Any thoughts on the 3.0L V6 in our C300s?
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Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 393
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
Any thoughts on the 3.0L V6 in our C300s?
I was just wondering what you guys thought about the 3.0L V6 in the majority of our C-Classes - whether you like it or dislike it and have any opinions.
Personally I find it to be quite a good engine and it has a good amount of power when compared to the 2.5L V6 I drove before. The transmission seems to make good use of the horsepower, although in manual mode it can be annoying since it doesn't behave very well sometimes (at least compared to a true manual).
Any thoughts or opinions anyone?
Personally I find it to be quite a good engine and it has a good amount of power when compared to the 2.5L V6 I drove before. The transmission seems to make good use of the horsepower, although in manual mode it can be annoying since it doesn't behave very well sometimes (at least compared to a true manual).
Any thoughts or opinions anyone?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 451
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From: S.F. Bay Area
2008 C300 Sport, 2010 RX350 AWD
7-speed auto shifts very smooth, power acceleration mode is pretty good, manual shift is a bit slugglish..
as far as the 3.0l v6..it's an adequate engine once you accelerate past the 25 mph mark..the only minor complain I have is the slow start off the block..dunno if it's due to the weight of the car, ecu program or not enough torque from the engine..
as far as the 3.0l v6..it's an adequate engine once you accelerate past the 25 mph mark..the only minor complain I have is the slow start off the block..dunno if it's due to the weight of the car, ecu program or not enough torque from the engine..
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Joined: May 2004
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From: California
2014 C250 sport
Fine power, but not very smooth...my c300, my friends c350, and a loaner c300 I've had all have louder and less smooth feel to the engine while accelerating compared to the 06-07 V6's. In comparison to my C300, the 2.5 V6 in the 06 and 07 C230 is so much quieter and smoother. 
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Vancouver, BC
C350 Sport 4M
I feel theres adequate power from the 3.0L but it's lacking the grunt of the 3.5L, once you go past 4000rpm its all just sound but no pull IMO. The 3.5L pulls and pulls and pulls.
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Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Toronto, Canada
09 C300S 4M
I like the 3.0L engine but it does take some getting used to. Like some others have said, it doesn't have the power from a dead stop, it has some to do with weight and some to do with the power delivery not being there under 2500rpms.
I find the 7-speed auto to really smooth and precise in sport mode. In terms of shifting with "manual" it's a little too slow to respond but that's what you get with an entry level luxury sedan. If you really want to take advantage of the manual mode, keep the rpms between 2500 and 5000. I find in this range the car responds better to gear changes. Once you go over 5000, and shift, it seems like there is a lag, or if you down shift and the gear you select puts you under 2500, it feels like it's thinking about if it really wants to hit that gear. From about 2500 - 4500 the car pulls really well. Just my observations, not the truth
I find the 7-speed auto to really smooth and precise in sport mode. In terms of shifting with "manual" it's a little too slow to respond but that's what you get with an entry level luxury sedan. If you really want to take advantage of the manual mode, keep the rpms between 2500 and 5000. I find in this range the car responds better to gear changes. Once you go over 5000, and shift, it seems like there is a lag, or if you down shift and the gear you select puts you under 2500, it feels like it's thinking about if it really wants to hit that gear. From about 2500 - 4500 the car pulls really well. Just my observations, not the truth
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Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 50
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From: Ottawa, Canada
2008 Obsidian Black C300 Sport 6 spd
I like the 3 litre but I also have the 6 speed true manual so I think that makes up for a little lack in power compared to the 3.5. Also better on gas compared to the 3.5. I suggest that if you want the 3.0 go with the manual. If you want an autobox go with the 3.5.
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,056
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From: Orlando, Florida
E350 Sport/ML350RWD
I am very happy with the 3.0 V6. My previous car was a 1.8 4 cyl so this engine was more than enough for me. I also didn't have a choice when I bought my car. The W204 had just come out and unless I wanted to order and wait, there were no 350's available.
Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 102
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From: California
2009 C300 Sport 6MT
Not as smooth/quiet as I expected, especially on hard acceleration. Not as powerful as I expected, especially from the start. My manual transmission helps a lot but I still miss BMW I6 3.0 engine.
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: San Francisco, CA
2017 E300
That is true, the engines MB makes are very torque-y and provide decent acceleration even when the displacement isnt as big.
My biggest complaint with the powertrain is the auto transmission in my C350. While it is brilliant in predicting gears and being quick to change gears when you want it to, it can be a little smoother. When it down shifts while coasting, you definately feel a jerk from it, a feeling that is absent in the lexus cars in my family
My biggest complaint with the powertrain is the auto transmission in my C350. While it is brilliant in predicting gears and being quick to change gears when you want it to, it can be a little smoother. When it down shifts while coasting, you definately feel a jerk from it, a feeling that is absent in the lexus cars in my family
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 811
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From: Toronto, ON
2011 E350 4Matic Wagon, 2013 C350 4Matic Sedan
The Merc V6's have decent low-end torque but can't compare to the smoothness and torque on an inline-6. The fuel efficiency is definitely not as good as other V6's I have owned though.
The 7G is a good transmission, when left to do its job. But the inability to specifically choose a gear via manual mode frustrates me.
The 7G is a good transmission, when left to do its job. But the inability to specifically choose a gear via manual mode frustrates me.
