Why isn't there any "buzz" with the 2008 "C"?
 

I can’t find a board that in which people are enthusiastically talking about the 2008 C-Class. Internet conversation about the 2008 C seems dead. The reason why I say this is that the Audi A5 was just revealed about two weeks ago and there’s tons of talk about the new A5 on the internet forums everyday. Can someone point me to a Forum in which folks are enthusiastically talking about the “C”? Thanks

Because the Audi is a brand new car in all respects. The W204 is just a new C-Class (not that there is anything wrong with that).

Theres plenty of talk and plenty of mixed opinions about the W204, youll find alot of people are not extremely crazy about it and are happier with the W203, I guess youll find more excitement in a group less knowledgable that just goes cool a new benz.

Maybe the Audi was a bad example but I can recall several redesigned cars that received tons more buzz. Look at the 2007 Infiniti G35 boards. Before the car was released and after it was revealed, there were tons of conversations going on, same for the Lexus IS, same for the new 3-series. Not so with the 2008 C. Even the Audi A4’s third refresh had more conversations going on about it than the new 2008 C. I’m starting to see why people refer to MB as bland. I’ll ask again, Where is the enthusiasm? The fact that there isn’t even a dedicated W204 board here proves the point even more.

Dedicated W204 board is my fault, I'll create one once I get back home. :)

Edit: Moving thread to W204 forum :)

I think it's mostly due to the fact that the thing just isn't offering the exciting performance we all want. We'll see what kind of motor upgrades we'll end up getting here in the states, but if it's the regular 350 motor, i'm buying a 335i

+ 1 BMW offers the most bang-for-the-buck among the German Luxury brands. I'm not sure what I'll do but a C Class with carrover engines isn't going to do it for me.

Exactly.


Do you guys think they will bring some new more competitive powerplants for the US market?

From the pictures, I really don't like the design changes in comparison to the w203. One of the big reasons I chose the w203 over an Audi 1.8T / BMW 325i / Acura TL (this was prior to the TSX being released) was because of the combination of stock power / body styling.

The w204 doesn't look that good stock to me (even with the Sport / AMG styling). If I were to even consider a w204, it would only be for the C63. Other than that, I'll be happy with my custom w203 for a long time, until I get a bigger upgrade later down the line.

this is true. i recently checked BMW's website and checked out the 328's standard features, wow..i was impressed all this AND 230hp? not bad for $31k...i hope we get something to compete head on with the others, like 220-230hp on the low end, 300hp+ for the top end. its not fair that the only way to get REAL performance is the opt for the C63

After owning a W201, W203 & E36, I can honestly say that my passion for owning another Mercedes-Benz ended with W203. 335i is by far my number one choice.

I have to agree with most people in that I'm not crazy about the styling of the W204. As much as I'm trying to keep an open mind about it, I just can't really warm up to the new look. The front lights look too Acura RL'ish, the rear lights look like the older generation Hyundai Elantra and Saturn SL2, and the interior is looking more and more Japanese. Add to that the carryover engines (3.0 and 3.5), and there's really very little I like about the W204. I think the W203 is by Far better looking and more appealing.

Its ugly, it looks asian, and its such a brick in your face compared to the car it replaces. Its old school MB styling meets Acura.

The interior is ghastly. Not much to get excited about.

I find the few reviews/previews of this car rather baffling, as if the writer seems to think the W202 never went out of production. One idiot called the "W204 Sleeker, and smoother than the somewhat blocky car it replaces"

Just what exactly did they show him? It sure wasn't the blocky, angular W204.

European Car magazine calls the new C-Class W204
as an S-Class with a small s

The new W204 looks fantastic compared to our W203's and I'd hate to admit it. The W203 is very curvey/round with a front backwards angle. The new W204 looks much more masculine and aggressive with a touch of old school. The interior however is my only concern. If the W204 looks this good in pictures, just imagine how nice it will look in person!

Just my .02

haha good point...im actually planning to get a new audi...im thinkin about purchasing the S4 or just wait unitil the a4/s4 coupes are released

I dislike the rear of the W204 but I really like its front end (whoever mentioned Acura RL, I never thought of it but now every time I see it, I'll think of an Acura, thanks a lot :( ) but the steering wheel and interior and just awful looking.

Also the most powerful engine coming here at launch is the 268HP 3.5L V6, and that's only available with an automatic, so if I want a manual (which I 100% do) I'm stuck with a 231HP 3.0L when I can get a BMW 335i with better handling, 6 speed manual and a 306HP twin turbo straight six. It's going to be tough settling for the C class, I may not be able to do it lol.

BMW must be privately laughing its ass off at companies like MB and Lexus as they send stick shift drivers into its dealerships.

So, now that both cars are stylistically challenged, its gonna have to come down to driver involvment...gee, can't see how a slush box, no matter how many effing ratios it has, is gonna win points with anyone.