ChrisBrown

Today I dropped off my car for some routine service at Schumacher. They gave me a 2009 C300 Luxury with P1 and Multimedia/Nav packages. It was standard black exterior, with the new Mocha interior.

After spending some time driving and getting to know the car a bit again, I can say my perspective is starting to change.

First, I'm starting to warm up to the interior. The Mocha is a good combo with the wood. It's not as brown as the cashmiere was. It's more subtle. The center stack is definitely very pleasing with the multimedia/nav screen. The 5 inch LCD is just wrong for the car - the larger screen that folds out works, and looks much, much better. I've always liked the gauge cluster...so I think I don't hate the interior anymore...at least on the upgraded car.

I played with the Navigation system and the radio controls on the "knob". It was very intuitive, and it made sense. The navigation graphics are very pleasing, and make sense. It's pretty good. Not as good as others, but it's not bad at all.

That said, I still don't like the drive. It feels way too light. The steering is numb, the brakes are still way over-boosted. You touch the pedal and the car just lunges forward - they are not linear at all. The ride is good though.

I like how the W203 feels "heavier"...I can feel it's mass and communicate with it. The steering is more interactive, and the brakes make sense. I think the tranmission in the W204 is a bit better though - the gear shift sure is smoother.

I'm definitely keeping my 240 4MATIC, but I'm starting to appreciate the W204 a lot more. I still think the car looks sharp on the outside, and I'm warming up to the inside too. I still hate how it drives.

Benzben

I haven't had a chance to actually drive a W204 yet, so I'll take your word on that. Since you're going from a non-sport daily driver to a new non-sport package on the C300, it's interesting that you think the drive is even "lighter" on the W204. I can't imagine what I would think about a W204 without the sport package (coming from an '05 C230 SS).

I like my interior, but I could see how the W204 could grow on me. Especially with the right color combination. What about the size? Is there substantially more room inside the W204? One of my only complaints about the W203 is the narrow footwells and (somewhat) seats. Is the wider wheelbase translated to more elbow room in the W204?

clkwork

I also have a C300 today while my BS is in the shop. I agree with what you are saying about the numb steering and overboosted brakes. The engine revs smooth and seems to have a very linear powerband. I didn't even try to figure out the radio (I have the one with the little 5" screen) - luckily it was already tuned to my favorite station. The interior quality seems a little cheap but everything is well laid out.

ChrisBrown

There's a bit more elbow room - not much really in the foot-well though.

I agree it feels a bit cheaper. The dash plastic isn't as soft-touch as mine is. The steering wheel leather is rougher, and the steering wheel itself is not as spongy as the W203 is.

I think some of the design touches are very nice - like the chrome rings on the signal and cruise control stalks.

I can't get over how numb this thing feels. I bought a Mercedes to have a more plush ride, but at least in the W203 I still feel like the car can communicate the road to me through the ride, suspension, steering and brakes, even though they are plusher and softer as well.

The steering in the W204 luxury model doesn't communicate at all. The brakes don't give you a chance to feel them out at all. The ride is nice though.

I agree the powerband is pretty smooth and even. I like the engine and transmission pairing.

e1000

hey chris you should drive that C300 back to back with my C350.

Glyn M Ruck

Yeah - It grows on one - I particularly like it in Palladium Silver with the new grey/black interior. I'll get one, one day but I'm in no hurry to dump my 47,000Km W203

ChrisBrown

I know they are different cars, but the C350 wouldn't be what I want anyways, because I would want a C300 Luxury 4MATIC if I purchased one.

Point well taken though.

ChrisBrown

I like the grey/black combo with the wood as well - it's very sharp with the chrome accents. It's one of the sharpest interiors I've seen. I'd like to sit in one in that color with the multimedia screen as well.

JLD2k3

1 - Maybe the light feeling is b/c your hp/weight ratio on the 240 is much lower than the 300?

2 - Why a 4-Matic in AZ?

e1000

they changed the power steering on the 2006+ models. Some late 2005's might have gotten it too. The updated W203's feel WAYYYYY different.

W211 BEAST

I still cant stand the seats

ggoodman

You might want to consider the C300 Sport 4Matic--based on my experience with the car it feels quite a bit different than the luxury model. As a basis of comparison, my daily driver is a 03 C230 coupe; my wife drives a 2007 C280 4Matic. The difference in feel between those cars is similar to the difference between sport & luxury on the W204.

ChrisBrown

All points well taken.

4MATIC - for when it dumps here in the monsoons, and when I go up to northern Arizona in the winter - plenty of snow and blizzards. It's nice to get away from the desert and go to the forests. ;-)

For me, I bought this Mercedes for a more luxurious ride. I do want a sports car, but for that I'm going to get a used 2007-2009 SLK I'll take that over a C class any-day for sports-driving - top up or down - mostly down for me.

mac911

W204 was my first Mercedes, and I've only driven the W203 a couple times.

For me, the W204 is more enjoyable to drive. The ride quality is better, and I just think it's a blast to drive. Everything about it just seemed to be current generation.

I still love the W203s though.

Perhaps it's all about where you're coming from, you're more likely to like what you're used to.

ChrisBrown

I think the W204 is a sharp car. For me, there are certain details that are no-no's - like over boosted brakes.

I still think a used SLK is next on my list after I pay this car off - I'd love to add one to my hopefully growing Mercedes collection.

dmatre

Every review that I've seen where the reviewer complained of the over-assisted steering and over-boosted brakes, was of a C300.

Does anyone know if the C350Sport has different steering/braking calibration?

ChrisBrown

I would think that it is, since it's a "sport" model.

But, I never assume.

Glyn M Ruck

The overboosts have been done for America - pity. I have a certain sympathy with Benz. People keep making comparisons with Lexus. I don't want my Benz to feel like a sterile, uninvolving Lexus!!

Glyn M Ruck

The subtle change to the colour grey is pleasant.

dmatre

If that's the case, do you know if it is an adjustment or different hardware that creates the Buick-like braking/steering feel?

Glyn M Ruck

I don't know the answer to this, but I will try and get some answers this end. Let me do some scratching.

Arn560

I drove the C350 Sport for 2 days & it brought me back from the Audi Showroom instantly. I then drove another C300 4Matic 3 days later when they realized ny supercharger had come lose after the hose retrofit. The 4-Matic doesn't even come close to the C350 in terms of handling.
The Conti Sport Contact tires did an awesome job of putting the power to the pavement in the C350 - I am sold! And yes, they both came fully loaded but without the electric rear screen option!!

ChrisBrown

Can you get one in your area with the retractable rear screen. I have it and it's great on warmer days. It's worth the money.