First World Problem

[Autodad]

Hi all. My first post so please go easy.

I’m in a fortunate position after one year since saying a very reluctant but necessary (due COVID job cuts) goodbye to my MB C300AMG Line Premium Plus Coupe. It was in brilliant blue with the night pack. A lovely car which was every bit a MB but with rear wheel driven hot hatch performance. If I knew the used market prices were on the increase I would have kept it, But who knew?!

I’m now back on the market. I’m struggling to decide between the BMW 440i (F36 LCI 2018) or to try out the A35 AMG. The C43s are too expensive now and depreciation is v high on those.

I’m an ex Audi and Merc guy so used to nice interiors. I’ll be planning to keep the car for sometime so my question is: have any of you driven both the 2018 440i and 2019 A35 hatch? Which would you say was the better buy in this artificially high used market. I’m going in for a PCP. I could go back to the C300 as am happy with performance but fancy a little change. At the moment I’m driving a mates 1.2tdi polo as a stop gap, so anything compared to that will be a dream.

Thoughts on build quality, sustainability, future values and of course sheer pleasure.

Many thanks.

Edited by Autodad on Sunday 19th September 20:11

[ZX10R NIN]

The A35 is a very good car BUT it's nothing special & will depreciate a a rate expected for a mainstream hot hatch, the 440i is the better option out of those two it has the better engine & is an overall better package.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202105152...

Rather than an A35 I'd go for a C/E300

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202108246...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202107165...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202109077...

[georgeyboy12345]

Another vote for the 440i

[a_dreamer]

Out the two is got 440i, but that interior is pretty old looking. The current model is a massive step up. I didn't go for a 4 series because I felt the interior was worse than my A4 at the time. Ended up in the new 3 series.

440i was more fun to drive than the Audi S5 though.

[david-j8694]

Out of those two I'd go 440i.

Personal preference obviously, but a sleek coupe with a 3.0l 6 cylinder engine is a far nicer proposition than a 2.0l 4 pot hatchback. The A35 does have a flashier interior in terms of looks and functionality, but I thought it felt quite cheap compared to the F3x interior. The latter is just older to look at.

[J1990]

Drove the 440i before deciding to get the M4, would definitely be choosing the BMW over the Mercedes, I much preferred the feel and space of the 4 series over the A class and it was a no brainer for me.
When it came to replacing the M4 I revisited the A35 again but actually chose the i30N over it as it was just such a hoot and was just a much rarer sight on the roads.

[Dave350]

I've had a 440i and driven the A35 for a few months, 440i hands down, and I'd usually lean to the Meredes over the BMW so that says something in itself. It's a higher level of vehicle so just has a better feel than the A35, although the A35's do punch above their own for a hatch back in terms of interior quality.

[Autodad]

Thank you all for your responses. I’ve now discounted the A35. The C and E are better propositions and I’m still searching but judging by all comments above, the 440i is a good one to have. 🤔

[Autodad]

A few months on and i have purchased the 440i over a month ago with OEM MPPSK. What a car. The poise and handling is brilliant and predictable. What makes me smile is the sound with crackles pops and bangs and the uprated (360hp) smooth B58 engine is absolutely worth it and I’m glad I’ve gone with this over my previous suggestions. Sure the inside might not be as opulent as the c class or the eclass, but it’s still very well built, doesn’t creak and is laid out well.

[ZX10R NIN]

Glad you got sorted OP & you're happy with your purchase.

[willmagrath]

440i for me too. I have an M135i and those engines are delightful.

The A35 I have heard described as boring.