xlr8tin

Which one of these are the nicer of the two? I would think the C350, but I'm seeing a few C300 with the same price tag as some C350's. I'm looking for the more sporty of the two...I like them both but can't decide.

RandyG

You would consider going from an E55 to a C300?

I'd suggest a 12 month lease at most.

Dema

Take C350. Actualy you can can get E550 $2K below invoice, however E will be redesigned in next year, so getting C can be wise move.

alpinweiss

If you want sporty, the C350 is not available with the 6-speed manual transmission; automatic only. Therefore the C300 is my choice by default. I realize I am in a small minority wanting the manual.

pmb600

The new E isn't expected until 2010. So one could do a 27 month lease and be right in time for the new car.

xlr8tin

I'm looking for brand new. My E55 has 104600 miles. It's time for something new and less than $50K.

Plus I love the look of the new C class

csre4

the c 350 has an extra kick
the c 300 comes with a six speed.
if you really want the sporty feel.
id go with the c 300.
about 3 grand can get you an exhaust system and an ecu upgrade which would out perform the c 350.

goodluck

choi

Which exhaust system and ecu makes 40+ hp? I highly doubt it. Even if it does, the c350 can do better with exact same mods. So the powerwise, I would go with the c350. But I went with the c300 because I need a 4matic. The c350 is not available with 4matic.

GPI

I think it depends on what you are looking for. If you are looking for performance, go for the C350. If not, the C300 has enough power. There are only a few things that you'll get on the C350 but you can't get on the C300:
1. Black birdseye maple trim
2. Engine(Higher displacement)

The rest of the parts that the C350 has but the C300 doesn't can be bought separately.

TEAShea

I find that the 350 feels substantially more powerful than a 300. Given that the 335i is even more powerful, I consider the 350 to be necessary for me - but everyone is different.

TEAShea

MBTex

The 300's that you see priced about the same as a 350 is because of all of the options that the buyer's of those put into it. Many of those options are available standard in the 350, plus a few extras like the wood trim, standard AMG wheels, and of course the engine.

With options you can make a 300 look just like a 350 on the outside, but the interior will always be different because of the wood trim. I originally went in looking at the 300, but decided on the 350 for a few reasons, one of which was resale value as I am also looking to get the new E Class when it comes out in a few years.

With the competition going to more powerful engines, MB will also have to boost their power in the near future to keep up. By getting a 350 now you can still boast 270 hp when the standard will be over 300. Would rather be at 270 then than 230 come trade-in time.

Joey_G_1975

My C300 sport version has the option of Black Bird's Eye Maple for no charge! It must be different in the US.

MBTex

Yes it is different in the US. Hard to tell where everyone is from if they don't put their location in their "bio".

The OP here is from Maine so he can't get Wood Trim in the 300 Sport unless he goes up to Canada to buy it.

ayilar

It does, but the power delivery is noisier than on the C350. The latter is much better. On the downside (personal taste), it's too bad that the C350 only comes with black headliner.

Joey_G_1975

There ... bio is updated!

MBTex

Alright! Welcome and you'll love the black birdseye maple trim. It was a MAJOR selling point to get me out of the 300 Sport and into the 350.

xlr8tin

First of all..thanks for all the feedback.

Ok, I don't really like standards. I prefer auto (one reason I like mercedes).

Yes, I am in Maine for the moment even though I don't think it will change much once I move to SC.

I think I like the 350 better. I like more HP...afterall I have 349hp right now. I can't go down that much. But it being a brand new Benz will help the offset.

When I say performance I'm looking mostly for handling/acceleration. I love going fast and hard...

Wood trim isn't a big deal as long as it doesn't look cheap. I have it now and it could be better. I do want the nicer interior and exterior. I don't want to get the 300 just to buy all the things to make it look like the 350. I'll just spend the money upfront and get the 350.

I'm still not sure if this is what I want, I just want to narrow it down to one of these.

I also have been contemplating the Dodge Charger SRT8. Big differences here. Do I want to go American muscle or stay German..That's the question I face right now.

It looks like I can get the 350 and the SRT8 for pretty close to the same cost. So 425hp or 270hp? Style and great name, or American muscle?

There are more factors at work here, and I'm looking at all my option and info.

Dema

Decision can be based on what you prefer more power or luxury. For example owning BMW I lost luxury, so I perhaps will stay away of BMW in future. If you have a car as daily driver, then you can't use power too much, or it can be quite risky. Anyway US version of C has missed some basic luxury features as keyless go, seat memory, parking sensors and so on. Maybe you can wait a bit more saving more and get C63? I'd suggest this way.

xlr8tin

Yes, I think the C63 may be the ultimate one to get. But $20K more is another car. But who knows we'll see...