Need some advice!

HFW003 · 05-13-2015, 02:41 AM

Hello Gents,

I need some advice, please! I'm not sure it will push me one way or the other but it can't hurt to get some opinions.

I am currently looking at changing cars and I have narrowed it down to two choices after ruling out the new Mustang as we are not getting the GT350.

Whilst I like the 328 I think I am looking for something a little more luxurious rather than "sporty". I drive around 25-30K kms a year and a mix of both highway and City. I do like to go a bit quick every now and then but if I want to go fast I hop on my bike.

Option 1 is a 528 M Sport with all the standard bits, sunroof, professional pack, comfort seats, Nappa leather, adaptive dampers for $105k.

Option 2 is a C250 with AMG pack, light pack, seat comfort pack, command and air agility pack for $93k.

It's not going to come down to the $'s between these two just not sure which way to go.

With saying all that I have taken the Benz for a test drive and loved it and I am waiting on a 528 demo to come in.

BTW I have absolutely no brand loyalty to BMW!

What are your thoughts on either?

Thanks ever so much.

H

pmunger · 05-13-2015, 03:13 AM

Audi A6?

chopshop · 05-13-2015, 03:19 AM

c250. you wont regret it, especially given you're doing mainly commuting.

HFW003 · 05-13-2015, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pmunger

Audi A6?

The only Audi I will ever own is the one I currently ride

It's either option 1 or 2.

Thanks mate.

pmunger · 05-13-2015, 04:17 AM

OK,

I found the A6 really nice a couple of years ago, (3.0 diesel), and it has just copped a fresh update - but each to there own!

Between the C series and 5 series - I would go 5 series

I had a 5 series (GT) on loan for a week a while ago, thought the interior was a big step up over my 335 (but not sure if as good as the A6)

Haven't tried the Merc - I cant get past the rear styling - I keep thinking Hyundai

E class?

HFW003 · 05-13-2015, 04:31 AM

Love you like a sister mate, BUT, it is option 1 or 2. I'm not looking for other options.

dcg71 · 05-13-2015, 04:52 AM

I recently got my bike license, so have a similar plan - get something with 2 wheels for a bit of fun and replace the 335i with something less focused on performance, and more practical. I ended up ordering a new X5.

Personally I think the C250 is just a different spin on the 328i. I'm not sold on the styling of the C class either, though its an improvement on the CLA banana. The 528i is a nice step up from the 3 but I'd be concerned about the F10 nearing the end of its lifespan.

Whatever you decide, make sure it comes with a roof

HFW003 · 05-13-2015, 05:32 AM

Thanks mate.

I've ridden bikes all my life and sports/performance bikes for the last 30 years so I don't have a car for pure performance. My cars have always been stylish and still fast enough to have a bit of fun but I now find driving a car a little mundane hence looking for a more luxurious car.

The Merc, especially with the AMG leather, in my opinion is in a totally different class to the 328 and it still gets along ok.

The 528 will have the Nappa leather and that will be the major differnce for me compared to the absolute rubbish plastic they pass off as leather in the 328.

What sort of bike are you getting or have? Be careful out there on the road! You really don't know how many dickheads are out there until you ride a bike.

HiFi · 05-13-2015, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFW003

Thanks mate.

I've ridden bikes all my life and sports/performance bikes for the last 30 years so I don't have a car for pure performance. My cars have always been stylish and still fast enough to have a bit of fun but I now find driving a car a little mundane hence looking for a more luxurious car.

The Merc, especially with the AMG leather, in my opinion is in a totally different class to the 328 and it still gets along ok.

The 528 will have the Nappa leather and that will be the major differnce for me compared to the absolute rubbish plastic they pass off as leather in the 328.

What sort of bike are you getting or have? Be careful out there on the road! You really don't know how many dickheads are out there until you ride a bike.

My 2c.

The 528i is in a slightly different league to the C-Class in terms of luxury. 528 vs E Class or CLS would be a different discussion.

They key is getting behind the wheel - i reckon once you drive the 528 you will know which one suits you best.

Agree the C has a nice interior but i dont think its *that* nice and i think the pricing is right up there given the newness and popularity of the C class

MikeVictor · 05-13-2015, 06:23 AM

I think either tick the boxes as you've described. It's going to come down to which one you like driving more I think.

dcg71 · 05-13-2015, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HFW003

.

What sort of bike are you getting or have? Be careful out there on the road! You really don't know how many dickheads are out there until you ride a bike.

Ducati probably, but not a panigale

I'm pretty set on a monster 659, although its a close contest with a triumph street triple 660. I like naked road bikes and it needs to be lams. Don't worry, I hear ya about dickheads on the road

dcg71 · 05-13-2015, 06:45 AM

And regardless of preference, once you start looking at deals the decision may be made for you. I had my mind set on something other than a bmw this time around, but the deal on the alternative didn't stack up.

Aapparition90 · 05-13-2015, 08:23 AM

I would go for the c250 but probably look to pay a bit less.. the reason being its a lot like the 328i as a dd and it makes you feel special on the inside.. the chassis is brilliant with the right options and the negatives only apply when your driving above 7/10ths so I think its closer to a car that fits your brief.

The 528i although pretty good with the right options i cant really think of any reason i would pick it over a c250 unless i wanted a lot more rear leg room, bmws connected drive and I think it has a lot more presence than a c class on the road with m sport. There are so many options on the 528i things soon get out of hand and bang.Not relevant but i would probably pick a 535i or the diesels in the 5 series range to give the heavy chassis some grunt but its probably still even with the c250 despite being heavier so not really a factor that concerns you.

Ninjaoz · 05-13-2015, 08:51 PM

I wouldn't think the new C250AMG is a major ugprade from your existing F30 328i. To me they are both equally the same class with different styling and handlings except it is newer.

As for the 5 series, it is just another BMW with familar buttons, idrive, layouts etc. Just more spacious and extra legrooms for the passengers.

Personally I'd go for something a bit different!

05-13-2015, 02:41 AM	#1
HFW003 Brigadier General 5697 Rep 3,225 Posts Drives: 2024 M340i xdrive Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0)	Need some advice! Hello Gents, I need some advice, please! I'm not sure it will push me one way or the other but it can't hurt to get some opinions. I am currently looking at changing cars and I have narrowed it down to two choices after ruling out the new Mustang as we are not getting the GT350. Whilst I like the 328 I think I am looking for something a little more luxurious rather than "sporty". I drive around 25-30K kms a year and a mix of both highway and City. I do like to go a bit quick every now and then but if I want to go fast I hop on my bike. Option 1 is a 528 M Sport with all the standard bits, sunroof, professional pack, comfort seats, Nappa leather, adaptive dampers for $105k. Option 2 is a C250 with AMG pack, light pack, seat comfort pack, command and air agility pack for $93k. It's not going to come down to the $'s between these two just not sure which way to go. With saying all that I have taken the Benz for a test drive and loved it and I am waiting on a 528 demo to come in. BTW I have absolutely no brand loyalty to BMW! What are your thoughts on either? Thanks ever so much. H
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05-13-2015, 03:13 AM	#2
pmunger Private 6 Rep 87 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	Audi A6? __________________ F82 M4 \| Silverstone \| Sunroof \| 19" light alloy 437 Black.
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05-13-2015, 03:19 AM	#3
chopshop Private 4 Rep 59 Posts Drives: 2015 328i M Sport Estoril Blue Join Date: Nov 2014 Location: Australia iTrader: (0)	c250. you wont regret it, especially given you're doing mainly commuting.
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05-13-2015, 04:17 AM	#5
pmunger Private 6 Rep 87 Posts Drives: F82 M4 Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0)	OK, I found the A6 really nice a couple of years ago, (3.0 diesel), and it has just copped a fresh update - but each to there own! Between the C series and 5 series - I would go 5 series I had a 5 series (GT) on loan for a week a while ago, thought the interior was a big step up over my 335 (but not sure if as good as the A6) Haven't tried the Merc - I cant get past the rear styling - I keep thinking Hyundai E class? __________________ F82 M4 \| Silverstone \| Sunroof \| 19" light alloy 437 Black.
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05-13-2015, 04:31 AM	#6
HFW003 Brigadier General 5697 Rep 3,225 Posts Drives: 2024 M340i xdrive Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0)	Love you like a sister mate, BUT, it is option 1 or 2. I'm not looking for other options.
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05-13-2015, 04:52 AM	#7
dcg71 Captain 72 Rep 941 Posts Drives: F15 X5 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (2)	I recently got my bike license, so have a similar plan - get something with 2 wheels for a bit of fun and replace the 335i with something less focused on performance, and more practical. I ended up ordering a new X5. Personally I think the C250 is just a different spin on the 328i. I'm not sold on the styling of the C class either, though its an improvement on the CLA banana. The 528i is a nice step up from the 3 but I'd be concerned about the F10 nearing the end of its lifespan. Whatever you decide, make sure it comes with a roof
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05-13-2015, 05:32 AM	#8
HFW003 Brigadier General 5697 Rep 3,225 Posts Drives: 2024 M340i xdrive Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Newcastle, Australia iTrader: (0)	Thanks mate. I've ridden bikes all my life and sports/performance bikes for the last 30 years so I don't have a car for pure performance. My cars have always been stylish and still fast enough to have a bit of fun but I now find driving a car a little mundane hence looking for a more luxurious car. The Merc, especially with the AMG leather, in my opinion is in a totally different class to the 328 and it still gets along ok. The 528 will have the Nappa leather and that will be the major differnce for me compared to the absolute rubbish plastic they pass off as leather in the 328. What sort of bike are you getting or have? Be careful out there on the road! You really don't know how many dickheads are out there until you ride a bike.
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05-13-2015, 06:23 AM	#10
MikeVictor Brigadier General 210 Rep 3,288 Posts Drives: anything given a chance Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: .au iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 Mazda ND MX-5 [10.00]	I think either tick the boxes as you've described. It's going to come down to which one you like driving more I think.
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05-13-2015, 06:45 AM	#12
dcg71 Captain 72 Rep 941 Posts Drives: F15 X5 Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (2)	And regardless of preference, once you start looking at deals the decision may be made for you. I had my mind set on something other than a bmw this time around, but the deal on the alternative didn't stack up.
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05-13-2015, 08:23 AM	#13
Aapparition90 Captain 193 Rep 806 Posts Drives: 2016 lci m3 mw Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: sydney iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 bmw 328i [0.00] 2012 bmw 328i [0.00]	I would go for the c250 but probably look to pay a bit less.. the reason being its a lot like the 328i as a dd and it makes you feel special on the inside.. the chassis is brilliant with the right options and the negatives only apply when your driving above 7/10ths so I think its closer to a car that fits your brief. The 528i although pretty good with the right options i cant really think of any reason i would pick it over a c250 unless i wanted a lot more rear leg room, bmws connected drive and I think it has a lot more presence than a c class on the road with m sport. There are so many options on the 528i things soon get out of hand and bang.Not relevant but i would probably pick a 535i or the diesels in the 5 series range to give the heavy chassis some grunt but its probably still even with the c250 despite being heavier so not really a factor that concerns you. __________________ f80 m3 lci mw
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05-13-2015, 08:51 PM	#14
Ninjaoz Major 79 Rep 1,123 Posts Drives: E39 540i, E90 320d,F15 30d Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Melbourne iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 320d [10.00]	I wouldn't think the new C250AMG is a major ugprade from your existing F30 328i. To me they are both equally the same class with different styling and handlings except it is newer. As for the 5 series, it is just another BMW with familar buttons, idrive, layouts etc. Just more spacious and extra legrooms for the passengers. Personally I'd go for something a bit different!
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