BenzMan3

I am thinking about getting a black C320 sport sedan.

- Is there a way to get the silver pinstripes around the car painted or treated to be black? I think that this would give the car a much sportier look.
- I am thinking about getting the new AMG wheels on the car (not the series III). Since these are 18" wheels will the suspension need to be adjusted?
- Does anyone know how soon I can get a 2006 and if the 2006 will have any changes from the 2005?

Thanks.

Battery!

The C320 will be replaced in 2006 with the C350 putting out 268 hp. This will be mated to a 7-speed auto or 6-speed manual. It's definitely worth waiting for if you are looking into the V6.

The pin stripe you are referring to is the chrome piece on the upper portion of the bumper and door mouldings. I doubt the dealer would paint those, but maybe an independent trusty body shop could.

To my knowledge, with 18's your suspension will not have to be adjusted. You may choose to lower the car with a lowering spring kit or coilovers.

Guest0001

1) You can, just request it

2) Up to you. I would lower it because it will look better.

3) The C350 will be coming out for 2006. Wait for it. The only changes will be the motor and maybe the 7G-tronic tranny.

BenzMan3

1. Any guess how much it would cost to get the silver pinstripes painted black? I am surprised I have not read on this forum about anyone who has already done this.

2. It sounds like the 18" wheels will work with no technical problem. However, will this adjustment not raise the car an extra inch or so? Is the suspension on the "sport" models tuned like the AMG suspension? That would be ideal for me since I really like the way the AMG handles.

3. For 3 year/ 15K miles a year I see almost identical money factors and residuals for both the C320 and the C55 which are OK but not great. Do you think that the C350 will have a better residual or money factor?

Thanks!

S_kLaSse

I believe 2006 C350 will be the last year production, correct? Because in 2007, new C will be introduce.

How long do you plan to keep the car? remember, the new 3 will be introduced soon.

BenzMan3

I plan on getting a 39 month lease. I am looking for a classy car with decent power and the C350 seems to fit the bill. I think that BMWs are good for people in their 20's but I am almost 30. The 7-series is the exception but that is out of my price range. I have a Boxster but the new Boxster with the automatic tranny is slow (6.8 seconds). Lexus has too wide a demographic IMO and I think that Mercedes seems more prestigious.

I thought that the new C was going to be introduced as a 2008 model in the U.S. If that is the case then Mercedes will make (1) a 2006 model and then (2) a 2007 model. So I think that the current model of C-class will be made for two more model years.

drexappeal

If you plan on getting a Lease, why would you want to paint the chrome molding inserts?

I can't speak for everybody, but the reason I didn't do it was because it made the car look less like a Benz and more like any other car on the road. I considered it, especially with my color, but decided against it once I saw all the other things I could do with the amount of money just to paint the moldings.

BenzMan3

What kind of prices were you quoted to paint the pinstripes? I am just not a big fan of pinstripes and I think the car would look sportier without them (like the MB roadsters).

drexappeal

Never got to the point of getting a quote, but at the time when I was considering it (when I first got my car), my homeboy owned a body shop and was gonna do it for cheap. Not too much involved, according to what he was telling me.

Narcissus

You can remove them easily, wash them good and spray them with the tint film used to tint taillights... the thing will be black with a chrome tint/look to it under direct sunlight and you can pull off the film when it's time to return the car....

maybe do the front grill at the same time .. and the taillights