Dilemma between 2012 C250 VS C350
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 583
Likes: 24
2026 GLC300 4Matic (X254)
I am loving my C250 so far. I have NOT driven the new DI V6 engines (300/350). All I can compare my C250 to is the old 3.0 C300. The 250 is equally as quiet and obviously feels much faster with the updated transmission and ample torque. *I did consider a leftover 2012 C300, but they all come with 4MATIC. And since it seems that 4MATIC disintegrates and requires entire transmission replacements in C class (diff included in tran), I can't take that chance since I like to DRIVE it.
I have read the comments about how people think the M271 in the C250 is loud....I simple don't hear it. Maybe because I have a Luxury model (more sound insulation?) - the only time I hear it is if I ask it to really MOVE...and then it's a very pleasant mechanical sound.
Considering in the U.S. the C class competes with other four cylinder turbos (2.0T in BMW and Audi), I can only hope that MB made the old M271 more reliable. They really can't afford to screw us over in that regard. It's not like turbo chargers are new technology - they have existed in MB cars since forever. As has DI technology.
Time will tell. But please, don't feel sorry for us C250 drivers! I think the C250 is one of the most researched near-premium vehicles out there. Takes an educated person to make that choice
I have read the comments about how people think the M271 in the C250 is loud....I simple don't hear it. Maybe because I have a Luxury model (more sound insulation?) - the only time I hear it is if I ask it to really MOVE...and then it's a very pleasant mechanical sound.
Considering in the U.S. the C class competes with other four cylinder turbos (2.0T in BMW and Audi), I can only hope that MB made the old M271 more reliable. They really can't afford to screw us over in that regard. It's not like turbo chargers are new technology - they have existed in MB cars since forever. As has DI technology.
Time will tell. But please, don't feel sorry for us C250 drivers! I think the C250 is one of the most researched near-premium vehicles out there. Takes an educated person to make that choice
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 1,331
Likes: 9
From: Delaware
2004 Mazda6, 1993 RX7
I agree with most of your assessment, but question you fear of 4MATIC:
" ... it seems that 4MATIC disintegrates and requires entire transmission replacements in C class (diff included in tran), I can't take that chance since I like to DRIVE it."
I've been on this forum a while, and I think the members' experience is not consistent with that statement. It may seem that way to you, but to me it seems otherwise. With no witness, the case is closed without penalties <--- joke .
Having a turbo (I've had 3 turbos in 2 cars) opens the door to some great, cheap mods for more torque and improved response, like this simple plug and play:
www.burgertuning.com/mercedes_benz_c250
Don't be fooled by their cheezy 20hp gain. That is just another way of expressing the big torque gain. The change in peak hp is 8 hp at 5500 rpm. All for $280. Other power mods from Kleeman (box = $1600), with the same stage for each engine, will yield similar torque gains, but much more hp for the C350. That means similar 0-60, but the C350 taking the 1/4 mile with ease for each stage.
Base OEM Ratings
C250 -- 201 hp, 229 ft-lbs
C350 -- 302 hp, 273 ft-lbs
Burger C250
C250 -- 209 hp, 269 ft-lbs
Max Kleeman'd Ratings
C250 -- 255 hp, 285 ft-lbs -- K2
C350 -- 305 hp, 278 ft-lbs -- K3
.
" ... it seems that 4MATIC disintegrates and requires entire transmission replacements in C class (diff included in tran), I can't take that chance since I like to DRIVE it."
I've been on this forum a while, and I think the members' experience is not consistent with that statement. It may seem that way to you, but to me it seems otherwise. With no witness, the case is closed without penalties <--- joke .
Having a turbo (I've had 3 turbos in 2 cars) opens the door to some great, cheap mods for more torque and improved response, like this simple plug and play:
www.burgertuning.com/mercedes_benz_c250
Don't be fooled by their cheezy 20hp gain. That is just another way of expressing the big torque gain. The change in peak hp is 8 hp at 5500 rpm. All for $280. Other power mods from Kleeman (box = $1600), with the same stage for each engine, will yield similar torque gains, but much more hp for the C350. That means similar 0-60, but the C350 taking the 1/4 mile with ease for each stage.
Base OEM Ratings
C250 -- 201 hp, 229 ft-lbs
C350 -- 302 hp, 273 ft-lbs
Burger C250
C250 -- 209 hp, 269 ft-lbs
Max Kleeman'd Ratings
C250 -- 255 hp, 285 ft-lbs -- K2
C350 -- 305 hp, 278 ft-lbs -- K3
.
Last edited by kevink2; Mar 7, 2013 at 07:29 PM.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
From: BLR-BFL-LAX
2015 Acura TLX
I am loving my C250 so far. I have NOT driven the new DI V6 engines (300/350). All I can compare my C250 to is the old 3.0 C300. The 250 is equally as quiet and obviously feels much faster with the updated transmission and ample torque. *I did consider a leftover 2012 C300, but they all come with 4MATIC. And since it seems that 4MATIC disintegrates and requires entire transmission replacements in C class (diff included in tran), I can't take that chance since I like to DRIVE it.
I have read the comments about how people think the M271 in the C250 is loud....I simple don't hear it. Maybe because I have a Luxury model (more sound insulation?) - the only time I hear it is if I ask it to really MOVE...and then it's a very pleasant mechanical sound.
Considering in the U.S. the C class competes with other four cylinder turbos (2.0T in BMW and Audi), I can only hope that MB made the old M271 more reliable. They really can't afford to screw us over in that regard. It's not like turbo chargers are new technology - they have existed in MB cars since forever. As has DI technology.
Time will tell. But please, don't feel sorry for us C250 drivers! I think the C250 is one of the most researched near-premium vehicles out there. Takes an educated person to make that choice
I have read the comments about how people think the M271 in the C250 is loud....I simple don't hear it. Maybe because I have a Luxury model (more sound insulation?) - the only time I hear it is if I ask it to really MOVE...and then it's a very pleasant mechanical sound.
Considering in the U.S. the C class competes with other four cylinder turbos (2.0T in BMW and Audi), I can only hope that MB made the old M271 more reliable. They really can't afford to screw us over in that regard. It's not like turbo chargers are new technology - they have existed in MB cars since forever. As has DI technology.
Time will tell. But please, don't feel sorry for us C250 drivers! I think the C250 is one of the most researched near-premium vehicles out there. Takes an educated person to make that choice
Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
2013 C250 Sport
I just bought a 2013 c250 over a 350. Test drove both. The c350 was a base and the c250 was fully loaded. c250 felt alot more fun to drive, the c350 felt lumbering and boring as a base model. i get the car is going to be faster, but I came from a 2009 BMW 335i and found that all that power is never used. Unless your my wife weaving in and out of traffic danergously.......
