Thinking about buying a Mercedes-Benz C300? Compare it to a BMW 328i first!

The BMW 328i Overview
BMW's 3 Series isn't merely the best-selling member of the compact-luxury class, it's the best-selling luxury car in the world. The reason is simple: The 3 Series defines its class like no other vehicle. In fact one could argue that the entire compact sport-luxury class owes its existence to BMW's 3 Series.

And a quick look at the current examples illustrates why. The current range of 328i and 335i Sedans and Sports Wagons, both rear-drive and xDrive all-wheel-drive, seamlessly balance performance, efficiency, handling, luxury and practicality in an uncanny blend, often leaving their competition lacking in most, if not all, of those categories. These BMWs succeed in both expected and unexpected ways, often setting standards at both ends of the design spectrum.

The Mercedes-Benz C300 Overview

What BMW offers…

• BMW's inline-6 makes significantly more power - 230 hp with 200 lb-ft of torque. This results in much quicker, more tractable 3 Series.
• The 328i sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 6.3 seconds with manual transmission, 6.9 with automatic. With the 328i xDrive, those figures are 6.9 manual, 7.1 automatic.
• Both the 328i and 328i xDrive offer a choice of manual or automatic transmissions, both of them 6-speeds. And BMW's automatic offers steering wheel shift-paddles.
• The 328i's 3.0-liter inline-6 is inherently smoother than the Mercedes V-6.
• The 328i's sporting credentials include larger front brakes and lighter weight.
• BMW's 2nd-generation iDrive offers a completely revised, highly intuitive interface, 8.2-inch color monitor, programmable memory keys and quick-access buttons.
• With BMW's hard-drive based navigation, the 3 Series adds Real Time Traffic Info, 2nd-generation iDrive, CD-ripping capability, MyInfo and BMW Search.
• BMW's 4 year/50,000-mile Full Maintenance Warranty
• 12 year/unlimited miles corrosion warranty

What Mercedes-Benz doesn’t…

• Though it produces nearly the same horsepower, Mercedes V-6 lacks the overall character and smooth power delivery of BMW's inline-6.
• With 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic, the C300 needs 7.1 seconds to make 60 mph. This is despite the M-B's 225 lb-ft of torque and 7-speed automatic.
• Only the C300 Sport offers a 6-speed manual. The Luxury and 4Matic models are automatic only, and none offer shift paddles.
• As smooth as it is, Mercedes' V-6 can't match the smoothness of BMW's inline-6.
• Mercedes C300 luxury weighs in at 3560 lbs, nearly 130 lbs more than the automatic 328i. Comparing manual transmission models, the Mercedes is 165 lbs heavier.
• Mercedes COMAND navigation has nothing like the intuitive access of iDrive, and features only a 7-inch display.
• The C-Class includes a hard-drive-based system and CD-ripping capability, but none of the other BMW features.
• 4 year/50,000-mile, but no maintenance included
• 4 year/50,000 miles corrosion warranty

Don't settle for the ordinary, drive something extraordinary. Expect the ultimate in performance and service by purchasing a BMW.

Visit Irvine BMW today, where we provide premiere customer service, high quality BMW vehicles and products, along with factory-trained technicians.

We look forward to seeing you soon, Irvine BMW of Orange County.

"A 328i possesses handling and driving dynamics that rival, if not best, many sports cars',

but ... the 328i also offers the refinement generally reserved for expensive luxury cars."

- Car and Driver, February 2007

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.