huy801

My local dealer gave me a 2010 C300 4Matic sport for the weekend and here is my assessment between my 2008 C300 4Matic sport and the 2010 version:

First the mirrors sit lower and appear to be lower in profile which provides additional visibility to the corners and sides of the vehicle. However, they are smaller which was difficult for me to use because I am so used to the larger mirrors and they do not fold. I like the added visibility and I can get used to the limited view from the mirrors, but I like folding mirrors so I do not like this change.

The instrument cluster is changed such that there is a tunnel effect for the individual gauges. The needles are white and the headlight and foglight indicators are incorporated into the gauges instead of being around the light switch. When you use the turn signals you get "light bleeding" around the arrows, unlike the sharp cut-off you get form the 08. Also the sound when using the turn indicators have changed, it appears to be louder. I found the "light-on" indicators to be very distracting at night because they are bright green. Again, I don't like the change because the "light-bleeding" gives the appearance of being cheap, the "light-on" indicators are very distracting, and the white needles are more difficult to "read."

The screen contained within the speedometer has been upgraded such that the tire pressure screen shows individual tire pressures, and the trip screen shows a dynamic fuel consumption gauge. I think these are cool updates that I would like to have on my vehicle.

The key is less svelte and embossed; they went away from form and function and went straight to function. I prefer the 2008 key, its more elegant.

The door lock/unlock "chirp" and "remove key" audible signal is quieter. I have no opinion about this feature.

The plastic rivets have also changed, they appear to be a one-time use only design. I prefer the older deign so I can make changes to the car and not have to purchase new rivets.

Audio wise I like the new iPod interface and the additional connection capability for non-ipod sources.

Performance wise, I did not notice much of an improvement, except that the redline has increased.

Well there is my assessment between the 2008 and 2010 C300 4Matic Sport. I would say that I prefer the features on my 2008 over the 2010.

hwjimmy

my 2010 C has folding mirrors

huy801

That means I have a new car project.

Sportstick

Most of your comments are about the feature content, and the motor is the same, as you indicate. But, several others who have driven both have commented on improvements in chassis calibration...impact harshness, handling, rigidity (reported as feeling more "solid"). Can you discuss in more detail the driving experience other than the engine output, if you had a chance to explore those differences?

C300Sport

Can a simple software update give the 08-09 models these screens and functions? I would really like a instant fuel consumption gauge as it is interesting to see just how good or bad your fuel economy is under different situations...maybe even add a few miles between every fill up if I pay attention.

C300Sport

I wonder if this is more a function of a tight new car vs. a slightly broken in one?

mr inkredibul

Nice write. Tell me about the rivets they are a b*tch to get out but you can reuse them and have the tabs look like new. They are just not easy to pop out.

I want to see what the 2008 key looks like? I didn't notice any difference when I had a 2008 loaner but I probably wasn't paying attention.

As for the chirp....is there a way to make it louder, I agree that it is WAY to quiet. Aside from those I love the 2010 mainly because of the mirrors, the advanced agility package, and the redesigned HK system.

mr inkredibul

Ha all the cars have folding mirrors. Its just that after 2008, the US doesn't have POWER folding mirrors. We also don't get the 350 4matic here.

huy801

I chose not to discuss handling because the two vehicles are set-up differently. My vehicle wears the stock 17s with Michelin Pilot something where the loaner had the upgraded 18s with Pirelli Pzero Neros. I did push the loaner pretty hard through two consecutive roundabouts in my neighborhood, which mimics a chicane and it did very well and the idiot triangle did not flash. I have not pushed my car very hard yet so I cant definitively comment on how much the suspension has improved. The general feel of the vehicle under normal conditions seems very similar.

My 2 Cents.

mr inkredibul

^ Yeah I cannot see that pic.