snookies:

I love them both my brother, be like say you sabi beta thing. To answer your question I think the C major takes the price after an overall assesment in all the departments; luxury, ride quality, class. To me the Mercedes is the winner in this case.

But if you were to compare thier tricked out, performance based counterparts i.e the M3 and the C63AMG. The M3 would be the clear winner in that category

kuntash: I wonder why such an interesting topic would be so cold... is it that there are very few owners of Benz or BMW on nairaland?

in my opinion, I have used both... and I think both rides are fantastic, however, I think I would take the 2000 model C-class in lieu of 2000 model 3series , both 6-cylinder engine.

driving the benz kinda gives more confidence on the road, I somewhat feel I could drive thru anywhere..

once again both are kool!

au.hanson:
Both are lovely ride, sportier performance machines, but benz c class combines it all , luxury, performance, handling and personalty unlike BM 3 series , which is just about performance with very little of the rest of the factors if not embarrassing electronics/electricals

BMW is just about speed, speed, speed, while benz is about comfort. I drove a friends BMW and all i could think was speed, built for speed, while driving Benz i would always feel that comforting performances and satisfaction

Siena: The Mercedes-Benz C and E class are rot boxes. Mercedes-Benz is still fighting rust issues under warranty claims. You wouldn't expect a 2005 MB E320 to have rust, but that's exactly what's happening. Areas affected are:

001) Rear wheelarches.
002) Boot lid, around the lock, and below the licence plate.
003) Lower leading edge of the front doors.
004) Lower trailing edge of front wings.
005) Rear quarter panel around the fuel filler flap.
006) Leading edges of sunroof, where fitted.
007) Sunroof recess.
008) Front wings, around side repeater (before they were repositioned in door mirrors).
009) Rear valence (behind bumper).
010) Trailing edge of sills / rocker panels.

The last decent MB's were the W124 aka V-Boot. The current ones look pretty, but beauty's only skin deep. BMW had rust issues on the E30 and early E36, but they've gotten their act together, and things are looking good. BMW also look after their customers better. If your timing chain snaps, you get a new engine, no quibbles. MB will fight you, and drag it out. The most you'll get is a good-will gesture, but you'll still have to put your hand into your pocket for at least 50% of repair costs.

Parts availability? BMW still stock parts for the old 1602, and the Isotta! Not that's a marque that's keen to preserve their heritage.

au.hanson:
Both are lovely ride, sportier performance machines, but benz c class combines it all , luxury, performance, handling and personalty unlike BM 3 series , which is just about performance with very little of the rest of the factors if not embarrassing electronics/electricals

BMW is just about speed, speed, speed, while benz is about comfort. I drove a friends BMW and all i could think was speed, built for speed, while driving Benz i would always feel that comforting performances and satisfaction

xerotop: When u drive a BMW, it feels like u r driving on a rail. Stable, balance , sporty, comfortable, sweet, interesting, abeg make una borrow me more English to use.
I av owned 2 c class and 6 BMW models. Once u start, u Neva stop. Except if our Nigerian mechanics frustrate u. Benz is also very sweet but not as BMW. If u own a BMW and all u do is sit in owners corner for a driver to drive u? I tell u, u dey miss. Cos it's a drivers car. A car dat interacts wit u? Wot more can u want in a car?

kuntash: Bros, based on statistics, how long does it take such make of Benz u refereed to start yielding to rust?

Siena:

There's no set time period. Some cars have exhibited bubbling / rust from as early as 3-years-old.

kuntash: I go send you pics of my C class, after 3yrs... lol I have done nothing as in body work... I am sure it would give me another 3yrs more...lol

Siena:
The Mercedes-Benz C and E class are rot boxes. Mercedes-Benz is still fighting rust issues under warranty claims. You wouldn't expect a 2005 MB E320 to have rust, but that's exactly what's happening. Areas affected are:

001) Rear wheelarches.
002) Boot lid, around the lock, and below the licence plate.
003) Lower leading edge of the front doors.
004) Lower trailing edge of front wings.
005) Rear quarter panel around the fuel filler flap.
006) Leading edges of sunroof, where fitted.
007) Sunroof recess.
008) Front wings, around side repeater (before they were repositioned in door mirrors).
009) Rear valence (behind bumper).
010) Trailing edge of sills / rocker panels.

The last decent MB's were the W124 aka V-Boot. The current ones look pretty, but beauty's only skin deep. BMW had rust issues on the E30 and early E36, but they've gotten their act together, and things are looking good. BMW also look after their customers better. If your timing chain snaps, you get a new engine, no quibbles. MB will fight you, and drag it out. The most you'll get is a good-will gesture, but you'll still have to put your hand into your pocket for at least 50% of repair costs.

Parts availability? BMW still stock parts for the old 1602, and the Isotta! Not that's a marque that's keen to preserve their heritage.