Decision Time: Merc or BMW - Used

N

NightShift

Expert Member
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
1,952
Reaction score
1,404
I'm looking at buying one of the following:

- 2012 BMW 320i
- 2013 Merc C200 CDI

Both are at around 90,000km with the Merc about 5k km more than the BWM. The Merc is about R15k more in price. Would get an extended motor plan with either.

What do you guys think of these in terms of problems, maintenance, comfort, drivability, insurance etc.?
 
Just don't buy from Merc Century City

they treaty my SO so poorly I wouldn't buy a skateboard from them (and I've loved Mercs for many years)
 
Nope not buying from century city. Got the impression that the cars all had an extra R20k thrown on at the dealers in that area.
 
Depends on the specifications.

Get the better specced of the two.

If brand new and BTO, I'd pick the 320i 9 time out of 10.
 
Since the new Merc has a new design, that is a complete departure from the old style, the Merc will look a little bit dated compared to the Beemer, which is not too different to the current model.

If the specs are on par I would go for the BMW.
 
Whichever has the least rust starting . Peel back rubber seal on rear window. Look for bubbles in paint etc might be too early yet.
I prefer to buy used from upcountry and I would chose BM but get a history print out from the dealer to see if it was once a race car or not.
MB had the reputation for lasting forever and ever but that was a different era
 
Simple answer, drive both, which do you prefer?

I bought a 2013 BMW 320i, and I don't regret it in the least ... still gives me a smile every single time I walk towards her.

Buy the car that you think will do ^^^ for you.

PS: Obvious thing is that optional spec makes a big difference, especially in a used car. What spec means the most to you is also a very personal thing.
 
Last edited:
How much is the merc and BMW?
Is the BMW the F30 or E90 facelift?
 
Last edited:
Sumen said:
How much is the merc and BMW?
Is the BMW the F20 or E90 facelift?
Click to expand...

small correction, F30

Anyhoo, the E90 320i is a slouch, and heavy on petrol, I cant recommend it.

The F30 on the other hand packs quite a bit of punch. Expect 10L per 100km in the F30 on average.
 
Tman* said:
small correction, F30

Anyhoo, the E90 320i is a slouch, and heavy on petrol, I cant recommend it.

The F30 on the other hand packs quite a bit of punch. Expect 10L per 100km in the F30 on average.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I edited it, I had a slight feeling it was wrong
 
thechamp said:
Since the new Merc has a new design, that is a complete departure from the old style, the Merc will look a little bit dated compared to the Beemer, which is not too different to the current model.

If the specs are on par I would go for the BMW.
Click to expand...



Say what? The 3 series BMW can be compared to golf 5, 5.1 then 6, 6.1, and 7, 7.1..all look the same.
 
Drifter said:
Say what? The 3 series BMW can be compared to golf 5, 5.1 then 6, 6.1, and 7, 7.1..all look the same.
Click to expand...

Nope, the E90 and F30 3 Series look totally different. The F30's tail-lights and aggressive creases in the bonnet just give it so much more personality.
 
Tman* said:
small correction, F30

The F30 on the other hand packs quite a bit of punch. Expect 10L per 100km in the F30 on average.
Click to expand...

This is true. By staying in EcoPro, I get 9.2l/100km on average in city driving. I don't mind though, the power compared to my old 1.4 nat asp hatchback (which averaged 6.7l/100km) makes it worth every drop of the expensive juice.
 
Since you're open to a diesel on the merc, I'd go for the BMW 320d. That engine is incredibly reliable and has great power delivery with the 8-speed auto.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X