RLE

Just found out today my C300 is finally on the water after an 8/23 build date. It's on the NYK line auto carrier Graceful Leader. Departed Bremerhaven 9/14 and due into Port Hueneme California on 10/8.

This is the maiden voyage for this new ship. We all know what happened to the Titanic on it's first crossing.

err

hey fellow seattlelites congrats on your new c300. Hopefully the titanic won't happen to your new car

MBTex

Yes that would suck, but some would find it funny now that you've mentioned it...

I'm sure it'll get here just fine...Congrats. At least your wait is nearing an end.

RLE

<<Yes that would suck, but some would find it funny now that you've mentioned it...>>

It was supposed to be funny.

My current dilemma is whether to buy the AMG 17's (C350 version) or 18s. The price difference is only about $200 and the 18's are better looking. But, there is the remote possibility of impact damage to a wheel or tire (M3 drivers know about this) plus increased road noise and harshness. And, the cost of new tires down the road is about $400 more for the 18s.

MBTex

Well the 18's definately look $200 nicer than the 17's. I personally went with the 17's in the end because of the other factors you mentioned...longer tire life and cost to replace tires being the big ones. Not to mention that the price diff to me was $1000 (factory) and I wasn't sure they were that much nicer. So I spent the money on P2 instead and am so far feeling good about my decision as I like the look of the 17's in the ads I've seen.

Shake

I'd say go with the 18"s if you don't plan to change up the rims later on. Ge t 17's if you plan to get new rims later on.

RLE

[<<Well the 18's definately look $200 nicer than the 17's. I personally went with the 17's in the end because of the other factors you mentioned...longer tire life and cost to replace tires being the big ones. Not to mention that the price diff to me was $1000 (factory) and I wasn't sure they were that much nicer. So I spent the money on P2 instead and am so far feeling good about my decision as I like the look of the 17's in the ads I've seen>>

Keep in mind that the C300's stock 17" wheels are "not to my taste" and so the switch to either of the AMGs, 17" or 18", is going to be a whole lot more more that the $1000 option cost on the Sport models. If I paid retail for the 18s for example, including a set of tires, I would spend over $4500 which is insane.

We shall see.

MBTex

That is a lot to spend on wheels, but I understand the feeling...haven't found too many that like the standard wheels on either of the 300 models.

The 18's are definately nicer looking, but when you compare comfort, cost and durability it might be better to go with the 17's. Especially when you consider that they are extremely similar in appearance. I personally do not plan on trading in my 17's anytime soon.