Hey guys. I'm thinking about getting a 2008 C300. I currently drive a 2003 BMW Z4 2.5i. What are the pro's and cons of owning this car? The one I'm looking at has about 27k miles on it. What should I look for as standard options in this car? Thanks for any info!

 

Ive found nothing but 99% pros with this car! I absolutely love the build quality for an entry level mercedes and how luxurious it is. Even over Lexus! The 1% con that ive found so far is you cnt watch DVD's while in motion

 

BTW what is the price they are asking?

 

The one I'm looking at is 26k. Can you watch DVD's when you're not in motion? Also, are the headlights in this car HID? I know the stock fog lights aren't, but what about the normal headlights?

 

Also, if the car is under warranty, are things like oil changes covered by the dealership?

 

Just make sure that it has service records and proper service has been done. What I typically find with c-class's is that many people seem to skimp out on service. As far as options there are two tiers, P1 and P2. I don't recall what each package adds in teh 2008 model year, but p1 adds mainly creature features like dimming mirrors, heated seats, dual auto climate control and a few others. Than p2 will add xenon and led lighting, sun shades, rear folding seats, and a few other features. As side from that you can get command nav system (flip out screen), 4matic (awd), panoramic roof, and a few others. Check out MBUSA, they changed around the packages for 2011, but it will still give you a good idea.

As far as reliability, there is not much data available as the earliest year is 2008, but they have proven to be very good so far. No real mechanical issues, but prone to some little issues (rattles, squeaks, etc).

The only gripe that I have about the car are the lack of performance upgrades available for the N/A engine. Not to mention that the c300 engine doesn't really stack up to other competitors in the power/fuel economy ratio. I average around 23mpg with about 70% highway driving in my c300 4matic.

Another thing is how expensive the services are at the mercedes dealer. I don't know if you experienced this with BMW (as they mainly have prepaid maintenance) but the service on the w204 c-class is every 10,000 miles and runs on a service a/b menu. Service a is around $200-$300 here on the east coast, and service b is around $300-$400 on the east coast plus a few recommended additional services (brake flush @ about $100) and cabin filter change.

If the car your looking at has 27,000 miles, that means that you will need your second a service in 3,000 miles, a bit soon and a bit steep at around $2-300. Then at 40,000 miles you will need a transmission flush at about $100, plus a brake flush at $100, and probably a new set of tires. Also, how are the brakes on the car, if they haven't been done yet, you probably will only get another 5-10,000 miles max out of them. All this being taken into account, I hope you get a decent deal. If you can wait a bit longer, like mid-summer, wait until the 2012 models come out with the facelift. It will surely take a bit of a chunk out of the resale value and allow you to pick one up cheaper.

Edit:
No, mercedes does not cover maintenance on vehicles, even if it is within warranty. But the car is very easy to service yourself if you have a bit of a DIY attitude and mechanical know-how. There are great write-ups on this forum to show you how to do almost anything you will ever need to do. If you buy pre-owned from mercedes, you might be able to purchase a prepaid maintenance from the dealership and save a little bit of money.

 

Thanks for the great info jctevere! I will maybe see about getting them to alter the price due to it having service needs soon.

 

JCT knows his stuff! Nice to have guys like him around for us new guys!, But no you cant watch DVDs in motion and they typically dont come with HIDs unless you buy some sort of upgrade

 

I got my 2008 C350 PII (excellent condition, 23k miles) in summer 2010 from a private seller for 27.5k. I'd say you should definitely push for a lower price.

 

just buy it! lol

 

Is the car you are looking at MB CPO? If it is all SVC has to be done to bring it current and all brakes and tires must be at a minimum of 50% life remaining or else they get replaced. 26K could be high or it could be good if certified, it all depends on the equipment, if you need verification of equipment give me the last 8 of the VIN and I can e mail you a copy of the options and standard equipment out of netstar.

 

spend a little more and u can get a used cls with less than 60k miles...

 

Get a 350 with MM stead of the 300
My $0.02

 

Hey, here's the last 8 of the VIN - 8F188821

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

I think you will enjoy driving the C300. I find it comfortable, and simply nice to drive.

This car seemed pretty solid right out of the gate (knock on wood) even though 2008 was the first year for this generation.

Honestly, I would just get the most loaded car you could find that you can afford. A car with options is sometimes hard to find, but options are also more affordable on a pre-owned car. I personally love xenon, though they are really hard to find. Just get the extras you think you will enjoy.

 

+1

 

I would strongly recommend not getting the 08 model. I have an 08 C300 with P2 and know from experience.

Get at least an 09 or newer. The seats are more comfortable, ride more comfortable, and probably have the problems I had with the 08 worked out.

 

Hi DCubed, can you run the options on this C350 I'm considering? Here are the last 8 digits: 8F088697

 

 

Not crazy at all. JDPower has tracked the steady C Class improvements from good to great from 08 to 2010, where it finished first in class for initial quality. OP should get the newest model year he can afford.

 

What makes the seats more comfortable in a post-08 model? The seats are my one and only dislike of this car really, my 2008 C350. I went through a period where I could stand them but now they are really bothering me again. Curious to know what was upgraded?

 

Considering '08 was the first year of the facelift- I have been very happy with my car. I have had '10s for loaners and I don't see a difference besides the side mirrors which I don't think match anymore.

 

I go through spells too.

Basically, the seats have more padding after the 08s. I think they also extended the length a little. Probably more to it but that's what comes to mind.

And in case you're thinking about swapping 09s for your 08s...there are issues with coding them. Something about airbags. Also, the motor controls were moved.

 

make the plunge,get it and join the benz family! lol i had a 350z before i got my 08 c350 and i like the benz 10x better.

 

Sorry for the late reply but here is the factory option sheet...

Barolo Red/Grey-Black MB Tex
Prem 1
17" wheels
Multimedia
German Production
Sport Sedan
Auto Trans
Aluminum Trim

Car was sold originally at MB of Portland, OR
In service date is 6-20-08