Drove a CLA250 yesterday
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Drove a CLA250 yesterday
It was nice. Surprising how smooth and peppy the M271 turbo motor felt.
More surprising is that Merc is still using a variant of this engine and still with one timing chain.
No plans to upgrade in the near future.
Just wanted to drive it.
The one I drove came with 10K in options that I wouldn't want, so 40 grand and no sunroof. It had Navi and Distronic and a bunch of other junk and didn't have the cool diamond grill or the body kit.
While Distronic would be cool to have, I fear I'd fall asleep at the wheel with nothing to, and at $2500, I'd rather have a pano and leather which this car didn't have.
Didn't get to drive far, but was able to punch it twice, and it was faster than my coupey...sadly.
Big trunk with a compartment between the trunk and spare....wonder what that supposed to be for.
I really liked the steering wheel.
Really hate the way the tranny is set up with D, P, and R, and a stalk on the steering column.
Also it had the ECO function where the engine shut off constantly every time you stop. Fortunately you can turn that off.
More surprising is that Merc is still using a variant of this engine and still with one timing chain.
No plans to upgrade in the near future.
Just wanted to drive it.
The one I drove came with 10K in options that I wouldn't want, so 40 grand and no sunroof. It had Navi and Distronic and a bunch of other junk and didn't have the cool diamond grill or the body kit.
While Distronic would be cool to have, I fear I'd fall asleep at the wheel with nothing to, and at $2500, I'd rather have a pano and leather which this car didn't have.
Didn't get to drive far, but was able to punch it twice, and it was faster than my coupey...sadly.
Big trunk with a compartment between the trunk and spare....wonder what that supposed to be for.
I really liked the steering wheel.
Really hate the way the tranny is set up with D, P, and R, and a stalk on the steering column.
Also it had the ECO function where the engine shut off constantly every time you stop. Fortunately you can turn that off.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
Then c250 coupe is for you 
I drove the sedan, and it felt more powerful to me than my c230, too.
Probably because of the turbo vs supercharger...
If anything, I will probably wait and buy a 2-3 year old CPO'd c250 with a nice "discount".
I drove the sedan, and it felt more powerful to me than my c230, too.
Probably because of the turbo vs supercharger...
If anything, I will probably wait and buy a 2-3 year old CPO'd c250 with a nice "discount".
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Yes, it's a woman's car. 
I'm sure I'll try it out eventually, but a big-ish 4-door, 2-person (or 2-person and 2-midget) car with large overhangs and a Scion-ish dash with a slushbox only is not very high on my list at the moment.
I wouldn't call it an upgrade. And like you've experienced, the options add up damn quickly.
I'm sure I'll try it out eventually, but a big-ish 4-door, 2-person (or 2-person and 2-midget) car with large overhangs and a Scion-ish dash with a slushbox only is not very high on my list at the moment.
I wouldn't call it an upgrade. And like you've experienced, the options add up damn quickly.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
I wouldn't say C250 coupe is a 4-door car
Yeah, those options do add up. Best to DIY them if at all possible.
Wow, so they actually ditched the shifter in CLA and now have that thing on the steering column like Ford and friends use? lol
Yeah, those options do add up. Best to DIY them if at all possible.
Wow, so they actually ditched the shifter in CLA and now have that thing on the steering column like Ford and friends use? lol
Last edited by VVF; Sep 30, 2013 at 04:09 PM.
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Like I said....I'm not planning to buy one anytime soon.
But it's a lot of car for the money.
Just looking over my original sticker....30,710.
Then add for the CD radio, the Bix, all the crap I've added....
CLA with Pano and Bix is about 33K. Considering 12 years have gone by, that's pretty good. And it gets 38 mpg on the highway.
Adding leather (@ $1500) requires adding a package that costs $2500 so F that.
Still, I'll never understand why the coupes didn't have MB tex instead of that shiety cloth for stock.
I'd really prefer a 6 speed tranny as well, though the newer 7 speed is pretty good at putting the power to the road. My coupey sounds positively primitive compared to the smooth power from the CLA.
But it's a lot of car for the money.
Just looking over my original sticker....30,710.
Then add for the CD radio, the Bix, all the crap I've added....
CLA with Pano and Bix is about 33K. Considering 12 years have gone by, that's pretty good. And it gets 38 mpg on the highway.
Adding leather (@ $1500) requires adding a package that costs $2500 so F that.
Still, I'll never understand why the coupes didn't have MB tex instead of that shiety cloth for stock.
I'd really prefer a 6 speed tranny as well, though the newer 7 speed is pretty good at putting the power to the road. My coupey sounds positively primitive compared to the smooth power from the CLA.
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Sorry, missed your switch over to a C class on that. Tricky! 
Just did a build - have to admit I really like the "Northern Lights Violet Metallic" color (how many bong hits does it take to come up with these names, anyway?). I came up with $33,350. That would add a lot of aftermarket to a Green Envy Fiesta ST or Abarth convertible for me. Or just wait on the new 2 series, preferably in hatch if they bring it over a year after the initial coupe offering.
It is a lot for the money, I'd agree. Just not alot of what I personally would really want.
EDIT: Actually, the console-mounted shifter does make sense from a standpoint of more potential space (and it's not like you need the slushbox between the seats anyway). Though, judging by the interior shots, all it ended up doing was to create a storage space that's as big as what the shifter would be. WTF? Would have been smarter to put the parking brake there instead, or just create less of a tunnel between the seats, especially with FWD (though I guess they're leaving the tunnel there for 4matics). Looks like a wasted design opportunity to me.
Just did a build - have to admit I really like the "Northern Lights Violet Metallic" color (how many bong hits does it take to come up with these names, anyway?). I came up with $33,350. That would add a lot of aftermarket to a Green Envy Fiesta ST or Abarth convertible for me. Or just wait on the new 2 series, preferably in hatch if they bring it over a year after the initial coupe offering.
It is a lot for the money, I'd agree. Just not alot of what I personally would really want.
EDIT: Actually, the console-mounted shifter does make sense from a standpoint of more potential space (and it's not like you need the slushbox between the seats anyway). Though, judging by the interior shots, all it ended up doing was to create a storage space that's as big as what the shifter would be. WTF? Would have been smarter to put the parking brake there instead, or just create less of a tunnel between the seats, especially with FWD (though I guess they're leaving the tunnel there for 4matics). Looks like a wasted design opportunity to me.
Last edited by tommy; Sep 30, 2013 at 04:40 PM. Reason: to add bs on the interior
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From: Toronto, ON
2012 C300 Sport 4MATIC (current) 2006 C280 Elegance 4MATIC (sold)
I've never been a fan of 4 cylinder motors because of their NVH issues but it's a good thing to hear that they're becoming more refined. I'd definitely consider a CLA250 or C250 in a few years when they start coming off lease as the one aspect I'm not happy with on my C280 4MATIC is the not-so-impressive fuel economy though I love the sound and silky smooth power. The only options I would care for is the HK sound system, iPod connectivity and Sattelite radio so a base model with these items would do it for me.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
I even went as far as too look up how much to add the cool grill from the $2500 body package to the non-body packaged units. Looks like it's about $400 on parts.com + shipping. Still, no new cars in my future.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Unless it is the CLA45, the CLA250 is a chick car
Last edited by Boom vang; Sep 30, 2013 at 09:55 PM.
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From: Toronto, ON
2002 C230 Coupe & 2010 C300 Sport
C230 Sport Coup, was the car you drove FWD or AWD? When you got on it, did it torque steer?
Tommy, the 1 series is an awesome car. My brother has a 135i and it puts a grin on my face every time I get to drive it. It's nice that some companies still make a proper sports car that's RWD and has a manual trans. If the new 2 series is anything like the current 1, it will be awesome especially with the new n20 turbo 4 that's offered in the current 3 series sedans. I'm really hoping the new M version of the 2 series will have a tuned version of the n20 turbo 4...power similar to the CLA45 would be very nice!
Tommy, the 1 series is an awesome car. My brother has a 135i and it puts a grin on my face every time I get to drive it. It's nice that some companies still make a proper sports car that's RWD and has a manual trans. If the new 2 series is anything like the current 1, it will be awesome especially with the new n20 turbo 4 that's offered in the current 3 series sedans. I'm really hoping the new M version of the 2 series will have a tuned version of the n20 turbo 4...power similar to the CLA45 would be very nice!
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Lawrens, in time you'll be eating those words when you see who will be buying and driving this car (outside the CLA45) It will be the same people who currently buy the Jetta, and who drives Jetta's?
one review on the CLA has not been that great
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...z-cla/2879843/
one review on the CLA has not been that great
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...z-cla/2879843/
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From: Norcal
43
Lawrens, in time you'll be eating those words when you see who will be buying and driving this car (outside the CLA45) It will be the same people who currently buy the Jetta, and who drives Jetta's?
one review on the CLA has not been that great
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...z-cla/2879843/
one review on the CLA has not been that great
http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/...z-cla/2879843/
And great job at cherry picking auto reviews to try and prove your point. I can do the same.
http://www.caranddriver.com/news/201...t-drive-review
http://www.autotrader.com/research/a...car-review.jsp
http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz...14/#fullreview
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Do you really see the Car & Driver review as a very positive one? 
The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.
ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
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From: Norcal
43
Do you really see the Car & Driver review as a very positive one? The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.
ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
And yes, the first half of the Edmunds review is more descriptive of specifications, but the latter half leaves a positive note on their conclusion of the CLA250.
And before anyone questions my bias of objectivity, I have already test-driven the car, yet I do not have plans on buying a CLA250. CLA45 perhaps, but of course, we are not talking about the AMG variant.
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Went by the other local dealership today to get a estimate for my new "open touring" hatch and saw a white CLA250 with so called "pano roof" which is only one pane of glass. Bogus. I will say, it's about the largest sunroof I've seen, but still, hardly pano.
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Do you really see the Car & Driver review as a very positive one? The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.
ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
The Edmunds is more about specs than it is about an actual review.ER - I was semi-close to getting the first year of the 1 (Year 1 of the 1 - I thought that was a pretty cool marketing ploy). It's really a great combination of what I was looking for - would have gone with the Blue Water Metallic and Lemon leather seating through the P1 program and ED - would have been sweet. Instead, I chose to spend the down payment on various fixes to my car, which has a completely different kind of lemon.
Unfortunately going FWD never equates to a great handling car, you are asking too much from the front wheels - traction, steering and braking and an unbalanced weight distribution 60:40 or more. I have been driving since 1980 and my first car was RWD but all the rest in between were FWD, it was not until I got reunited with RWD that I realized that makes for a much better driving experience. Never again will I buy FWD. It gives a numb driving feel, although in winter you get initially good traction HOWEVER once those front wheels are spinning you lost all steering and there is no way to point the car. Enter a corner too fast and the car plows straight ahead. While the CLA will offer 4matic it is only a part time system and still a FWD biased car. I will however always miss those handbrake turns and spin around the light rear!
Perhaps LawRens is a bit sensitive because maybe he ordered one?
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From: California
2018 E63S AMG, 2003 SLK 230 Sport, 2004 SL 600, 2006 SLK 55 AMG, 1998 E320 Wagon
It *feels* faster because of the turbo, but the C230 modded versus the C250 stock is pretty close, actually. C250 rows through more gears while the 230 is pulling consistently through all gears. I'm actually planning now to do the port/polish on the SC along with the MBH long tube header. I'll be interested to see how much kick I get out of that.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
BTW guys, how do you test drive it without having the annoying salesmen calling you on the phone a 100 times after that?
Do you tell them up front that you are just test driving with no intentions to buy, or what?
Do you tell them up front that you are just test driving with no intentions to buy, or what?
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From: Norcal
43
The C&D review in my opinion basically had the car as 'meh'. When you read the comments many articulated that it was a chick car - Ha! So I guess I am not the only one thinking that.
Unfortunately going FWD never equates to a great handling car, you are asking too much from the front wheels - traction, steering and braking and an unbalanced weight distribution 60:40 or more. I have been driving since 1980 and my first car was RWD but all the rest in between were FWD, it was not until I got reunited with RWD that I realized that makes for a much better driving experience. Never again will I buy FWD. It gives a numb driving feel, although in winter you get initially good traction HOWEVER once those front wheels are spinning you lost all steering and there is no way to point the car. Enter a corner too fast and the car plows straight ahead. While the CLA will offer 4matic it is only a part time system and still a FWD biased car. I will however always miss those handbrake turns and spin around the light rear!
Perhaps LawRens is a bit sensitive because maybe he ordered one?
Unfortunately going FWD never equates to a great handling car, you are asking too much from the front wheels - traction, steering and braking and an unbalanced weight distribution 60:40 or more. I have been driving since 1980 and my first car was RWD but all the rest in between were FWD, it was not until I got reunited with RWD that I realized that makes for a much better driving experience. Never again will I buy FWD. It gives a numb driving feel, although in winter you get initially good traction HOWEVER once those front wheels are spinning you lost all steering and there is no way to point the car. Enter a corner too fast and the car plows straight ahead. While the CLA will offer 4matic it is only a part time system and still a FWD biased car. I will however always miss those handbrake turns and spin around the light rear!
Perhaps LawRens is a bit sensitive because maybe he ordered one?
And of course, auto-magazine reviewers are more than welcome to their own opinions; they are paid to do so. But that doesn't mean that their word is law. To do so is, yet again, asinine. Boom vang, do you believe everything you read?
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Obviously I was writing my response and by the time I posted you had already posted a reply stating your non-bias (which I did not see as I was typing my post)
You really are an angry guy
You really are an angry guy
Last edited by Boom vang; Sep 30, 2013 at 11:20 PM.
