au.hanson:

Alright let's compare the 2 first all, i guess you wanted to say E46 330xi?

lets assume its 330xi and not 330i, here it goes:
Engine Displacement 2,979 cc
Cylinders 6
Valves 24V DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)

Torque 300 Nm → 221 lb-ft (3,500 rpm)
Power Output 231 bhp (5,900 rpm)
Kilowatts 168 kW
Gearbox 6-speed Manual

Performance and Economy

Top Speed 153 mph (247 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 6.60 sec.
Average Mileage 29 mpg
Highway Mileage 36 mpg
City Mileage 21 mpg (using uk miles)


For the MB c240:
Engine Displacement 2,597 cc
Cylinders 6
Valves 18V (3 valves per cylinder)
Torque 240 Nm → 177 lb-ft (4,500 rpm)
Power Output 170 bhp (5,500 rpm)
Kilowatts 123 kW
Gearbox 6-speed Manual

Performance and Economy:

Top Speed 146 mph (235 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 9.20 sec.
Average Mileage 25 mpg
Highway Mileage 36 mpg
City Mileage 17 mpg
(using uk miles)

You see, to me it dosent make sense going for the w203 c240 when you have to compare with the E46 330xi. The c230 kompressor of w202 would even do better than the 6 cylinder c240. lets have a look: Also, the maintenance of this c240 is really something to do a rethink. I have been thinking why MB actually sell such an MB

w202 MB c230 kompressor
Engine Displacement 2,295 cc
Cylinders 4
Valves 16V DOHC (4 valves per cylinder)
Torque 280 Nm → 207 lb-ft (2,500 rpm)
Power Output 193 bhp (5,300 rpm)
Kilowatts 140 kW
Gearbox 5-speed Manual

Performance and Economy

Top Speed 143 mph (230 km/h)
Acceleration 0-60 mph 8.40 sec.
Average Mileage 29 mpg
Highway Mileage 38 mpg
City Mileage 20 mpg

You see, the c230 kompressor can achieve accelaration of 0-60 mph in 8.40 seconds as against c240 at 9.20seconds. But the E330ix top it all at 6.60 second even with a considerable good fuel economy as against the c240. Isnt that a super car for economy drive?
I am yet to understand what secret BMW employs here to achieve so much with so little fuel consumption?

For the weight: Kerb Weight 1,435 kg for the w203 c240; Kerb Weight 1,515 kg for the e46 330xi. The e330xi still weighs heavier than the c240, so what's d magic? Perhabs, its the engine dsiplacement? but then the w202 c230 k still has a lower engine displacement than that of the c240 and still performs better than the c240.Perhabs, because of the kompressor supercharger in the w202 c230k

So in this context , what would you chose, needless to ask, the BMW E46 330xi, any contrary opinion?

yungboss:
A.U. Hanson
330ci exists, it's the coupe. I use a 323ci, into which i'm dropping a 330ci engine...
You made a good sumary of the figures mr. Hanson, i personally do not like the c240...i prefer the c320 to it. The W202 kompressor will match the e46 328i, same HP/Torque numbers, but the 328i may just be slightly faster...
I will see what their power:weight ratios are ...this may be the reason for 's advantage in MPG over the Mercedes
Maintenance is definitely higher than the Toyota sedan of same Generation...

Ikenna351: From what i have gathered from au.hanson post, the E46 330i appears to make more sense than the 328i. Before, i thought 330i was turbocharged. I always prefer Naturally Aspirated engine, even if the Turbocharged one has higher hp.

But, note that the E46 330i has Electronic Throttle Body. It's driven by the ECU and not cable via pedal. It will easily go into Limp Home mode if ECU senses a malfunction in the system, depending on the program, like Euro IV emission system.

The 328i has a simple injection system, not as complex as 330i. But 231 hp with 6-speed manual transmission makes it irresistible.

Note that nearly all new cars these days have electrically controlled throttle body butterfly. All it will take and enjoy the ride is to study and understand the injection system. The rest is piece of cake. After all, my SV D9 has Motorised Throttle Body as well (Electric TB). And no one has complained of the MTB failure of the ES9J4S. But a failure of pre-atalytic converter will set the car to limp home mode. Meaning, care is taken where one buys fuel with such car with such injection system.

Ikenna.

Gee2728: Am checking out a E46 325i today. For me that will do, the only downside is its not a coupe!!!!!!

Gee2728: Am checking out a E46 325i today. For me that will do, the only downside is its not a coupe!!!!!!

yungboss:
i'm sure the coupes will be hard to find...that's why i wont trade mine...i rather upgrade it to my taste...i have seen two so far in Port Harcourt though

Gee2728: as soon as i get somspace from work i'll be heading to the dealership....then will post sompics.

Emperoh: No one is being practical here.
maybe i need to do my own findings.

Owners, what does it cost to keep any of the two cars??
if the benz is cheaper to keep, trust me, i am dumping the few more torque and responsiveness of the bmw for the benz
And if it's the bmw? Well, God must have buttered my bread. Heads of tail, i win. . . . . . . ok, unless fixes and spares turn out to be expensive and i mean, more expensive than the normal Jap mobile!

xerotop:
@emperor
To be more realistic and tell u d truth. D c class is a cheaper to maintain than d E46.
U don't need any1 2 choose for u.just take a look around u and see d conditions of d 2 cars in question. The benz give more peace of mind.
Technical know how is another thing to consider. How many competent bmw technicians do u have arround u?
Also availabily of parts and affordability. D benz is better.
Also check dis out, u will find more people with cclass using their ac than the E46, Y?
Another example, when my E46 had transmission issue. I was told d price for replacement was about 160k cos it was 20 pin.
A friend had transmission issue on his c class and got areplacent for 70k. Check out d diff.
I have had 6 of those bmws and I will still have more by Gods grace. So this is not book review and fantasies. I have also had 2 c class benz. So I can tell d diff.
Bmw is my childhood fantasy so I can let go but am taking a break for a while for benz.
My advise
Go to parts market and find out things for ur self.
Then make ur decision from what u get and find out from people who have those 2 cars and not people who people who read reviews.

Xerotop,

You have given the closest to practicality! Because in the end, it will be an everyday car and i am not sure how many times i will get into the racing mode. . . . . . sincerely, i am carried away by the elegance of the Benz. But the online reviews are have given it to the BMW even on fuel consumption.

But my main concern lies in being able to keep the car without having to burn a hole in my pocket.
Asking this question here is part of the research. I will still take a trip to the parts market when i am set to pull the trigger.
But in all, i look to drive either of the two cars.

I will still make other with more experiences using the E46. . . . .
Thank you for the information

234CustomCars: New to the chat. This is my 330ci. H&R Sport Suspension Spring kit (2" drop), 19" wheels (225/40 fronts and 255/35 rears). Dynavin clone to be installed this weekend. @GEe2728, there's a nice silver 328ci for sale. Never been used in Nigeria. i'll put up a pic.

234CustomCars: New to the chat. This is my 330ci. H&R Sport Suspension Spring kit (2" drop), 19" wheels (225/40 fronts and 255/35 rears). Dynavin clone to be installed this weekend. @GEe2728, there's a nice silver 328ci for sale. Never been used in Nigeria. i'll put up a pic.

234CustomCars: New to the chat. This is my 330ci. H&R Sport Suspension Spring kit (2" drop), 19" wheels (225/40 fronts and 255/35 rears). Dynavin clone to be installed this weekend. @GEe2728, there's a nice silver 328ci for sale. Never been used in Nigeria. i'll put up a pic.

au.hanson:


Killing me softly..killing me softly!!! whata machine!! Black is beauty..looks like my MB c180 in black beauty. This car330ci goes for how much?

yungboss: Currently working towards owning this M3
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SluM4XBJFU
nothing convinces me like this, happy weekend

april4mee: Anybody familiar with the 320i 2001 model? I need advices on possible pros and cons. Tanx

Gloryroad: Pls what major issues does 2005 BMW 545I Have, which 5 series is most advisable

Gloryroad: Pls what major issues does 2005 BMW 545I Have, which 5 series is most advisable

yungboss: Thanks Xerotop,
I learnt a few things from you.
what would you pick between a '97 m3 & an e39 540i?