To each there own. Performance wise the Bimmer wins hands down. But I like how the C looks.

Funny, I just finished reading this article:
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do...topanel..1 .*
I'd probably take a 328i, then A4 2.0t, then C300, but it's just my preference.

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T
2008 BMW 135i Convertible
2007 BMW X5 3.0si
2007 BMW X3 3.0si
2003 BMW X5 3.0i (retired)

Well, that's exactly my point. The future value of any vehicle (X5, C300, etc.) can't be accurately predicted. So unless you are confident that you will keep the car vehicle for 5+ years - why not lease?

Let's say that the X5 in question was leased 4 years ago and BMW Financial Servies used 45% residual that was common back then. Now you want a new car and the current value is only 38%. Wow, you saved ~ $3,500 plus you had no trade-in issues. OTOH, what if the current value for the X5 was now 50%. Wow, you can buy the car from BMW and sell/trade it for a nice profit of ~ $2,500.

Leasing is not for everyone, however if you only drive around 15K miles/year and you are uncertain of your future automotive needs (or like to get shinny new cars like the C300) - leasing is a good idea.

Dunno what depreciation is like with a new C-class but it certainly won't be that of an SUV. Might be worth it, might not be. With an ML or X5 the choice might be more obvious.

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I was under the impression that you drive a car, you don't just look at it.

I think you will regret getting the MB as soon as the newness of the body style wears off. Then you will be stuck driving just another boring C class.

Have you seen photos of the facelifted 3 series sedan?

I would stick with the X5 for a few more years, SUV's resale are hurting yet the real difference in MPG is small (14mpg city X5 vs 17mpg city MB).

I also think that the economy and auto sales are hurting and we will see some real year end bargains.

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I think your X5 looks 10000x times better than the C class. And i agree with FSETH that once that newness wears out, it will be just another boring c class.

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I have not seen the facelifted pics. linky?

Here is the link.

E90 and M3 sedan facelift spyshots ( 1 2 3 ... Last Page)

I think the biggest changes are better looking tail lights and chrome lip on the hood should be gone.

I think the Benz looks pretty OK, but it won't drive like the Bimmer. Looks alone, the new A4 looks really good and is also all wheel drive. I would still prefer the 3 series over either though.