[lawgone]

Originally Posted by micknugget

Several review (see the cnet and autospies reviews on youtube) really like the placement of the screen. The cnet one goes into detail as to why. Apparently Federal regs are going into effect that any video screens must be mounted as high as possible. This is so that your eyes remain somewhat on the road as opposed to looking down. For BMW to mount the screen as high as they do and have it "encased" so to speak, it would make the dash look massive. I for one think that they did a great job.

When are they going into effect?

[lawgone]

Originally Posted by Carnook

Personally I think that was the point. First, they didn't try to hide or disguise the screen. It's there and it's important so I feel like they've finally acknowledged that in the design. Second, tablets are super hot so I think BMW figured why not just make it like a tablet.

I really like the design. I was never a fan of the double hump on the e90 because it made the instrument cluster feel less driver focused and less prominent.

Yeah, now it's a little TOO prominent IMHO. To each his own though.

"The company has laid to rest the bad memories of its original iDrive and brought forth an easily navigated multimedia system, though the 3’s new freestanding center display doesn’t retract, and it matches the surrounding landscape about as well as the screen in a desert drive-in theater." - C/D, 2/2012

[Elk]

Originally Posted by lawgone

Yeah, now it's a little TOO prominent IMHO. To each his own though.

Yes, it now appears as if it is glued on as an after thought.

Functionally, the location is good.

[lawgone]

Originally Posted by Elk

Yes, it now appears as if it is glued on as an after thought.

Functionally, the location is good.

Agreed. Anyone here have the new heads up display? I do like the idea of that but haven't heard how it functions real world.

[Elk]

The heads-up works well. It is well established technology.

I would like a few more configuration options, such as placing the tach and gear in the heads-up, but overall it is a nice option.

[GuhBookGi]

i know many of you will disagree but i personally prefer the LOOK of the non-nav screen cf to the nav screen.

the nav screen looks like half a tablet "stuck" on the dash. the non-nav screen has a bit of a casing and high-glass black borders to unify the look. it looks well integrated w/ the interior.. just flows a little better.

but of course, i prefer the functionality of the nav.

[Fraggy]

Originally Posted by sr5959

I agree. Most women I know prefer the looks of the C and I think they would prefer the solid feel to the drive as well, rather than F30 which is sportier. However they all love the 'kick open' trunk!

I wonder if that will hold true with the more masculine interior/exterior and stiffer ride of the facelift model.

[micknugget]

Originally Posted by lawgone

When are they going into effect?

Not sure. Google or Youtube CNET 2012 BMW 3 series and you'll get the video. It's a good watch anyways.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by lawgone

I've seen several reviews not liking the placement of the iDrive screen. The screen itself looks good but the placement has been much criticized for looking like someone slammed an iPad into the top of the dash.

Looks are subjective, and I for one love it there. It looks way cooler than in my F10, IMO.

The only thing I don't like about the F30 interior is the trim over the dashboard. I wish they hadn't chopped it in half.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

Originally Posted by Carnook

Personally I think that was the point. First, they didn't try to hide or disguise the screen. It's there and it's important so I feel like they've finally acknowledged that in the design. Second, tablets are super hot so I think BMW figured why not just make it like a tablet.

I really like the design. I was never a fan of the double hump on the e90 because it made the instrument cluster feel less driver focused and less prominent.

On our DD the C350 4MATIC the screen slips back into the dash so no hump here on our 2011, I rather like it. I got into the C350 4MATIC since our Jag X-Drive was no longer made and the wife found the new Jag too big. So the C350 made the cut for the DD. We do like it all around works fine for us in the winter months.

I drove the new 335i and must admit I would not give up the Mercedes for it. Then I have my M3 and only drive the Benz in the winter time.

[STooK]

i sat in the new c250 sport coupe. it blew me away how nice it was. didn't even know it was a c250. the f30 is also a huge improvement over the e90. i haven't sat in the sport f30 yet, but i think the sport C coupe definitely has the edge. (and yes i know i'm comparing coupe to sedan)

[justinnum1]

then engine in the c250 is a joke imo

[nhinnhuckyduc]

MB is for the stuck up(i drive a MB so im better then you and i drive on the fast lane cause my car cost more then your) people BMW ALL THE WAY Plus the driving experience is way better then any MB That i can afford.

[docjay]

Originally Posted by bl@ster

The bit about the George Lucas shifter was pretty lame.

+1

[Reznick]

These were the 2 cars that made our final list for my wifes new DD car.The interior redesign in the Merc was great and I loved the look of it. But at the end of the day the new 3 was just the better car for us.Before you roll your eyes, our "needs" in a car are a little different than most married couples. We don't have any kids and most of our cars will sooner or later see some track time( whether it be autocross , drag or on the race track) .The new 328 has enough power to make it fun on a smaller race track .They started the first phase of a new auto sports complex thats about 10 miles from me,,,,so yeah this car probably will see the track and we both thought it would be more fun to drive then the Merc

[Tattedtwice]

Originally Posted by svache

I guess I'm the only here who's going to say this, but I absolutely hate the interior of the Mercedes. It's like they need a button and knob for just about everything. Not to mention the way they build the screen in the dash and the steering wheel. I'm almost getting stressed when looking at the MB's interior, it's just way too crowded, there's simply no peace and quiet in the cabin.

I dont know if anyone else co-signed but youre not the only one; I hate the interior AND the exterior. Theyre in a good place; they can throw together any ugly ass design and people will like it no matter how weak and pathetic, because it has a star on it.

[The X Men]

Originally Posted by Needsdecaf

Looks are subjective, and I for one love it there.

You like a pop up looking screen that doesnt retract? Why not just stick a Garmin on the dash?

[BMWark]

OK, fine. I don't need a screen in my car! I'm in it to drive it.

[CptSlow]

Originally Posted by Tattedtwice

I dont know if anyone else co-signed but youre not the only one; I hate the interior AND the exterior. Theyre in a good place; they can throw together any ugly ass design and people will like it no matter how weak and pathetic, because it has a star on it.

Exactly the same can be said for BMW people.

[Propagator]

I suspect that people that say the current C class is a boring old men car have probably never driven one.

Compared to the E90, the steering is much lighter and likely lacks feel, but the chassis tuning (at least on the sport model) is surprisingly similar. It is very taut, does not float at all, and it really hunkers down on the freeway, with somewhat better ride.

All these magazine reviews aside, I cannot imagine that anyone who enjoys a non-M 3er will find the driving dynamics of the C-class genuinely boring.

[beemer3]

Originally Posted by theArgiope

Current C sucked until the 2012 facelift.

I tested a C350 and love it. Might trade my e90 M3 for it.

Yea, yea, but I've had my fun and I'm about to have a baby. Have to compromise on the luxuries.

I'd take a C350 over a 335i... but a 328i over a C250. The Benz has a very boring 4 cylinder.

Have you also considered A4/S4 or the G37 since they might be more sporty than the C350?

[BMWark]

Originally Posted by STooK

i sat in the new c250 sport coupe. it blew me away how nice it was. didn't even know it was a c250. the f30 is also a huge improvement over the e90. i haven't sat in the sport f30 yet, but i think the sport C coupe definitely has the edge. (and yes i know i'm comparing coupe to sedan)

I liked the C250. I could have got a much better price via my insurance company (USAA), $1,250.00 under invoice. The C250 was fast enough with the 1.8L engine, but had too much engine noise for me. I have and had BMW's and know what I'm getting (Never owned MB).