R&T C250 vs. 328i

[SchnellFowVay]

No ROZAP. I searched.

http://www.roadandtrack.com/tests/co...enz-c250-sport

Marine mammal references notwithstanding, the BMW emerged from our test as the clear winner—and a spendy one at that, its as-tested price of $50,870 nearly $9000 dearer than that of the Mercedes, thanks to a lengthy roster of options. But if you’re a fan of freakishly good handling feel and satisfying wells of fluidly delivered torque, maybe the price of admission is within your comfort zone.

[Señor Peligro]

Ah yes, entry level luxury car prices, always good for a laugh.

[blacksand]

wait what??!!??..............50 grand for a 328.

[thisisdog]

wait what??!!??..............50 grand for a 328.

Yet somebody will pay that

[masa8888]

The important stuff:

328i
240 hp / 255 ft lbs
0-60: 5.4 sec
1/4 mi: 13.9 sec
skidpad: 0.91 g
slalom: 69.0 mph

c250
201 hp / 229 ft lbs
0-60: 6.4 sec
1/4 mi: 14.8 sec
skidpad: 0.91 g
slalom: 69.1 mph

[Double-V]

$51K for a 328i is bonkers. I really don't like how the nav screen looks like it should retract, but doesn't. It looks very poorly integrated.

[mikegilbert]

BMW emerged from our test as the clear winner—and a spendy one at that, its as-tested price of $50,870

$51,000 for a 328i? You've got to be ****ing kidding me!

[Fritz27]

BMW must be on PCP to charge $51k for a loaded 328i.

[[spoon]]

How'd they figure out their pricing figures!?

STANDINGS, PRICE DEPENDENT
Points based on a proportional scale; points range based on percentage of top price.

% difference between 51 and 41 is about 18%.... 41 is 82% of 51. Yet their number is 191.2 out of a possible 200. It should be more like 165. Which would make the BMW's price included standing be 557 while the Merc would remain at 565.

Their scale appears to be broken.

[teklord69]

$51,000 for a 328i? You've got to be ****ing kidding me!

How about a 128i with M-sport package? $48,000!

[ThreadBomber]

I shudder to think what this thing costs up here. I tried to build one on BMW.ca but my work computer won't let me update Java. They must be pricing these things for leases, nobody is going to pay that.

[[spoon]]

I shudder to think what this thing costs up here. I tried to build one on BMW.ca but my work computer won't let me update Java. They must be pricing these things for leases, nobody is going to pay that.

Canadian BMW/Audi prices pretty much mirror each other for the US and Canada. Slightly different options and packages but apples to apples is quite similar.

PS- the BMW.ca builder tool is total garbage. Audi/Mercedes/BMWusa all work but BMW.ca rarely loads.

[SchnellFowVay]

How about a 128i with M-sport package? $48,000!

No. Even wtih all possible options you can't get it that high.

A 135i? Maybe.

I got my 2011 135i brand new and custom ordered with M-Sport Pack, Premium Pack, Premium Sound, 6-speed, and BMW Connect+Blue-tooth for $39,900.

It's a few thousand more nowadays. But a 128i will not cost $48,000.

Hell, my wife's 128i with convertible and M-Sport was only $39,200.

[HerrGolf]

The kind of people who are cynical about the price of these cars are also the kind of people who understand that many of today's newest cars don't offer a better driving experience-arguably a less involving one-and will be happier with something older. Less savvy buyers are happy to shell out the big bucks and won't know the difference beyond what's on the badge. Eventually, these brands will face a declining image.

For $50k, I'd take a used 911. Better yet, for $3k, I'd take an E30.

[Impeccable]

Ah yes, entry level luxury car prices, always good for a laugh.

To me I put the idea that the 3 series is an entry level vehicle years ago, I just imagine it as a cramped expensive 4 door but yea handles very well.

[Saintor]

50K$ for a 4-cyl.? Well Audi established that a few years ago. I find it ridiculous as well. you can have a decent 335i for the same price if you are more reasonable on options.

[JLJetta]

$51K for a 328i is bonkers. I really don't like how the nav screen looks like it should retract, but doesn't. It looks very poorly integrated.

That seems to be the hallmark of BMW lately.

[JLJetta]

I just spec'ed out a 128 convertable with every box you could check.

$58,676 !!

However, that does include 1 year of "free" satellite radio service, so its worth it!

[masa8888]

Why is everyone so hung up on the $51k as-tested-price? A 328i Sport Line with sport suspension, sport steering wheel, and sport seats goes for $38,295 including destination. That's right on par with the C250 and A4 with sport packages.

[teklord69]

No. Even wtih all possible options you can't get it that high.

A 135i? Maybe.

I got my 2011 135i brand new and custom ordered with M-Sport Pack, Premium Pack, Premium Sound, 6-speed, and BMW Connect+Blue-tooth for $39,900.

It's a few thousand more nowadays. But a 128i will not cost $48,000.

Hell, my wife's 128i with convertible and M-Sport was only $39,200.

Go to bmwusa.com

Build a 128i with M-sport option and all the tech goodies. Come back and post what you find ok?

[Professor Gascan]

I shudder to think what this thing costs up here. I tried to build one on BMW.ca but my work computer won't let me update Java. They must be pricing these things for leases, nobody is going to pay that.

PS- the BMW.ca builder tool is total garbage. Audi/Mercedes/BMWusa all work but BMW.ca rarely loads.

Glad I'm not the only one who finds BMW.ca to be an infuriating cluster f*ck. It's like they're actively blocking me from discovering how wide I'd have to spread my cheeks to purchase one of their vehicles.

[mhjett]

Why is everyone so hung up on the $51k as-tested-price? A 328i Sport Line with sport suspension, sport steering wheel, and sport seats goes for $38,295 including destination. That's right on par with the C250 and A4 with sport packages.

Because $51k is ridiculous for a 3-series.

What's also ridiculous is that they charge you $34.9k base price for a car that doesn't have leather, keyless entry, power seats, or a moonroof. Or navigation. Or xenon lights. Or a premium stereo. Or Bluetooth.

If you buy a $38k 3-series that has the sport options but doesn't have any of the above, will you feel like you got hosed?

BMW's pricing is getting as silly as Porsche's... but people if pay it, then BMW and Porsche aren't the suckers.

[decade2000]

Go to bmwusa.com

Build a 128i with M-sport option and all the tech goodies. Come back and post what you find ok?

I just did and it's $44,690.

[RogueTDI]

The important stuff:

328i
240 hp / 255 ft lbs
0-60: 5.4 sec
1/4 mi: 13.9 sec
skidpad: 0.91 g
slalom: 69.0 mph

c250
201 hp / 229 ft lbs
0-60: 6.4 sec
1/4 mi: 14.8 sec
skidpad: 0.91 g
slalom: 69.1 mph

Quoting HP without quoting vehicle weights?? Tisk tisk.

[S4cabriofox]

You guys are senile. The 3er has been creeping into the $50K range for years now. It only makes sense that a loaded 328 would cost that much, especially considering how it would embarrass an E46 or E90 330i.

While it is overpriced, it's not surprising.

[ThreadBomber]

You guys are senile. The 3er has been creeping into the $50K range for years now. It only makes sense that a loaded 328 would cost that much, especially considering how it would embarrass an E46 or E90 330i.

While it is overpriced, it's not surprising.

Apparently we missed the memo which I learned the other day in the 8 second thread about TCL rounding. Apparently the car has been 50k since it was priced at $45,000. Forgive us normals for thinking the car was 45k rather than 50k.

[MFactor]

Apparently we missed the memo which I learned the other day in the 8 second thread about TCL rounding. Apparently the car has been 50k since it was priced at $45,000. Forgive us normals for thinking the car was 45k rather than 50k.

$5k is chump change apparently.

[curvedinfinity]

Since the current 5er and Z4 came out I've been doing to BMW prices. Oh so impressive base price, and eye watering real prices. Audi and MB do it to a lesser degree. I appreciate some of the other high end brands (Infiniti, Cadillac), for not having that pricing model.

[DJMRDARK]

$51K is flat out insane. But most BMW buyers actually lease them. Personally I wouldn't buy a new Bimmer at this point. They are purely CPO for me now.

[Saintor]

Consider this.

A BASE 1987 325i had a MSRP of 24090$ and was considered expensive.

After 25 years, adjusted for inflation it should be close to 49000$. A BASE one. It is 34900$. and comes with 6 airbags, ESP/TC, automatic at no cost (can be deleted).

***Stop whining. We are blessed***.

[DJMRDARK]

Consider this.

A BASE 1987 325i had a MSRP of 24090$ and was considered expensive.

After 25 years, adjusted for inflation it should be close to 49000$. A BASE one. It is 34900$. and comes with 6 airbags, ESP/TC, automatic at no cost (can be deleted).

***Stop whining. We are blessed***.

A loaded Mustang GT gets you M3 performance for far less than a loaded 328i. And a Boss 302 starts at $42K, while a GT 500 starts at $54K. Better to get the Mustang.

[Saintor]

A loaded Mustang GT gets you M3 performance for far less than a loaded 328i. And a Boss 302 starts at $42K, while a GT 500 starts at $54K. Better to get the Mustang.

Yeah the engine is a gem but the rest of the car feels cheap; it gets on you with time. Walmart grade. This is not what entry-lux buyers expect and buy.

[SchnellFowVay]

Go to bmwusa.com

Build a 128i with M-sport option and all the tech goodies. Come back and post what you find ok?

Now you've changed what you originally said.

This is why you should ALWAYS custom order your BMW unless they have one that is exactly what you want on the lot.

And if you want every electronic gizmo known to man, then Acura is more your style -- they have very affordable and comprehensive tech packages.

[SchnellFowVay]

Consider this.

A BASE 1987 325i had a MSRP of 24090$ and was considered expensive.

After 25 years, adjusted for inflation it should be close to 49000$. A BASE one. It is 34900$. and comes with 6 airbags, ESP/TC, automatic at no cost (can be deleted).

***Stop whining. We are blessed***.

Shhhh. People don't understand inflation on the Car Lounge.

[SchnellFowVay]

A loaded Mustang GT gets you M3 performance for far less than a loaded 328i. And a Boss 302 starts at $42K, while a GT 500 starts at $54K. Better to get the Mustang.

That depends on how you classify "performance," and what you are looking for.

No doubt the GT 500 is balls fast (faster than the M3), etc. But many people simply do not like the way the Mustang drives, and need something more practical/image-conscious than a Mustang.

There have always been faster American muscle cars when compared to BMWs. This is nothing new.