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      06-18-2018, 01:24 AM   #1
colt033
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Mercedes A Class

I hope this thread is appropriate. I just wanted to get some opinions on this.

I've been driving BMWs for over 20 years and currently have a 62 plate 116d sport which is okay but probably the dullest car to drive I've had for a long time.

Over the past few years I've been frustrated with BMW's unadventurous styling so I've started looking at Mercedes who seem to be doing well in this area.

So I tried the new A class A200. I really wanted to like it and it wasn't bad to drive; but I did't like it enough to pay 26,000 for it (they took over 3k off list so I don't think it's selling well). Next, I tried a 1-year-old A180 automatic. I didn't like it at all: poor visibility, nowhere near enough power, although to be fair 120 bhp isn't a lot.

So, despite really wanting to try the MB brand, I'm left feeling that their entry level cars aren't that good and I'm just wondering if anyone has experience of both and whether you think it's smarter to stick with an plain / slightly ugly BMW than drive a nice looking MB that might make me hate driving it.

Thanks.
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      06-18-2018, 06:25 AM   #2
ovekvam
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Something tells me that most people in this forum prefer the BMW 1-series styling, since they chose to buy one. I certainly do, although the A-class is the least ugly Mercedes in my opinion. However, the lack of rear wheel drive makes it a lot less desireable to me. Same with the Audi A1 and A3, but in my opinion, they are on par with BMW in the styling department.
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      06-18-2018, 07:21 AM   #3
colt033
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I went with the F20 because I thought the old A Class was too small on the outside and looked like a generic hatchback with a 3-pointed star on the front.

Now, having seriously considered switching brands, the I struggle not to prefer the MB styling.

I agree about the RWD but I'm not sure it's worth the trade-off in space/cost/weight in this segment, and BMW are going FWD anyway.
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      06-18-2018, 08:04 AM   #4
ovekvam
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colt033 View Post
I agree about the RWD but I'm not sure it's worth the trade-off in space/cost/weight in this segment, and BMW are going FWD anyway.
A good reason to stick with the F20, which will be a future classic. The last RWD hatchback.
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      06-18-2018, 09:12 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by colt033 View Post
I hope this thread is appropriate.
I really don't think so.

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Originally Posted by colt033 View Post
BMW are going FWD anyway.
Enjoy. For me another point is going off the manual transmissions. Mercedes appears to have fulfilled that, BMW leaves an unexciting engine choice: none or way too much (it looks slightly better in UK still but you don't appreciate it, do you? ). And it's clearly going that way, officials making statements. You won't be able to tell one brand from the other unless you see the badge really soon.
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      06-18-2018, 11:01 AM   #6
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all that glitters is not gold.
The Mercedes A-Class may look sportier in AMG package, but the F20 is more of a driver's car. pre-LCI F20 is kinda love-hate relationship. it is rather an ugly duckling. when it first came out my initial thoughts were "who would buy such an absurd car" until I seet it in BMW dealer. The design reminded me of the good old 90s especially the rear design.
The major reason why you are unhappy with your current car might be that it is a diesel engine. You should really test drive a petrol engine F20 then you will fall in love with it.
I've driven various cars (F22 and Audi S3) after selling my F20 and I still miss my 118i.

ps: imho FWD and RWD cars should not be compared

Last edited by eray; 06-18-2018 at 11:21 AM..
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      06-25-2018, 10:58 PM   #7
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I'm also trying to decide if i should go for the mercedes A200 or the BMW 118i (Msport). Any cons/pros again each other? In concerns of driving i think it's very hard to tell if BMW is better or not. I have tried to put up something..

BMW:

Pros
- Better looking
- Feels more solid build
- Easy to upgrade to extras (Ex adaptive speed, adaptive LED etc)

Cons:
- I have to pay alot for the navigation pro. A thing that should be standard!
- Old fashioned designed inside the car.
- Not much space in the backseat
- Lesser speed in the frontseats compared to Mercedes (I am not sure?)

Mercedes:

Pros:
The Screen
All the tech
More back room than the BMW
More updates design inside the car

Cons:
More expensive than BMW (If you wan't to go fo the extras)
Engine acceleration not as good as the BMW
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      06-26-2018, 07:16 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskadk View Post
In concerns of driving i think it's very hard to tell if BMW is better or not.
Mercedes is the choice for you.

Quote:
Originally Posted by rskadk View Post
I have to pay alot for the navigation pro. A thing that should be standard!
If paying a lot is your joy do proceed following the standard of yours. Do worry not about others though.
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      06-26-2018, 03:08 PM   #9
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if you are looking for driving pleasure, bmw it is then. there is no other option on this case.
no car enthusiast has ever put comfort, tech toys and leg room at the top of their list when they are buying a bmw.

you seem biased towards mercedes according to your post.
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      06-26-2018, 05:02 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rskadk View Post
Mercedes:
Pros:
The Screen
All the tech
More back room than the BMW
More updates design inside the car
You are buying a car not a TV

And if by screen you mean the big digital displays dont worry as far as i knoe those are an optional extra as the nav pro is for bmw
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      06-26-2018, 05:29 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by emil111 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by rskadk View Post
Mercedes:
Pros:
The Screen
All the tech
More back room than the BMW
More updates design inside the car
You are buying a car not a TV

And if by screen you mean the big digital displays dont worry as far as i knoe those are an optional extra as the nav pro is for bmw
Ever drive an E-Class at night? Its like going to Dave and Busters. And its got Mercedes bat signals flashing on the ground when you open the doors. Interior is full of more lighting that can change colours than a Las Vegas strip club. Read one forum member describe these kinds of cars as rolling arcades. I didn't like it at all.
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      06-27-2018, 02:10 PM   #12
eray
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky1 View Post
Ever drive an E-Class at night? Its like going to Dave and Busters. And its got Mercedes bat signals flashing on the ground when you open the doors. Interior is full of more lighting that can change colours than a Las Vegas strip club. Read one forum member describe these kinds of cars as rolling arcades. I didn't like it at all.
and bmw is switching to digital panels and dashes too.
I've never thought we will miss 2000s in near future
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      06-27-2018, 02:27 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eray View Post
and bmw is switching to digital panels and dashes too.
I've never thought we will miss 2000s in near future
What do you mean by this? Im wondering if they will do it on the new 1 series that's released next year....
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      06-28-2018, 06:48 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by eray View Post
and bmw is switching to digital panels and dashes too.
I've never thought we will miss 2000s in near future
well its about time they do! lets not forget that the 1 series f20 is the first bmw to have the turn signals on the mirrors,i wonder what other unique new features the new bmw will bring to the table
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