some questions
I was considering the C coupe because it looks sportier. I car about gas mileage, but also care about handling, and since the 250 is lighter, it looks like most magazines are saying the 250 is more fun. So I'm figure out whether the care makes sense for me. The biggest drawback is the loss of manual transmission, but given that I want comfy seats, I don't think I have a choice. The A4 seats don't do it for me, nor do the BMW's. I could wait for the new 3 series, but based on how I feel in the 5, I don't think it will offer the MB magic comfort.
So some questions:
- Is the dynamic handling package standard in the US? It seems like it is since I don't see it listed in the options.
- If I don't care about the navigation, but I want the ability to play music off an SD card, what is the cheapest option I can go with? Would I need the premium 1, premium1 + multimedia, multimedia only, or can I get away without any packages?
- Does MB (not some third party) sell an extended warranty for the car to 100K? If so, about how much would that cost?
BTW, mbusa.com is bad. Where they have the 360 view for the car (specifically shown as a 250), they show 2 exhausts, when the car only has 1. So that's making me wonder how accurate the info is.
See this thread https://mbworld.org/forums/4882841-post5.html
Hope this helps.
http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...wd-options.htm


I came out of a 128i with sport pkg/seats and much prefer the C350. The handling is not quite as tight but it is very good and unless you go to the track I don't think you will miss it. I have the stock suspension which is much sportier than my wife's C300 2011.
Last edited by ralawren; Oct 26, 2011 at 07:38 PM.
Last edited by Breitling65; Nov 13, 2011 at 06:21 AM.
However, on thinking about it some more, it looks like the dynamic handling package just lowers the suspension (and makes the comfort setting more firm in the process) and adds the 18" AMG wheels. But how to get confirmation of this?
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However, on thinking about it some more, it looks like the dynamic handling package just lowers the suspension (and makes the comfort setting more firm in the process) and adds the 18" AMG wheels. But how to get confirmation of this?
In addition it's dynamic based on speed. So think of it this way, you're adding mode options to an existing system in the car based on 2 separate profiles, one for comfort one for handling. This change also makes the acceleration sharper and gear changes quicker
Here's what people actually think of it on this forum.
(same/similar system to the 2010 models)
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...rth-money.html
Note the guy on the second page who goes through his experience with it. Also note the dr jeckle and mr hyde comment earlier. That's what MB are trying to capture with this option, the ability for it to be a sedate luxury car around town when you can't use the accelerator, then the sporty fun car when you hit an open road.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
In addition it's dynamic based on speed. So think of it this way, you're adding mode options to an existing system in the car based on 2 separate profiles, one for comfort one for handling. This change also makes the acceleration sharper and gear changes quicker
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...specifications
it really does look like it's standard.

Dynamic Handling Package is definitely a must.
In order to get the SD card reader, I assume you need at least the Command Launch Package.
Sure, the C250 doesn't have much power, but compared to others, it's not bad. It's pretty nimble and the feedback is pretty good. I had plenty of fun with mine in Europe and I have two cars with well over 500hp that cost over double the price of the C250.
http://www.mbusa.com/mercedes/vehicl...specifications
it really does look like it's standard.
If you're wanting a sporty suspension, you'd want the optional sport package on the 250, which is standard on the 350. And if handling is your thing, I'd get the 18's too. The taller sidewalls on the 17" std wheel on the 250's is probably more comfort oriented. By the time you do those plus P1, the gap between the two gets pretty narrow.
If you're wanting a sporty suspension, you'd want the optional sport package on the 250, which is standard on the 350. And if handling is your thing, I'd get the 18's too. The taller sidewalls on the 17" std wheel on the 250's is probably more comfort oriented. By the time you do those plus P1, the gap between the two gets pretty narrow.
Engineered specifically for performance driving, AGILITY CONTROL automatically adjusts the individual shock absorbers based on the road surface and the driver's current driving style. Valving inside each shock absorber automatically firms up during stronger body motions for sharper handling feedback and stability, and reduces the damping rates during gentler motions for a smoother, more composed ride.
Lowered, sport-tuned suspension
C-Class Coupes boast firmer coil springs and shock absorbers, as well as a lowered ride height, for sharper handling response and a more aggressive stance.
So while this looks like it doesn't have anything to do with the "sport" button, it looks like it is standard, and the sport button is standard as well. So I'm not sure what the dynamic handling package gives other than the 18" wheels.
http://www4.mercedes-benz.com/manual...ual_base.shtml
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The calibration of the suspension depends on:
- your driving style
- the road surface conditions
- your individual selection; see the following description
The firmer setting of the suspension tuning in sports mode ensures even better contact with the road. Select this mode when employing a sporty driving style, e.g. on winding country roads.
Your selection remains stored until you switch off the engine.
In comfort mode, the driving characteristics of your vehicle are more comfortable. Therefore, select this mode if you prefer a more comfortable driving style. Select comfort mode also when driving fast on straight roads, e.g. on straight stretches of motorway
Now for the gearshift notes, this is a button near the gearshift and not on the main dash, seperate program/button to the handling button for the above.
General notes
The program selector button allows you to choose between different driving characteristics.
Drive program E (drive program C on AMG vehicles) is characterised by the following:
- comfort-oriented engine and automatic transmission settings.
- optimal fuel consumption resulting from the automatic transmission shifting up sooner.
- the vehicle pulling away more gently in forward and reverse gears, unless the accelerator pedal is depressed fully.
- increased sensitivity. This improves driving stability on slippery road surfaces, for example.
- the automatic transmission shifting up sooner. This results in the vehicle being driven at lower engine speeds and the wheels being less likely to spin.
- sporty engine and automatic transmission settings
- the vehicle pulling away in first gear
- the automatic transmission shifting up later
- as a result of the later automatic transmission shift points, the fuel consumption possibly being higher
I can't talk about it being standard in the US but from what other owners are saying it is a separate option not listed in the US but available if you ask for it + a change fee.




