I am yet to decide which car to buy, a BMW E36 2.5 or a Mercedes Benz C-220 1998 model. I have read the great contributions in autos talk and I like the mature way discussions flow. In the past, I have owned a BMW 3 series 1987 model. It was my first car. I used it for 5years. I loved it so much. I had to sow it to my church. I then bought a C-180. Well, it was more spacious than my previous 3 series BMW, but, in terms of performance it couldn't match it. I then sold it. Later, I bought a Mercedes benz 190. I rugged and strong car. But, it consumed more fuel than my first Bimmer. I sold it again. I now a BMW 5 series, E39. I've used this car for 2 years. It performs excellently well, good fuel economy, balance etc. I want to sell right now.I will post the picture of the car if anyone is interested or has someone who might buy it. Not because it has issues. I changed the suspension etc. Its in good form. By next week, I must buy a car. It must be either the BMW E36, 2.5 model or Mercedes Benz C-220 1998 model. Which of the two should I go for. A friend said that the E36 has either an aluminium engine or iron engine. So, which one is the iron engine. Next, I read on one of the threads in this forum about the E46. What are the drawbacks with the E46 in terms of the cost of maintenance, fuel economy etc. I hear there is a 4cylinder of it. Is the engine iron or aluminium. Secondly, what is the cost of maintenance between the E36, E46 and Mercedes Benz C-220. I need you all to analyse and compare these 3 cars, thirdly, is it advisable to buy either of them in Cotonue or Nigeria. Also, how much should I budget, because I am buying either of the cars within one week. The japanese cars are out of the picture because I dont dig them. Be expecting your contributions. The reason I want the German machine is because I intend being on the road, averaging about 700kilometers every month. Thanks

I have been using my mercedez Benz c 200 for a while now and if well serviced and maintained,This car is gonna last you for long and it runs good.

Godson201333: I have been using my mercedez Benz c 200 for a while now and if well serviced and maintained,This car is gonna last you for long and it runs good.

thanks for the info

When I was to buy my car last year 2 replace my honda 2004 EX, the bmw E46 was the first piece on my mind. But cld not find one to match my budget and value cos most of the ones I saw were already beat down so I eneded up with a 2000 C230 kompressor. Great car, in juts about a year of purchase I have done like 30000km on it, its such a gud everyday car so u might wanna check that C220 out cos I heard its got good fuel economy and performance too. All the best at it.

The BMW series is quite expensive to maintain in terms of fuel consumption your best choice should be the Benz C-Class due to availability of its parts here in Nigeria. You could purchase from cotounou but you have to be extremely careful.

Gee2728: When I was to buy my car last year 2 replace my honda 2004 EX, the bmw E46 was the first piece on my mind. But cld not find one to match my budget and value cos most of the ones I saw were already beat down so I eneded up with a 2000 C230 kompressor. Great car, in juts about a year of purchase I have done like 30000km on it, its such a gud everyday car so u might wanna check that C220 out cos I heard its got good fuel economy and performance too. All the best at it.

Thanx