Oneness

I am considering purchasing a new car and this is on the list of potential vehicles. I know that the C350 isn't available for a few more months. I am also planning on upgrading the ECU. here are the questions if anyone can assist.

1. any experience good or bad that might help me with my decision.
2. what is the best performance/cost ECU upgrade for this model year that is recommended or any to avoid.
3. Any other performance upgrades that are worthwhile.

thanks

I am Jeff

If a C350 is what you really want, I do not recommend compromising and rationalizing on getting a C300 because that's what is available right now. In my experience, you will ALWAYS regret on the compromise. A ECU tune will never get you to the power level of a C350.

Mtl20v

I have a 2012 c300 4matic and love the new face and especially the interior. If you want a fast car this is not it. It's not slow but I have a 2012 e350 wagon that is much quicker and could only imagine what that engine is like in the c sedan.

Oneness

I understand completely. What is kind of frustrating is that the 2011 C350 are still out there, but they have less power. The other model I was considering is a ML550, but those aren't out either.

OpAmp

There is no reason to buy a 2012 C300 unless you absolutely need 4WD. They still have the old engine I believe, which means that you don't even get the improved MPG.

I recently got the 2012 C250 and overall, it's a better car than the 2010/2011 C300. If you want the C350, you should wait for it until dealers in your area have it in stock. Dealers in my area have had it in stock for a while I believe.

ralawren

I agree. I have the C350 coupe and my wife has the C300 4Matic

The coupe handles better as well as has improved mileage. A C350 coupe with 4Matic will be available in April. Wait if you can deal with 2 doors. Else better get a G37 Sedan or 335iX

Oneness

The only consideration is a BMW, but for some reason there are things about BMW that kinda turn me off. I know BMW is a nice car, but I would have to find out if they are if they making improvements in certain areas. I find BMW door hinges aren't as good as MB. I know it is a little thing, but I always found MB to have doors that are just as solid 10 years later as they were the day It rolled off the showroom. All of the people I know have BMWs, I never liked the build quality, material quality, driving position and the little things that eventually surface. they just seem to be a little cheaper than MB. I got turned off to Japanese cars a long time ago. I think it was the smell of their plastic on a hot summer day was nausiating.

nukefixer

Greetings,

I only a few weeks ago traded in my 2008 C300 Sport edition for a 2012 C300 4Matic Luxury model, the luxury model has a more comfortable ride to me and handling is just as good as the sport, the refreshed interior is very nice and I like it. I went with the 4Matic for the all wheel drive, so I am more then happy with the change and would do it again!

nuke

Oneness

For me, I don't really have a need for AWD, I know it is far better for icy roads, but I don't drive in areas with snow. I prefer to have the new engine due to the power. I was wondering, does your car have leather or MB-Tex? for some reason, I am noticing more cars at the dealerships with MB-Tex. I know it is easier to take care of and that it is supposed to last longer, but was wondering if people prefer it over leather or if they wish they had leather instead.

I am Jeff

I had MBtex in my 09' c350 and I thought it was fantastic. It's not as soft and supple as the Nappa Leather in my C63, but MB Tex is fantastic. No maintenance, no headaches and no issues. I would highly recommend MB Tex over the leather upgrade. BTW...the 2012 C350 are at the dealerships right now.

Oneness

Thanks. maybe in my area they go fast. I wasn't originally interested in the C class, I was looking at the ML but really didn't spend any time. I was just looking at various dealers' on line new inventory and none were listed.

In this data and age, I wish there was a really good data base, with all of the information and photos of each car that is in the dealer network was accessible by the consumer.

what year is your C63? And have you had any upgrades or problems?

Oneness

I know that some used Mercedes have a wierd smell, but I seem to remember it was in cars with leather due to the cleaner they used. is there any wierd smell to MB-Tes over time? is there any cleaner that you would recommend?

kev10

I am not surprised that you traded in a sport model for a luxury model.

When I purchased my '12 C300 Luxury, I did try a '12 C250 sport. For me, the ride of C300 Lux is definitely more comfortable than that of C250 sport (it is quieter and smoother), and I think the handling is just as good. One of my friends has a '11 C300 sport. Every time we met, he sort of showed his jealousy. He tried my car a few times and feels bad that he made the purchase half a year too early, due to the luxurious '12 interior. He is hoping that there will be a C350 Luxury 4MATIC model available in USA soon so that he can do a trade-in.

I know a lot of people here will have different opinions and tastes.

Oneness

Isn't the big difference between the sport and luxury versions the thickness of the sway bars?

bhvrdr

and springs and dampers. That being said it's up to personal preference of course. Some want more sport, some more luxury of a ride.

cheers! Mike

AlexIken

the 2012 C class- in my OPINION, is the first time that the c-class has become a "real" mercedes. The facelift has done wonders for the car, If this was not done I would of went with a 2011 328 over a 2012 C. I do agree with some of the above posts though that if you are willing to spend the money, the 350 is a much better engine and will increase your driving enjoyment. The 300 will get the job done but it is not by any means a fast car, 350 makes this a real solid car all around (now including performance).

Sportstick

Here's how different we are....yes, the anti-sway bars are thicker on the Sport...and I replaced those with Eibach, which are another step thicker. I drove a Lux, and understand its appeal, but not to me. It felt like a small version of my E Class, which my wife happily drives, but which sedates me.


P.S. And, Alex, please take this in the right spirit, but there is no such construction as "of went"....it is "have gone". You're driving a Mercedes! Have to step up your game!

2012c350

But, the C350 is available already. Ask your dealer to see if he can trade from out of area if you aren't seeing any locally.

Oneness

I installed the sway bars in my 2000 C230 Kompressor and noticed a big differrence. I didn't know if Eibach or H&R had the same upgrade in sway bars for the C350. I know that Kleemann has a tuning upgrade for the ECU that adds another 20-25 HP, more torque, removes the limiter and improves throttle response. I had another question with regards to the H/K Logic7 system since it has less power and speakers than the ML. I have heard that the system in the
E class didn't sound as good as the system in the ML, but was wondering how that system sounded in the C Class in comparison.

I think the C350 is probably the best of t non AMG C Class, especially if 4matic is not required.

Also, anyone you know done any upgrades to the H/K Logic 7 system with regards to improved bass response?

thanks.

Oneness

yes, I saw that they did, in fact, have some but I didn't have enough time to do a test drivel

Sportstick

tirerack.com shows the kit for the C350 up through 2011. Not sure if that means something changed which makes it incompatible for 2012, or if the site hasn't been updated....worth a call to them, as the bars make a fantastic improvement (to those of us who don't aspire to Luxury models! LOL!).

The engine in the C350 is certainly the strongest, but is constrained by an automatic transmission. Further, the complaints about the auto trans lag and occasional confusion in choosing a gear takes the whole car down several notches to me. My C300 with a stick is far more entertaining to drive than a "mash the pedal and aim" C350 automatic. Of course, there are no more sticks in any C, which is why I am paying careful attention to the launch of the new 3 series and upcoming M Sport package. OTOH, if MB smartens up with the launch of the B Class sedan (CLC) next year and provides a trans choice, I may stay in the brand.

Jim K

Oneness: We have a 2012 C350. Order one (delivery time of a couple months?) or have your dealer find one somewhere else. The power is worth it. The automatic transmission is seamless. Great car. The transition from your current car to a C350 will knock you out. Good luck.