janusgrimnitz

So we are about the take the decision of making a purchase of a C180 Classic in Shanghai, China.

My question is..

The car is born with 16 inch rims.. For some additional money I can get 17 inch or 18 inch, the price is the same for the 2 sizes.. Is 18 too big for the C Class?

We will do the last test drive on Sunday and make a decision then..

The choice is between a VW CC 2.0T or C180 Classic 1.8T

J__

Don't upgrade to factory rims from the dealership, it's super overpriced for what you get. For the price you can get awesome aftermarket rims. Also if you're looking to get a sports grille, don't buy it from dealership (5000rmb) get it from taobao, I got mine from there for 1/5 of the price for the amg version. It fits like oem. I'm also in shanghai, feel free to pm/call me if you want to meet. Also, is upgrading to c260 an option? I know it's a step up in price but also a much better engine.

janusgrimnitz

Great info !!

I've been quoted RMB 8000 for 18 inch. Is that too much ?

260 isn't an option. It's a company car with max budget of 280-290/k

Knightmare69

Honestly I'd pick the cc over the c180. Better performance and I think it's slightly bigger.

janusgrimnitz

Have had VW a few times and its a damn good car.. Excellent engine the 2.0T and for 5000RMB I can up it to 240HK but Ive always dreamed of having a Benz... Perhaps it would be a good idea to go test both cars same day!

Cocoout

The e class are made in china ? C class as well ?

janusgrimnitz

C class is and I believe the E class is also.

J__

c, e, glk all made in china versions.

for 8000rmb you can get better looking than factory, aftermarket 18's with tires.

adv's:
http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=2...cd11d7e3223cfb

I would go test drive the CC as well, it's a nice looking car, if it wasn't for the FWD, I would of considered it as well when I got my car.

C260 is around 290k after the discount MBchina is having now. I believe it's 265K before tax


if you decide to go with mercedes, send me a PM, my friend is a sales associate for MB 4s dealership here, will get you the lowest deal without you having to haggle with a stranger to get a better price.

janusgrimnitz

Favor, can u check the total price for the C260 incl taxes all in excl insurance & plates. So I know the total cost on the street. It really varies frm each dealership.

Ikester

18s are definitely not too big! See pic. i would definitely not upgrade through the dealer, you will be *** raped.

janusgrimnitz

That's a nice pix. Yes I checked and I can get 18 inch AMG rims with rubber for around 6/k. 2000 less and then I keep the original 16s also.

Is that Benz dropped or is that standard ??

chris5949

I'm thinking 18" myself, 17" is the standard for C-Class, I read somewhere someone is doing 20" but that's just crazy

janusgrimnitz

Checked the CC it's very nice good quality built but lacks leg room in the back. I can't justify that as a company car. Today we are testing the c180 and Passat 2,0T

janusgrimnitz

So today we tried the C180.. Very nice but a bit smaller than expected.

Also tried the VW Passat 2.0T.. Same price but bigger, faster and more equipment expect its not rear wheel drive and not a Benz..

Ikester

No thats stock height. They seem low for even stock suspension. Still doesnt beat the coil over look.

Knightmare69

Do you really need it to be RWD? That shouldn't be a factor in a DD and company car. And having a Benz is overrated. For some reason it's a stipulate in Asian history as a sign of status (my family and many I know have this "issue"). For the same price you get a bigger better optioned car sans the rwd issue, I think you'd be silly not to seriously consider it. Benz quality just isn't what it used to be specially now that the ones sold in China are made in China and the standard of quality isn't the same as it is in Germany. Having a family that's owned just about every Benz from the big bodied tank of an S-class up to the new models I can say I'm disappointed in how the quality is gone down.

janusgrimnitz

Well one reason that I am considering Benz is warranty.

VW gives me 6 month which can we extended to 18 month.

Benz gives 3 years

But you do have good and valid points.

janusgrimnitz

what the size of the wheels?

I am thinking 225/45/18 front and 245/45/18 rear, but im not sure if it will fit the C180 on AMG or Brabus rims

Knightmare69

That's quite a short warranty period, no wonder you're questioning it.


I run 225/40/18 on +35 wheels all around lowered on H&R supersports with no rubbing if that gives you any indication if the tires you would want will fit.

janusgrimnitz

VW actually offers 6 month small claims and 18 month extended or 30.000km.

Benz is 3 years unlimited km.

Thanks for ur wheel measurements. Perhaps 225 front and 235 rear is ok instead of 245.

Knightmare69

I've never heard of the unlimited mileage warranty in the 3 year period from Benz. Benz dealers there like here in Hong Kong? Not actual Mercedes but a franchise? Here in Hong Kong, we get **** service, **** warranty and forget about the bulletins from MB parent company, the dealers here won't acknowledge them.

J__

I believe it's franchise here too but the warranty seems ok. A tuner shop here messed up my front shock boots when they installed my lowering springs and Mercedes replaced them for free knowing that another shop messed it up. They also reflashed and updated my command system and replaced spark plugs for free due to a service bulletin? Seems ok so far.

Knightmare69

Wow, you're lucky then. I had to meet with the manager of my Benz dealer here just for him to tell me to my face that they don't have to honor the bulletins sent out by MB.

J__

Wow that's horrible... I know it's not worth the hassle and effort sometimes and unlikely to change anything quickly, but would sending a letter to MB headquarters be of any effect? They might want to know about franchises that's running their brand into the gutter. Even though the service guys was pretty nice, the sales at the MB dealership when I got my car was horrible. Had this stuck up attitude and not really helpful or knowledgeable about the products, same thing with BMW dealerships here. Lexus on the other hand was above and beyond what i'd expect in terms of attitude. Luckily my friend works for another dealership here so i can just bring the car to her in the future if my dealership refuse to help.

Knightmare69

Nope, as with dealerships in the US, franchised locations have no need to adhere to the brand. I've experienced this before when I lived in NYC and having sent a letter to the brand company only concluded with them telling me that.