Another c300 or something else?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 31
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1984 300SD Manual, 1985 420SEL Euro, 2013 Viper GTS, 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat, 2017 Ram 2500
Another c300 or something else?
I have had my 2008 C300 4matic for about six mouths now, and I am confused on where to go next. The car has been perfectly reliable, althiugh it freaked me out when the mas popped of the back of the engine (mb delaer lost the clip and did not put on on) and the car idled horribly. Luckily it was a very simple fix. I owned a 2006 Cooper s before this car and the problem that I am having is that the MB feels a little bland in comparison. I love how solid the mercedes is and the styling is better then any a4/3 series IMO. It is a much better car to live with then the mini, but is not as fun to drive. I wish there was more power at times, and the steering feel is not the best. The car is very flat and feels nimble until pushed and then there is very little grip (partially caused by the Michelin pilot all seasons on it). The worst part is the throttle response which is way too dead for me. I also have a problem with the interior and IMO, the plasticky feel to it (NAV IS AWESOME THOUGH). So at this point I don't know if I want to update to one with fewer miles or go with something else. I am thinking of an 09+ A4. Anyone have any thoughts? Father has a 08 Touareg with the Audi FSI V8 and it is such a higher quality car (again IMO). My other thought would be to buy a e46 M3 and a 02-05 ML to tow with. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
1984 300SD Manual, 1985 420SEL Euro, 2013 Viper GTS, 2016 Dodge Charger Hellcat, 2017 Ram 2500
Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 89
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From: Dallas-Ft.Worth, TX
C43
I recently got a C350 and for me it was the perfect blend of all worlds. It has by far the best interior in its class. Lots of luxury features and great styling. Very well thought out. As for performance, it's not tops in its class, but it is very close. I have a friend with a comparable BMW and it's got a tad bit more pep, but not enough for me to choose that over the MB. Then you have the exterior styling and this car wins hands down in its class. The Audi is rather plain to me and the BMW looks the same as it did 20 years ago.
Interior and Exterior styling is something you experience everyday you drive the car. The performance only comes into play so much and since the gap in my mind is so small, the MB is the way to go.
Have you thought about the 2012 C250? With the turbo it's got some serious pep.
Interior and Exterior styling is something you experience everyday you drive the car. The performance only comes into play so much and since the gap in my mind is so small, the MB is the way to go.
Have you thought about the 2012 C250? With the turbo it's got some serious pep.
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Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 86
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From: NJ/PA
'09 C300 Sport 4Matic Arctic White
If I were in your position I would take a good look at the new F30 328i. Car journalists seem to be loving it and everything I've read has indicated that it is a blast to drive. You'd be getting a bit more HP and more torque which is the fun part anyways. I'd take one with a manual in a heartbeat if I could!
I found the B8 A4 without sports suspension to be tall and floaty; One of the reasons I went C300 instead. The S4 may suit your tastes better with firmer suspension and supercharger. A gently used one from a few years back seems like a great option.
You pretty much know what you're getting in the new C350. Improved interior, bigger engine, but throttle response and nimbleness will still be issues. The C250 with less HP, a bit more torque, but the same suspension, won't solve your issues either.
If nimbleness is important, how about:
EvoX, STI, BRZ/FR-S --> All nimble but all crap interiors.
You could take the money saved and get a "custom" interior to make it luxurious!
The answer to every "What should I buy?" question invariably leads to "Get an e46 M3." You can't go wrong.
I found the B8 A4 without sports suspension to be tall and floaty; One of the reasons I went C300 instead. The S4 may suit your tastes better with firmer suspension and supercharger. A gently used one from a few years back seems like a great option.
You pretty much know what you're getting in the new C350. Improved interior, bigger engine, but throttle response and nimbleness will still be issues. The C250 with less HP, a bit more torque, but the same suspension, won't solve your issues either.
If nimbleness is important, how about:
EvoX, STI, BRZ/FR-S --> All nimble but all crap interiors.
You could take the money saved and get a "custom" interior to make it luxurious!
The answer to every "What should I buy?" question invariably leads to "Get an e46 M3." You can't go wrong.
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Member
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: LI
'10 C300 Sport
throttle response and steering feel are the main problems on the MBs... they are more reliable and the C-class arguably more stylish so that's the tradeoff. Unless you have a leather-wrapped dash in an Audi or BMW, the interior is on par with other brands.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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2012 C300 4Matic
I tested the A4 just before buying the C300 and it did feel a bit more fun to drive I think, probably the turbo and increased torque. Audi did have the better interior even compared to the refresh W204 but not by much. I just liked the Nav interface better and climate control settings.
I would probably test drive the C350 and the new F30 BMW with their 2.0 turbo (supposed to be better than the Audis).
I like the exterior styling on Merc the most, and my wife wanted the Merc so we went for it (she is the primary driver for it).
Seems like you need a car that is more fun to drive so make sure you do some test driving and decide.
I would probably test drive the C350 and the new F30 BMW with their 2.0 turbo (supposed to be better than the Audis).
I like the exterior styling on Merc the most, and my wife wanted the Merc so we went for it (she is the primary driver for it).
Seems like you need a car that is more fun to drive so make sure you do some test driving and decide.
