Mercedes C43 vs BMW 440i Grand Coupe vs Alfa Romeo Veloce
Discussion
TheBinarySheep said:
Superleg48 said:
Grey one at £27,950 with 28000 miles? You mentioned £28k in your OP. Seems on point to me.
I'm not a fan of the interior, and if I'm being picky it's a little older than I'd like.
TheBinarySheep said:
Superleg48 said:
You said the C43 was where your heart was? Struggling to help here bud....
it is, but my head is saying the boot is too small, and the lack of car play is going to drive me nuts.Plus, I've got to like the interior colours as well.
Hamperman said:
What about a 340i saloon? Get an individual one so you will like the interior and well within budget albeit not many around. Seats fold down too to get your box box in.
It has the same issue as the 4 series, the interior is dated and they are difficult to get hold of.To be honest, the more I think about the C43, the more I think the dated infotainment is going to grate on me, especially when you compare it to what you get in other cars like the S4 and S5 of a similar age.
TheBinarySheep said:
It has the same issue as the 4 series, the interior is dated and they are difficult to get hold of.
To be honest, the more I think about the C43, the more I think the dated infotainment is going to grate on me, especially when you compare it to what you get in other cars like the S4 and S5 of a similar age.
Probably too late for you but I’m trading a 340 with individual leather and paint this week. PM me if you are interested.To be honest, the more I think about the C43, the more I think the dated infotainment is going to grate on me, especially when you compare it to what you get in other cars like the S4 and S5 of a similar age.
I have a c43 estate. Bought it 3 months ago from Mercedes as you get a free 2 year warranty with AMG models. I got an estate, 2018, performance exhaust (an absolute must) for 27k. Did have 40k miles on though.
Boot space is great, interior is lovely and sounds bloody amazing!
Lack of CarPlay is annoying but to be honest I haven’t really missed it. Bluetooth works great and the satnav and infotainment is otherwise up to date.
Test drive one with the performance exhaust and you’ll love it. So much character!
Boot space is great, interior is lovely and sounds bloody amazing!
Lack of CarPlay is annoying but to be honest I haven’t really missed it. Bluetooth works great and the satnav and infotainment is otherwise up to date.
Test drive one with the performance exhaust and you’ll love it. So much character!
Another C43 (Estate) owner here. Mine's a 2017 and came with CarPlay from new - I wouldn't have bought it without it. CarPlay was actually a factory option ("14U Smart Phone Integration") but for some reason you couldn't order it with the "Burmester" stereo (which is overrated in my view) so a lot of cars don't have it. Look for the basic Audio 20 stereo and you have a better chance of finding it.
After 4 years I'm hugely impressed with mine - comfortable & hugely competent when you want it to be, but can be a lot of fun too. I've had zero issues with it and running costs have been very reasonable.
Will be hanging-on to mine for a long time yet.
After 4 years I'm hugely impressed with mine - comfortable & hugely competent when you want it to be, but can be a lot of fun too. I've had zero issues with it and running costs have been very reasonable.
Will be hanging-on to mine for a long time yet.
The S4 is where I'd look it has a lovely interior & along with car play.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009264...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102028...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202010094...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009264...
F36 440i owner here and fully vouch for it.
2 x kids (4 and 1.5) and easily accommodates one baby seat and one toddler booster at the back.
Boot is like a cavern, even bigger and easier to load than my wife’s Audi Q3.
With an OEM M Performance kit and 20” OEM wheels it really looks the part and I’m complemented on the looks all the time. It has nice coupe looks but all the practicality of a 4 door and with huge boot.
The engine is a peach - mighty powerful but also really economic. I’ve averaged just around 28 mpg since buying new in 2017 and no plans no change.
I bought the MPPSK in 2018 - £1700 from Cooper reading. Transforms the car and best mod ever, lovely sound and not obnoxious at all. I mostly drive in Sport now and it doesn’t sound too lary at all but rather what a 6 cylinder BMW should sound like. Mated to the ZF gearbox, it runs like a dream.
I have a sunroof (lightens up cabin) and HUD. I also specced the M Sport + package, so blue brake callipers, HK sound, 19” wheels (traded for the 20”). It also came with auto adjusting seats where 420i / 430i didn’t.
I can’t talk to the other models but have no plans to change the 440i GC - practical, a looker, powerful, economical and noisy when needsbe. The M aero kit and wheel mod can at least make it stand out and add more individuality.
The only thing putting me off (if I was in your shoes) would be likely change in shape coming soon to mimic the coupe, although I haven’t seen anything yet.
Good luck with the decision making!
2 x kids (4 and 1.5) and easily accommodates one baby seat and one toddler booster at the back.
Boot is like a cavern, even bigger and easier to load than my wife’s Audi Q3.
With an OEM M Performance kit and 20” OEM wheels it really looks the part and I’m complemented on the looks all the time. It has nice coupe looks but all the practicality of a 4 door and with huge boot.
The engine is a peach - mighty powerful but also really economic. I’ve averaged just around 28 mpg since buying new in 2017 and no plans no change.
I bought the MPPSK in 2018 - £1700 from Cooper reading. Transforms the car and best mod ever, lovely sound and not obnoxious at all. I mostly drive in Sport now and it doesn’t sound too lary at all but rather what a 6 cylinder BMW should sound like. Mated to the ZF gearbox, it runs like a dream.
I have a sunroof (lightens up cabin) and HUD. I also specced the M Sport + package, so blue brake callipers, HK sound, 19” wheels (traded for the 20”). It also came with auto adjusting seats where 420i / 430i didn’t.
I can’t talk to the other models but have no plans to change the 440i GC - practical, a looker, powerful, economical and noisy when needsbe. The M aero kit and wheel mod can at least make it stand out and add more individuality.
The only thing putting me off (if I was in your shoes) would be likely change in shape coming soon to mimic the coupe, although I haven’t seen anything yet.
Good luck with the decision making!
Consider a Kia Stinger GTS.
Hatchback, Apple Car Play, 720W Harman Kardon,
365bhp and balance of 7-year warranty.
Every possible toy. Build quality.
I’m biased, but worth a test drive. Go for 2019-on as there are significant upgrades - also within your budget.
See here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Hatchback, Apple Car Play, 720W Harman Kardon,
365bhp and balance of 7-year warranty.
Every possible toy. Build quality.
I’m biased, but worth a test drive. Go for 2019-on as there are significant upgrades - also within your budget.
See here: https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Currently have a 2019 c43. Previous car was a Giulia Veloce which I had for 2 years.
C43 has a very nicer interior, more gadgets, sounds great and dealers are easy to deal with . However I still miss the Giulia a year on, it felt like a proper little sports car and you could feel the weight saving in the drive.
Giulia handling, ride and steering in another league and had enough performance for daily use. Build quality actually better than the c43 with no rattles and I had no issues in 2 years. The w205 series c class is known for interior creaks and rattles but feels more premium.
Would definitely recommend a Giulia Veloce and will cost less to run and warranty in the long run compared to a c43. Plus the pre facelift c43 doesn’t have the larger display screen and digital dash and will feel more dated than the Giulia.
Although the Giulia has less gadgets the sat nav was easy to use and the infotainment simple . Some hard plastics in the Alfa but at least it has real leather unlike the Merc.
I think the Giulia is fantastic value at mid 20’s for and 2018/19 model even more so with a service pack or 5 year warranty.
Will probably sell the c43 before the warranty expires and get the Giulia as a keeper. They won’t make them like this again.
C43 has a very nicer interior, more gadgets, sounds great and dealers are easy to deal with . However I still miss the Giulia a year on, it felt like a proper little sports car and you could feel the weight saving in the drive.
Giulia handling, ride and steering in another league and had enough performance for daily use. Build quality actually better than the c43 with no rattles and I had no issues in 2 years. The w205 series c class is known for interior creaks and rattles but feels more premium.
Would definitely recommend a Giulia Veloce and will cost less to run and warranty in the long run compared to a c43. Plus the pre facelift c43 doesn’t have the larger display screen and digital dash and will feel more dated than the Giulia.
Although the Giulia has less gadgets the sat nav was easy to use and the infotainment simple . Some hard plastics in the Alfa but at least it has real leather unlike the Merc.
I think the Giulia is fantastic value at mid 20’s for and 2018/19 model even more so with a service pack or 5 year warranty.
Will probably sell the c43 before the warranty expires and get the Giulia as a keeper. They won’t make them like this again.
GX337 said:
Currently have a 2019 c43. Previous car was a Giulia Veloce which I had for 2 years.
C43 has a very nicer interior, more gadgets, sounds great and dealers are easy to deal with . However I still miss the Giulia a year on, it felt like a proper little sports car and you could feel the weight saving in the drive.
Giulia handling, ride and steering in another league and had enough performance for daily use. Build quality actually better than the c43 with no rattles and I had no issues in 2 years. The w205 series c class is known for interior creaks and rattles but feels more premium.
Would definitely recommend a Giulia Veloce and will cost less to run and warranty in the long run compared to a c43. Plus the pre facelift c43 doesn’t have the larger display screen and digital dash and will feel more dated than the Giulia.
Although the Giulia has less gadgets the sat nav was easy to use and the infotainment simple . Some hard plastics in the Alfa but at least it has real leather unlike the Merc.
I think the Giulia is fantastic value at mid 20’s for and 2018/19 model even more so with a service pack or 5 year warranty.
Will probably sell the c43 before the warranty expires and get the Giulia as a keeper. They won’t make them like this again.
Thanks, very helpful.C43 has a very nicer interior, more gadgets, sounds great and dealers are easy to deal with . However I still miss the Giulia a year on, it felt like a proper little sports car and you could feel the weight saving in the drive.
Giulia handling, ride and steering in another league and had enough performance for daily use. Build quality actually better than the c43 with no rattles and I had no issues in 2 years. The w205 series c class is known for interior creaks and rattles but feels more premium.
Would definitely recommend a Giulia Veloce and will cost less to run and warranty in the long run compared to a c43. Plus the pre facelift c43 doesn’t have the larger display screen and digital dash and will feel more dated than the Giulia.
Although the Giulia has less gadgets the sat nav was easy to use and the infotainment simple . Some hard plastics in the Alfa but at least it has real leather unlike the Merc.
I think the Giulia is fantastic value at mid 20’s for and 2018/19 model even more so with a service pack or 5 year warranty.
Will probably sell the c43 before the warranty expires and get the Giulia as a keeper. They won’t make them like this again.
My only concern with the Alfa is depreciation and reliability.
What was the noise of the Exhaust like on the Alfa?
They're no less reliable than any of their rivals & depreciation seems to be no worse than expected for a 4 pot saloon whereas it's rivals have 6 pots which adds an extra layer of desirability but they also cost more to buy.
Have you considered the Jaguar XE S 380/340? They're a good underrated steer & ride really well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...
Or if you want something bigger the XF with the same engine is well worth a test drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008182...
Have you considered the Jaguar XE S 380/340? They're a good underrated steer & ride really well.
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202101278...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202012317...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202009224...
Or if you want something bigger the XF with the same engine is well worth a test drive:
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202102018...
https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202008182...
The Giulia didn’t sound bad at all at full throttle otherwise very quiet and refined. Don’t buy the Giulia for the sound as the c43 sounds better than all it’s direct competitors as standard.
Also the engine and gearbox silky smooth in the Alfa as in the c43 but the ZF gearbox in the Giulia has the edge on smooth changes. The c43 9 speed can get confused on rare occasion in sport mode, you don’t need 9 gears.
Also the engine and gearbox silky smooth in the Alfa as in the c43 but the ZF gearbox in the Giulia has the edge on smooth changes. The c43 9 speed can get confused on rare occasion in sport mode, you don’t need 9 gears.
Appreciate all of the suggestions and advice so far.
I think, emotionally, the C43 is the one that stands out. Overall, the safe option for me feels like the Audi S5.
The S5 is good at everything, looks like, good engine, sounds nice, plenty of power, usable boot, modern infotainment, virtual cockpit, the list could go on. The problem, it doesn't excel in any specific area like the C43 (or even the Alfa).
For me, the negative of the C43 are the boot (on the saloon version), and the dated infotainment. But, I don't use the boot often anyway, and I 'could' live with Bluetooth and Waze on my phone.
The S5, it looks good but not as good as the C43 or Alfa, and doesn't sound as good as the C43 (from YouTube clips anyway).
I've looked at the S4 and the S4 Avant, but they do little for me in the looks department, which is a shame because the S4 Avant, on paper at least, should be perfect for me.
The Jag suggested above. I've looked at these, and the only thing letting them down is the dated rear end. The front looks lovely, but I can't get away from that rear.
At the minute (subject to change in future), I think it's between the C43 and S5 with the Alfa being a wildcard. The Alfa is the type of car you wash and just stand there an admire, its the type of car you park at the supermarket and look back at. It's just the engine is lacking in power and noise compared to the others, and while it has the same power as my Superb at stock, I really want something that matched the power of the Superb with its remap.
I think, emotionally, the C43 is the one that stands out. Overall, the safe option for me feels like the Audi S5.
The S5 is good at everything, looks like, good engine, sounds nice, plenty of power, usable boot, modern infotainment, virtual cockpit, the list could go on. The problem, it doesn't excel in any specific area like the C43 (or even the Alfa).
For me, the negative of the C43 are the boot (on the saloon version), and the dated infotainment. But, I don't use the boot often anyway, and I 'could' live with Bluetooth and Waze on my phone.
The S5, it looks good but not as good as the C43 or Alfa, and doesn't sound as good as the C43 (from YouTube clips anyway).
I've looked at the S4 and the S4 Avant, but they do little for me in the looks department, which is a shame because the S4 Avant, on paper at least, should be perfect for me.
The Jag suggested above. I've looked at these, and the only thing letting them down is the dated rear end. The front looks lovely, but I can't get away from that rear.
At the minute (subject to change in future), I think it's between the C43 and S5 with the Alfa being a wildcard. The Alfa is the type of car you wash and just stand there an admire, its the type of car you park at the supermarket and look back at. It's just the engine is lacking in power and noise compared to the others, and while it has the same power as my Superb at stock, I really want something that matched the power of the Superb with its remap.
Edited by TheBinarySheep on Wednesday 3rd February 08:29
I really wouldn't get too caught up in the "dated interior" thing with the BMW. I have a 440i 2 door, and have the updated digital cockpit, and idrive6 has a touch screen but almost everyone prefers using the circular dial to anything involving gesture control etc on the new 3/4 series. Get one with individual leather (mine is tan) to brighten it up and job done.
I have a 4yr old and a 19yr old, and both get in the back easily enough, the boot even on the 2dr is fine, and with a bike rack and roofbox it takes everything we need and more.
I would suggest you are overthinking things a bit. You can retrofit carplay or a new screen to a c43 or a 440i with ease (see droiduk etc) for not much cost, and both drive infinitely better than an S5 which is lovely to sit in and not much else.
Good luck with the search!
I have a 4yr old and a 19yr old, and both get in the back easily enough, the boot even on the 2dr is fine, and with a bike rack and roofbox it takes everything we need and more.
I would suggest you are overthinking things a bit. You can retrofit carplay or a new screen to a c43 or a 440i with ease (see droiduk etc) for not much cost, and both drive infinitely better than an S5 which is lovely to sit in and not much else.
Good luck with the search!
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.
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.
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.
Thanks, really helpful.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.
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?
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