Used test: BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Our Verdict

There’s a reason the Mercedes C-Class is such a popular used car. First up, there’s the air of class that three-pointed star on the grille bestows upon it; what’s more, Mercedes’ reputation for comfort is well founded here, because the C-Class is smooth and comfortable on motorways. What’s more, it isn’t as expensive as you might think, by comparison with its rivals.

The problem is, the C-Class in this form is an older design than the BMW 3 Series tested here, and it feels it. The growly engine, sluggish gearbox and stodgy handling simply can’t match up; even more disappointingly, given Mercedes’ reputation for quality, the interior feels dour and less expensively finished. That it’s also the more expensive car of the two to run, by every measure, is the nail in its coffin.

That leaves the 3 Series to waltz to victory. Normally at this point we’d tell you about all the minor gripes we have with the winner, but in this instance, apart from the slightly jittery low-speed ride, we’re struggling. The 3 Series really is that good.

Not only is it great to drive, but it’s also remarkably potent; in fact, there are hot hatches out there that would be embarrassed by the shove from its 2.0-litre diesel engine. The splendid automatic gearbox is the cream on top; that the 3 Series is more spacious, feels smarter inside, has a better infotainment system and works out both cheaper to buy and run makes it almost a clean sweep. That you can pick one up for the price you can makes it extraordinarily tempting – and as a used alternative to that brand-new city car, it’s even more so.

Read our review of the latest BMW 3 Series

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Also consider:

1st – BMW 3 Series

For Brilliant to drive, stunning pace, low running costs, build quality

Against Low-speed ride could be more forgiving

Verdict The finest used executive car money can buy

Rated 5 out of 5

Read the full used BMW 3 Series review

Find a used BMW 3 Series in the What Car? Classifieds

2nd – Mercedes C-Class

For Smooth, soft-riding motorway manners, robustly built

Against Noisy engine, slow automatic gearbox, sloppy handling

Verdict A competent performer, but one that lives in the shadow of the 3 Series

Rated 3 out of 5

Read the full used Mercedes C-Class review

Find a used Mercedes C-Class in the What Car? Classifieds

Specifications: BMW 320d SE auto

Engine size 2.0-litre diesel

List price when new £29,850

Price today £10,500

Power 181bhp

Torque 280lb ft

0-60mph 7.6sec

Top speed 141mph

Fuel economy 62.8mpg (Official average)

CO2 emissions 118g/km

Specifications: Mercedes C220 CDI SE auto

Engine size 2.1-litre diesel

List price when new £29,870

Price today £11,000

Power 168bhp

Torque 295lb ft

0-60mph 8.5sec

Top speed 143mph

Fuel economy 58.9mpg (Official average)

CO2 emissions 125g/km

Price today is based on a 2012 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

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