c300_993

Hi - I'm new to this forum and pretty close to pulling the trigger on a c3XX. Anything I should be thinking about when it comes to the 300 and 350 engines? Is one a little more proven than the others? Is the engine a new design or reused from the previous generation.

Thanks for any input you may have.

ffejalink

These are carryover engines from the W203. They are used in models across the MB line.

211E350Black

c300 3.0l with 228hp and c350 3.5l with 268hp

tanktube67

big difference on Hp

webada

I test drove both, highly recommend the 350 if you are not getting the 4matic.
(300 i drove was 4matic, maybe that explains the drastic difference)

I live in northeast, 4matic is helpful.

then again, if the speculation came true, the new 30xhp engine from SLK makes it down to the c-class, they could retire the current 350 engine, you just might be kicking urself

PoaMike

^+1... I want the new engine just for the progression in MB but then I dont because I already got my C, Might have to give my dealer a sturn talking to

-Mike

peabers

There's always going to be something new, Mike. If it's not the new engine, it's going to be Advanced Agility, or memory seats... or something else. Most importantly, you are enjoying your car right now.

RLE

<<I want the new engine just for the progression in MB but then I dont because I already got my C, Might have to give my dealer a sturn talking to >>

We already know that dealer personnel usually know less about these cars than a prospective owner who has done his research knows, or thinks he knows. The info is out there, and has been out there, since before the W204 was introduced and it was a matter of finding it.

Keep in mind that dealers and sales people make their (very good) living selling what is available to them or in stock this month, not two years down the line. They can't live on what they can't sell. And, sometimes the advance info is spot-on and sometimes it's pure speculation.

CarGuru

I'm used to driving performance cars and such so I know what good power feels like. I've driven the C350/ C300 back to back. Yes the C350 has a very noticeable increase in power over the C300. In contrast the C300 is not slow and anyone that believes so is not driving theirs or the demo hard enough. There has never been a situation I can recall where the car did not deliver enough power to overtake, pass, merge etc... Also there has never been a situation where I have said darn I wish I had sprung for the C350. Whats weird is the Germans have done a fantastic trick in making 228hp feel like 250hp. I drove a 2000 Maxima with 220 hp and that car respectively similar in weight to a C300 felt like 180 hp in comparison. In short, again my opinion I expected the C350 to perform or deliver as much acceleration as a 335I or G35 sedan at least but it doesn't.

-Ryan

c300_993

Thanks for all your responses. In terms of build quality would one engine be better over the other? I plan to keep the car for a while and want to check longevity/durability etc.

thanks again

chilledbenz

With the 4matic system, the car is slow. C300 with auto 7.1 0-60 add at least another full second onto that time with the added weight of the 4matic system. So 8.1 from 0-60...and I'm probably being generous with the numbers.

Not running the C300 down, I own a C300 4matic, I live with it day in and day out and can tell you it wouldn't hurt to have a little more hp and to shed a few pounds.

webada

These cars are new so its hard to tell about long term quality. Only two places are known to make these cars, south africa and german.

Only the 4matic are made in germany....

I'm pretty sure given a year or two, the SA facility will have the capability to produce 4matic...

ni2mi2

I dont think the statement being 4matics ONLY being made in Germany..my car (which is a reg C300 sport) is currently being built in Germany...not sure how they decide on which cars would be built where!!

Krytech

Not sure, but I think he meant that the 4matics are only made in Germany and not SA. Not that they only make the 4matics.

lkchris

They're the same engine (M272), just different displacements.

Cars with the 3.0 l engine are called C280 in Europe.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_M272_engine

IgorDj

I dont think the extra wat 30 hP
is worth th 5-6 grand extra
u can always mod the 300 and make it lighter and wat not.
i dunno. id rather put the 5 grand to a nice set of wheels.
or a better body kit, or sound system.

i got the c300 4matic
i upgraded from a 96 toyota corrola, so im satisfied with the power i am receiving from the 300

ffejalink

On the flip side, if you load the car with options (P2, MM, Pano, etc) the price difference is closer to $2k, which is worth it IMHO. Plus, if you can do a euro delivery, you can get a loaded 350 for less than a 300 purchased stateside. Fly out on Thursday, p/u the car Friday, spend the weekend in a great hotel and be back on Sunday - plus save 7% or more (if you can negotiate your dealer down more).