Keithb

I'm thinking of a new car (currently driving a 2003 C320 Sport Coupe). Yesterday I test drove a 2011 C250 4matic, and I was mostly impressed. Liked the ride, comfort and handling. Wasn't amazed by the engine, it is a little slow, but maybe it's time for me to think less about performance and more about economy, I dunno. I am likely going to keep the C320 (it's a 6sp) mostly for fun, and have a 1996 Mustang that makes > 400 rwhp for more fun on sunny days

Couple of question:

1) the dealer said it's a US car that they brought into Canada, I thought I read somewhere that there was no 2011 C250 4matic in the US for 2011? Is that possible?

2) they say they have xfered the warranty to Canada - any other issues with bringing the car into Canada that I should be aware of?

3) Would either the 16 " steel or 17" Evo wheels off my 2003 fit on a 2011? It's got 17" wheels, were they stock or would they be the premium package?

4) Any thoughts about having the 4matic drive on what admittedly is a small-ish (2.5L V6) motor? I'm not looking for a stump puller and like the idea of 4matic for Ontario (Ottawa) winters.

5) Any other general thoughts - good or bad? I'm leaning more towards buying than not buying, but am not decided yet.

TIA

Sportstick

There is no C250 4MATIC in the US. We only have a C300 4MATIC. So, you need to ask yourself if this dealer has made an honest mistake or made up a story for some hard-to-imagine benefit. This could guide your future dealings with him/her or that store. Check the certification label on the driver's door jamb, and you should be able to discern to what country's set of regulatory standards the car was certified to comply.



They would have had to have modified the instrument cluster and DRL lighting at a minimum to meet Canadian requirements. There is no possible reason you would want a brand new car which has already had such changes, even for a reason such as potential squeaks around the cluster area if they had to remove and replace those components. I still think this is a suspicious deal, as that model car does not exist here.

The wheels likely will not fit due to a significant change in the offset for the W204 platform.

Given your thoughts, the powertrain should be very adequate for your needs.

From my experience frequently visiting Ontario, buy some dedicated winter tires, even with 4MATIC, such as Bridgestone Blizzak WS70.

Overall, the W204 has shown itself to be a high quality and very well regarded car. If you like the test drive, you should be happy for many years. But, find another car and/or dealer and/or salesperson who is either better informed or just plain honest.

Keithb

After a little thought - I'm not ready to grow up yet and start driving an automatic Called him back with a "pass"

Test drove an '09 C63 AMG at lunch today, if I'd had my cheque book with me I woulda bought it. Thing was awesome. Definitely on my short list.

Sportstick

If it's any reassurance, my Michigan winters are not that different from Ontario's, and my 6 speed rear wheel drive C300 does just fine on Blizzak WS60 dedicated studless winter tires. 4MATIC helps, but is not necessary if the tires are well selected. Even now retired, I've never gotten old enough to choose an automatic, and I don't plan to!

kevink2

Agree, the US 2.0L turbo would be more enviting ... 228ft-lbs vs 185 with the 2.5 V6.

Like Sportstick said, just get spare winter set for the C320. Non-staggered if possible, 17" max, 16" 205's much better. Add a 40-60lb sack of sand in the back, and you could plow roads !!

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