[pjs]

Thought I'd try and write a concise review, certainly don't expect to compete with Palmnuts, so here goes, from a Bmw perspective.

To put the car in context, its a direct replacement for my 335i Se e92 Auto which i've been in for 2 years and 50,000 miles. Previous to that I was in a e90 330d sport for 3 years and 90,000 miles. So I know my e9x.

I've covered the lease deal in another thread, but its a 3 x 23 for £490 inc Vat for 20k miles per year. 10 p excess. (leather & HFS bumped it up from £460). I've done 2500 miles now so feel thats enough to pass initial comment;

To save reading to the end, its a better car for me for 90% of the time I'm in it. It will also reduce my fuel bill be nearly a half. Which over two years is another £6k in my virtual pocket.

So here goes

Noise. 5/10 (335i 10/10)

Its a four pot diesel. The only time it bugs me is start up when its cold. Otherwise its fine, adequate in tone, and you simply cant hear it when cruising, only if you rag it to the red line, of which there is little point)

Speed 7/10 (335i 9/10)

0-60 is 7.1 sec, top speed 149 mph. As yet to be checked out, but with 200 bhp and 370 torques it has yet to be found lacking. It is very linear 40 - 60 seems to have the same shove as 80 - 100 for example.

Gearbox 8/10 (335i 9/10)

7G+ auto. 7th = 42.5mph per 1000 rpm. In normal 'E' mode its is seamless, but not quite reactive enough. In Sport the ratios and change points really make the most of the engine and the torque - it changes the character of the car massively. Paddles rarely used on the Merc, for some reason very often on the BMW

Ride 8/10 (335i 5/10)

Very good, it's on 18" staggered set up (255/35 on the back, 225/40 on the front). Firm, but composed.

Handling 8/10 (335i 8/10)

As good as the 335i, but different. On greasy roads/roundabouts I've provoked the rear end a little and enjoyed the electronics kicking in later than the orange light on the Bmw for a more fluid experience. Dont feel confident enough yet to attack a corner like the bmw though - still learning the limits. It feels more 'go kart like' though.

Steering 8/10 (335i 9/10)

Very good for an electronic set up, much lighter for low speed, then weights up nicely at speed. The wheel is really tasty too.

'Packaging' 7/10 (335i 8/10)

coupe v coupe, despite the Merc having very slightly larger dimensions, there is slightly less space inside - less room for the kids in the back the prime example. Otherwise split folding rear seats and plenty storage. The driving position in both is superb, as are the seats.

Gizmos 9/10 (335i 6/10)

Comparing the latest Command to old Idrive isnt fair, the fact are that it is far superior. Add in connectivity for ipods & internet, mpg graphs and dvd player. Also add attention assist (that tells you when you are dropping off) , active headlights that swivel, lingutronic and more. No seat belt butler though.

Economy 8/10 (335i 6/10)

Averaged 43.5 mpg so far at exactly the same speeds that saw the 335i return 26mpg. On dirty cheap diesel, not v power. Thats checking it properly, brim to brim, computer reads 44.8mpg so far.

Other

Its rare, only seen two others on the road so far. Looks wise I've had a load of compliments which is nice. Wish it had two exhaust though.

Summary

I looked at all sorts of cars before buying the Merc. S5, A5, ISF, e350 simply reading the reviews then pouncing when I found a good deal. Nothing floated my boat, like cars have done in the past, and I'm becoming more £££ savvy than in the past . After 12 years in various BMWs a change was needed.

The 335i encourages you to drive like a hooligan,to hear the noise, the howl of the exhausts. And mine really shifts. The fact I have a clean licence is amazing. But its been off the road for warranty work numerous times, its dropped in value so much the wife now has it for a run about.

The merc is sensible, but puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. A bit of a smug one. The 335i is all about the engine, that engine, that sound, whislt the 250cdi is all about the overall package.

Best of both worlds - for now. Just hope it doesnt snow.

Thanks for reading

[Carrera RSR]

That looks very nice.

Whilst BMW seem to be softening their rides despite supposedly being a 'drivers' car, MB seem to be sharpening up their Sport versions to outdo BMW at their own game.

I drove a C220 Sport Edition 125 Estate two weeks ago and would have signed up the £450 x 4yrs 25,000 mile deal but the dealer never came back to me, again, to finalise it!! I liked the supple yet firm ride. Power was OK despite that I originally wanting a C250.

In the meantime I finalised the used 520d purchase. So close to being an MB owner.

I think you will really get to like it more as you drive it more. Enjoy

[JLR1969]

Looks like a lovely car, not over impressed with the wheels but the interior has really improved over previous models.

My old 320d had 215bhp and that was always quick enough and gave good economy.

[dxb335d]

Didn't realise it was a Coupe. Looks Alright mate. How much was she??

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Didn't realise it was a Coupe. Looks Alright mate. How much was she??

Read the 4th line down......... Still concussed?

[magic77]

Looks good seriously considering this as my next option once kids are bit older. getting bored of the saloon look, though will need to find a better dealer then merc ascot. Hopefully Guilford can provide better service

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

not over impressed with the wheels

Wheels are reminiscent of the old 190 Evo

[Snooky]

Great review, thanks!

Really like the look of these. Will look closely in about a years time when both of our cars are likely to be changed! Hope there are still some good deals to be had...that one of yours would be perfect for me!

[peterg1965]

Great review, I am seriously tempted by these cheap lease deals on the C Class and E Class coupes.

[RichJ]

I really want a C63.....

[Baby Dave]

Very nice car and good write up

[haribo]

never seen this one before, looks gorgeous, good luck with it mate.

[acerboo]

lovely looking car but its not an e92 335d!

[Danny.B.]

Beautiful car!

[zltm089]

good write up!

[CardinalZeus77]

Nice write up Paul