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In Reply to: E46 preferred over new C Class in "BMW CAR" mag posted by G on September 10, 2000 at 22:05:06:
Clad with the optional sports suspension it was quick, tidy and notably more fluent and neutral in its
handling than the 880d. Petrol versus diesel yes, we know, but this is an exceptional car, more
refined and easier to drive quickly than any previous C-class. Worthy of comparison with the
wonderful 880i? Yes. Electronic stability control shuts down the engine too quickly in corners, but
push the ESP button and it's possible to up the threshold of interference to such an extent that you
can balance the onset of understeer on the throttle and ultimately induce power oversteer. So
progressive is the appearance of this oversteer at the limit, and so balanced is the chassis, that it
gently resists any suggestion of a spin. It's forgiving and safe yet also surprisingly enjoyable, as all
the action occurs below a layer of refinement that means it's also quiet and very comfortable. For
track work there is an initial sense that the C820 feels too softly sprung to be effective. And the
auto gearbox doesn't help either. Yes, there is an early perception of body roll, but it's so well
contained that it never becomes an issue. Combine this with steering that's accurate and delightfully
sensitive, and you have the basic ingredients for a very sweet- handling saloon. Add powerful and
progressive brakes and you're convinced this is better dynamically than the 3-series.
espite being burdened by slushy auto gearbox and wearing much less aggressive tyres the C326 is
almost as quick as the BMW 338d. Why? Because, shock her- ror, it simply out-handles the BMW
Turns into corners with read accuracy and resists understeer As a result you can carry more speed
into corners than you'd believe possible more than you can in the understeery BMW, It changes
direction well for a biggish saloon too At last a Merc that betters the 3-senes dynamically.
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