toraniji

I am a newbie from South California and going to get my first MB.
Quick question for everyone here.
2012 C250 (P1 + COMMAND + Lighting + Lane Tracking + Panorama Roof)
2012 C350 (P1 + COMMAND)
Both MSRP is around $42000.
Which one do you guys prefer?
Any suggestion or comment?

Best Regards

wireless200

good grief, go for the power, man!

victort

c350 all the way

MDMercedesGuy

I think you have to ask yourself what you want it for.

I'd personally go with a better equipped C250 over a C350 with fewer options (which is what I am planning on doing). I found the 250 to be more than powerful enough around town or merging on the highway.

aowhaus

How much driving do you do and how much is fuel economy important to you?
Also going with the smaller engine means you could get more options which could make for a better car.

I personally like my lighting package (a.k.a. P2 package) and my panorama roof, and very happy that I equipped my car with it.

Liquid Metal

I am in exactly the same boat. I test drove the 2012 C250 today. I do not like it. It has less HP but more Torque. Therefore, it is equal to the C300 in terms of 0 to 60. It is louder than the C300.

The price difference between the C250 and C350 is about 4-5k. Beside the extra 100hp and a V6 in the C350, it also has these standards:

• Memory Steering Column
• Front Power Lumbar Support
• Rear Air Dam
• Rear Spoiler
• Subwoofer
• Not sure if it is true but the Sale Rep told me that it will come with paddle shift

Personally, I don't think those standards are worth an extra 4-5k. Then again, there could be more that comes with C350, Heated Seats. The C350 has 3 mpg less than the the C250, but that is a given since you are comparing a V6 to an I4.

Therefore, I am in the same dilemma.

Carsy

Fuel prices are only going one way medium term.

I would test drive both a few times in all conditions & see which you personally like the best.

Ask the dealer if you can take both home in turn overnight to fully check them out.

Which has the better ride/ handling for you. ? The 4 cyl should be lighter & handle better.

Will you use the performance of the larger engine ?

Pity you do not have the 250 diesel in the USA & then it would be a no brainer.!!

The only way to make the correct decision is drive both for as long as it takes.

Petje

If the price difference is about 4-5K, go for the 350

I wish the prices where so close together right here.... here there's a gap between 250 and 350 from USD 13K

Liquid Metal

Yep. Base model to base model: http://autos.yahoo.com/car-compare/o...296&trim=32297

AkaSigFreak

I would go with the C350. The only thing I miss in my car is the extra HP. Considering my past cars, the C300 has plenty of power for me but if I was buying another I would go with the C350.

amazer98

Another factor to consider is longevity. If you plan to keep your car for a long time, the 6 cylinder will likely be more dependable than a turbo 4. Also, I suspect the 6 is smoother and quieter on the highway, especially when called to pass cars.

For me, having an engine I like, especially in a car as nice as the C-class, is critical. A regular moonroof is nearly as nice as the panorama, once the novelty of the P-roof wears off. I have to admit I really like Xenon lights, tho. Still, if the MB regular headlights are pretty bright, they might be adequate. But if they are like the lights on our 2000 Toyota Sienna,well, then, the decision would be more difficult.

jlb0125

C350

toraniji

now, i incline to c350.

boycjo2

i feel i went for the best of 3 worlds: '12 300 4matic. enough power, quiet, awd, and the car just drives so much better than the '11 by far the best. all the options in the world wouldn't convince me to take a 250 - there are plenty of other competitors with a v6. the mercedes ride is comprised in a 250. 350, doesn't have 4matic.

MDMercedesGuy

How exactly is "the Mercedes ride" compromised in a 250? It has the same suspension as the other models - if anything, less weight over the front axle would make it feel slightly less nose-heavy than the V6 models.

I'm finding it hilarious the reasons people are coming up with why they feel the 250 is inferior to the other models...

DL_AMG

Lighting pkg is a must.

Liquid Metal

Congrats on your purchase.
Same here and Completely agreed!
I was thinking about the 4matic but I decided to pass on the 4matic. I live in an area that does not need it. With that being said, 4matic are heavier and therefore will get less MPG. When I checked for insurance rates, it was higher. And since I live in an area that does not require 4 wheel driving that much, if it breaks, it will cost to fix.

Otherwise, I would rather settle for a C300 luxury edition. Unfortunately, they don't make any C300 without 4matic for 2012 because it seems like they are trying to promote the C250.

If you live in an area that requires it, then it all makes sense. Congrats on your purchase.

If you don't mind me asking, is the C300 4matic more than the C350 for 2012 when you purchased it?

Liquid Metal

That is true. I test drove the C250. It was too noise for my taste.

Liquid Metal

I love the picture that you posted of your Iridium Silver.

Glyn M Ruck

I would also consider how long you want to keep the car. The M271 EVO turbo engine is partially unproven. The previous M271 has not shown the reliability of the V6 engines or long term durability. The M272 has all it's cam magnet & sintered sprocket on the Lanchester balancer shaft drive problems sorted.

I would have the same attitude to the new 60 degree V6. Don't buy one until the early life gremlins have been sorted out in production. Just a thought.

togaclk55

Power!!!

Sportstick

Just wondering why someone in snow-free San Francisco would want 4MATIC? Going uphill the weight transfer is to the rear, and downhill, it's mostly a matter of brakes and gearing. Seems like a lot of weight to carry around all year long.

Go into mountain country much for skiing?

Scat01

You beat me to this - I was thinking the exact same thing...


OP - I drove a half dozen C series cars prior to buying the C350, all the previous cars were C300's, some with 4matic, some without...That tells you my opinion on your question, but it is really a personal choice you need to make - Do I wish I had the lighting package? hell yes...Would I trade the extra power for the lights? hell no...As far as the other options, I know what lane I am in and how to stay in it, and I never open my roof now, so neither of those would be reason to trade for power either - Good luck with your decision.

mac911

I'd probably choose the 350, but I'd do EVERYTHING I could to find with with lighting package! I miss this so much on my SLK and love it on my C Class.

The lighting is just something I really demand now and continue to miss it each day on my SLK.

Therefore, I'd have a dealer search the databases for one one your perfect configuration.

acr2001

Lighting package, blindspot assist, and keyless go - 3 things (in that order) which I wish I had.

I feel like the halogen headlights are the only downgrade from the older C class. At least they came with projectors if you didn't pony up the cash for the lighting package. Now we are back to reflectors...