Almost a full year since the C-Class came out....
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, Central California
Merc C300 sport, arctic white, P1, MM/Navi, iPod kit, 20% Tint, C63 Grill, X-Pipe, HID DDM Kit
Almost a full year since the C-Class came out....
Now that the newness has worn off how do you feel about your car now? Is it the same? As with any new changes in redesign and new production, whats the best part about owning the new C-Class (W204) compared the older model (W203)?
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Actually, the car has been available in the US market for 15+ months.
We took delivery in early August, 2007 - C300 Lux - 12k+ miles so far.
I can find very little to complain about - it's faster, quieter, roomier, better handling, better braking, and even easier on fuel than our W203 C. And it's solid - none of the interior noises I spent so much time chasing on our '02.
We just came back from a brief road trip that involved a lot of 2-lane roads and the occasional tight passing opportunity - I've never had a car this responsive and easy to manage in passing maneuvers - put your foot down and hang on.
So far, we have seen zero problems - nothing at all. Could hardly be happier.
We took delivery in early August, 2007 - C300 Lux - 12k+ miles so far.
I can find very little to complain about - it's faster, quieter, roomier, better handling, better braking, and even easier on fuel than our W203 C. And it's solid - none of the interior noises I spent so much time chasing on our '02.
We just came back from a brief road trip that involved a lot of 2-lane roads and the occasional tight passing opportunity - I've never had a car this responsive and easy to manage in passing maneuvers - put your foot down and hang on.
So far, we have seen zero problems - nothing at all. Could hardly be happier.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Actually, the car has been available in the US market for 15+ months.
We took delivery in early August, 2007 - C300 Lux - 12k+ miles so far.
I can find very little to complain about - it's faster, quieter, roomier, better handling, better braking, and even easier on fuel than our W203 C. And it's solid - none of the interior noises I spent so much time chasing on our '02.
We just came back from a brief road trip that involved a lot of 2-lane roads and the occasional tight passing opportunity - I've never had a car this responsive and easy to manage in passing maneuvers - put your foot down and hang on.
So far, we have seen zero problems - nothing at all. Could hardly be happier.
We took delivery in early August, 2007 - C300 Lux - 12k+ miles so far.
I can find very little to complain about - it's faster, quieter, roomier, better handling, better braking, and even easier on fuel than our W203 C. And it's solid - none of the interior noises I spent so much time chasing on our '02.
We just came back from a brief road trip that involved a lot of 2-lane roads and the occasional tight passing opportunity - I've never had a car this responsive and easy to manage in passing maneuvers - put your foot down and hang on.
So far, we have seen zero problems - nothing at all. Could hardly be happier.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
What's to be offended about?
Ours was a C240; obviously, a W203 C350 is faster, etc. But I wouldn't trade our car for yours, under any circumstances. I had the chance to buy a late-build W203 after the new drivetrains were installed in the '06s, and decided to wait. I'm glad I did.
Ours was a C240; obviously, a W203 C350 is faster, etc. But I wouldn't trade our car for yours, under any circumstances. I had the chance to buy a late-build W203 after the new drivetrains were installed in the '06s, and decided to wait. I'm glad I did.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
Don't get me wrong, I like the W204 a lot, but there were a massive amount of upgrades done to the W203 platform over the years.
I'm not saying that the W203 is better than the W204, but a W203 C350 is faster, lighter, quicker in a slolam and the brakes are much more capable than the W204 (excluding the C63). With that said, I would like a pano roof and I think the overall design of the interior is better in the W204.
I'm not saying that the W203 is better than the W204, but a W203 C350 is faster, lighter, quicker in a slolam and the brakes are much more capable than the W204 (excluding the C63). With that said, I would like a pano roof and I think the overall design of the interior is better in the W204.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Only two minor problems :- 1.Rattle in rear parcel tray which I fixed myself .
2. Engine seems to labour in 4th gear at 60km on flat. (5 speed Auto).A new computer program is supposed to fix this.
The only complaint is, that to my taste the suspension is a little tight over rough tar sections which makes the ride not as comfortable as a French vehicle, but overall we are very satisfied & enjoy driving the car.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 171
From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
Yup, this car has been great. No complaints at 16k miles.
I'll check in again at around 50k, but from the looks of things it will be a happy relationship.
Regards,
Paolo
I'll check in again at around 50k, but from the looks of things it will be a happy relationship.
Regards,
Paolo
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 1
From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
Can't really say the car has been bad, its got lots of rattles and its had a few problems, one of which was on the major side, but it seems to be quieting down now after almost a full year of ownership. It's not that its a really bad car, its just blah, it doesn't do anything particularly well, it seems to just be happy living in mediocre land. Even the exterior design which I fell in love with at first is looking a bit tired. With the 2009 price increase for the C class, I really find it hard to recommend this car to someone in the market for a new car, unless they could get one with some heavy discounts. A 2009 E class (discounts readily available to put it near C350 prices) or the soon to be introduced GLK look to be better values.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,093
Likes: 0
From: California
2014 C250 sport
I love my C300. Its quiet, solid and very easy to drive, with light steering and strong brakes. The only complaints I have is that some of the interior feels cheap, and theres a few squeaks and creaks here and there. Also, the engine and steering aren't as "smooth" as when the car was new.
BUT. I'm not going to say the W204 is a drastic improvement over the W203, especially over the '05 to '07 sport models. They were very solid, had great handling, and great brakes. Overall, the W204 just...drives different than the W203. Not necessarily better. This is just my opinion.
BUT. I'm not going to say the W204 is a drastic improvement over the W203, especially over the '05 to '07 sport models. They were very solid, had great handling, and great brakes. Overall, the W204 just...drives different than the W203. Not necessarily better. This is just my opinion.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 28
From: Little Falls, NJ
2020 GLC300 4MATIC
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
From: Kirkland, WA
c300
Can't really say the car has been bad, its got lots of rattles and its had a few problems, one of which was on the major side, but it seems to be quieting down now after almost a full year of ownership. It's not that its a really bad car, its just blah, it doesn't do anything particularly well, it seems to just be happy living in mediocre land. Even the exterior design which I fell in love with at first is looking a bit tired. With the 2009 price increase for the C class, I really find it hard to recommend this car to someone in the market for a new car, unless they could get one with some heavy discounts. A 2009 E class (discounts readily available to put it near C350 prices) or the soon to be introduced GLK look to be better values.
Even the dealer who sold me the car told me they didn't want it when I went to trade up to an E350; too many new cars sitting un-sold. And buying another car from them just wasn't enough incentive for them to give me anything for it.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: nyc
528i, GLK
I still get head turns with it... or i can believe its me. :P
first mb, coming off a bmw, can't say I luv the handling but other than the dumbo ears and 1960 door pins, this car is just fine.
first mb, coming off a bmw, can't say I luv the handling but other than the dumbo ears and 1960 door pins, this car is just fine.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 808
Likes: 0
From: nyc
528i, GLK
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,828
Likes: 1
From: United States
2008 R350 & 2008 C300
+1 for me. At this point the only thing keeping me from getting rid of the car is the massive depreciation ... I know everything's taken a hit but this car seems like it's been hit worse than others? I'm shopping this month for other cars, and right now my trade-in valuations are around 24-25k. 08 with 11k miles.
Even the dealer who sold me the car told me they didn't want it when I went to trade up to an E350; too many new cars sitting un-sold. And buying another car from them just wasn't enough incentive for them to give me anything for it.
Even the dealer who sold me the car told me they didn't want it when I went to trade up to an E350; too many new cars sitting un-sold. And buying another car from them just wasn't enough incentive for them to give me anything for it.
"As for resale value, the C-Class falls short of typical Mercedes-Benz expectations. It has only a slightly better-than-average projected residual value over a four-year period, besting the Saab 9-3 and Cadillac CTS, but ranking far behind the values expected of the Audi A4, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS and Infiniti G35."
The 2008 models are listed as below average and is far behind the same cars listed above, not to mention resale prices aren't too far off what 2007 C class resale prices are. Thats pretty crazy considering it was a complete refresh of the car (except engine and trans) for 2008. It will be quite interesting to see what prices these cars start fetching in a few years when everyone here will start trading their cars in.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 0
C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I don't know why these have such bad resale. They are exceptional cars. I'd rather get one than any other on that list for sure.
I think there is something about Mercedes-Benz that many people stay away from it, hurting resale. I think there is almost a feeling that Mercedes-Benz isn't for them, the name is almost too big for the company sometimes.
I think there is something about Mercedes-Benz that many people stay away from it, hurting resale. I think there is almost a feeling that Mercedes-Benz isn't for them, the name is almost too big for the company sometimes.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 2,073
Likes: 85
From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
Likes: 56
From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I have to ask ,how much thought & research do people put in before buying a car, does anyone sit in the back seat before purchase & check out the difference between MTex & leather. Or do we rush in & make a major purchase on impulse ?
Some folk take literally months to gather information on various vehicles to make sure that the purchase is suitable for their lifestyles.
Some folk take literally months to gather information on various vehicles to make sure that the purchase is suitable for their lifestyles.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Fresno, Central California
Merc C300 sport, arctic white, P1, MM/Navi, iPod kit, 20% Tint, C63 Grill, X-Pipe, HID DDM Kit
I spent about a month and half of R&D, lol! i test drove the car twice. went to about 3-4 dealerships and had them compete for my biz before i bought mine.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 396
Likes: 0
From: Mission Viejo, California
2008 c350 SG - 2004 c240 Wagon BS
I spent 15 minutes deciding on the car and 1 hour in the dealership on the paperwork.
I regret not looking closer but, based on our 2004 C-240 which has MB-tex with the leather inserts, I "assumed" the W204 would be the same.
It turns out the W204 not only has no leather inserts, the MB-tex is quite a lot different from the W203. My fault completely. ...oh well.
I regret not looking closer but, based on our 2004 C-240 which has MB-tex with the leather inserts, I "assumed" the W204 would be the same.
It turns out the W204 not only has no leather inserts, the MB-tex is quite a lot different from the W203. My fault completely. ...oh well.
