes A35 or a BMW M135i.

We are waiting on the A35 AMG saloon, should have it by the end of Nov so I can let you know how it is then!

TX.

[Sir Bagalot]

Mr E said:

Which one do you like more?

This.

A few years back I was in the same dilemma.

Once I sat in them (where I will see it mostly) it was a no brainer. The Merc was fugly and the dash a complete mess.

[Limpet]

mikey k said:

I've just come from an M140i, I test drove the new M135i and didn't like the power delivery compared to my M140.
The interior is cheaper as well.

That's disappointing. I have yet to see a M135i in the metal, but from the photos, the interior appears far more modern and 'expensive' looking than the M140i's. It seemed to be one of the few things about the car that was an unequivocal improvement.

What was it about the power delivery you didn't like? The funny thing is that the M135i and M140i have the same engine, but with two cylinders lopped off (or added depending which way around). Both Bx8 lumps. I would expect the delivery of the engines to be similar, cylinder / capacity differences notwithstanding.

Edited by Limpet on Wednesday 23 October 14:49