Mercedes vs BMW

dtoms replied on 02/07/2018 11:17

dtoms

Posted on 02/07/2018 11:17

Hello, I have decided to replace my nine year old BMW series 3 and am undecided. As a tow car I need a 2 litre engine and am tempted with another series 3 as my current one is excellent. However, the "C" class Mercedes has turned my head and I've had a favourable test drive in one.

My stipulations are: Petrol engine (my annually mileage doesn't justify a diesel, and in any case, I prefer petrol) and a manual gearbox. Entry level models will do, I don't need all the bells and whistles.

I've seen examples on the internet around 16/17 plate.

Which would members go for, "C" Class or Series3?

45 replies

Cornersteady replied on 02/07/2018 17:30

Member

Cornersteady

Caravanner from Tyne & Wear

Posted on 02/07/2018 16:52 by

Of course it is the vehicles and the franchise. If warranty work was not required the franchise would have nothing with which to cause a problem apart from their own errors.

I was seriously thinking of buying a Sorrento about six years ago and that is when I found out about the "local" problems. However, they continue even now so Kia has done nothing about it.

Posted on 02/07/2018 17:30

so if it was one dealer why on earth post:

Look at Kia's,7 yr warranties not that they are normally needed.

I've been told otherwise and their service is rap [silent C]

as if it covers all of Kia's dealers?

btw Kia came second in the 2018 JD power survey (Lexus was first)

2 people like this

JVB66 replied on 02/07/2018 17:44

Member

JVB66

Caravanner from Hertfordshire

Posted on 02/07/2018 16:52 by

Of course it is the vehicles and the franchise. If warranty work was not required the franchise would have nothing with which to cause a problem apart from their own errors.

I was seriously thinking of buying a Sorrento about six years ago and that is when I found out about the "local" problems. However, they continue even now so Kia has done nothing about it.

Posted on 02/07/2018 17:44

Why would they not have a problem?, if their local "staff" as you have been "told?" are Rap with silent C, Kia cars although normally very reliable but if serviced? by rubbish staff will not be as reliable

replied on 02/07/2018 18:09

Posted on 02/07/2018 17:44 by JVB66

Why would they not have a problem?, if their local "staff" as you have been "told?" are Rap with silent C, Kia cars although normally very reliable but if serviced? by rubbish staff will not be as reliable

Posted on 02/07/2018 18:09

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

JVB66 replied on 02/07/2018 18:12

Member

JVB66

Caravanner from Hertfordshire

Posted on 02/07/2018 18:09 by

I heard enough about new vehicles breaking down in the first months, certainly the first year to put me off. If others are happy so be it. The bit I really did not like was the 7 yr warranty not being honoured which makes it worthless.

Posted on 02/07/2018 18:12

All hearsay then as that is not the norm,

When at least two people i have been as you "told" had a problem with their over 7yr old sorrento was giving fuel starvation problems,the dealers ,both different areas ,found debris in the fuel lines,Kia found the linings of the fuel tanks were degrading so they changed free of charge the complete fuel systems and sent a recall to all their franchises to check all they had sold

replied on 02/07/2018 19:32

Posted on 02/07/2018 19:32

The user and all related content has been Deleted User

JVB66 replied on 02/07/2018 19:54

Member

JVB66

Caravanner from Hertfordshire

Posted on 02/07/2018 19:32 by

Just had a look at the list of Sorrento recalls and problems that are spoken about on the Kia Owners forums. I think I made a good decision to steer clear.

Posted on 02/07/2018 19:54

Just checked also small list majority high millage sounds like they were from Dorset,glad its such a small amount , compared to most makes , for the huge amount sold

replied on 02/07/2018 20:30

Posted on 02/07/2018 20:30

hi dtoms

I have owned a c class merc a 2.7 cdi estate towing a bailey borduex .it towed brilliant and made the hills of Devon and Cornwall very flat. I have never owned a BMW but my son say's they are brilliant he owns an m3 2011 and is just buying a x5. I only think that driving a diesel is better for the torque and mileage. best of luck getting your new tow car.

Dave

2 people like this

EmilysDad replied on 02/07/2018 22:38

Member

EmilysDad

Caravanner

Posted on 02/07/2018 22:38

The OP wanted to know about two comparable cars .... a C Class Merc & a 3 Series BMW. Why are you all still babbling on about a predominately FWD SUV?

I've not driven a recent manual Merc, but they don't have a good reputation, hence the majority are (proper) autos. I wouldn't image there's much to choose between them.

2 people like this

Phishing replied on 02/07/2018 23:30

Member

Phishing

Caravanner from Merseyside

Posted on 02/07/2018 23:30

3 series

flatcoat replied on 03/07/2018 07:11

Member

flatcoat

Caravanner from West Yorkshire

Posted on 03/07/2018 07:11

Personally i would go Mercedes, based on a colleagues experiences of towing with Beemers and Mercs. I would also very strongly advise diesel AND automatic . I am not sure Mercedes sell manuals on the C class anymore. My colleague above started oyt towing with a 3 series petrol estate and it was woeful, swapped to a 5 series diesel manual, two gearboxes later (known weakness) swapped to merc diesel auto, best towcar of the 3 by a country mile.

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