nlpamg

I just have to share this picture outside of the hotel:

C300Kid

Snow in Sept WTF? lol

K-A

Congrats! Damnit I wish I did Euro Delivery. Maybe next time (that's what I said last time, but both times I got my New M-B's, I didn't plan on getting New, or even getting a car, lol).

Those are 17's or 18's on it btw?

nlpamg

According to the front desk, the hotel is 1300 meters above sea level.

Thanks! I am definitely doing this again. It's been amazing.

They're 18's. Remember when I asked you about the wheels on your car, that's why! lol.

K-A

I do remember, lol. I thought those wheels looked familiar! Would be nice if M-B didn't ***** the same wheels through every model for every year, but IMO you really can't beat the timeless and perfect look of the AMG double spokes, and especially how harmonized they are on the M-B Designs.

Midnight Koop

Hey Phil,

thanks for sharing!

very exciting trip and a beautiful MB on top...

can you share the details of what a european delivery includes?

i'm completely unfamiliar, but it looks like something i need to do.

thanks!

johnand

http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/europe...ogram/overview

On my list of things to do someday

C300Kid

Why did you trade your almost new car for a nearly-exact replica anyway? lol

K-A

Well it's not exact, it has a few more Features, but lost the Pano roof, lol.

The Dealer convinced me on "trading your old car for a new one for the same payments". Only, I told him I wanted a considerable discount for a newer (higher MSRP) one. When they did, I just decided to do it.

Reason why I wanted it to look as close to my last one as possible is because I was so into my last car, and I was still in the honeymoon period with it, I wasn't ready to switch up from it yet.

SoCalCLK

Congrats on the new CLK, man! J/K. I can see clear resemblances to the new E-Coupe.

I saw a white C63 Coupe on the fwy in OC last week, it looked sick!

Enjoy some brats, brew and pretzels over there for us and let's meet up when you are back

Ryan9095

Phil,

You should sent that pic of your car in the snowy mountains at your hotel to MB... looks like an editorial shot. Hope you are having fun!

taylorswift13

nlpamg, thanks for posting the pics!

congradulations on your new car buddy, it looks so sick!

have fun for the rest of your trip in Germany!

Ryan9095

Hey Phil!

I have a quick question. How does the 250 drive? (acceleration, handling, etc.) I've heard mixed reviews. Enjoy the trip!

Ryan

nlpamg

The 250 drives very well. I took it up to 140mph while staying within the break-in rev range of 4,000rpm. It's definitely not the fastest thing on the road and I didn't buy it because of top speed or acceleration. I have two 500+ hp cars that I really wanted something that would look great, have a lot of new tech, get great gas mileage and that I wouldn't have to worry about leaving to the valet. The low-end grunt is pretty good for merging onto highways and going around town. There is absolutely no discernible turbo lag. But, coming from an M5 and a GT-R, I think for everyday commuting and long road trips, the 250 is more than adequate.

Here is a video of the car on the autobahn going about 130+mph:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0eQW9S9L3o

I drove about 870 miles in the car and it was great. In "E", the throttle response isn't too good and you have to get on it. But, in "Sport" it's so much better and it holds the revs higher as well. It definitely needs to be in sport mode. I have the special order Advanced Agility Package and I think it's fantastic. The steering is pretty crisp and precise, it probably has the best steering I've felt in an MB of late. At the limit though, it gets a little numb and you can't tell when you'll pass the threshold, but this car isn't meant to be pushed to the limit. The handling and ride quality is fantastic. I've had many E9x 328i's as loaners and this car surpasses them all. You'll miss the grunt from your 335i, but I think this will be more than competent for most situations.

Here is a video of the car going up a winding mountain road in the rain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C2DvPcOtChs

I like it quite a bit. Also keep in mind, that I was driving it with a trunk full of luggage as well. So, even with that weight, the car felt quick and nimble.

In terms of amenities and creature comforts, I would say that this car has more bells and whistles than my M5 or GT-R.

nlpamg

Thanks!

haha, thanks!


Thanks, buddy!

Ryan9095

Hey Phil!

Thanks so much for the detailed response. I'm really pleased that the 250 drives better than I anticipated. I was worried the steering/response wouldn't be as tight as the BMW, but I'm glad to know it's firm and has more than enough push to get going. For me it will be my daily cruiser so it's not like I need the extra HP/torque. I think I will definitely keep it in "Sport" mode versus "E" for that extra umph though. What is the advanced agility package btw? It's not on the mbusa configurator site? Looking forward to test driving one soon!

-Ryan


P.S. Love the driving up to the Interalpen-Hotel video so exciting to see the car in action! Have fun!

nlpamg

Sorry, I said it wrong. It's actually called the Dynamic Handling Package and it is not shown on the mbusa configurator site. It's a special order option package that includes the 18" AMG wheels, advanced agility suspension and speed sensitive (parameter) steering. It's $1400 + 250(special order charge)--well worth the money.

drexappeal

Next time, pre-warning, bro! I got dizzy watching this one...LOL...You know me and first person games or 3D, so...hahahaha. Had to look a way for a bit.

Marz1

Thanks for sharing. I saw your youtube video three days ago while I was searching for "2012 C250 test drtive" How was the road and engine noise specially in higher speeds?

Ryan9095

So just to clarify... does the car come with a "Sport" button or only if you order the dynamic handling package?

nlpamg

road and engine noise were pretty negligible, even at high speeds. the car is pretty quiet.

nlpamg

I assume that it does, judging from the other reviews. Most people will not order the dynamic handling package, so the car will most likely have the sport button. It's like the old C/S button on the older MB's shifters, but now it's in a different location.

luminus

Actually I don't think so. I'm pretty sure the sport button will only be available if you have the dynamic handling package.

In fact, I just test drove a C350 coupe today (even though I ordered one that's coming in a few weeks, I asked to them to call me to test drive the 1st shipment that comes in). That one doesn't have the dynamic handling package and it does not have a sport button. It has E/S on the stick though.

(Side note: First impression - Very smooth ride quality, very mercedes-like. Maybe a little too smooth for a sports coupe. But the one I test drove has 17" rim and no dynamic handling package. Hopefully the one I ordered with the dynamic handling package will change that. )

Tr1t1um

Can not believe it's snowing!! We were there just 10 days before you. Also, love your Interalpen Hotel pictures. My jaw dropped when we drove into the lobby!

kevink2

The E/S on the stick of that car IS the same as the C/S switch on the C class (ie engine and trans response changes) with no 'advanced agility' based pkg.

I'm not sure you still have the E/S (or C/S) switch for shifting control if you get the special pkg including "advanced agility suspension" where shocks are stiffened by pressing a sport button ... likely on dash.

Here is a good description of the "dynamic handling pkg" :

dynamic-handling-package.html

"In Comfort Mode, cruising is the order of the day. But if you’d prefer something a little more exhilarating, simply push the button to 'Sport' Mode and everything changes.

With the continuously variable damping, handling becomes more taut, body roll is reduced and the ride becomes firmer. Steering and throttle response becomes sharper and gear changes more responsive (automatic transmission only). Even ESP® (Electronic Stability Program) intervention is marginally reduced to help enhance the dynamic driving sensation – without compromising active safety, of course"

.