jpnwdc

I am sooo on the fence about a new C300 Sport 4-matic. I have a 2007 SLK280 and would like to upsize to a sedan. But the seats in the C - ugh! My first BMW 325i (back in the 90s) took a while to get used to. But I am not sure if I should take the chance with the C300.

Anyone on here have the same issue? Did you eventually get used to them? I know this is subjective but I love the C300 otherwise!

C300Sport

I don't find them to be the most "attractive" seats on the market but I don't find it to be something I notice anymore. If you like the car (and don't have a seat fetish) I think you will grow to like them...or at least not be bothered by them.

jpnwdc

OK. Wish I could try it for a week and see! How do you like your A4 vs the C300? The new A4 is on my short-list too. Wish they still offered the V6 in the sedan. What year is yours? You like the 4cyl?

C300Sport

The 2009 A4 has a lot of hits and misses. The four cylinder is really strong but even louder...and not the good kinda loud. It's just too course and rough sounding. The interior is styled nicely but just doesn't feel as solid/substantial as the C Class. The plastics are the hard, brittle type. It does offer a bit more room in the back by an inch or so and offers leather as standard.
I really like the car but always come away thinking it seems half baked...like they should have put about six months more into refining the little things that end up bugging the crap out of someone.

jpnwdc

Yeah the 2.0T doesn't sound real refined. Nor does it track like the C.

aowhaus

You don't like the look or is it the comfort of the seats?
I agree that the seats look very generic, nothing special, but they are comfortable and provides good support.

As for the Audi, it is unfortunate Audi dropped the V6 engine for the A4. I had a V6 and chose it because it feels for smoother and not as sluggish as the 2.0T especially with Quattro. The interior of the Audi is very nicely built, but looking a little dated and bland.

Sportstick

+1 on the seat comfort!

jpnwdc

It's the comfort! Not sure why they cannot do better (IMHO).

Sportstick

Seat comfort is about as subjective as color preference. With the variety of body sizes and shapes, lumbar support requirements, etc., there is no one design which satisfies everyone. I recall working with a couple of seat suppliers and listening to the challenges they face and seeing their pressure mapping programs. They do their best to satisfy the widest range they car, based on technical assessments of respondent feedback in seat comfort research. I find the C Class seats just about perfect, but am decidedly less comfortable in my wife's E Class seats.....I'm just built that way. If C Class seats are not comfortable for you, move on to something else. This isn't a matter of better or worse, you just need something different because an uncomfortable seat is just not worth enduring.

I suggest asking to have the car for a weekend test drive. Sometimes, at first exposure, "different" can be perceived as "uncomfortable". Take at least an hour's trip, and then decide.

MBnewby

Ahh those seats...it is a good thing that I didn't get to drive my C350 for a few days before buying it because I probably would have opted for a G37 after experiencing the seats. I didn't notice it during the test drive but after a week or so I noticed that I could not find a comfortable seating position and was constantly shifting/adjusting in my seat while driving...I almost thought about trading her back in, it was that bad!

They are very hard seats compared to what I'm used to (Honda/Mazda). I finally found the perfect seating position for me and will beat anyone who moves my seat (mostly kidding) since I don't have memory seats! I avoid taking it to my dealership now for free carwashes because I know they'll move my seat and I won't be able to find that "sweet spot" again. It is a shame the 2008 models didn't have memory seating... That being said now that I have found my sweet spot the seats are not too bad, still a bit hard and could use more side bolstering to feel sporty but liveable. The best seats I've had in a car were in my 2006 Honda Civic Si, just the right cushion and great side bolsters!

charliele729

Talking about side bolsters, my S2k has an amazing side bolters, bad part is that there aint much room for any other type of adustment, a little of moving up and reclining back is all there is room for. But I have to say even though it is tight, it was still comfortable.

BenTrovato

The c class seats IMO, look like.. well to be nice, not that hot. In comparison to what the higher end C63 and 335is offer, the W204 definitely could use better bolstered seats.

In all fairness they are quite comfortable though. I've had a few long trips and the seats do not bother me one bit. Maybe it's function over form in these cars.

charliele729

I believed the side bolsters are not too high because of the comfort. Bigger bolsters will create discomfert for bigger people, and in the long run it will only show wear.

Peabody

I also agree the seats are comfortable but not the most attractive. If you're really concerned about the comfort, make sure to get the leather upgrade as it will include a slightly more adjustable seat, and memory seating positions.

Carsy

I can drive for 11 hours & not have a numb bum or any stiffness. The seats are very firm & give good support.

People mention that the seats look a little plain/austere .....we have to remember that it is a German car.

If you like the plushness of US seats, go buy a US car.

kl07rph

+1...nothing can beat the smoothness of 6 cylinders.

NJBNZ

+1

Not the best looking but still very comfotable

Joearch

I like the look and comfort. Previous cars were A4's and I think the C 300 is superior in aesthetics and comfort. I do wish the stiching was nicer.

aranu

Most cars for me just require a sweet spot. With my previous audi, I found the seats much harder so didn't enjoy that, but got used to it when I found my sweet spot. Same goes for this car, not the best seats but once you get used to it and find a sweet spot its quite enjoyable.

getno

With such a good looking body, benz really should have given the w204 better seats...
Its just a little disappointing stepping into it expecting the inside to be as good as outside lol
The seats are definitely not ugly, but its WAY too plain and a little hard.
I guess if the w204 has better interior, there will be no more A4 and 3 series on the streets haha gotta let other cars to survive too lol

jstaneff

It's been said before: use the seat heater to warm the seat as you drive. Sure it's uncomfortable at certain times of the year, but it helps mold the seat to your butt, and that helps significantly.

I found a good setting for the seat, and that included telescoping the steering wheel toward the dash. Gives a bit more rear seat room too. I don't even notice the seats anymore. As to longer trips, I don't see any real difference.

Of course for comparison I have the XC70 with leather seats and probably one of the most comfortable cars around. Not much beats that. It may not be a performance car but it is very comfortable. Um, and the ride quality is great too. So for longer trips I'll be in that car!

JimPap

I have a 2008 model C300 and have to agree with your comments. I can't imagine the claimed 5 million miles of test included real people as they certainly would have complained. With that said, I believe they corrected the problem from model year 2009 on forward. So if you're getting a 2010 model, there shouldn't be a problem. The seats have been redesigned.

As to what to do about a 2008 model, you can get a cushion to sit on for longer trips that makes a big difference. I can't remember which one I got but can look it up if you're interested.

envyxc350

Seats feel perfect for me, its just a matter of finding the sweet spot. i can drive for hours and not get uncomfortable.

omgitselaine

Not for nothing but my booty feels juust fine with these seats

Granted they are not the prettiest ..... fairly stark and plain actually compared to the leather on my previous ride ( Lexus IS 250 which was much "plusher" and "softer" ) however most of the people riding in my car can't tell the difference whether it is leather or not

whiteongrey

Just upgrade to Recaros when done with the car take the seats with you or check car-part.com for C63 seats.

Pretty much all OE seats are a compromise since they need to accommodate everyone.