4 Matic, worth buying it?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 35
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From: Czech republic - EU
C 280 4Matic
4 Matic, worth buying it?
Hello all,
I am going to buy C280 (aka C300 in us) and I am thinking about 4Matic. I live in central Europe and we have all 4 seasons here with snow in winter.
What do you guys think, is it worth extra money above normal C280 automatic?
How does normal C handles on snow? Is it easy to get unwanted skid?
Thanks for your opinions in advance.
D.
I am going to buy C280 (aka C300 in us) and I am thinking about 4Matic. I live in central Europe and we have all 4 seasons here with snow in winter.
What do you guys think, is it worth extra money above normal C280 automatic?
How does normal C handles on snow? Is it easy to get unwanted skid?
Thanks for your opinions in advance.
D.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
If where you live doesn't snow, you don't need it.
If you plan on getting aftermarket wheels with sports tires, you don't need it.
If you have a SUV and plan on driving that instead during winter, you don't need it.
otherwise, get it.
If you plan on getting aftermarket wheels with sports tires, you don't need it.
If you have a SUV and plan on driving that instead during winter, you don't need it.
otherwise, get it.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Everyone around here seems to have a thing against 4matic. It is VERY efficient, even more so on the W204. The weight is minimal, and the acceleration loss is almost nothing. Fuel economy loss is also minimal.
It is GREAT in the snow. Also great in the rain because you can gun it without having to worry about wheel spin. I'm so used to it now that I have to change my driving style when in a 2 wheel drive car on a wet road.
It is GREAT in the snow. Also great in the rain because you can gun it without having to worry about wheel spin. I'm so used to it now that I have to change my driving style when in a 2 wheel drive car on a wet road.
Senior Member
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From: NJ
ML 350-Black=Sold. New 08 C300 4Matic, Black/Black, P1, Ipod, Auto7speed, 10/10 hit 100,000 miles
I have 4 Matic and love the way it handles on dry and in curves. In ice and snow it is wonderful. My C300 made it up a steep driveway in vermont last week when a land Rover and Saab SUV could not.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Vancouver
C350 4Matic
Obviously your concered about winter driving. If so get the 4Matic. I have it and I have been testing it quite a bit. Do a search for (My C350 in the snow).
I posted some pics of my car climbing a dyke in the snow, and my car is on summer tires.
I posted some pics of my car climbing a dyke in the snow, and my car is on summer tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2006
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From: New Jersey
E550 4MATIC
I've had 2 MBs with 4Matic and never had a problem in any level of snow. I have been in snow storms flying by other cars and SUVs with perfect traction and that is with all season tires.
(By the way, flying by is all relative, obviously you need to exercise caution because if you hit certain patches of ice, it doesn't matter how many wheels are turning, you could still crash.)
(By the way, flying by is all relative, obviously you need to exercise caution because if you hit certain patches of ice, it doesn't matter how many wheels are turning, you could still crash.)
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
Everyone around here seems to have a thing against 4matic. It is VERY efficient, even more so on the W204. The weight is minimal, and the acceleration loss is almost nothing. Fuel economy loss is also minimal.
It is GREAT in the snow. Also great in the rain because you can gun it without having to worry about wheel spin. I'm so used to it now that I have to change my driving style when in a 2 wheel drive car on a wet road.
It is GREAT in the snow. Also great in the rain because you can gun it without having to worry about wheel spin. I'm so used to it now that I have to change my driving style when in a 2 wheel drive car on a wet road.
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From: Vancouver, Canada
R8
I'm confused. Why would you not need it just because you're getting aftermarket wheels and sports tires? Can't you just have an extra set of wheels/snow tires for the winter when the weather changes and you do need all-wheel-drive?
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Joined: Sep 2007
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From: Jet City, USA
'08 W204.081; M 272.948 KE30; Colour Code#792
Not only was the C300 my first MB, it was my first AWD car too. I haven't looked back, and would do it again if I had the opportunity. The only thing that annoys me is that the C350 4MATIC is not available in the USA.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Czech republic - EU
C 280 4Matic
Thanks a lot for replies. This is will be my first MB and I never had car with RWD, so Im thinking more about AWD now.
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Vancouver, Canada
R8
Thanks a lot for replies. This is will be my first MB and I never had car with RWD, so Im thinking more about AWD now.
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
Good luck!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
come on, I am sure you know what i mean. I am just saying 4 matic doesn't do much good when you get sports tires. AND IF you don't get another set of wheels with snow tires.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,131
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From: Chicago
2004 E320, 2006 Audi A6, 2008 C350 W204, 2010 BMW F10, 2012 Porsche Carrera S 991, 2014 E350 W212
Thanks a lot for replies. This is will be my first MB and I never had car with RWD, so Im thinking more about AWD now.
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
Thanks a lot for replies. This is will be my first MB and I never had car with RWD, so Im thinking more about AWD now.
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
We got a law here (Czech rep.), that forces us to wear snow tires during winter, so I got to change them anyway. Weather here could be compared to north US or south Canada - never been there, just assuming from latitude and movies
All that said, if MBUSA liked us enough to offer the 4-matic on our C350 I would of bought it...
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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2009 C300 4matic
I own the C300 4matic. It's a reassuring driving experience and the traction is incredible even on the all seasons Michelins. However, the RWD version is just more nimble in high speed corners and when exiting a corner with power it's just more fun. I love the interactive steering in the RWD. I love the safety with the 4Matic, it feels solid and masculine (I don't know how else to describe it). All I know is that I like the 4matic system even more than the Xi system on BMWs on the street, the 4Matic is much more transparent.
My wife drives the Merc and we use it to go skiing so we opted for 4Matic.
My wife drives the Merc and we use it to go skiing so we opted for 4Matic.
Member
Joined: Oct 2008
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From: Edmonton AB
Audi S4, Mercedes Benz C350 4Matic
. I have all my cars in AWD and I love them here in Edmonton, where winter last 6 months long! It is definitely worth it!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Homeless
'20 Targa 4 DD, ' 18 Volvo S60 T6
No need for Czech unless mountain roads in the area are brutal.
I've been in Prague several times over a few winters and RWD is fine. My friend in Munich never has problems with RWD (BMW & MB) - now does not even put winters on any more.
I'd put the Dunlop 3Ds on though.
I've been in Prague several times over a few winters and RWD is fine. My friend in Munich never has problems with RWD (BMW & MB) - now does not even put winters on any more.
I'd put the Dunlop 3Ds on though.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: Vancouver
C350 4Matic
Those are 18 AMG with the standard summers on the white car. Yes winters or even all season would be better. But my car didnt have any issues with the summers.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 35
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From: Czech republic - EU
C 280 4Matic
Thanks all for help, I ordered 4Matic few days ago
As for Prague, it is a bit different there. Im living in small town in mountain area and I use to drive at hills 400-600 meters high, sometimes even to 1000 meters. We use to have more snow here and it last longer than in Prague.
Anyway, thans again for answers, now I just need to wait 2-3 months - still waiting for delivery date.
As for Prague, it is a bit different there. Im living in small town in mountain area and I use to drive at hills 400-600 meters high, sometimes even to 1000 meters. We use to have more snow here and it last longer than in Prague.
Anyway, thans again for answers, now I just need to wait 2-3 months - still waiting for delivery date.
Last edited by DavidM; Jan 29, 2009 at 02:54 AM. Reason: typo
Owned then Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 169
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S550
Thanks all for help, I ordered 4Matic few days ago
As for Prague, it is a bit different there. Im living in small town in mountain area and I use to drive at hills 400-600 meters high, sometimes even to 1000 meters. We use to have more snow here and it last longer than in Prague.
Anyway, thans againg for answers, now I just need to wait 2-3 months - still waiting for delivery date.
As for Prague, it is a bit different there. Im living in small town in mountain area and I use to drive at hills 400-600 meters high, sometimes even to 1000 meters. We use to have more snow here and it last longer than in Prague.
Anyway, thans againg for answers, now I just need to wait 2-3 months - still waiting for delivery date.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 35
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From: Czech republic - EU
C 280 4Matic
From what i heard, 2-3 months is normal if ordering new car with custom configuration.
I hoped, that it will be faster, couse they now make less cars due to crisis. But they told me at dealership, that production is cutting shifts these days, so it will take them longer aka like normaly to produce it. They agreed, that is not that cool for customers, but is probably a must couse of economy.
I hoped, that it will be faster, couse they now make less cars due to crisis. But they told me at dealership, that production is cutting shifts these days, so it will take them longer aka like normaly to produce it. They agreed, that is not that cool for customers, but is probably a must couse of economy.
