Why Buy a C250 over the C350
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C350 Coupe
Why Buy a C250 over the C350
I have the C350 Coupe and I think it is a great car plenty of power sounds good and gets good gas millage. I just can't see any value in buying the 4 banger. Come on 200HP. This is a german car not some rice burner. I am not knocking those who want a fast car, but why buy the 4 banger and then spend money voiding the warranty trying to make it faster? Why not just buy the C350 in the first place.
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From: Pasadena, CA
'12 C204 C250, '05 SLK350 (sold)
Go read some of the old threads. Your argument makes sense here in the states where the price difference between C250 and C350 is ~$3500. The rest of the world, this spread can range from $6000-15000 between the two models because of various tariffs. It makes sense to save on the $6000-15000 and spend $500-1000 instead for 40hp (ECU upgrade). Also, some countries like Hong Kong have annual taxes tied to the displacement of the engine, so you save in the long run too.
Looking back, I would probably have taken the C350 instead of the C250, but after 10k miles, it's not that bad and it's drivable.
Looking back, I would probably have taken the C350 instead of the C250, but after 10k miles, it's not that bad and it's drivable.
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yawn. some of us have other cars and don't really need the "power" from a C350.
I think the C250 is a great commuter and has adequate power for daily driving and sitting in traffic. In addition, the car looks great and has great features and amenities. The fuel economy is also a plus.
I think the C250 is a great commuter and has adequate power for daily driving and sitting in traffic. In addition, the car looks great and has great features and amenities. The fuel economy is also a plus.
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C350
The price jump is minimal for U.S buyers, so I can and can't imagine why one wouldn't want the C350.
However,
Some people may care about MPG more than we think they do. Insurance cost may be a consideration (depending on region, age of driver, etc).
Some people may just want the MB brand and really don't care about HP. A lot of female drivers may just like the shell and shape of the car and not care about the extra cost of a V6. Who knows.
If there was a C150 (140HP) for $29K, I bet there will be a market for that as well.
IMHO, the C250 Coupe can't compete with the Audi A5, the 328i, or the G37 on any levels of performance. However, the MB does have a nice interior. So people may just want a car to be pretty on the inside and out.
I'm sure there are people out there who will build a C250 way over a C350 price. I dont think the money is an issue her since the difference is minimal. People just have different priorities.
However,
Some people may care about MPG more than we think they do. Insurance cost may be a consideration (depending on region, age of driver, etc).
Some people may just want the MB brand and really don't care about HP. A lot of female drivers may just like the shell and shape of the car and not care about the extra cost of a V6. Who knows.
If there was a C150 (140HP) for $29K, I bet there will be a market for that as well.
IMHO, the C250 Coupe can't compete with the Audi A5, the 328i, or the G37 on any levels of performance. However, the MB does have a nice interior. So people may just want a car to be pretty on the inside and out.
I'm sure there are people out there who will build a C250 way over a C350 price. I dont think the money is an issue her since the difference is minimal. People just have different priorities.
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C350
CO2 EMISSIONS 0.79 lb/mile 0.87 lb/mile
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Yes, my priorities are different. Probably why I have two 500+hp cars that get 10mpg and 12mpg that I track in addition to it.
Different strokes for different folks, not everyone's situation is the same...
Last edited by nlpamg; Feb 21, 2012 at 05:00 PM.
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C250 Coupe
C250 CDI is 134(g/km) C350 164 (g/km) as lease buyer, the emisions value matters greatly, the option of the C350 was heavily penalised due to its higher emissions, depends which country your buying in i guess.
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Thread Starter
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C350 Coupe
I'm sure my C250 is waaaay over a C350 in price. I optioned and ordered mine sight unseen in April of 2011, without knowing the prices and scheduled Euro Delivery. Didn't really care, didn't really look for a "deal". It's the way I wanted it, it has just about every option conceivable for the C204.
Yes, my priorities are different. Probably why I have two 500+hp cars that get 10mpg and 12mpg that I track in addition to it.
Different strokes for different folks, not everyone's situation is the same...
Yes, my priorities are different. Probably why I have two 500+hp cars that get 10mpg and 12mpg that I track in addition to it.
Different strokes for different folks, not everyone's situation is the same...
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From: Dix Hills, New York
2012 C250 Coupe
I don't really see the point of this thread... Not everyone cares about power and values different things. You say that you are sure that people price a C250 over a C350 - which you imply to be silly. Why so?
Some people look at it like this: They have $45,000 to spend, would they rather get a fully loaded C250 with all the bells and whistles - or a relatively stripped c350?
As for me, me and my brother both have c250's. The fact is, thats all Long Island had at the time, I was coming off lease and needed a new car ASAP. It really isn't a huge deal to me, coming from a c300 sedan, the c250 power is just as good, and in some cases, feels faster. Not to mention that the C350 still isn't "that" fast.
Alternatively, one can ask a question on why spend the money on a C350 when you still can't beat any G37, or 335 or other competitors in any redlight races or the like. Seems like you're the one who wasted money... ;-)
Some people look at it like this: They have $45,000 to spend, would they rather get a fully loaded C250 with all the bells and whistles - or a relatively stripped c350?
As for me, me and my brother both have c250's. The fact is, thats all Long Island had at the time, I was coming off lease and needed a new car ASAP. It really isn't a huge deal to me, coming from a c300 sedan, the c250 power is just as good, and in some cases, feels faster. Not to mention that the C350 still isn't "that" fast.
Alternatively, one can ask a question on why spend the money on a C350 when you still can't beat any G37, or 335 or other competitors in any redlight races or the like. Seems like you're the one who wasted money... ;-)
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From: Mountain View, CA
2009 C63
I think the c250 is an interesting idea. After getting abysmal gas mileage on the c63 I have a new found appreciation for good mileage. I do agree it might be silly to try and squeeze extra power from the c250 but if all you want is a sedan to commute with and you're daily commute doesn't involve fun roads then why not?
Everyone has different priorities and MB is just trying to cover all the niches.
Everyone has different priorities and MB is just trying to cover all the niches.
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2004 CLK320
I drove AMG in a few occasions and they are indeed great and fun cars. IMO, AMG is more of a weekend vehicle than a vehicle for daily commute. After a stressful work day, I would like a comfortable, quiet vehicle to get home.
Maybe I am getting old !
Maybe I am getting old !
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2013 C204
I could say the same for your 550 Maranello, why would you get a front engined Ferrari? It goes against the spirit of the brand. Sure it's a fast car but could you have bought a faster car that would have cost more money? Does the fact that it isn't as fast as a Diablo 6.0 make it worse?
Different people have different agenda's. I got the C250 because it was at a phenomenal lease price for a $40,000+ car. It costs $100 less per month to lease than a C350 and if I wanted a faster car I could have gotten another G37 and paid roughly the same amount of money per month. I never had a coupe and I never had a RWD car before this, so I figured I'd put up with the lack of power in return for a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride and more gas mileage.
As far as voiding warranty's goes, had I gotten the F30 328i like I wanted to, I would have put a JB4 in there just like I would with any turbo car, more speed for a small investment.
Different people have different agenda's. I got the C250 because it was at a phenomenal lease price for a $40,000+ car. It costs $100 less per month to lease than a C350 and if I wanted a faster car I could have gotten another G37 and paid roughly the same amount of money per month. I never had a coupe and I never had a RWD car before this, so I figured I'd put up with the lack of power in return for a quiet, smooth, and comfortable ride and more gas mileage.
As far as voiding warranty's goes, had I gotten the F30 328i like I wanted to, I would have put a JB4 in there just like I would with any turbo car, more speed for a small investment.
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From: California
2012 c250 Coupe
I don't really see the point of this thread... Not everyone cares about power and values different things. You say that you are sure that people price a C250 over a C350 - which you imply to be silly. Why so?
Some people look at it like this: They have $45,000 to spend, would they rather get a fully loaded C250 with all the bells and whistles - or a relatively stripped c350?
As for me, me and my brother both have c250's. The fact is, thats all Long Island had at the time, I was coming off lease and needed a new car ASAP. It really isn't a huge deal to me, coming from a c300 sedan, the c250 power is just as good, and in some cases, feels faster. Not to mention that the C350 still isn't "that" fast.
Alternatively, one can ask a question on why spend the money on a C350 when you still can't beat any G37, or 335 or other competitors in any redlight races or the like. Seems like you're the one who wasted money... ;-)
Some people look at it like this: They have $45,000 to spend, would they rather get a fully loaded C250 with all the bells and whistles - or a relatively stripped c350?
As for me, me and my brother both have c250's. The fact is, thats all Long Island had at the time, I was coming off lease and needed a new car ASAP. It really isn't a huge deal to me, coming from a c300 sedan, the c250 power is just as good, and in some cases, feels faster. Not to mention that the C350 still isn't "that" fast.
Alternatively, one can ask a question on why spend the money on a C350 when you still can't beat any G37, or 335 or other competitors in any redlight races or the like. Seems like you're the one who wasted money... ;-)
Some people will spend the cash to upgrade their c250 LATER because they don't have cash to spend NOW.
Last edited by Kevin82; Feb 24, 2012 at 08:40 PM.
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2015 ML350 Black/Black
I have the C350 Coupe and I think it is a great car plenty of power sounds good and gets good gas millage. I just can't see any value in buying the 4 banger. Come on 200HP. This is a german car not some rice burner. I am not knocking those who want a fast car, but why buy the 4 banger and then spend money voiding the warranty trying to make it faster? Why not just buy the C350 in the first place.
Agree and not just engine is different, suspension and brakes too. That is huge to me. I am not talking a about Amg body kit, spoiler, rims etc
Choosing 250 is like choosing BMW 328 over 335, looks same from very far
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2024 GLS450
Adding to everything above, how about because 200HP is more than enough power for anywhere in the US?
The 250 has less weight over the front end and feels a bit more light on its feet. I also personally think it sounds better.
The 250 has less weight over the front end and feels a bit more light on its feet. I also personally think it sounds better.
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2015 ML350 Black/Black
C350 is about as powerful as mine G37x coupe I sold, very minimal difference towards G is a bit better. HP is not as important, torque is. Suspension, brakes, handling/cornering is much better on MB. Also C350 is way better on gas.
Last edited by Breitling65; Feb 26, 2012 at 10:01 AM.
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04 G35 Coupe
& that's why I'm getting the C350 & not the C250... ;-)
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2013 C204
Honestly, who cares? All you guys tooting your own horn about having a C350 like you're driving some sort of performance sports car. Many of us got two year leases and are saving money on gas and payments. Whoever wants a fast car should definitely not be looking to the C class unless its an AMG. /thread
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04 G35 Coupe
Honestly, who cares? All you guys tooting your own horn about having a C350 like you're driving some sort of performance sports car. Many of us got two year leases and are saving money on gas and payments. Whoever wants a fast car should definitely not be looking to the C class unless its an AMG. /thread
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From: Germantown, MD/Rehoboth Beach, DE
2024 GLS450
