Moneymike

me too....didn't read all 700 pages....did trial and error

wase4711

I wish it had memory seats as well..who needs a back up camera on a small sedan like this? And, that downward motion on the right side mirror when backing up has ALWAYS annoyed the hell out of me..

KmanianC

These are they things that I am very surprised are not included in the W204:

1. Call waiting with the bluetooth is not very intuitive. My '06 Acura TSX would show the number (but not name) calling and allow you to switch between 2 calls by the touch of a button on the steering wheel. With the W204, you have to physically answer the call by pressing the required button on your phone. So much for leaving it in your briefcase in the trunk! lol However, if you don't answer the call, it is saved in your "rec'd calls" within the MM system and you can simply call them back.

2. I watched a video online of a EDM model that actually had the ability to read SMS/text messages to you! Haven't found anything in the manual that suggests that the US model can do the same. Would be a nice touch, IMO.

3. I actually squeezed 5 "normal sized people" into my car last night and while it worked, it was terribly uncomfortable for the person in the middle. So, a little more backseat room. However, this is just minor for me.

Qest

In the September issue of Car and Driver magazine, on page 64, shows a picture the C350 with what look like memory seating buttons on the door in front of the door handle. I won't be near a scanner to upload the pic for at least a couple days, so maybe someone else has the issue?

If that's the case, maybe it can be retrofitted to models delivered without it?

chilledbenz

I have that issue, and the picture you are refering to is a stock photo and not of the actual car they were testing. You can tell because of the white background out the windows. If that isn't the case then you can assume that it was a euro c, or canadian c. As for retro fitting, if you could get a hold of the part numbers for the trim pannel, and the controls off a canadian model I would think it would already be wired for it, just have to program the computer. I think they use the same wireing harness for all the cars to save time and money, so even if your car doesn't have a certain option its most likely wired for it already. I could be wrong, I've never tore into it to find out ha ha just a theory.

st13phil

Don't bank on it... Take a look at this article which includes the statement "Mercedes also avoided adding unnecessary bulk by using customised wiring harnesses. These contain only the cables, plugs and connections required for the configuration of the specific vehicle." I suspect that retrofitting electrical options not supplied at the time of original build may not be that simple on this car.

BTW, the article makes an interesting read and gives a good insight into some of the design and production thinking that went into the W204 model

Chaz00Blue

So far the only thing that I am disappointed with is that I don't have it yet. My dealer has done a really poor job of letting me know what is going on. I expect that he will call me some day soon and say that it is here. I wish they would keep me better informed, but I'm sure he is busy trying to sell more.

MBTex

I had thought that the MM was SMS compatible in the US as well. I knew I wasn't going to be able to take advantage of it right away due to my Treo not being completely compatible with the MB Bluetooth, but I thought it was possible. I could be wrong though as I never have really bothered to verify this.

MBTex

Man I know that feeling....that was my experience as well. Until the call came in...then ALL was forgiven.

phs

I ordered the C350 4matic about a month ago and would not see the car until Mar 08. Been reading from various sources and got the impression that several features which are only available in other countries, like Australia and Egypt(!!) now, would only be offered here (Canada) in MY2009.

Advanced Agility Control - switches between a firmer Sports mode and a softer Comfort mode. At first I thought that it is the same as the basic agility control, but apparently it isn't. It also offers a quicker response time in shifting between gears.
AMG package - which is not just an external styling package but steering colum shift paddle and front sport seats.
Possible more powerful engine options - Rumor has it that there would be a 306 hp engine available, which would not be competing with the >400 hp C63.

I was debating whether I should wait for Fall 2008 before picking up a 2009 model.

Any thoughts?

QQQ

In Europe shift paddle comes with Advanced Agility.
Doubt the CGI engines are coming anytime soon.