feemboy

Hello from South Africa
I am currently seriously considering purchasing a C-Coupe but not sure if the C350 Coupe is worth the extra money compared to the C250 Coupe. Both vehicle will have the 7G-Tronic Gearbox, AMG Kit, Pan Roof, harmon Kardon, Navigation etc. The only thing I am not sure about is if the C350 is worth the extra $7000 (ZAR50000) or so more.
Any advice guys/girls out there?
thanks

Ryan9095

Hi from South Africa! Very neat! Well I'm not a Benz owner (yet! ordering a C coupe myself). Typically, I would suggest test driving both vehicles. If you LOVE how the 350 feels and the extra 101 HP is a must then I'd say go for it. If you are happy with how the 250 drives, I'd opt for that (personally)... it has a lower MSRP = more room for options. I think I'm going with a 250 for that reason alone. Hope this helps! Just my opinion though.

feemboy

Hi Ryan
Thanks for the response. The vehicle is only launching here next month but I have arranged with the dealer to drive both the new generation C250 and C350 sedans with the 7G-tronic gearboxes. This should give me a good indication. In South Africa, the 350 Coupe comes standard with the AMG package and the Parktronic, therefore it seems to be better value for money as the to get the AMG on the C250 Coupe will cost R28200 rand. I'm leaning towards the 350 but will see how it drives.
kind regards
Faheem

Ryan9095

Hey Faheem,

If the AMG package is a must that's roughly $4300 US that you would be adding to the C250. That means the 350 is only what 3k more? That marginal difference between the two is so low that I'd lean towards the extra performance since you're already dishing out the dough. Fill me in on how they drive when you get a chance I'd love your input. And when you finally decide pictures are a must! Good luck!

Ryan

mis3

If this is your daily driver, gas mileage is another consideration. Traditionally, the bigger engine will consume more gas.

Here is the review of the 2 C Coupes: http://www.wheels.ca/article/797909
"Fuel consumption numbers were given only for the European cycle, and there wasn't much difference between the two — 6.5-7.0 L/100 km for the four, 6.8-7.0 for the six..."

Surprising, the official MB gas consumption figures of the 2 coupes are similar. Not sure if I believe them. If this is true, I will definitely buy the C350.

ares101

Here is South Africa there is a R100k($14000) price difference between 250 and 350 petrol.
Did you do a test drive by now? Please let us know what you think.

shauni

Hi Faheem I'm also in South Africa now that they are released have you driven them? What do you think? I'm looking at a C350 or waiting for the C63
Shaun

dsisco

C350 if price isnt an issue, more power and economy isnt much different in real world terms and will also come with more options as standard
also the sound of the v6, lot better than the 4

tmrdc5

I'm also torn between the two, I'm wondering which will have better aftermarket performance mods.

NJBNZ

After test driving the C250 yesterday I can DEFINITELY say that the C350 will be worth the money. Read my thread about my impressions of the C250

MBNUT1

I drove both the C250 and C350 today. The 250 was black on black with the 18 AMG wheels. The car looked stunning. I drove it and didn't detect any of the lack of smoothness in the engine / transmission that has been reported previously and I was looking for it during the test drive. The only thing I didn't like about the 250's engine was it's sound when it was lugged. In order to maximize economy the transmission wants to upshift quickly and the 250 sounded like most 4's lugging around at low RPMs not really very pleasant to listen to. It sounded fine at WOT and had plenty of power.The only other thing I didn't like was the ride quality over highway expansion joints. The back end tended to be a little stiff for my tastes.

Thinking that the ride quality issue could be due to the 18 in AMG wheels I drove the C350 with 17 in wheels. The upshot was the ride quality was improved but not greatly. However I preferred the overall drive experience with the 350 motor as the car felt more grown up (heavier) and the refined sound of the motor as I would expect a Mercedes to feel and sound like. On the flip side it was apparent that the C350 would use notably more fuel based on watching the fuel consumption indicator.

The other thing I noticed was the amount of road noise on the highway with both cars. When I mentioned that to the salesman he reminded me the the C's in general were noisier than my previous E-Class. It probably wouldn't be all that noticable with the radio on but I thought that it was worth mentioning. Again there wasn't a significant improvement of the noise level with 17 in wheels.

If money were no object I would pick the C350 however the C250 may win due to reduced purchase price and fuel costs. Some may prefer the C250 because it is also lighter on it's feet and consequently more fun to drive.

Right both cars are a nonstarter due to the ride quality given their price. I don't know if the advanced agility control would improve the highway drive quality or not. I'm not able to find in on the US build selection. If anyone else knows how please let me know.

Benzboy13

I would only get the 250 for manual trans if it's available. It seems new a fresh now, but everyone and their mother will have a c250 coupe to the point that it will become annoying to see on te road. A c350 coupe will be a lot more exclusive.

MBNUT1

I agree. The salesman himself commented that he coudn't believe that Mercedes failed to offer the C250 as a manual.

MercedesFTW

If the C350 coupe sounds anything like the new SLK350...that might be worth it in itself!

ezshift5

Regret the tardy response (but I have yet to read a positive MB manual transmission review).

Sorry, ez....

greasykid

Have had Both. Traded 250 on a 350. Buy the 350 if you have the money.

MrChameleon

The C350 with the 956 package has a tuned exhaust. When I'm idol it's nice and quiet. When I start going and I take over manually with the Shift knob left/right or using the paddles to up or downshift the entire tone of the car changes to a sporty fun drone.

If I punch it, the car has a nice roar to it. It's no C63 by any means, nor should it be, but it definitely gets someone's attention when they hear it.

The C250 doesn't come close to duplicating the handling, power and overall driving experience of the C350.

It was an easy choice for myself. I gladly opted to pay the extra to have the performance when I want it there.

With the ECU tune, air filter change, wheels & tires I'm changing this Spring, it will run mid 13's. Which is pretty good for a V6. (classic Buick Grand National speed)
Why have the look and not the power to back it up any? C350 all the way.

cfmistry

I know the OP is long gone, but I might as well put in my input while the thread has been bumped.

If buying new, I'm not convinced the 350 is worth the $1000s over the 250. However in the used market their price is almost equivalent. Not only will the C350 be more affordable in the long run (due to naturally aspiration), but it is more powerful, has almost the same mileage, and generally they come better equipped. Harder to find though, so if you're looking for a specific color combo you may not find what you're looking for.

greasykid

Only on car for 3,000 mi. pic available. pm me for info.