bringtherain

So as of recent 2 competing MB dealers have offered me 33k OTD for a C300 basic model (I have literally no uses for any of the packages - will be doing my own sound system upgrade and probably navi upgrade as well as I don't care much for the hanging double din navi). I originally planned to go for one with pan roof but the salesman talked me out off it when he told me there would be rattling noises in the future and lots of issues with them (which is why there were only 3 on their entire lot). Obviously considering how they're willing to eat $3000 in taxes, its clear I can get a bigger discount when I wait for the 2012 model in the summer to come out.

The big question is should I get the 2012 or 2011? I love all the changes they're doing to the 2012 EXCEPT everything EXTERIOR. Thats right, the new front looks like a cheap 3 series sedan copy with the head lights and the buck tooth bumper. If anything is it possible to do a front end conversion?

The chasis should still be the same if I'm not mistaken which means getting a OEM front bumper and hood (possibly fenders?) and doing a conversion shouldn't be too hard.

2011 / 2012 / 2012 (2011) conversion?

btw does anyone know how much faster (or slower) the 2012 will be? I use to have a w203 320 and it felt so much faster than a rental c300 my dad took out when his clk was being fixed.

Acapulco Bill

The C300 is being phased out in favor of the C250, a 1.8 4 cyl turbo that produces the seme performance (0 to 60 MPH in 7.1 sec) and MORE torque than the current 3.0L engine, with 25% better gas mileage too.

The 2012 C250 is already here in Mexico. So is the 2012 C350 CGI which has 38 more HP, 20 NM more torque and about 20% better MPG. Does a flat 6.0 in 0 to 60 MPH.

I agree strongly with the exterior looks issue. In fact, the 2008-2010 W204 looks better than the 2011, as the whole LED thing is a childish attempt to slap on some Audi as a "refresh". And then BMW cats eyes in 2012? When all the other Mercedes models such as the CLS, SLK, SL and fabulous new A, are trailblazing the most fantastic and amazing new styling trends in the auto industry. PERIOD. (See the official MB "A" site, just posted yesterday, in Mexico of all places, on this W204 forum).

The "best buy" here would be a CPO 2010 or 2011 C350 in terms of performance, if you are unwilling to spring for a new 2012 C350 CGI (despite the horrid appearance, the interior is certainly upscale). Plus the substantial performance increase and gas savings from the CGI. And the new C350 CGI will be worth much more in 5 years than a new C300.

So forget a NEW C300. If the C300 performance is satisfactory (and let's fact it, it isn't), then go for the beauty of a 2010. The 2011 C300 is already obsolete, why bother?

bringtherain

im actually fond of the 2011s led although Id miss the novelty of true fog lights. The reason why the 2011 is so appealing is the 1.99apr financing but mainly the fact that I know no one else has touched my car besides me. This would be my very first BRAND NEW car. Even though I've really only have had 3 cars so far

Acapulco Bill

Ahhh... the luxury of a new car. Made a list the other day of all the vehicles I have owned because my sons were curious (31 so far, the first two being a 1966 Plymouth GTX hemi and a 1968 BMW 2002), and yes, there is nothing like being the first, especially if you plan to keep your new car for a long time, as I do.

If you are set to purchase a W204 new, then spend the extra scratch and go for a 2011 C350, and make sure you get the Harman Kardon stereo option. At 1.99% APR, on 60-month financing, the few dollars extra for the C350 will be worth every penny, and the C350 resale value will be substantially higher than a C300, in view that the C300 is "pre-obsolete".

In Mexico we have 0% interest financing for 24 months.

As for the W204 2012, only the interior will be carried over on the new C-class 2013/2014 rollout, frankly the European previews leaked to the German press are just ugly, MB is trying to go for the new visceral look of the CLS, SLK and the A, but fail to get the balance right and the rear end is indistinguishable from the current Audi A4/VW Jetta. Check out the photo.

The 2008-2011 W204 is destined to become a classic, much in the way that the 300 SL and 280 SL are, just because of their beauty and balance, reliability and manufacturing quality. The 2012 model is just "passing through" on its way to the 2013/14 complete makeover.

bringtherain

yeah i saw it yesterday when i was browsing through the sexy new interior of the 2012. whats the pricing of the C350? I'm still a college student thats not trying to break his wallet (though i just got a promotion). Is the Logic7 system really worth it? I didn't heard much good of harmann but the Logic7 system has been getting praise though. Still.. considering I have to get the multimedia package to get it at $2750, wouldn't I be better off getting Pioneer speakers and some quality 10' JL audio or Kicker subwoofers?

jimmythegreek

if you care at all about having a little power under your foot go with a C350, trust me, Im on my 2nd one. I actually dont like the 2012 interior, I love the wow factor everytime my screen pops outta the dash. I wanted to get an E class this time but the interior wasnt my style and the car was too boat like, only the 550 had *****. The C300 are too weak and the 4matics are worst. The multimedia w harmon kardon is sooo worth it, I spent 2 days pulling my interior and installing a full 2 amp and DSP in the 2011 cause it has every option BUT harmon, my 08 did and I miss it. With the HK system, you need an amp and bassbox, thats it. Without it if you like your music, you need 2 amps, all new speakers, lots of wiring, (theres no RCA outputs) and probably a OEM interface (I used JL cleansweep). I doubt there will be immediate deals on the 2012 C cars, it wont be til late 2011/early 2012 when you can get super deals, I got my 2011 C350 last month for 45k and it window sticked for almost 52k. whatever is on lots around your region is prime deal making.

bringtherain

Whats a good price for a multimedia package 350 2011? 45k is definitely out of range. I originally went from 20 spending limit to 25 to 30 n now 35. Would 38 otd possible? N what's everyones take on pan roofs? Also there was a dealer with a barolo red 350 with media package, 27900 sticker at 30k miles. The only thing I have against it is color. I planned on getting the carlsson SPORT lip with supersport hr springs and in white its a beauty. In dark red... I just don't know. Should I skip getting a new 11 n ****** a 09 350 with media?

Sorry for all the short hand. On lunch break using my phone

covance

i had to make this same decision and went with 2011 one only because i wanted manual transmission and there is no stick for 2012 in U.S.

Kamen

Is this only for Mexico? 2012 C300s exist for the Canadian market. We have 8 stock cars coming in for July production already.

Also, I believe the performance gains from the C300 to C350 are very minimal (something like 0.4 seconds or something) so unless you must have the C350, C300W4M are the popular option where I am locally.

bringtherain

He meant mexico ALREADY has them on lot. The difference from 300 and 350 is 1.1 second com 0 to 60

Sportstick

No, C300 is NOT being phased out for the US either. We have had this comment and correction before, but the 2012 C300 is only 4MATIC and is the only model to offer 4MATIC as of 2012.

Kamen

Yea I just checked my info and the C300 RWD is no longer offered for MY12, only the C300W4M.
You can still order C350W4M and C250W4M as well for Canada. Only the 350s and 250 RWD are getting the new engine/powertrain though.

I just joined MB Canada, lots to learn still :p

Sportstick

Does Canada get any manual transmissions on any version of C Class?

Kamen

I don't think so, the 7G-TRONIC Auto is listed as standard. I could be wrong however but not surprising because the dealer has sold 1 in 2 years or something with a manual transmission.

Sportstick

Probably so...the US marketing wizards have dropped the ball on this incremental volume, albeit small. I wondered if the Canadian MB guys were any more insightful about the image/youthful impact of having a stick in the line-up. Even GM understands this and offers a stick on the CTS, although they don't sell many, it says something about the car and the brand...not just for older mindsets. Hello, BMW!?!?

Kamen

I've never driven a manual transmission MB before, but I have in the BMWs.

Seems like the ergonomics of a C-Class would be better suited to an auto, in my opinion at least, I would see myself not being really comfortable shifting around. They probably ditched the idea because if you're looking for a fun car in stick, a new C-Class doesn't seem to fit the bill. The new refresh and features are pretty impressive to me in an entry level sedan.

As of now you can get stick in the current MY C classes and B classes, but there will be no new B next year as they are still working on it. I think stick shift cars are going to be really rare if any at all within the MB line moving forward.

Sportstick

Actually, the ergo problems are non-existent and the layout must be good for the rest of the world who gets the same car with the stick (for example, all of Europe!). MB's manual trans is somewhat outdated, but the rest of the car is so good, the overall package actually works extremely well, especially with some chassis mods, such as antisway bars and tire upgrades. However, I think you are right that the brand is headed more in the direction of people who like to "ride" behind the wheel rather than involved drivers. Even some of the advertising reflects that (distracted drivers being saved by the car's advanced features which were paying more attention to their driving than they were! I'm embarrassed to be associated with them!). The new C Class is impressive, but if there were any pretensions to a luxury/performance blend, they are clearly moving toward the luxury side and away from performance...anyone can just press the right pedal and wait for the car to perform. Someone who really enjoys driving will probably start to drift to BMW and Audi.

Kamen

I would have to agree with you on everything except the Audi part then. :p

Have never really liked them and although the stance of some of their newer vehicles looks nice, I have never wanted one and they would be my last choice. IMO the real difference is just between MB and BMW. I am not sure about other parts of the world but locally, Audi doesn't even stand a chance in terms of sales volume.

I would have to especially agree with the ride in comment; as you know what people say, you drive a BMW, you ride in a MB.

On a weekend you can give me a Lotus Elise for all I care but for a daily commute, I've learned to appreciate the comforts something like an E-Class provides after pulling a 9-8pm shift haha