Looking for comments pro/con from US owners/lessees of C300's with a six-speed stick.
.
Especially, what kind of highway mileage are you getting?
Ease of shifting, spacing of gear ratios, etc?
Would you buy the same car again?
Options to include, options to avoid?
.
I need a car just for long distance trips and commuting, and I'd stay in the MB family IF I can achieve a decent fuel and ownership cost.

Thanks.

 

I have recently got one as a CPO. Still getting used to it. Transmission shifts very smoothly, but the gear ratio is somewhat different (wider) compared to what I am used to.
I am getting up to 28 mpg on freeway.
I have got P2 package which is nice. I do not miss MM package too much. I have a garmin when I need it, and I am not sure I would like a huge bright screen on top of the dash all the time.
I would probably enjoy the reportedly better sound of the upgraded stereo though.

 

Check this out..........

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w204...ve-manual.html

Also, I get about 21-22 around town and my best highway at 70mph was between 28.5 and 29

 

wow that much? thats the most ive ever heard, wow

 

depends on u but i would consider the auto as well, i drove stick for years and i still love it, but for this car u dont really need it, yea u might get some better gas milage but if u do alot of highway driving u will get some decent milelge of 22-24, also there hard to come by and usually wont have many options cuz there usually the cheapest, now u can go custom with it and get what u want but thats up to u and will probably cost u more cuz u wont be able to "wheel & deal" with the dealership, of course my 02 cents.

 

with the 7-spd MPG doesn't vary that much in the C300. my loaner one time avg pretty much 2mpg better than my C350 which is around 18-19 town and 25-26 highway.

can't comment on how the 6spd drive on the 300, but can comment on the options. I only regret not getting the P2. The MM I drove a friend's loaded one vs mine. didn't make much difference for me. messed around with the sound settings as well. felt only better bass, but similar mid range and high sound quality.

 

I love this car in 6-speed and would not have gotten it if i could not find one...the 6-speed really brings out the best of this car...

 

Thanks to all for the replies and the link to the other thread. Your inputs pretty much confirm my assumptions.

C300s w/stick and P2 are almost impossible to find on the east coast. Most stick cars in dealer stock are price leaders and are VERY lightly equipped... not even metallic paint.

Looks like I've got to either go into a C350 or go over to the dark side (BMW, Audi, et al).

 

Keep looking....my in-stock C300 was Palladium, which means its at least some part of the wholesale mix, although most are red, white, or black. It has P1, and other than the possible convenience of the rear fold-down seat, I am not really missing anything (bought a great Garmin for the few times I need a nav.)

 

i think you'll find it just as challenging in finding a bmw in manual. as, i was in the market for one just recently..

now Audi on the other hand, seems to have a lot of stock on manuals (at least for the A4/A5/S5)..

at least that was my experience here in SoCal..

 

i love my 6 speed i think it a sweet car i just cant wait till i get my exhaust system and intakes put in so i can hear the real sound of my engine.

 

I have achieved 30 mpg shifting early during highway driving. I went for a drive on Sunday and decided to do some sprints. The six speed adds a lot fun to driving this car. It's not as slow as people would have you believe. As far as getting another; maybe. Eventhough it's decent, I think I am going to go back to a higher hp ride next time.