Dilemma

EmPower · 10-29-2015, 07:44 PM

Am looking to pick up a fun car for a DD. Up to this point I would have got into a 328i (to save coin; plus I LOVE the power delivery of the N20) or 340i. But with the M2 on the horizon; it seems to be a great value for what it is... or is it? I made the mistake of driving a C450 AMG today and was pleasantly surprised. I typically don't really care for Benzes but this one was different. For reference I have driven the W205 C300 4MATIC recently but was left desiring a lot more. This one was different. From the time you get into the seat (standard seats) and grip its awesome perforated flat bottomed steering wheel to when you start the motor and set off. I was truly blown away by the acceleration and how the throttle blips are loud. Best of all is the rush and urgency of power AND the orgasmic exhaust note. The motor is one of the best I have experienced. This car feels really fast and with the AMG sports package; it looks the part.

Secondly to add to my dilemma; the C450 AMG is a little cheaper than the M2; has the same power and is a lot more practical. While i have to admit that the M2 steering and on track ability will be miles ahead of the C's (somehow MB steering is more under-steer tuned and feels artificially boosted...i am not a fan); I think the C looks better than the stumpy M2/ 2 -series and the interior is better looking. Also; the C does have the option for better tech upgrades.

So Bimmerpost community; what would you choose?

Black Gold · 10-29-2015, 08:06 PM

I have zero interest in the c class, much less the non amg versions.

Personally, a very large 3800lb car isn't my cup of tea so I don't really get the comparison.

M2 easily, and I'm not even a huge fan of it. I just wojld never get a c450 and don't think it really compares to an m car, much less an m2 imo.

Sounds like you like it though which is all that matters

PackPride85 · 10-29-2015, 08:15 PM

3750 lbs = no thanks.

-JLT- · 10-29-2015, 08:24 PM

M2 all day long. u cannot compare a "AMG"-wannabe to a true M. now C63 AMG is a different story

Ramos · 10-29-2015, 08:28 PM

The equivalent BMW would be the upcoming M440i GC or M340i if they make it

IS3andME · 10-29-2015, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmPower

Am looking to pick up a fun car for a DD. Up to this point I would have got into a 328i (to save coin; plus I LOVE the power delivery of the N20) or 340i. But with the M2 on the horizon; it seems to be a great value for what it is... or is it? I made the mistake of driving a C450 AMG today and was pleasantly surprised. I typically don't really care for Benzes but this one was different. For reference I have driven the W205 C300 4MATIC recently but was left desiring a lot more. This one was different. From the time you get into the seat (standard seats) and grip its awesome perforated flat bottomed steering wheel to when you start the motor and set off. I was truly blown away by the acceleration and how the throttle blips are loud. Best of all is the rush and urgency of power AND the orgasmic exhaust note. The motor is one of the best I have experienced. This car feels really fast and with the AMG sports package; it looks the part.

Secondly to add to my dilemma; the C450 AMG is a little cheaper than the M2; has the same power and is a lot more practical. While i have to admit that the M2 steering and on track ability will be miles ahead of the C's (somehow MB steering is more under-steer tuned and feels artificially boosted...i am not a fan); I think the C looks better than the stumpy M2/ 2 -series and the interior is better looking. Also; the C does have the option for better tech upgrades.

So Bimmerpost community; what would you choose?

Well, the C450 AMG is not a competitor for the 2 series period. The CLA/CLA45 AMG is the 2 series/M2 competitor.
The M2 will be that fun car. The Car that puts a smile on your face, makes you feel good at the end of a long work day.

G8rGrl · 10-29-2015, 08:56 PM

I can't decide! Waiting for the C450 AMG *coupe* pricing to come out. Plus the reviews for both would help. I have no interest in the CLA but the C450 coupe is appealing.

BEM-S4 · 10-29-2015, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8rGrl

I can't decide! Waiting for the C450 AMG *coupe* pricing to come out. Plus the reviews for both would help. I have no interest in the CLA but the C450 coupe is appealing.

The coupe is damn sexy. Agree the CLA is of little to no interest. Drove one, hated it.

Rovman · 10-29-2015, 09:03 PM

No dilemma , M2

Spook410 · 10-29-2015, 09:08 PM

I've gone down this same path. The C450 does make a compelling case with a stellar interior, suspension taken from the C63 (the car the beats the M3 in all the magazine tests), and plenty of power.

- The 'it's not a real AMG' is kind of silly. It's just marketing like BMW does with the M Sport (as in M235 which everyone agrees is a pretty good car) and what Audi does with their 'S' models. MB is just getting started with this and will have several models in the middle.

- IMHO, the C450 will cost the same out the door as an M2. At least until they start discounting them which around here isn't yet the case.

- In cold places the 67/34 (I think) rear/fwd split AWD will be welcome

- Really nice interior. Reasonable size (very close to 3 series). Transmission tuned for better performance. Sport settings. You can get a Burmeister stereo. It's a nice looking car.

- Command system is supposed to suck

So.. why am I not getting one? Because the 340i is a sportier proposition for about $4K-$5K less. Manual tranny. Track package. RWD.

My ranking came out to M2 > 340i > C450 because I'm leaning towards performance this time. Next time I may favor comfort and long trips along with my fun and the C450 would certainly be a player in that.

And then.. there's the horse-of-a-different color. 2012-2014 low mileage examples of a C63 seem pretty available and reasonably priced. Yes, they're heavy but they do have a 6.3 Liter NA V8 to help them with that.

crqflier · 10-29-2015, 09:59 PM

Get the benzo.

gtr · 10-29-2015, 10:07 PM

New c class is very nice and had it for a loaner over the weekend. The C450 was a car I considered also.

You should also consider the Macan GTS. I hated suv/cuv until I test drove the Macan Turbo on the auto X. Amazingly good handling for such a heavy vehicle and would be a great daily driver.

BEM-S4 · 10-29-2015, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtr

New c class is very nice and had it for a loaner over the weekend. The C450 was a car I considered also.

You should also consider the Macan GTS. I hated suv/cuv until I test drove the Macan Turbo on the auto X. Amazingly good handling for such a heavy vehicle and would be a great daily driver.

+1 firmly believe if you're only going to have 1 car the Macan is at the top of a very short list. Loved ours, was very sad to see it go.

G8rGrl · 10-29-2015, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtr

New c class is very nice and had it for a loaner over the weekend. The C450 was a car I considered also.

You should also consider the Macan GTS. I hated suv/cuv until I test drove the Macan Turbo on the auto X. Amazingly good handling for such a heavy vehicle and would be a great daily driver.

+1 firmly believe if you're only going to have 1 car the Macan is at the top of a very short list. Loved ours, was very sad to see it go.

This Macan on Vossens is nice. The M2, C450, and Macan are all in the same price range. New.

Thibs · 10-29-2015, 11:17 PM

I like the interior of the M2 more the Mercedes is too busy for my liking

BEM-S4 · 10-29-2015, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8rGrl

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by gtr

New c class is very nice and had it for a loaner over the weekend. The C450 was a car I considered also.

You should also consider the Macan GTS. I hated suv/cuv until I test drove the Macan Turbo on the auto X. Amazingly good handling for such a heavy vehicle and would be a great daily driver.

+1 firmly believe if you're only going to have 1 car the Macan is at the top of a very short list. Loved ours, was very sad to see it go.

This Macan on Vossens is nice. The M2, C450, and Macan are all in the same price range. New.

[IMG]vossenwheels.com/Gallery/FileUpload/Gallery/Porsche_Macan_VVSCV3_b48.jpg?width=1600&quality=75[/IMG]

One caveat on the Macan. Don't know if you've priced Porsches but they charge for EVERYTHING. There are tons of options and some are silly $. So spec one out the way you'd want it to see true costs. That said drove ours back and forth to Buffalo from Philly in a day. Would have kept driving. Truly amazing car.

EmPower · 10-30-2015, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

One caveat on the Macan. Don't know if you've priced Porsches but they charge for EVERYTHING. There are tons of options and some are silly $. So spec one out the way you'd want it to see true costs. That said drove ours back and forth to Buffalo from Philly in a day. Would have kept driving. Truly amazing car.

Few issues against the Macan -

1.) I already have a 2014 X5; so may not want another SUV
2.) Macan GTS is almost 20K more than the C450 AMG
3.) I am still looking to drive the 340i; that may be the nail in the coffin for the C450... although for visual drama; the C cannot be beat

Gibson6594 · 10-30-2015, 08:13 AM

Slightly less power, a lot more weight than the M2. Plus no 3rd pedal. Maybe if it was a DD, but for me the M2 will be a weekend car, so no way.

BEM-S4 · 10-30-2015, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EmPower

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

One caveat on the Macan. Don't know if you've priced Porsches but they charge for EVERYTHING. There are tons of options and some are silly $. So spec one out the way you'd want it to see true costs. That said drove ours back and forth to Buffalo from Philly in a day. Would have kept driving. Truly amazing car.

Few issues against the Macan -

1.) I already have a 2014 X5; so may not want another SUV
2.) Macan GTS is almost 20K more than the C450 AMG
3.) I am still looking to drive the 340i; that may be the nail in the coffin for the C450... although for visual drama; the C cannot be beat

Do yourself a favor and drive the S before you pay up for the GTS. I haven't driven the Macan GTS but I did drive the regular cayenne then the GTS version. Was a lot of show and very little go for a lot of $, made the car a lot less usable IMO. Lots of trim kit big wheels with low profile tires type stuff, kind of a pain in the ass for a DD.

The thing really does not handle like an SUV. I power slid ours.

Jackie Chiles · 10-30-2015, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G8rGrl

I can't decide! Waiting for the C450 AMG *coupe* pricing to come out. Plus the reviews for both would help. I have no interest in the CLA but the C450 coupe is appealing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BEM-S4

The coupe is damn sexy. Agree the CLA is of little to no interest. Drove one, hated it.

Just a quick FYI: The 2016 CLA45 has many updates, including a much revised transmission, updates suspension and in now putting out 381 HP.

Chris Harris did a review of the 2016 CLA45's little brother, the A45, and raved about it. Skip ahead to 2:05 for the A45:

I think I'd rather have an M2, but I live in the frozen north, so. . .

AlpsRider · 10-30-2015, 10:35 AM

I haven't driven a C450 AMG, but I drove a C400. If they drive the same at all, the M235i is so much more car in the fun factor department...let alone an M2. It would be good for a powerful family car. The front end is very heavy in the C400.

Spook410 · 10-30-2015, 02:22 PM

- There were major changes from the C400 to the C450. Suspension, transmission, engine.

- See raves about the Porsche Macan but the reviews all cite vague steering and poor braking? Thought it was just a tuned Audi Q5? Handy format and the S model isn't too insane on cost. Maybe I should actually drive one.

10-29-2015, 07:44 PM	#1
EmPower Captain 138 Rep 926 Posts Drives: 2014 X5 xdrive 35i Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Dilemma - C450AMG or M2 Am looking to pick up a fun car for a DD. Up to this point I would have got into a 328i (to save coin; plus I LOVE the power delivery of the N20) or 340i. But with the M2 on the horizon; it seems to be a great value for what it is... or is it? I made the mistake of driving a C450 AMG today and was pleasantly surprised. I typically don't really care for Benzes but this one was different. For reference I have driven the W205 C300 4MATIC recently but was left desiring a lot more. This one was different. From the time you get into the seat (standard seats) and grip its awesome perforated flat bottomed steering wheel to when you start the motor and set off. I was truly blown away by the acceleration and how the throttle blips are loud. Best of all is the rush and urgency of power AND the orgasmic exhaust note. The motor is one of the best I have experienced. This car feels really fast and with the AMG sports package; it looks the part. Secondly to add to my dilemma; the C450 AMG is a little cheaper than the M2; has the same power and is a lot more practical. While i have to admit that the M2 steering and on track ability will be miles ahead of the C's (somehow MB steering is more under-steer tuned and feels artificially boosted...i am not a fan); I think the C looks better than the stumpy M2/ 2 -series and the interior is better looking. Also; the C does have the option for better tech upgrades. So Bimmerpost community; what would you choose? __________________ 92 Mazda Mx6 (sold), 00 VW Jetta (sold), 07 BMW 335i (sold), 10 VW Jetta (sold), 14 BMW X5 35ix (sold), 18 VW Jetta (totaled), 19 Audi SQ5 (sold), 20 Audi S6 (sold), 22 Audi SQ5
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10-29-2015, 08:06 PM	#2
Black Gold Major General 590 Rep 5,396 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Texas iTrader: (15)	I have zero interest in the c class, much less the non amg versions. Personally, a very large 3800lb car isn't my cup of tea so I don't really get the comparison. M2 easily, and I'm not even a huge fan of it. I just wojld never get a c450 and don't think it really compares to an m car, much less an m2 imo. Sounds like you like it though which is all that matters
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10-29-2015, 08:15 PM	#3
PackPride85 Lieutenant Colonel 1120 Rep 1,643 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	3750 lbs = no thanks.
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10-29-2015, 08:24 PM	#4
-JLT- Brigadier General 3443 Rep 4,185 Posts Drives: '22 X4M COMP, '23 iX xDrive50 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: CHITOWN iTrader: (1)	M2 all day long. u cannot compare a "AMG"-wannabe to a true M. now C63 AMG is a different story __________________ -JLT-
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10-29-2015, 08:28 PM	#5
Ramos Colonel 859 Rep 2,896 Posts Drives: G20 2020 M340 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: So-Cal iTrader: (6)	The equivalent BMW would be the upcoming M440i GC or M340i if they make it
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10-29-2015, 08:56 PM	#7
G8rGrl Lieutenant 569 Rep 449 Posts Drives: Like a Boss Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: FL iTrader: (0)	I can't decide! Waiting for the C450 AMG coupe pricing to come out. Plus the reviews for both would help. I have no interest in the CLA but the C450 coupe is appealing.
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10-29-2015, 09:03 PM	#9
Rovman Second Lieutenant 17 Rep 202 Posts Drives: 11 BMW 1M Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Lafayette,La. iTrader: (0)	No dilemma , M2 __________________ 19’ 330i M-sport (daily) 18' BMW M2 (gone) 16' Porsche GT4 (track car/weekend) 11' BMW 1M 15' Mercedes GL 350 (wife's daily)
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10-29-2015, 09:08 PM	#10
Spook410 Second Lieutenant 184 Rep 233 Posts Drives: Infiniti EX35 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I've gone down this same path. The C450 does make a compelling case with a stellar interior, suspension taken from the C63 (the car the beats the M3 in all the magazine tests), and plenty of power. - The 'it's not a real AMG' is kind of silly. It's just marketing like BMW does with the M Sport (as in M235 which everyone agrees is a pretty good car) and what Audi does with their 'S' models. MB is just getting started with this and will have several models in the middle. - IMHO, the C450 will cost the same out the door as an M2. At least until they start discounting them which around here isn't yet the case. - In cold places the 67/34 (I think) rear/fwd split AWD will be welcome - Really nice interior. Reasonable size (very close to 3 series). Transmission tuned for better performance. Sport settings. You can get a Burmeister stereo. It's a nice looking car. - Command system is supposed to suck So.. why am I not getting one? Because the 340i is a sportier proposition for about $4K-$5K less. Manual tranny. Track package. RWD. My ranking came out to M2 > 340i > C450 because I'm leaning towards performance this time. Next time I may favor comfort and long trips along with my fun and the C450 would certainly be a player in that. And then.. there's the horse-of-a-different color. 2012-2014 low mileage examples of a C63 seem pretty available and reasonably priced. Yes, they're heavy but they do have a 6.3 Liter NA V8 to help them with that.
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10-29-2015, 09:59 PM	#11
crqflier Lieutenant 115 Rep 433 Posts Drives: '07 335i, '95 M3 (gone) Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Get the benzo. __________________ '07 e90 335i - SG/Black/Alum \| 6 MT \| Sport \| Premium \| Nav \| CA Dinan Stage 2 Tune, Stage 1 Suspension \| BBS RS-GT
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10-29-2015, 10:07 PM	#12
gtr Lieutenant 235 Rep 576 Posts Drives: 2020 CTR Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0)	New c class is very nice and had it for a loaner over the weekend. The C450 was a car I considered also. You should also consider the Macan GTS. I hated suv/cuv until I test drove the Macan Turbo on the auto X. Amazingly good handling for such a heavy vehicle and would be a great daily driver.
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10-29-2015, 11:17 PM	#15
Thibs Private 55 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 1M Join Date: May 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I like the interior of the M2 more the Mercedes is too busy for my liking
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10-30-2015, 08:13 AM	#18
Gibson6594 Major 1094 Rep 1,268 Posts Drives: 2016 SO M3 Join Date: May 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Slightly less power, a lot more weight than the M2. Plus no 3rd pedal. Maybe if it was a DD, but for me the M2 will be a weekend car, so no way.
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10-30-2015, 10:35 AM	#21
AlpsRider Brigadier General 2864 Rep 3,841 Posts Drives: M2 Competition, LBB, 6MT Join Date: May 2015 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I haven't driven a C450 AMG, but I drove a C400. If they drive the same at all, the M235i is so much more car in the fun factor department...let alone an M2. It would be good for a powerful family car. The front end is very heavy in the C400.
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10-30-2015, 02:22 PM	#22
Spook410 Second Lieutenant 184 Rep 233 Posts Drives: Infiniti EX35 Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	- There were major changes from the C400 to the C450. Suspension, transmission, engine. - See raves about the Porsche Macan but the reviews all cite vague steering and poor braking? Thought it was just a tuned Audi Q5? Handy format and the S model isn't too insane on cost. Maybe I should actually drive one.
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