Finally caving and thinking about getting a 204! Manual vs 4matic
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 473
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
Finally caving and thinking about getting a 204! Manual vs 4matic
So i took my car in to MB of Laguna Niguel to have a few things done, and for a loaner i got a almost brand new 2010 C300. The whole reason i have a 203 is because i just like them better than the 204, but idk what changed in me i find myself wanting a new 204 
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover
plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.
I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover
plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 923
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From: North Jerzeee
Lexus IS 350 F Sport
So i took my car in to MB of Laguna Niguel to have a few things done, and for a loaner i got a almost brand new 2010 C300. The whole reason i have a 203 is because i just like them better than the 204, but idk what changed in me i find myself wanting a new 204
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.
I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover
plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 361
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2009 C350
some cars have an awd system that was developed to enhances performance, say, the RS4. but the 4matic on the 204s is designed more towards giving you traction in snow. on dry road, there probably isn't as much performance advantage.
just get a manual.
just get a manual.
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Joined: Dec 2007
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C300 Sport 6MT
Yep yep!!
Honestly, no automatic can replace the full rpm control you get w/ a manual. Yes, the SMG/DSG trannys are faster than any human can shift, but unless you're racing your car, it's not going to matter.
My biggest peeve w/ automatics is the start-from-zero lurch. Some cars are better then others in this regard, but there's no way to feather w/ an auto. Manual was a requirement for me, making the C350 a deal breaker, i.e. I gave up the extra HP because there was no 6spd!
However... Cali traffic *would* make me think twice about a 6pd, though!!!
So, you'll get us manual owners saying you must get the 6spd and then you'll have the auto owners saying their cars are smooth (which they are!). At the end of the day, you gotta weigh the pros/cons and decide for yourself. Deciding on the W204 to begin with was your best move.
Honestly, no automatic can replace the full rpm control you get w/ a manual. Yes, the SMG/DSG trannys are faster than any human can shift, but unless you're racing your car, it's not going to matter.
My biggest peeve w/ automatics is the start-from-zero lurch. Some cars are better then others in this regard, but there's no way to feather w/ an auto. Manual was a requirement for me, making the C350 a deal breaker, i.e. I gave up the extra HP because there was no 6spd!
However... Cali traffic *would* make me think twice about a 6pd, though!!!
So, you'll get us manual owners saying you must get the 6spd and then you'll have the auto owners saying their cars are smooth (which they are!). At the end of the day, you gotta weigh the pros/cons and decide for yourself. Deciding on the W204 to begin with was your best move.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,986
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From: SEATTLE WASHINGTON USA
'08 C300 Lux Barolo Red Beige Leather P2 MM 18" wheels '84 944
So i took my car in to MB of Laguna Niguel to have a few things done, and for a loaner i got a almost brand new 2010 C300. The whole reason i have a 203 is because i just like them better than the 204, but idk what changed in me i find myself wanting a new 204
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.
I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
I like the little tweaks they've made, and although i still feel they are cheaply made, there's no rattle that factory warranty wont cover
plus i dont know, i just want one now haha.I decided if i were to get one i would get one with Premium 1 Package, Multimedia Package, the Harmon/Kardon system, and the spoilers, i just have one dilemma, manual or 4matic?
I love the idea of having a true drivers car, i have wanted a manual for a long time, and manual Mb's are just kick ***!! On the other hand, i live in OC and traffic is a B***H, the new auto is really smooth and alot more responsive, plus can be made alot better with a quick trip to Powerchip
I also love all wheel drive cars though, and i love the handling advantage, but im torn between having 4matic and a manual
BTW, I spent 7 1/2 years driving and repairing a W203 and the W204 is superior in every way.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 3
From: Illinois
'08 C300 4Matic Sport, '02 530i
Sounds like you already have your mind made up then.
If it was me, I'd take manual over 4matic any day, even if I had to deal with snow - proper winter tires do more good in such situations than AWD.
Alas, the C300 is the wife's car and she prefers a slushbox.
If it was me, I'd take manual over 4matic any day, even if I had to deal with snow - proper winter tires do more good in such situations than AWD.
Alas, the C300 is the wife's car and she prefers a slushbox.
Last edited by Pete7874; May 10, 2010 at 10:10 PM.
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From: Phoenix, AZ
2014 Ghibli S Q4 & 2008 C350
My thought would be to go with the C350 for the power and just deal with the auto. The W204 4matic isn't doing anything for you in cali only robbing you of power and adding weight - unless you travel north often. Besides a manual is fun and a true drivers choice, but since the car has four doors it's not a prerequisite.
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 393
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
...Or you could wait until 2012 and get the MY 2013 AMG B-Class/CLA which is a smaller CLS with an AWD system developed on the MFA platform and a 400hp 3.2L V6 with a comprex supecharger? It'll have a 7-Speed DCT rather than a manual though. However since they're planning to make it a successor to the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II and take on the upcoming RS3 and BMW M1/1-Series M, i'm pretty sure that it'll be a driver's car.
Personally it really depends on what you really crave. You don't need 4matic in SoCal unlike Massachusetts, and the AWD in the C-Class is good, but it's not a performance AWD like the RS4. The manual would be fun, and i'm sure you can modify your car too and get some extra power out of it. If I were you though I would wait until the new engines come out.
Or you could buy a used RS4 or the new S4...
Personally it really depends on what you really crave. You don't need 4matic in SoCal unlike Massachusetts, and the AWD in the C-Class is good, but it's not a performance AWD like the RS4. The manual would be fun, and i'm sure you can modify your car too and get some extra power out of it. If I were you though I would wait until the new engines come out.
Or you could buy a used RS4 or the new S4...
Last edited by MB300AMG; May 11, 2010 at 02:23 AM.
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Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,601
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From: Atlanta, GA
2008 C300 Sport 6 Speed Manual, 1953 Chevy Bel-Air, 2015 Audi allroad, 1963 Chevy Apache
The C Class is pretty tractable so you will find you have to shift less in stop and go traffic than with many other cars. I have to hit the Atlanta "interstate parking lot" a bit and I can often creep along in first and never have to use the clutch as the engine is happy from about 700 RPM up.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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w204
My thought would be to go with the C350 for the power and just deal with the auto. The W204 4matic isn't doing anything for you in cali only robbing you of power and adding weight - unless you travel north often. Besides a manual is fun and a true drivers choice, but since the car has four doors it's not a prerequisite.
I have a 6sp with a tune and eat up 350's all day...especially from a dig.
$750 tune (or any tune) + 6sp > 350 poopy auto > terrible power to wheel split distribution 4matic
not to mention, better gas mileage and the ability to wind up the gears and listen to the x pipe every single shift.
drifting and getting the *** to break loose in the 300 is as easy if not easier than in my mucho modified e46 M3 which made just about double the HP. The fact is the MB has a better band and the TQ is just there, even at 2300 rpms.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 473
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
...Or you could wait until 2012 and get the MY 2013 AMG B-Class/CLA which is a smaller CLS with an AWD system developed on the MFA platform and a 400hp 3.2L V6 with a comprex supecharger? It'll have a 7-Speed DCT rather than a manual though. However since they're planning to make it a successor to the 190E 2.5-16 Evo II and take on the upcoming RS3 and BMW M1/1-Series M, i'm pretty sure that it'll be a driver's car.
Personally it really depends on what you really crave. You don't need 4matic in SoCal unlike Massachusetts, and the AWD in the C-Class is good, but it's not a performance AWD like the RS4. The manual would be fun, and i'm sure you can modify your car too and get some extra power out of it. If I were you though I would wait until the new engines come out.
Or you could buy a used RS4 or the new S4...
Personally it really depends on what you really crave. You don't need 4matic in SoCal unlike Massachusetts, and the AWD in the C-Class is good, but it's not a performance AWD like the RS4. The manual would be fun, and i'm sure you can modify your car too and get some extra power out of it. If I were you though I would wait until the new engines come out.
Or you could buy a used RS4 or the new S4...
the difference in power between the 350 with 18% - 20% drive train loss and the 300 6sp with about 5% - 7% loss is minimal at best.
I have a 6sp with a tune and eat up 350's all day...especially from a dig.
$750 tune (or any tune) + 6sp > 350 poopy auto > terrible power to wheel split distribution 4matic
not to mention, better gas mileage and the ability to wind up the gears and listen to the x pipe every single shift.
drifting and getting the *** to break loose in the 300 is as easy if not easier than in my mucho modified e46 M3 which made just about double the HP. The fact is the MB has a better band and the TQ is just there, even at 2300 rpms.
I have a 6sp with a tune and eat up 350's all day...especially from a dig.
$750 tune (or any tune) + 6sp > 350 poopy auto > terrible power to wheel split distribution 4matic
not to mention, better gas mileage and the ability to wind up the gears and listen to the x pipe every single shift.
drifting and getting the *** to break loose in the 300 is as easy if not easier than in my mucho modified e46 M3 which made just about double the HP. The fact is the MB has a better band and the TQ is just there, even at 2300 rpms.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
Thanks for all the input guys!! here's my other old up though.
I really want to get one now, but in 2011 they get a fcelift, and a few more options including standard folding seats, but do the 300's get a new Turbo engine??
I really want to get one now, but in 2011 they get a fcelift, and a few more options including standard folding seats, but do the 300's get a new Turbo engine??
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 393
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From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
I'll post anything I find.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 473
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
As of this moment, the only official released engines are the 300hp NA 3.5L V6 that's coming out and the Twin-Turbo 5.5L V8 that's being put into the C63 AMG. There is talk that a smaller Twin-Turbo V6 is being made to compete with the 335i but no other official information has been released on that yet. I wouldn't rule it out though, but we'll all have to be patient for more information.
I'll post anything I find.
I'll post anything I find.
yeah thats all i could find too
my guess is that if they were going too put a new engine in the c300 next year it would be talked about or released by now because thats their best seller, in volume
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 393
Likes: 29
From: Boston, Massachusetts
2014 Mercedes-Benz E350 4Matic Sport
Possibly, or they're waiting until they debut the new CLS in Paris to showcase the new engines?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 473
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From: Orange County, CA
2006 C230 SS, 2006 S500, 2008 CLS550 Lorinser
i wonder if fletcher would put a clause in my lease that says if the engines change in the next 2 years i get to renew with the same terms on a new c300 haha
