Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz C300? Compare it to a BMW 128i first!
The BMW 128i Overview
The 1 Series positions BMW's product offerings into a market segment where BMW has not had a presence in recent years. The 1 Series puts BMW squarely into competition with some models that haven't been considered BMW competitors before, and gives BMW a more favorable price point against some that were. Here's a field of key competitors for the two 1 Series Coupe models; click on the model for a brief analysis of how BMW's new compact Coupes stack up against each of their key rivals.
The Mercedes-Benz C300 Overview
A new-generation C-Class made its debut for '08. The C 300 Sedan, with a 3.0-liter, 228-hp V-6, is its entry model; Sport and Luxury versions are offered, with differences in front-end design and other details. The C 300 Sport, with standard 6-speed manual transmission and optional 7-speed automatic, is the series' - indeed, Mercedes' - entry model in the U.S. Though more like the 3 Series in size and market position, the C 300 Sport's $31,975 base price, $2,600 north of the 128i Coupe, makes it the closest U.S. Mercedes to that BMW. A new CLC compact hatchback coupe recently introduced in Europe is closer to the 1 Series, but it's not yet available in the U.S. - and may never be be, as the previous C Class hatchback (Sport Coupe) didn't have great success in America.
BMW vs. Mercedes-Benz
What BMW offers…
- Classic BMW Coupe sportiness and style
- 3.0-liter inline-6 engine, 230 hp/200 lb-ft.; 0-60 mph 6.1 sec., 18/28 mpg MT; 6.7 sec., 19/28 mpg AT
- Available automatic transmission is 6-speed, in combination with Sport Package has shift paddles
- Optimal weight balance, approx. 51% F/49% R
- 4-year/50,000-mile maintenance included
- 12-year/unlimited-miles corrosion warranty
What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…
- Mercedes doesn't offer a direct competitor to the compact 1 Coupe; this is a 3-Series-size sedan
- V-6 engine, 228 hp; 0-60 mph 7.1 sec. MT or AT; 18/26 mpg MT, 18/25 mpg AT. Less performance, more fuel consumption, and lacks distinctive sound of BMW's inline 6-cylinder engine.
- 7-speed automatic, but shift paddles not available
- Less balanced 53% F/47% R weight distribution
- No included maintenance
- 4-year/50,000-mile corrosion warranty
"We don't think it's going too far out on a limb to suggest that the 1 Series Coupe is the most complete car
in its class as far as performance and dynamics are concerned." - AutoWeek
Irvine BMW proudly serves Orange County - including Aliso Viejo, Capistrano Beach, Dana Point, East Irvine, El Toro, Foothill Ranch, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Woods, San Clemente, Lake Elsinore, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado and Trabuco Canyon.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
We will make our best efforts that posted prices are always accurate however, we are not responsible for any typographical or other errors that may appear on the site. If the posted price for a vehicle or service is incorrect due to a typographical or other error, such as data transmission, etc., this Dealership or Pixel Motion, Inc. are only responsible for the correct price, which will be provided as soon as we are made aware of such error(s). Ultimately, it is your responsibility to ensure that the information is 100% accurate with the Dealer.
Posted vehicle images and descriptions on our website is representative to what is provided by our suppliers. Please note that the actual vehicle may slightly differ from its specifications and/or images. The Dealership is not responsible for any typographical, pricing, product specifications, advertising or shipping errors. Advertised prices and availability are subject to change without notice.
In the event a vehicle is posted at an incorrect price due to these errors, or if an error in pricing was received from our suppliers, the Dealership reserves the right to refuse and/or cancel these orders.
