Hi,

I test drove an '06 pewter C350 sport with auto, sunroof, cd changer, rear side impact airbags, and split folding rear seats. And, let me tell you, I,m quite impressed.

Question: Are there any reliability issues with the C350? I used to own a '94 740i and can't immagine a more unreliable car (I nicknamed mine "The Antichrist"). While I've heard many derogatory remarks about MB's reliability, my girlfriend has an '04 CLK320 Cabrio that has been completely reliable.

Background: I'm waiting on a ruling on my second (and by far, the most costly) divorce. I'll likely get custody of my two young daughters since I was awarded temporary custody ten months ago. I've got to get rid of my beloved '03 Cobra convertible -- a 544hp supercharged beast. The Cobra is a blast to drive, but not in the carpool line or rush hour traffic. My daughters are miserable in the back seat if we travel more than ten miles. The Cobra also gets 11-16 mpg depending on driving conditions and I now drive 100 miles a day. Right now, my decision is between a Toyota FJ Cruiser and the C350.

C350 driving impressions: "Solid" would be an understatement. This car feels as if it was forged from a single block of steel. The seven speed tranny felt great and the accelleration was adequate. The front seat was more comfortable than both those of my Cobra and my gilfriend's CLK320. I'm 6'3 and could comfortably sit in the back seat after adusting the front seat to my liking. On the inside, this car is much larger than it appears on the outside. A bit of clarification my be needed on my rating of "adequate" for accelleration -- the acelleration feels about the same as that of my old '94 Firebird Formula (auto - 2.73's -- I think).

If reliability is acceptable, the only drawback that I can see is the negative reaction that some of my clients might have to my driving a MB. Unfortunately, many non-car people can't differentiate between an S65 and a C class -- they are all "Just a Mercedes" to them. Of course I'll be able to easily explain that the car costs less than most of our company trucks.

Thanks in advance for your input,

Rich

 

I haven't heard of any chronic problems with the C350. By 2005, they really ironed out most of the issues with the C-Class, and the 3.5L V6 was in the SLK long before it hit the C-class so there weren't any issues with the new engine as well.

Sounds like you've done your homework, your thoughts are pretty much right on about the car. Will you be driving a lot of highway miles? The 7G has a SUPER tall 7th gear, giving it great highway cruise characteristics if that's a factor. If you baby it enough, 28-31mpg on the highway can be done.

For me, there were a lot of other cars out there, but the C350 was the only one when it came down to economy, adequate power and overall style for me.

Don't listen to the haters.

 

Yes, about 50 to 70% of my driving will be highway. I've spent as much as $600.00 in a month for gas. MPG in ine upper 20's would certainly save alot of money.

 

btw - welcome to the forum

 

The C350 seems very reliable. I now have 16k miles and have not had one single problem or issue. I am 6'2" and find the car to be very comfortable for even long distance driving. I simply love this car and highly recommend it.

Other cars to consider are the new Infiniti G35 sedan, BMW 335i and Lexus IS350, all with 300hp and good competition to the C350. Test drive them all and see what you think. There is the Acura too, but I can't stand those things...

-Jeff

 

the 335 and the IS350 are put of my range for now, however they are now well within the range of everybody I've paid for this divorce!

An '04 or '05 330 or an '04-'06 325 might be in the ballpark, but my prior "ultimate driving machine" experiance has left me a bit gun-shy. I might test drive a used Acura TL, but the styling really doesn't do much for me.