i dont need any other options, just want xenon headlights & heated seats.. why cant i order these ala carte???

Because you can't?

This.

The reason is that M-B is retarded and wants to make more money by forcing us to buy packages with stupid shat that we don't want. You cannot pick and choose the options within the packages.

I'm pretty pissed too. I wanted bi-xenons (for safety) w/o all that crap, and I wanted Navi (for the Cool factor; never use Navis) w/o all that crap. Didn't get either because I didn't feel like ceding to M-B retardation.

But now I regret not getting P2 and MM packages.

It's much cheaper as a package. I ordered active bi-Xenon headlight at a cost of $2700 in Australia. If as a package, it is only cost $400

Benz combined the option packages across the model lineup for 2008. Xenons was the one option that seemingly got combined into the more expensive p2 and p3 packages (except for the R class which still stayed seperate). I didn't like this idea either, I wanted Xenons but didn't want the extra $1,500 worth of crap (a sunshade and folding rear seats). As usual with Benz though, if you don't like the option packages wait a year, they will most likely change.

Another reason is the dealers. They complained to MBUSA that its hard for them to stock cars with what customers want if individually optioned. Therefore they, the dealers, like option packages. Plus it pads everybody's bottom line.

Don't understand why it differs so much from country to country?

Xenons are a stand alone option here £725.00

right. and because of fools like you who never complain and enjoy getting rammed in the rear by the dealer, MB USA always insists on only offering these useless, overpriced options packages.

It might be that we ARE the problem. We demand a high-quality automobile, approaching the notion of custom built, at fairly mass-market prices. MB's problem is to keep their costs in line so that we can get that high-quality without the hand-built cost. Of course they'll take some shortcuts, such as packaging a variety of features into a PACKAGE.

Considering the value of the C to MB, being it's largest seller, this is one place where they have to take measures to keep costs in-line with expectations.

The base price is just at $32K, and you can buy a fully loaded new Accord for about that. You don't get the design for a 30-year lifetime on the Accord, but you do get a whole lot of features that will keep you happy during a 3-5 year lease. So, why did you buy an MB?

I bought mine on the premise of it being a 30 year car. I bought it for the quality. I still see plenty of '70s MB on the streets, but precious few 20 year old Accords.

There's been other discussion about how MB has only installed wiring specific to the option package bought. E.g., you can't easily add things like MM because it's not pre-wired. That makes sense given the need to keep manufacturing costs in-line.

There's other considerations, such as "what percentage of the invoice goes to MB marketing?" and the like, but when we compare a C to an Accord or a Camry, we're comparing apples and oranges. Looking toward the Acura seems to be just looking at an Accord with better trim. Maybe the Lexus is a better Camry? Or maybe it's a serious attempt at building something along the quality lines of an MB?

I'm sure that you can get any feature you want, provided you bring a wheelbarrow full of money to the MB plant and talk to the guys who actually assemble the cars. But who wants to pay $200K for a C?

I also wanted the bi-xenon lights, but here in California I don't need heated head light washers, rear sun shade or folded rear seat, of course to each it's own, that why I got xenon kit from steal auto for &175.00

Agreed. And I do not believe MB is the only one doing it. Competition for the C class (BMW 328i, Lexus IS350) also offer optinos in packages only.

well as most of you know

in canada, the c300 and c350s come standard with xenons. Halogens are not an option for those. so its pretty much free. the c230 doesnt even have xenons as an option here.

and for an extra 4 grand ( i think thats what it was).. i got the P2 package with my c350 which included

-panoramic roof
-memory seats
-rear sunshade
-Multimedia package ( the harman cardon sound system)
-Navigation.

so it was quite worth the extra 4 thousand

Good for you!. Way to respond with the offensive personal remark! Now, why don't you stamp your feet, take your ball and go home?

I wanted a folding rear seat without headlight washers. That just sounds funny.

When I first spoke with the owner of the dealership I was very surprised to find out that these don't come with a folding rear seat. Just about every other car does.