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Looks like I get to choose a company car, Merc or BMW?

ModMan

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Joined
Mar 27, 2008
Messages
93
Location
Midlands
Car
Soon to be a 2013 A Class
Well, new job in a couple of weeks and I'll be given a company car list. I've seen the BlueEfficiency C Class in the car park so I assume that'll be on the list.

Someone on teh same pay grade as me has himself the latest 3 series. A 320D Dynamics or efficiency or whatever it's called. We went out in it the other day. 8 speed auto box, sports option, upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, sports steering wheel, active suspension, stop/start technology, leather, heated seats etc. A really nice place to be and was about £36k purchase price. Only 109g co2 as well so good there.

Now I haven't paid much attention to the newer C-Class' for a couple of years. I also believe there's a new one coming out imminently?

Does anyone have any opinions of the Merc (Up to say a £37k value) vs this spec BMW. I prefer Merc's over BMW as a brand, but I have to hand it to the BMW, it was pretty damn good.

If anyone is into car leasing, the company cars are done by Lex I believe if that makes any difference.
 
I meant to add, he gets 70+mpg on a nice steady 65/70mph run. MPG is VERY important to me as we get reimbursed pittance for our mileage.
 
What will the % tax be on each car?

Is there the option to take the cash and get your own car? A nice way of potentially saving some money if you want.
 
You really can't ignore the BMW as a company car.
I would take out a C Class demo, and see how much you like it - drive it on the roads you would normally drive.
 
There was a cash option yes, but they have strict (and enforced) standards as to what car you need to be seen driving. After a few days with a calculator I've decided to opt into the co car scheme, so now it's just waiting to see the list.

I feel bad going to a dealer and looking at new C Classes when I have no intention of buying one from him. But we'll see, that's the best idea definitely. I will spend endless hours in the car so it needs to be a nice place to be.

Once I see what Merc models are available I'll be on the Whatcar BIK website to see the tax.

Oh, and of course I have loyalty to Merc, that's why I am here in the first place and asking the question. Back in 2003 I had the choice again between a 320D and a C-Class Coupe as a company car, I took the Merc then as well :)
 
Do want Coupe, Saloon, Estate?

MPG is important, but anything else?

Diesel or Petrol? Assume Diesel

Auto box?

Just a few things to consider before we spend time on suggestions....
 
I prefer MB's but BM's are also nice. What is the duration of your car? If its 3 years the C Class will be a 10 year old design by then while the BM will be still young and fresh.
 
I don't think I'm allowed a 2 door, so Saloon or Estate I'm not too bothered. Saloon is slightly nicer shape.

Diesel, can't be larger than 2000cc or I go up into a mad tax band. Also nice and low co2 please, the bmw is 109 g/km
Auto if possible, I may be young, but I'm lazy :)

It'll be a 3 year lease. That's why I was asking if the new shape is out soon? I'll probably have to order a car w/c 7 Jan 2013, so if new shapes are coming out real soon I could perhaps stall.
 
The last time I saw the BMW was a very hard package to beat due to it's low CO2. You've got to really want the Merc to go for one.
 
Don't think there is a sub 2l C class diesel :dk: but aren't the tax bands based on emissions?
 
I think I would probably opt for the BMW

Mic
 
Making 'executive' little four pots that do a gazzilion miles per gallon is where BMW have cornered the market in the last few years, although Mercedes are making great strides.

I had a 2011 E350 V6 CDI that would easily do 55+mpg and I've noted that a lot of the smaller engines on the forum seem to be hitting 60+mpg.
 
I've yet to see anything like 77 MPG from a BMW 320d are you sure it wasn't a 318d? Which is still a 2.0ltr but a fair bit less power

Also I much prefer the Becker nav over the BMW business system
 
It was the EfficientDynamics 2lt Diesel, which according to the BMW site gets better MPG than the 318D (68.9 vs 64.2) (Stupid line wraps)

BMW 320d EfficientDynamics Saloon

CO2 emissions (g/km) 109.0 [109.0] [1] Combined (ltr/100km)
Combined (mpg) 4.1 [4.1]
68.9 [68.9] [1] Cylinders/valves 4/4 Capacity (cc)
Capacity (cinch) 1995
122.00 Stroke/Bore (mm)
Stroke/Bore (inch) 90.0/84.0
3.50/3.30 Max output (kW/hp/rpm)
120 (163)/4000 [2] Max torque (Nm/rpm)
380/1750-2750 Compression ratio : 1
16.5

BMW 318d SE Saloon

CO2 emissions (g/km) 118.0 [118.0] [1] Combined (ltr/100km)
Combined (mpg) 4.5 [4.5]
64.2 [64.2] [1] Cylinders/valves 4/4 Capacity (cc)
Capacity (cinch) 1995
122.00 Stroke/Bore (mm)
Stroke/Bore (inch) 90.0/84.0
3.50/3.30 Max output (kW/hp/rpm)
105 (143)/4000 [2] Max torque (Nm/rpm)
320/1750-2500 Compression ratio : 1
16.5
 
It's extremely hard to beat a BMW for a company car. You'd have to really want a Merc as it's going to cost you. :(
 

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