Contemplating a C300 4-Matic
 

Guys,

I'm a long time car guy and I'm thinking of adding the C300 4-matic as my daily driver. Curious if there are Konis or Bilsteins available to upgrade the springs/struts on this car or maybe they aren't even needed.

Here is my background... I own an 05 CTS-V, love the luxury, hate the milage and commuting with the 6MT gets annoying at times. I also own a 2011 STi, again great handling, great on track, awful milage, and tinny inside. My last car is a 2004 Armada used to tow the car trailer to the track and boat etc.

I own a Subaru mod/maint shop so if I got the C300 I would shift the STi over to be the shop/track only car. The C300 would act as my daily driver high milage car since I drive about 36,000 miles a year on average across all my cars.

I had a 2009 C300 (non 4-matic) rental out in California a few years ago and fell in love with it. I took it to infineon raceway and it was a blast. I averages about 27mpg driving around sonoma and the freeways at 80mph so the milage is acceptatable.

What are your takes on what I will like/dislike about this car given my situation.

Thanks for the input.

-mike

It sounds like a good car for you, a good mix of sport and luxury. Normally I would say a 3 series may be a contender but if you already have a full time track car, an AWD Benz would probably be a good choice. The 4matic is really impressive and has led me to believe that unless you live in an area that gets really heavy snowfall, you don't need an SUV. This car also has proven itself to be one of the most reliable modern Mercedes, of course there have been some problems posted here and there on the forums as there always is and that's all here for you to search. The AWD does affect the MPG, I can get 27-28MPG on a full day dedicated to highway driving, but I normally do mostly city driving and get an average of 17-20 which in my opinion isn't too good for a 3.0 v6, but when you add the AWD system in I guess it's fair.

As far as shocks, most people here on the forums use H&R springs and they have gotten good reviews from what I've read, especially the supersports. People also have done coilovers and I'm sure there are shock upgrade options.

The only thing I would say is if you're looking for a smooth ride I would say the E class is a big step up, while the C's ride is great, you can still feel the NY potholes and rough roads pretty well. Then again if you're asking about springs and shocks you probably prefer a stiffer ride anyway.

Otherwise I'd say go for it! All of us here would agree that it is a beautiful looking car! There's also a great owners community right here.

will you be buying new or used?

Thanks for your quick reply. I am looking at taking advantage of the 1.99% CPO Financing on 08-10 C class cars. 17-20 is that pure city driving? Basically I shoot down the NJTP at 75-80 do some city driving driving once I get off the highway. Hoping to get better than the 16-18 I get in the CTS-V and 19-20 I get in the STi.

I like your upgrades, I would probably look to do similar ones you have done as well.

-mike

Since you seem to like performance oriented vehicles, you might also want to check out a C350 while you're at it. No 4Matic, of course, but there is definitely a difference in the performance. Not that the C300 would be a complete dog, or something, but still.

Regardless of what you end up choosing, good luck with your search!

I second this. Go for the C350, I only went with the 300 because I need the 4Matic. the 350 is a blast to drive, and I dont think the MPG is any different between the two?

This winter was unusual. I recall some stout winters in N Jersey, esp in the mid to western areas. If you want comfort and go-power in the snow, I'd suggest the C300 Lux 4MATIC that comes with 225-45-17's at all corners (and DWS's for max comfort and snow-go).

The 7spd is great, with (almost) fully locked TC in all gears as the default. A good write-up at the time:

2008-mercedes-benz-c-class-us-at-ny

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Thanks. No real need for crazy snow action cause i have the suby and the armada for that. :)

I may look at the c350 if i can find one.

Mike

I've driven my C300 4matic sport during the east coast snowmageddon of 2010, in Washington, DC. She did great!

The only downside to the car is that your performance suspension options are very slim. H&R sport springs only have a mild drop. I've been waiting, and looking for coilover options for the 4matic, and so far there are none.

i think april 1st is when the c350 4matic coupe comes out.

What's with the MPG you guys are getting / expecting?!

My 2012 C300 4Matic gets 15-18mpg with city driving in NYC. It's nearly impossible to do better - I spend half my time stuck at red lights and in traffic.

15 if I am in sport mode enjoying myself, and 18 if I actually make the attempt to conserve fuel in economy mode. 19 if I drive very conservatively AND there is no traffic (very rare). I always use premium, so that's not a concern with regards to mpg.

2011 C300 4matic with 8000 miles s averaging 20 mpg in mostly suburbs/rural driving outside DC
Since you have other AWD options the C350 is the way to go. Keep in mind that the 2008-2011s have a sluggish gear change and slight hesitation whn you accelerate. It is like you hav to pipe down to the engine room to request power. My 2012 C350 Coupe doesn't have this problem and averages 25 mpg in suburb and intertate driving.