justthinking

My 08 C300 Sport was back at the dealer due to the excessive windshield noise..(see my other thread about wind noise & painter's tape experiment)
The shop foreman drove my car for a couple blocks at 50 mph and said the noise level is normal (this is with painter's tape in place)..
After we remove the painter's tape, he immediately acknowledge the excessive wind noise is not normal and said they will first replace the windshield gasket and if that didn't fix the problem, they will re-install the whole windshield..
I also asked about engine software (tcu?ecu?) update and excessive brake dust TSB..my SA said he will check for software update and see if he can get the pads replaced for me for free since I am only about 1k over the 12k cut off mark..
So..my car is going to be at the shop for this weekend and I got a 2009 C300 Sport w/ P1, 18" AMG wheel & wood trim as loaner..

Here are some of my observations of 2008 vs 2009...

+Addition of the driver side memory seat
+Addition of the electrical steeling wheel adjustment
+Addition of the compass on rear view mirror
+New graphic showing current mpg on distance to empty display

-No Folding mirrors
-New position of the power seat adjustment buttons (like it better by driver's seat and find head rest height adjustment is not necessary)
-Sun shades seems to be made out from less quality material
-Raised instrument cluster hood causes glares from sun at certain angle

As far as driving experience, I felt the suspension is a bit softer on the 09 compare to m 08 and the car didnt' accelerate quite as sharp..
The softer suspension is comfy for the passenger (my wife) but I feel less fun driving it (didn't handle quite as sharp as my 08 and I think the slower accelerate is what others refer to as lag?)
Also, I find the seat on 09 to be slightly softer than my 08 and seems to have better support for the thigh..

Overall, I find it's a wash between 08 and 09, both has somethings I like and other difference I don't like...

len56

if its a sport model, you have to hit the sport button, don't you? (to get firmer suspension)

I wonder why it doesn't have folding mirrors???

justthinking

For US models or for w204 with out 'ADVANCED AGILITY CONTROL" switching between C or S mode makes no difference as far as suspension is concern..
The only change is how car accelerates and what gear the car starts from stop..
(again, MBUSA decide to rob us here in the States by not even include advanced agility control as an option..)

justthinking

Dropped of my car at dealer today for some software update for UMI (to enable navi directions on insrument cluster)
This time they gave me a brand new 09 C300 sport w/ almond/moca mb-tex interior..
There were a few difference on this 09 compare to my previous 09 loaner and my own 08..

The steering wheel is the 4 point style found on luxury model not the 3 point type found on typical sport model..
The gear shifter comes with moca leather knob instead of the aluminum knob..
The interior door handle/arm rest as well as the cover for center storage compartment feels softer..
It appears there might be some kind of the foam underneath and not the hard plastic feel I am used to..
This almond/moca C300 sport also has softer seat and the front seat cusion is exact like those on the luxury model and differ from typical sport model

Interesting to see if these changes are only for the almond/moca interior (came straight from luxury line?)
IMO..the softer/added foam armrest feel heavier and better than the hard plastic..

louiet3

Off topic question if you don't mind.

Just curious, to which Bay Area dealership you bring your car and how's the service in general? I go either to Walnut Creek or Pleasanton. Walnut Creek seems to be better.

Savage c-300

thanks for the write up. I'm glad there's not too much difference. make me feel better about getting my 08 model.

justthinking

Beshoff Motorcars in San Jose...they are a little farther away from my home (Fremont) but so far, I am pretty happy with them..
Used to go to Fletcher Jones in Fremont but decide to part way w/ them after a really bad experience last yr on a new c230 purchase..

RLE

There have been more posts than I can count pointing out that pushing the S button does not have any effect on the suspension. Plus the '09s don't have folding mirrors in the US.