Mercedes currently offers American consumers a choice of thirteen different model lines. What a difference from the Mercedes Benz of 1987, when only four U.S.-legal models wore the three pointed star. Back then, the Mercedes brand was renowned for fastidious, brick-shit-house over-engineering. Today, Benzes are known for many things, but mechanical robustness and reliability ain’t two of them. If anything, Mercedes has earned itself a reputation for persistent electrical gremlins and multitudinous mechanical misfires. Fresh from its divorce from Chrysler, Mercedes would like us to believe that the new C-Class represents a return to form. When you wish upon a star…
Looking at the new C, especially when positioned next to the outgoing blob, you can almost hear the new sheriff’s spurs clank as he strolls into town. Whereas the last C was flabby and farcical, Mercedes’ refreshed entry level model possesses unmistakably muscularity. And purpose. From the swage line slicing across the C’s side panels towards its snout, to the minuscule front overhangs, to the slight bulge in the front wheel arches, this is a car that’s not shy about going forward.
The new C300 (not to be confused with the 300C) comes in Luxury and Sport derivations. In Sport trim, the C-Class sho’ ‘nuff comes complete with hood strakes, an aggressive front air dam and an elephantine three pointed star, sitting dead center. If it makes stealth-oriented pistonheads feel any better, the over-sized, retro-blingy logo is historically justifiable: sportier versions of Ye Olde 560 SEC wore a similar statement of in yer face heritage (not to mention Ye Olde Aftermarket 190Es). Luxury- trimmed versions get the proper chrome grill with the Old School erect hood ornament.
The C-Class’ cabin continues the exterior’s overall theme of restrained modernism. Instead of the former model’s litany of obsequious features and capricious buttonology, Mercedes engineers have finally [re]placed function over form. The switchgear is now exactly where it belongs, doing exactly what it should be doing. The decapitated Pokemon steering wheel is a particular delight; the thick-rimmed tiller provides unfettered visual access to clear, elegant gages.
Giant slabs of brushed aluminum– not Lexus-style silver plastic– grace the baby Merc’s doors and dash. The headlamp knob is made of wonderfully tactile material, a package that has no business in a car this cheap. Throw in build quality we haven’t seen in the C-Class, er, ever, and you have an interior whose beauty looks set to age as gracefully as a medium-priced bottle of Chateau Margaux.
The previous generation C-Class had all the on-road prowess of a toaster. I had such a rotten time driving it I had to stop and to see if the wheels had been replaced with those chocolate cupcakes with the squiggle icing on the top. The engineers responsible for the old model’s so-not-luxurious-it-literally-hurt suspension and endlessly endless turning circle have been permanently reassigned to the Chrysler section of Mercedes’ historical archives.
The C300’s drive train is shocking. I remember this engine from the C280. Paired with a five-speed auto, it was wretchedly pedestrian. Sampling this new application is like finding a Franklin in a jacket pocket. Hooked-up to Benz’s seven-speed cog-swapper, the mill churns out a modest (by today’s standards) 230 horses. But the V6’ in-gear acceleration is such that it made me doubt the necessity of the 270 horsepower C350. With a zero-to-60mph sprint time in the low seven second range, the C300 reeks of expectation exceeding.
There is a caveat. Acceding to the temper of the times, Mercedes has tuned C300’s seven-speed cog-swapper for maximum mpg. It wants to hand you a higher gear as eagerly as a Jehovah’s Witness wants to give you a copy of the Watchtower. The go-pedal sinks some distance towards the carpet before summoning more power. In the process, it occasionally kicks down a cog too far.
Both C-Class models suppress road nuisances like a dictator dealing with democracy. And yet, miracle of miracles, the C’s ride isn’t Cadillac mushy. In fact, the sedan’s ride is classic old-school Mercedes-Benz: firm yet compliant.
Although the C300 is an ante-penultimate driving machine, it acquits itself in the corners with honest, admirable aplomb. Although there’s a not inconsiderable amount of initial body roll, the C300’s responses are so predictable– and discernible– you can push it far further than you would if you had any common sense.
The new C-Class gives U.S. consumers a reason not to buy a 3-Series or G35. Not because it’s the sportier choice (get real). The C300's appeal lies in the fact that it’s an old school cruiser, gliding through life in a once-upon-a- time-in-a-Mercedes kinda way. The new Mercedes C300 is the best non-AMG Mercedes since the 1991 to 1998 monster S-Class. With this new model, Mercedes is finally bringing the sexy back.
Maybe it’s just me…
I think Mercs get increasingly outlandish-looking with each passing year. Even the latest 3-series toned it down a notch this year. As a fan of somewhat subdued design (what if I’ve got it, but don’t want to flaunt it?) I’m beginning to appreciate Audi more and more (even the R8 looks subdued, given its class, with the right colors).
Does the interior look better than the pictures?
In the pictures the new C-class interior looks Chrysler cheap.
I drove a loaner C300 Sport (no xtra packages) for about a week while my MB was getting some work done. I was amazed. I’ve driven several cars in the Benz model range from varying decades and this is by far one of the best ever. AND it’s the entry level machine. I was impressed with everything from the interior to the exterior, and like I said, this model had no extras, no nav, no heated seats. But it still felt like I was in a very luxurious car that exuded a certain level of class that nothing else in it’s class has. Not to mention I would notice people staring the car down from every angle. Lots of attention came from 3-series drivers and I even saw an old guy in a huge Lexus peering through his rear-view at the big 3-pointed star. There’s something alluring about driving a new Mercedes. This one was black and I think that’s the right color for the car, too. If I were budgeting for a car in the sub 40k range, I’d pick the C300 over the current BMW 3-series.
Yup, they are VERY nice.
Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to drive the new C-Class vs it’s closest competitors. Justin, you are right when you say this is the best MB in years. This car felt more solid than it competition. It also was quiter and more user friendly. It should be on everyones test drive list that is looking for a 40K and under car.
While I prefer BMW driving dynamics, along with a manual transmission I’m impressed with what I have read so far regarding the new C-class. It’s an attractive looking car and appears to acquit itself very well. The C63 AMG looks like it’s going to be a beast.
I’ve owned 2 of the previous generation 3-series and have loved them to an embarassing degree. The current 3-series is a wonderful car, dynamically, but I still can’t get comfortable with the Bangle design. It looks like it’s trying too hard.
If this new C-class can achieve, say, 90% of the 3-series’ dynamics, then it sounds like a winner. I love the way it looks and “turns” as you walk around it. Very coherent 3-dimensionally, unlike the BMW.
Unless the reliability is much-improved, buyers beware.
Justin: Thanks for the review.
Overall a clean design from Daimler-Benz. I had read at the launch that the “Sport” and “Luxury” versions have different interiors. Does anybody know if we are getting this North America?
Somehow both MB and BMW have lost their way in “styling”. Both used to represent tasteful and classic renditions which still had a sense of presence. While the detailing on the C300 is not as godawful as the bangled 3-series (particularly the 4-door), it still has lots of fussy and needless slices and lumps which used to segregate the aftermarketed Honda from its more pedestrian brethren.
I do hope that MB has improved reliability significantly; their aggressive use of ill-starred electronics did a great deal to destroy what was a sterling reputation.
Thanks for the great review.
It’s got a hood ornament! Thank god.
The new C looks like a fantastic car. The C300’s engine also runs on E85, for those of you who wish to suffer the mileage penalty of running on ethanol to support filthy rich ADM execs instead of filthy rich oil magnates.
Am I the only one who is reminded of a five-year-old Mitsubishi Lancer limousine when looking at the new C-class´s profile, with the high glasshouse?
Seriously, remove the Mercedes badge, then ask any non-car expert who might possibly be the maker of this car. Would all come with up the correct answer “Mercedes-Benz”….?
If it is not reliable I am not interested no matter what else may be said. And it will take time to see if things have changed for MBZ.
I shall await the 5 year results before blessing the new Benz with the Landcrusher Stamp of Quality Approval.
Am I stubbborn, unforgiving or intelligently cautious? It’s been a couple decades since I had a GM. I am now thinking I just might give a look at a Tahoe or Yukon.
Bad quality is harder to overcome than bad styling. When I see an attractive new Toyota or Honda I can imagine buying one (of course they make few attractive cars). OTOH, it doesn’t matter how slick a Benz or Ford might look, I am just afraid of being let down.
All my coworkers who bought Mercedes since 2000 are unhappy, except one. That’s like a 12 to 1 ratio of pissed to satisfied!
Offer a Bluetec diesel wagon in all 50 states and I’d definitely scrimp and save for one. Calling it the nicest Benz since the W140 S class is high praise, indeed.
Also, all of M-B’s fullsize coupes (from the W126 series to the present CL class) have the giant star in the grille.
“like a dictator dealing with democracy” I love it! Extremely well written. I wonder if the C class comes with a limited slip differential? Without a limited slip dif. these cars are worthless in adverse weather conditions.
@wharvey
I actually have no idea about the LSD in the C300 and C350 rear wheel drive models. The C300 is available with 4Matic all wheel drive for those in snowbelt states, and I am almost certain that will have LSD.
The new C-Class is a GORGEOUS design. Those extra-short overhangs look great.
@warvey
If “adverse weather conditions” mean a race track or somewhere else where state driving laws don’t apply, then I’d agree with your need for a limited slip. However, you’ll find that this car and nearly all other rear-wheel-drive road cars these days have an open differential and traction control software (even, for example, the BMW 335i). Traction control is good marketing wizardry for 95% of the customers and a safer and smoother (and more likely to be legal) driving option for those same customers.
The 4Matic uses open differentials, too.
Yes, I miss my 1995 M3. :-(
13 current models in the USA. Hmmm… let me see. C, E, CLS, S, Maybach, SLK, SL, CLK, CL, SLR, G, M, GL.
Wow! Times sure have changed. However, the CLS and CL are offshoots of the E and S respectively, so perhaps it would be more fair to say the 1987 offerings included a separate SEC model. Also, the Geländewagen was imported through a 3rd party in the 80s.
@ SunnyvaleCA
Actually, I hadn’t counted the Maybach but I was including the R-Class.
The offshoot game is tough to play, because similar platforms underpin pretty much everything. The CLK is on the C-Class platform, so is the SLK, etc.
Der neuer C-Klasse is 4 inches longer (182 in.) and 200 lbs heavier (3600 lbs.) than its not very svelte predecessor. Cue the “She’s Too Fat For Me Polka”.
In some parallel universe somebody is making a compact sedan that is true compact size (~175 in.), seats four comfortably, weighs about 2600 lbs., rear wheel drive, a 2.4 l straight 6 (smoother than the V6 or V8 for that matter) of about 190 hp. With a P/W of about 13.7, it should perform nicely, and it will easily out run the MB porker’s 15.8
It really reminds me in exterior styling to the e39 BMW 5-series….
(which is a good thing)
with just a hint of banglization….
(which is a bad thing)
I don’t like the interior, the way the rear doors are cut and the taillights.
The taillights look okay on the white and possibly black sport version, but on any other configuration they look weird from the side and somewhat droopy.
Still, it’s certainly a lot better than the previous model, and while I like BMWs, the sedan version of the 3-series, admittedly, ain’t that good looking either (smokey black taillights of the WTCC/320si and some nice rims make a difference though).
So…I would wait for the new A4, based on the A5 chassis…or buy a 3-series wagon/coupe
http://www.sniffpetrol.com/category/not-advertisements/
Does it come with a free electrician, a spare wiring harness, and a lifetime supply of replacement bulbs? If not, no thanks. Benz dedicates it’s efforts to churning out new models at any cost…it’s problems are manifest and infect the entire model line. They churn out lemon after lemon and then obfuscate and lie outright until their owners give up.
Bring back the wagon version, stick a diesel and a manual in it, and sign me up. Hmm, that whistling sound I hear must be the sound of hell freezing over. Yep, that’s when I’ll get said wagon.
@jkross22:
In the next few years, you probably will be able to have a Benz diesel, wagon, or with the manual. You just have to chose which one of the three you want. The manual will be available on the C300 very soon after launch.
Once upon a time the MB 190e was actually special. There was not an competition with the exception of the 2 door only BMW 318i. Today this “baby” Benz is doing nothing but tranishing the MB brand.
This car is a joke when you compare it with todays competition. This car is actually competiting with the new G35 and doing a poor job at it. I can find nothing about this car to remotely justify its inflated price.
Considering the last C class was a total POS what are the selling points of this one other than the MB badge?
whatdoiknow1:
Perhaps you’d find it helpful to read the article. Numbers cannot tell the story.
It competes with cars like the BMW 3-Series and G35 by being different than they are. It offers one of the best and most comfortable rides in any car anywhere near its price, and it’s one of the most solid driving cars on the road.
With a starting point like that, I can’t help but wonder if AMG’s version will be a nicer overall enthusiasts (sub) urban street car than the next M3. That 63 motor in the heavier E makes the 335 feel positively pedal powered, and the M3 V8, at least on paper, looks to need quite some ‘reckless driving, display of speed etc.’ inducing revs to really shine. I’m guessing (hoping) AMG will see fit to put rev matching logic in the 7 speed in their ‘sportiest’ model as well.
I like the look and sensible V6 applications (at least in non-AMG format) and will take it for a spin as soon as it’s on the MB lot down the street – disappointing, however, that the C350 Sport will only have a slushbox (albeit a high tech slushbox)…It does show the difference philosophy of MB vs Audi & BMW…They nearly always offer the manual option. I have a 2006 A4 3.2 Quattro S-line with a 6 speed manual tiller and will never go back to the “manumatic” world…It’s such a BIG factor for a lot of enthusiasts…I factor in the performance and feel of the manual nearly as much as the car’s overall ride & handling…I think MB missed an opportunity here, even if it is only 10% or less of the people that’ll row their own gears.
@klossfam –
it’s even lower than 10%, if you can believe it.
# inept123:
August 3rd, 2007 at 9:55 am
Unless the reliability is much-improved, buyers beware.
– Absolutely. They can change the packaging, but they MUST the quality issue. It is THE issue they lost a lot of their former customer
TwingoV12:
August 3rd, 2007 at 11:31 am
Seriously, remove the Mercedes badge, then ask any non-car expert who might possibly be the maker of this car. Would all come with up the correct answer “Mercedes-Benz”….?
– No. When I first saw the picture, I thought it was an updated version of the Hyundai Sonata or something.
I have not driven the car, but one of our writers that lives in Europe has, and although he is not a fan of Mercedes in particular, the new C-Class has won him over.
The caveat is of course the longer-term durability and quality of the car, which will not be known for some time. Mercedes-Benz says that they’re back on the good foot, but who can say? After 24 months or 36 months has passed, then maybe we can believe them wholeheartedly.
B Moore – Autosavant.net
“The new Mercedes C300 is the best non-AMG Mercedes since the 1991 to 1998 monster S-Class….”
Is this supposed to be a praise? This is *NOT* saying much since every MB since then has had some big problem one way or another. Personally, I had a 1997 S420, and my friend jokingly called it “the tank”. It was so well built (other than the hydraulic trunk gremlin) that it has 1/10 of the problem my wife’s 2000 MB C230.
Like others said here, give it 5 years before I would ever consider a MB again, and they better show me something in that 5 years.
Isn’t that a C63 in the second picture?
I’m a big fan of MB’s sedans, once they’ve proven their reliability. Will this treat me well as a 20 year old sedan like my W123 did?
I’ll check it out again in 20 years…but a new one? Yikes. I’ll save the new purchases for the Lexus dealer.
“Does it come with a free electrician, a spare wiring harness, and a lifetime supply of replacement bulbs? If not, no thanks. Benz dedicates it’s efforts to churning out new models at any cost…it’s problems are manifest and infect the entire model line. They churn out lemon after lemon and then obfuscate and lie outright until their owners give up.”
No different than a restaurant re-model the outside, inside but keep the same bad Chef and staff. You think people will eat after one try?
Then ask the same stoopid question why others with so much Gizmos can still make their car run? whereas Merc’s electronic last as long as u buy a radio from a dollar store, 50 ft radius.
Some comments from different chat room
” The B 200 has this issue with power window, it suppose to be one touch to close, now u have to press so hard that the swith almost cave in inorder to close them, them dealer are not helpful so just weasel, if u complain very hard they might get u a new motor. The problem doesn’t lie in the motor but some high tech sensor interwined with Saturn , Mars and cosmic consciouness. It shall work flawlessly when all lined up in one axis!”
Either MB has lost its way or this is a MB-hatred discussion board (I would put the truth right about midway).
Living in Europe I would be able to tell you that MB cars are very reliable (that is mechanically speaking!), what is their downfall is all the bloody gizmos that they feel compelled to add for the USA market. The run-o-the-mill taxi versions of Benz put to shame the Dai-San (Japan big 3)in reliability, a shame you never get to see these…
well there is the Dodge Sprinter!
what is their downfall is all the bloody gizmos that they feel compelled to add for the USA market
Electronic windows? Only the most basic, least expensive cars in NA have roll up windows. Everything else has power windows, and at this stage on any self-respecting car they are fool proof. Even my dad’s old Crown Vic, with 225,000km, never had a problem. My C class? Don’t ask. I should also add that turn signals, headlights, and brake lights are as basic a function as you can ask for, and they were hopelessly unreliable as well.
The one upside with M-B they have had a string of glitches, and they have adimitted to their glitches, and are interfacing with customers, and mending fences.
There is free lifetime road side assistance for any M-B car in the USA.
All cars are increasingly an “electronic platform” with the glitches that are part of the electronics.
For some reason younger customers have less of an issue with “glitches” than older customers who experienced cars in the “pre electronics” time.
AGR:
MB admitted NOTHING to me. Window lifts, sun roof, seat shifters, transmission, front end, tranny shifter, side view mirrors — all between 50-60,000 miles and I was on my own. I will NEVER, EVER buy another MB.
Fool me once…
inept123
Word! They admit nothing and provide no assistance to speak of. To top it off, their service is appalling. I experienced all the same problems you did, and more. When my transmission went out, I had to wait a month (A MONTH!) to get my car back.
Their idea of rewarding a customer is giving you 60% of the value of your ‘old car’ (6 months old) but only if you buy another of their cars of equal or greater value.
In my life I have never dealt with an organization with less integrity.
it’s even lower than 10%, if you can believe it.
Less than 10% drives a manual!?! That’s even worse than I thought.
If I’m not mistaken and this number is still accurate, I believe less than 20 % of cars sold in Europe have slushboxes.
JJ, the automatic/stick ratio of expensive cars in this country is truly astounding. Mercedes C’s and BMW 3’s sell probably 95% or more automatics. I know that is hard to believe, but my own experience bares that out. This ratio has another downside: while you might save $1500 in initial price with the stick, you’ll probably lose $2000 in resale value 5 years later.
I recently got one of those “free safety inspection and test drive something” offers from my local Mercedes-Benz dealer. I figured I’d let them “inspect” my C43 and give a new car a test. I asked for a test drive of any car with a stick shift. They knew I was currently driving an AMG and that I could purchase any car on their lot for cash if I wanted; I don’t think they were holding out on me. It turned out that the only car on the entire lot was a 2 year old C230 (2.5L V6) with 30k miles; that was it! As for the transmission, it was actually pretty good! Interior, engine, etc were not really comparable to my C43 and the asking price of $26k was a joke.
Another data point: I called a large BMW dealer in my area for a 335i test drive; they had about 100 various cars on the lot, but only 2 (yes, TWO) stick-shifts. Both sticks were, fortunately, 335i models. But, they were loaded up with everything and listed at about $50k.
I believe that in the USA the vast majority of Corvettes are automatics and even automatic Porsche 911 Turbos are in the majority these days.
I used to own a stick-shift 1986 Mercedes-Benz 300E. It was a pure USA model. I believe there were something like 300 of them in the entire country (1986 and 1988 300E and 260E combined); in contrast there were several hundred thousand w124’s sold in this country from 1986 to 1995. I bought it used from a Lexus dealer who was asking $18k; after waiting more than a month, I got my price… $12k. A few years later while helping a friend purchase a w124 I came back to a dealer after a test drive and witnessed a crowd of salesmen and customers swarming my car and gawking; nobody seemed to even know that the stick was an option, no less the fact that more than 50% of w124 worldwide sales were with a stick!
My friend work for Mercedez Benz she said the shocks on the MB are getting stiffer not like the old MB that you can’t even feel any pot holes on the road when you drive it but now you feel every holes on the road. Time Change.
Do they have plastic dash board too?
I blame cell phone usage for the dominance of auto trannies. That, and grid-locked traffic. Oh, and eating fast food whilst driving frenetically to the next freaking appointment/soccer practice/meeting/whatever. Americans are just way busier than you Euros, with your damn 30-odd hour work weeks and your Democracies that actually work and your cursed quality of life. Am I jealous? Oui. Can someone get me a Danish work visa? Anyone?
MB electronic glitches are simply due to the use of inferior quality electronics! The Japanese have been loading their cars with all types of electronic gizmos since the late 1970s and have never had the type of problems that current/ recent owners of MBs are seeing.
I don’t care if it is a Honda, Mazda, Nissan, or Toyota! I have lived with all of the above, and their high-end models at that and have always found their power options to work flawlessly even after 10 years. Power windows that don’t work??? Are you kidding me! Even GM and Ford can manage that one with no problems. I could find a 1979 280zx in the junk yard and I am sure the the power windows and door looks are still in working order!
Today MB reminds me of Cadillac of the late 1960s and 1970s. Attempting to hide sagging quality behind “zoot suit styling” and silly unreliable gizmos that do nothing but drag down the image of the brand.
Although MB manages to maintain it image of German prestige the current direction that MB is headed in is a clear indication of the beating they are taking from Lexus. While Lexus comes to market with reserved, conservatively styled autos with rock solid build qualty MB is pumping out model after model of overstyled, overwrought, wannabe speed machines with half-a$$ build quality and cheap glued on chome trim!
The keyword for this car is ‘reliable’. At 28 years of age it has NEVER let me down. In fact I often see newer model cars parked on the sides of highways and wonder why people will shell out tens of thousands for structurally weak new cars when they can buy reliable classics for a tenth of the price.
The car does have some issues however: the first of these is the cost of petrol. At the moment my fuel consumption is easily double that of any other car and only decreases when the car has plenty of open road ahead of it.
Secondly the car isn’t a great accelerator and doesn’t enjoy topping 120km/h.
Apart from that there is something impressively solid about the car. It has superb Mercedes Brake Pads, shock absorption, power steering and a whole range of small features – such as an alarm that lets you know when you’ve left your lights on – that I have never seen in newer model cars. One of the smoothest, classiest classic rides around. I’ve had several opportunities to sell this car and buy a new car and have stuck with it each time.
A last note about this car is that it is extremely solid. My car has been involved in four minor collisions which have left the other object in the collision with serious damage whilst my Mercedes has cracked only a headlight or dented its bumper.
They won’t build them like this ever again.
I liked the looks of the previous C-class. It was pretty, even if it was no good to drive and wasn’t built that well. The new one is hideous — I second the comment about the old Mitsu Lancer. The godawful nose seems like something Chrysler would do, and the side cutouts for the taillights ape one of the least attractive features of the (appalling, painful to look at) BMW 5 and 7 series. If I were shopping in this class, the looks would drive me far away from Benz or BMW…the Acura TSX and Volvo S40 T5 at least don’t hurt my eyes.
The grill slats around the big 3 point star on my 15 yr old SL are made of titanium. That’s right, the grill slats, a completely useless cosmetic item, are made of TITANIUM. Legend is that the slats are actually used fan blades out of the engine of a Eurofighter Typhoon (DaimlerChrysler use to be a major stakeholder in EADS/Airbus). I think the replacement cost of the factory grill and big silver star is about 30% of the book value of my car. It sort of has a poetic ring to it.
It also use to be that Benz did not give people optional features. Everything car came with everything standard, and either you can afford one, or you can go buy a BMW. Yup, they don’t make them like that any more.
Tentacles– Is that whyever my 240D has manual windows, a solid roof, an automatic transmission and a 2-speaker stereo when I’ve seen 240Ds with 4-speed transmissions, sunroofs and powered-windows?
They’ve always had optioning available, the difference now is that you have to buy package x to get one thing you want, along with 4 things you’ve no use for, rather than to order á la carte like in days past.
Whomever told you your car’s grille slats are titanium lied; they’re anodized aluminum.
This new C-Class(to jump back on-topic) reminds me of the Sebring. MB shot themselves in the foot by releasing the lower-end twin first and by not differentiating the two more. Seriously, swap lights and door-handles and you’d confuse any number of potential customers.
Whomever told you your car’s grille slats are titanium lied; they’re anodized aluminum.
It’s certainly possible, as I am no metallurgist. Do you have a conclusive source for the material of the grill?
I test drove one today at their MB C Drive, and I came away impressed. The interior is more refined (than my Mom’s 01 C class), and the handling is tight and predictable, as the reviewer said. The steering is still a little light for my taste (although not as sterile as a Lexus), but of course, I drive a 328 with the sports package, so I’m all about cornering hard. When I drove the C Class at their “closed course,” I had the tires screeching the entire time.. :) However, I don’t think this car is targeted at the BMW/Infiniti crowd – it just tightens things up a bit for a slightly more exciting commute.. I’d put it somewhere between a BMW & Lexus. I personally like the way it looks – it does have some Acura & Bangle thrown in. At $32k msrp w/o options, I’d say it’s only slightly overpriced – but then again, MB has never been about getting a bargain.. Reading some of the posters’ experiences, I would definitely wait at least a year (at least for the JD Power initial quality survey to come out..)
As for Bangle, it actually seems like many auto manufacturers are taking his design cues, as hated as he was when the new 7 first came out..
I bought my C300 28 days ago,I already had problems with the sunroof,they replaced it, and yesterday I found out the one touch future is not working! is not even opening with the remote control.Does anybody have any issues with it?
HORRIBLE gas mileage averaging 16 mpg
WIND NOISE while driving above 50mph is the worst.
SEATS ARE UNCOMFORTABLE with no cushioning. After 20 miles driving your ass is sore.
Steering Wheel covering feels cheap and not fun to grip.
Ovcerall – worst Mercedes I have ever owned.
dalava :
August 3rd, 2007 at 7:49 pm
“The new Mercedes C300 is the best non-AMG Mercedes since the 1991 to 1998 monster S-Class….”
“Personally, I had a 1997 S420, and my friend jokingly called it “the tank”. It was so well built (other than the hydraulic trunk gremlin) that it has 1/10 of the problem my wife’s 2000 MB C230.”
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You should have stuck with the S Class. The C class is a cheap car built cheaply. You get what you pay for.
Bye the way, what IS a Hyundai Sonata?
I just bought my first Mercedes (2009 C 300) and found the electronics woefully archaic. There is no way to manually download telephone contacts and the fraudulently represented vCard download capability is supposed to work with 99% of phones. I have 3 bluetooth devices and none will upload to the new C 300!
i bought this car in 2008 and ive had nothing but problems with it. in the beginning my wheel started to drift to the right so i got that fixed Then a little after while driving the power steering completely stopped working and the fluid just leaked everywhere. I need to replace the power steering rack and hoses and etc and mercedes wont even cover anything. A new car like this shouldnt have these problems already. I wouldnt suggested to anyone to buy it. IM so over mercedes. My c320 had a few problems as well.
Wanted to say that this review helped me make the decision to buy a C300. I owned a Z4 and then a Phaeton, but the Phaeton was getting a bit expensive due to its age and shocking repair costs.
At the time, I test drove a 335i, which is probably the ultimate sports sedan. And I realized something – I just didn’t need that kind of power. In fact, I could see myself attending a wedding and then turning off stability control and planting my face into a tree.
I’ve always been obsessed with the numbers and the wow factor, but I guess I’ve finally admitted to myself that I just need a good car that won’t kill me.
That is what this car is. It is a good car that drives well, feels comfortable, can be parked with ease, can pass others with ease, and is safe. I would not call the car “fun,” but I would call it “competent.” It is nowhere near the Phaeton in terms of luxury, and it is nowhere near a Z4 in pizazz and fun factor.
I guess it is a car for people having the opposite of a mid-life crisis. “I need a good car, but something with a bit more soul than a Toyota or Honda…” That is the kind of car it is. I always enjoy entering and exiting the car. It looks great. It doesn’t scream Mercedes (which is a good or bad thing depending on your perspective). It is definitely more refined than a Japanese car in both interior and external looks and quality.
It isn’t the best car on earth, by far. When comparing it to a Phaeton, it really does feel like a Civic (especially the interior). But I don’t think most people will be coming from a Phaeton to a C300, so for the majority of first-time owners, they will be ecstatic with their upgrade. I would say I’m “pleased.”