C-Class (W204) 2008 - 2014: C180K, C200K, C230, C280, C300, C350, C200CDI, C220CDI, C320CDI

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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 10:56 AM
  #1  
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New guy help

I am looking to buy a 2008 c300 AWD fully loaded, folding mirrors, nav, heated seats, etc, with 34,000 miles on it, a 4matic for 27,500.

I love this car, but all i have heard is **** about it's reliability and that the c in c-class is for crappy. I have been an audi guy all my life and have had a lot of problems, so I'm looking for something more reliable this time.

What kind of issues would i be expecting to have with this car in the future?


Thanks.
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 11:26 AM
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14' CLS550
I have an 08 c300 4matic and ive had noo problems 20,000 miles later.. only complaint is its lack of HP..
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 12:25 PM
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2008 C300 4matic Sport
Originally Posted by bigigg
I have an 08 c300 4matic and ive had noo problems 20,000 miles later.. only complaint is its lack of HP..
i feel the same way, there is a lack of HP but it is still a very quick car and i have had no issues so far.
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 12:54 PM
  #4  
Niti24
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lack of horsepower. Nothing else. Its a very fun car to drive!
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Old Apr 25, 2010 | 03:38 PM
  #5  
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08 C300 4-Matic, P1 P2 MM iPod Kit
Originally Posted by Mbnewguy
I am looking to buy a 2008 c300 AWD fully loaded, folding mirrors, nav, heated seats, etc, with 34,000 miles on it, a 4matic for 27,500.

I love this car, but all i have heard is **** about it's reliability and that the c in c-class is for crappy. I have been an audi guy all my life and have had a lot of problems, so I'm looking for something more reliable this time.

What kind of issues would i be expecting to have with this car in the future?


Thanks.
And where did you hear about it's bad reliability as crappy??? Far from the truth. Just passed 40,000 miles and NO reliability issues for the same exact car your looking for.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 01:51 PM
  #6  
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Well my mother is an Internet research freakkkk, and is blowing up everywebsite there is reviewing the car. I am 21, and am paying for the car myself, but she pays my insurance, and i need to set her straight. That's why i want owner input to rub in her face.

I had to the the same thing when i bought my Audi, it's a pain in the ***.

Plus i am cautious on any car i buy due to all the money i poured into that Audi, and i trust you guys more then some car and driver or edmunds review.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 03:25 PM
  #7  
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You'll be awfully surprised how reliable MB's are the past few years, especially when taken care of.

Forget the "reviews" of the car, as most of it is based on "angry" or unknown customers. Look at just the statistics of the reliability of the car given by many agencies. ADAC from Europe actually named the C-Class the most reliable medium sized car.

I believe your mother may have been just searching for "C-Class". Mind you C-Classes have been in existence for a VERY long time and she may be looking at reliability of w202 and some w203's. The one she has to look for are w204's.

According to Truedelta, the w204 is among one of the best of its class in reliability compared to the A4 and 3 Series.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 05:29 PM
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I was researching this car for weeks, and found only good things! I have a few benzes in the family and none have any major issues.

Benz really stepped it up in the past few years. My 04 CLK had some odd electrical glitches but it was perfect mechanically.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 07:18 PM
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I think your main concern will be to find what to do with part of the time you used to curse and fix your Audi.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by JoeVal
I think your main concern will be to find what to do with part of the time you used to curse and fix your Audi.
hahah 100% right, because there was a sh*t ton of that going on.
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 09:47 PM
  #11  
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I hope she didn't go on Edmunds. We came across a review poster there who went on three separate accounts to bash the C class just because he wanted to bring out a point about the NON-USA models. >_> It's true, the diesel injectors still have a few kinks, but they're being worked out, and the dealer would be more than happy to help you if needed. Also, my entire family runs with MBZ cars. We've only had one incident of a problem, which was in a 2001 S430 Sport. Ticking frm the engine. Dealer couldn't fix the problem, so they replaced the entire engine for us no charge. And the time of that incident was in 2006.

To this day, I absolutely adore my C350, and all W204s look drop dead gorgeous, save for the big rear bumper that looks like a protruding ****. But you know :/ The C300 4matic is no different either, save for a few horsepower. This thing is honestly built like a rock. And uhh, my review is getting quite wordy now, but overall, I'm all for it. You should find one with the multimedia package though. I'm sure you'll enjoy it much more
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Old Apr 26, 2010 | 10:01 PM
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+1. Well said SnarlingChicken. Loved my car from day 1 and haven't looked back.
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 10:07 AM
  #13  
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Thanks for all of your help guys, were you still under a warranty when they replaced the engine when it was ticking? or is that just how MB dealers operate?

also do you guys think that $27,985 is a good deal for that car?
2008, 34,000 miles, AWD, silver dash pieces not wood, navigation, harmon stereo, folding mirrors, fog lights, not a scratch on it.

and I keep forgetting to ask them, but these things come with the 4 year or 50,000 mile warranty right?
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Old Apr 27, 2010 | 11:40 PM
  #14  
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'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
Used C300 Sport

Originally Posted by Mbnewguy
Thanks for all of your help guys, were you still under a warranty when they replaced the engine when it was ticking? or is that just how MB dealers operate?

also do you guys think that $27,985 is a good deal for that car?
2008, 34,000 miles, AWD, silver dash pieces not wood, navigation, harmon stereo, folding mirrors, fog lights, not a scratch on it.

and I keep forgetting to ask them, but these things come with the 4 year or 50,000 mile warranty right?
Is this from a dealer? If not, have the car examined by one to be sure there have been no collision repairs and no outstanding service bulletins pending.

The factory warranty (4/50) will transfer with the appropriate paperwork. This sounds like a pretty base car with the MM package. It's not a dealer service loaner, is it?

In the case of a W204, "fully loaded" includes as factory equipment:

Metallic paint
18" wheels
P2 package
Multimedia Package
Leather interior
Panorama roof
Rear side airbags
TeleAid

I haven't listed dealer installed items.

You don't have to worry about reliability. My C300 is my eighth MB and most reliable by a wide margin. It's had only a few trivial warranty repairs in 2.5 years and so I have decided not to buy an extended warranty.

Last edited by RLE; Apr 27, 2010 at 11:52 PM.
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 12:11 AM
  #15  
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I don't think that it was a service loaner because the car fax says it was taken on a lean, and it is at an Infiniti dealer and they don't want to negotiate.

I mean it does have the heated seats and navigation, as well as the base features, I mean i would prefer not to have the wood trim and stuff.

Im looking for a reason to get them to give it to me for cheaper basically
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 12:23 AM
  #16  
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2017 C43
Originally Posted by RLE
Is this from a dealer? If not, have the car examined by one to be sure there have been no collision repairs and no outstanding service bulletins pending.

The factory warranty (4/50) will transfer with the appropriate paperwork. This sounds like a pretty base car with the MM package. It's not a dealer service loaner, is it?

In the case of a W204, "fully loaded" includes as factory equipment:

Metallic paint
18" wheels
P2 package
Multimedia Package
Leather interior
Panorama roof
Rear side airbags
TeleAid

I haven't listed dealer installed items.

You don't have to worry about reliability. My C300 is my eighth MB and most reliable by a wide margin. It's had only a few trivial warranty repairs in 2.5 years and so I have decided not to buy an extended warranty.
Wow MBnewguy - I came on here searching for a SIMILAR thread to base my questions on and I found almost an IDENTICAL match to what I'm looking for. Tomorrow I am taking the plunge on an 08 300 with 34k miles @ 27.9k
Equipment includes: Nav,heated seats, real leather, pano roof, 18 amg's, Harmon kardon.. maybe others but those are the important ones to me

xenons are missing as well as the rear power shade..

Guy has all service records from local MB dealer.. I have the VIN to run a carfax, but thought i'd look around to see if a generous soul had the ability to run one for free.... ??

Looks to be a decent deal and I've had a HELL of a time finding a decently priced loaded 300. This thing is spotless too.. I am more than excited.. look for a post later with pics..
Actually JK, here is an Iphone pic from today at the meet.. clean huh?
Windows are tinted all around, and I mean ALL around, including windshield.. does anyone have a tinted windshield and can comment on nighttime driving? or cop attraction?

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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 09:45 AM
  #17  
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Another round of ICE
Originally Posted by Mbnewguy
I don't think that it was a service loaner because the car fax says it was taken on a lean, and it is at an Infiniti dealer and they don't want to negotiate.

I mean it does have the heated seats and navigation, as well as the base features, I mean i would prefer not to have the wood trim and stuff.

Im looking for a reason to get them to give it to me for cheaper basically
They don't care how it is equipped. The Used Car sales manager knows how much he has in the car (price he paid), and how much he needs/wants to make reselling it. The only reason for them to lower the price will be if you reject the current offer, walk away, and they believe no one else will want it soon enough so that it doesn't continue to generate floorplan (bank interest) charges in their inventory. So, if you haven't already seemed too interested and tipped them off that they "have control of you", just say no and leave. They will ask what it will take. Tell them and then leave if they don't have a satisfactory answer. They will likely follow or call you.

BTW, are you trying to say the car had a lien (some third party had an ownership interest and it was repossessed) or was that a typo and somehow the prior loan was an issue? No such thing as a "lean", unless it's sagging to the right or left!
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 09:56 AM
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Originally Posted by Sportstick
They don't care how it is equipped. The Used Car sales manager knows how much he has in the car (price he paid), and how much he needs/wants to make reselling it. The only reason for them to lower the price will be if you reject the current offer, walk away, and they believe no one else will want it soon enough so that it doesn't continue to generate floorplan (bank interest) charges in their inventory. So, if you haven't already seemed too interested and tipped them off that they "have control of you", just say no and leave. They will ask what it will take. Tell them and then leave if they don't have a satisfactory answer. They will likely follow or call you.

BTW, are you trying to say the car had a lien (some third party had an ownership interest and it was repossessed) or was that a typo and somehow the prior loan was an issue? No such thing as a "lean", unless it's sagging to the right or left!
I meant the car fax said it had a loan/ lean default problem, as in the guy couldn't make payments or what not...but they told me an older guy traded it in for an Infiniti. The price is 27,890, i was suppose to meet with the guy but never showed and it's been a week and it's still sitting out there. The guy said he had it for about 3 weeks when i test drove it, so that's a month it's been sitting there now. I was thinking about giving the guy two options...1: 27,000 plus tax, and no dealer fee (which is 350). Or 2: I'll pay sticker price and dealer fee, but take off the tax, and I'll buy the car right now today and pay cash. And if they say no I'll just leave and but the same car at a MB dealer 20 min away that's willing to negotiate.

Would the loan/lean give me any leverage?
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 10:14 AM
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Another round of ICE
Originally Posted by Mbnewguy
I meant the car fax said it had a loan/ lean default problem, as in the guy couldn't make payments or what not...but they told me an older guy traded it in for an Infiniti. The price is 27,890, i was suppose to meet with the guy but never showed and it's been a week and it's still sitting out there. The guy said he had it for about 3 weeks when i test drove it, so that's a month it's been sitting there now. I was thinking about giving the guy two options...1: 27,000 plus tax, and no dealer fee (which is 350). Or 2: I'll pay sticker price and dealer fee, but take off the tax, and I'll buy the car right now today and pay cash. And if they say no I'll just leave and but the same car at a MB dealer 20 min away that's willing to negotiate.

Would the loan/lean give me any leverage?
A few things to consider:

- No additional leverage...not an issue for them. They are just selling it.
- Until the price is agreed, let them believe you will finance, not pay cash. Cash is not a benefit to the dealer. They make money on the finance contract. Once the deal is agreed, you can bring and pay the total price in cash.
- Not sure from your writing as to who did not show...you or the salesperson. If him, make sure he still works there. You can always ask for the used car manager, let him know you have an offer.
- They don't care how you structure the deal as to what money goes for what, (taxes, etc). The bottom line is the bottom line.
- You would do better at the MB dealer. As part of that deal, negotiate to include the same loaner deal they give new car buyers and ask to review the service records with the Service Manager, so they get to know you. This will help later on.
- Although the Infiniti Used Car Manager might have bought the car wholesale to have on his lot, if he thinks it will move, it's more likely they took it in from a dissatisfied owner. (I read what you wrote they said....not always true...Surprise!) A 24 month lease would have gone back to MB. It might just have been the wrong car for that first owner, but if he was dissatisfied and defected to Infiniti, I would be less confident in how he treated the car before he traded it.
- Finally, again, please stop writing "lean" if you mean "lien". How well you present yourself will help other people decide how seriously to deal with you in your future endeavors.

Good luck!

Last edited by Sportstick; Apr 28, 2010 at 10:16 AM.
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 10:26 AM
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oh man, sorry I am on my iphone it keeps auto-correcting lien to lean.
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 10:38 AM
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The fact that there was a previous lien on the car would not change the price you pay... Unless it was not fully paid off (which if offered by the dealer, I am sure it is, just double check).

That is a pretty good deal for the 2008. Just know that in 6,000 miles you will need to perform a Service B, which runs about $350(sometimes higher). Every 10k miles you need Service A or B, which is an oil change and routine checkup or lube. Let them know about that as an Infiniti Dealer probably doesn't.

Even though there is nothing on the car fax, walk around and inspect the panels and paint, it is possible it was in a minor accident or accident without another vehicle that was minor and kept off car-fax (I have had a car that this happened to and was a nightmare)

Lastly, with regards to Mercedes reliability. I have had an Audi A4 in the past. And the Tranny blew at 15k miles (I was surprised, I didn't even drive it hard...) and then at 40k miles the car fell apart, tranny was having problems again, error messages with lighting, never again will I own an Audi..

My w204 on the other hand has been flawless so far. I have not heard of such major problems either with any w204 or major recalls. The only thing you would encounter with a w204 (TYPICALLY, not definitely) would be small issues like squeaking, or rattling over time, occasional flat tire. But I don't expect the engine or tranny to fall out of the car like I would an Audi...

Sounds like a great deal, if you can get it for 27k Out the door, go for it!
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 11:51 AM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by bigigg
I have an 08 c300 4matic and ive had noo problems 20,000 miles later.. only complaint is its lack of HP..
no big issues here. 26K miles. Love the car although I wish I got the C350 instead for more HP.
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 09:12 PM
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I have another question, so instead of starting a new thread I'll just ask:

Do all of you guys run super/premium high octane gas in your car?

I am asking because gas is going up again, around $3 a gallon for 83 here.

If you do run the cheap stuff, do you get any pinging? or anything like that?
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 09:16 PM
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Another round of ICE
Lots of prior threads on this.....search for more details.....short answer is......use premium for performance and fuel economy improvements. If not Chevron or Texaco, consider Techron concentrate every 3,000 miles. MB approves that product for fuel system cleaning.
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Old Apr 28, 2010 | 10:39 PM
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Techron

Originally Posted by Sportstick
Lots of prior threads on this.....search for more details.....short answer is......use premium for performance and fuel economy improvements. If not Chevron or Texaco, consider Techron concentrate every 3,000 miles. MB approves that product for fuel system cleaning.
Not every 3000 miles, they don't. No more than twice per oil change according to Bosch.
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