BMW 3-Series Quick Links
Car Price Comparison
BMW 3-Series vs.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
On this site: compare the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class in terms of:
- how often they require a repair
- real-world gas mileage
- owners' reasons for buying (or not buying) them
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Quick Links
On this page: The Internet's most balanced and thorough car price and features comparison between the BMW 3-Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Including:
- Price Comparison
- Invoice Comparison
- Feature Comparison
- TrueDelta Car Value Comparison
- Customized Price Comparison
- Dealer Price Quotes








Specifications Comparison | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | C-Class |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Wheelbase | 108.7 | 108.7 |
| Length | 178.2 | 182.3 |
| Width | 71.5 | 69.7 |
| Height | 55.9 | 56.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3693 | 3662 |
| Fuel Capacity | 15.9 | 17.4 |
| R1 Headroom | 37.4 | 37.1 |
| R1 Shoulder Room | 55.4 | 54.7 |
| R1 Hip Room | 52.3 | |
| R1 Legroom | 41.5 | 41.7 |
| R2 Headroom | 37.1 | 36.9 |
| R2 Shoulder Room | 55.1 | 55.1 |
| R2 Hip Room | 54.9 | |
| R2 Legroom | 34.6 | 33.4 |
| Cargo Volume | 12.0 | 12.4 |
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Price Comparison (MSRP) : BMW 3-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-ClassThe sticker prices, before adjusting for remaining feature differences. Usually these are the numbers you will see on the window stickers.Models in short supply often sell at or even above these prices. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | C-Class |
| Trim | M3 | C63 AMG |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Base Price | $54,850 | $57,350 |
| 245/35ZR19 | $1,200 | |
| 7-spd automated manual | $2,900 | |
| Cold Weather Package | $1,000 | |
| Harman/Kardon 450W 12 speakers | $650 | |
| Keyless access and ignition | $1,130 | |
| Leather door panel trim | $2,000 | |
| Limited-slip rear differential | $4,050 | |
| Metallic paint (extra cost) | $550 | $720 |
| Multimedia Package | $2,650 | |
| OnStar | $650 | |
| Power sunshade, rear | $575 | |
| Premium II Package | $1,400 | |
| Premium Package | $2,000 | |
| Rear spoiler | $0 | |
| Satellite radio - one year subscription | $350 | |
| Sunroof | $1,050 | |
| Technology Package | $3,250 | |
| Unbranded 825W 16 speakers | $1,900 | |
| Wood trim | $0 | $0 |
| iPod integration | $400 | |
| Total options | $17,175 | $11,250 |
| Destination | $825 | $875 |
| Gas Tax / Credit | $1,300 | $1,700 |
| Net Price | $74,150 | $71,175 |
| Lowest Net Price | C-Class C63 AMG 4dr Sedan | |
| Difference | $2,975 | |
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Invoice Comparison : BMW 3-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-ClassDealer cost before holdback, bonuses, advertising fees, and such. Also before adjusting for remaining feature differences.Models that are not in demand can often be purchased at or a few hundred dollars over these prices. | ||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | C-Class |
| Trim | M3 | C63 AMG |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Base Invoice | $50,640 | $53,336 |
| 245/35ZR19 | $1,090 | |
| 7-spd automated manual | $2,640 | |
| Cold Weather Package | $910 | |
| Harman/Kardon 450W 12 speakers | $605 | |
| Keyless access and ignition | $1,051 | |
| Leather door panel trim | $1,820 | |
| Limited-slip rear differential | $3,766 | |
| Metallic paint (extra cost) | $500 | $670 |
| Multimedia Package | $2,464 | |
| OnStar | $604 | |
| Power sunshade, rear | $525 | |
| Premium II Package | $1,302 | |
| Premium Package | $1,820 | |
| Rear spoiler | $0 | |
| Satellite radio - one year subscription | $320 | |
| Sunroof | $995 | |
| Technology Package | $2,960 | |
| Unbranded 825W 16 speakers | $1,730 | |
| Wood trim | $0 | $0 |
| iPod integration | $365 | |
| Total options | $15,675 | $10,462 |
| Destination | $825 | $875 |
| Gas Tax / Credit | $1,300 | $1,700 |
| Net Invoice | $68,440 | $66,373 |
| Lowest Net Invoice | C-Class C63 AMG 4dr Sedan | |
| Difference | $2,067 | |
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Feature Comparison : BMW 3-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-ClassAdjusts for unshared features -- values in parentheses These are features on some but not all of the displayed trim lines.In parentheses are the values assigned to these features by TrueDelta or, optionally, by you. | ||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | C-Class |
| Trim | M3 | C63 AMG |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Engine | 414hp V8 | 451hp V8 |
| Transmission | S7 ($1200) | T7 ($1200) |
| Drivetrain | RWD ($0) | RWD ($0) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City / Highway) | 14 / 20 | 12 / 19 |
| Tires (rear if not equal) | 265/35-19 | 255/35-18 |
| Audio (watts, speakers) | 825, 16 | 450, 12 |
| Accessories | ||
| Electronic systems calibration selector ($200) | Package | Not incl. |
| Sunshades, second row ($125) | Package | Not incl. |
| Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, manual ($250) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Tilt/telescoping steering wheel, power ($350) | Not incl. | Package |
| Brakes, Airbags, and Other Safety | ||
| Compact spare tire ($75) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Front seat active head restraints ($50) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Knee bag, driver ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Tires, run-flat ($150) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Cargo Management | ||
| Air-conditioned storage compartment ($50) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Cargo mat ($40) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Ski sack ($50) | Package | Not incl. |
| Climate Control and Infotainment | ||
| CD changer, in-dash ($325) | Not incl. | Package |
| CD player ($125) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Digital media reader ($50) | Not incl. | Package |
| DVD-compatible player ($0) | Not incl. | Package |
| Intermittent wipers ($0) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Media hard drive ($200) | Not incl. | Package |
| Rear air vents ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Rear air vents with manual controls ($150) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Residual heat ($100) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Satellite radio ($200) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Satellite radio - one year subscription ($300) | Option | Not incl. |
| Traffic information system ($200) | Package | Not incl. |
| Exterior | ||
| Body kit ($350) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Instruments, Lights, and Mirrors | ||
| Auto-dimming driver-side mirror ($75) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Chronometer ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Fog light, rear ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Interior ambient lighting ($150) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Power-folding mirrors ($50) | Package | Not incl. |
| Steering-linked fog lights ($100) | Not incl. | Package |
| Steering-linked headlights ($250) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Powertrain | ||
| Launch control ($100) | Package | Not incl. |
| Raised top speed limiter ($0) | Not incl. | Package |
| Steering-wheel-mounted transmission controls ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Seats and Interior Trim | ||
| Aluminum trim ($100) | Package | Not incl. |
| Door sill trim plates ($100) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Floormats ($75) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Manual thigh support, driver first row ($50) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Manual thigh support, passenger first row ($50) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Metal pedals ($75) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Power lumbar, 4-way, driver first row ($150) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Power lumbar, 4-way, passenger first row ($150) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Power-folding headrests second row ($50) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Suspension, Wheels, and Tires | ||
| Adaptive shocks - electrical ($1000) | Package | Not incl. |
| Alloy wheels ($350) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Polished alloy wheels ($700) | Package | Not incl. |
| Sport suspension (upgrade) ($0) | Not incl. | Standard |
| Ultra-sport suspension (upgrade) ($0) | Standard | Not incl. |
| Total Feature Adjustments The total value of the features listed for a trim, after subtracting the lowest total. | -$965 | -$0 |
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TrueDelta Value Comparison : BMW 3-Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-ClassThese are the sticker and invoice prices after adjusting for feature differences, to provide an "apples to apples" comparison. | ||
| Model Year | 2010 | 2010 |
| Model | 3-Series | C-Class |
| Trim | M3 | C63 AMG |
| Body | 4dr Sedan | 4dr Sedan |
| Net Price (from Price table) | $74,150 | $71,175 |
| Adjustment (from Feature table) | -$965 | -$0 |
| Feature-adjusted Net Price | $73,185 | $71,175 |
| Net Invoice (from Invoice table) | $68,440 | $66,373 |
| Invoice AdjustmentThe price adjustment multiplied by the ratio between the invoice and sticker prices. | -$891 | -$0 |
| Feature-adjusted Net Invoice | $67,549 | $66,373 |
| Lowest Adjusted Price and Invoice | C-Class C63 AMG 4dr Sedan | |
| TrueDelta Price Difference | $2,010 | |
| TrueDelta Invoice Difference | $1,176 | |
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Want a customized car price comparison?
Customized comparisons allow you to include rebates, convert all prices to monthly payments, and view package contents.
Dealer Price Quotes
Dealer Price Quotes
Want to find out how much dealers are willing to discount these cars? Request free, no obligation dealer price quotes through our partner PriceQuotes.com (sidebar) and motivate dealers to compete for your business by offering the lowest possible price.
The process is easy and takes just a minute or two. You'll receive price quotes from local approved dealers within 48 hours.
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Notes
While we strive for accuracy, the site is not error-free, and prices can change at any time.
The "TrueDelta Value Comparison" figures optionally include rebates available to the general public in the Chicago area (e.g. they include bonuses from finance subsidiaries but not those for current owners or the military) and adjustments for most differences in feature content. However, they do not include advertising fees, factory-to-dealer incentives, or differences in engines, tires, seat configurations, and audio systems. Exceptions: They do include values for third-row seats and media players.
Usually the base prices, options, and packages you see here match those on the window stickers. However, in some cases these have been restructured to simplify the database and calculations. These modifictions have no impact on the "total" and "net" figures.
Writers: Please acknowledge TrueDelta.com when using these figures.
