John-L

Hello all

Looking at purchasing a new MB in the next few days, but i continue bouncing between two models. I am debating two CPO MB's, the first being a 2011 E350, and the second being a 2013 C300. I know that these are totally different cars but i like each for different reasons. Having a 2 year newer car gives me piece of mind, but worried about lack of power in the C300, and the smaller interior. I don't plan on having car seats or riders in the back seat, but i do like space. Hoping to get some insight from others, because i know others have been in the same situation. Thanks in advance

LemonSqueezy

Power wise there shouldn't be much of a difference. 2011 E has the older 268hp v6 and 2013 C300 has a detuned version of the new v6 making 248hp? Tune the puppy and you're at c350 territory pumping out 302hp. Another option is to just step up to a 2012 E350 with the new v6. Now you have power, plenty of room, and a nicer interior.

Sportstick

Assuming you don't do what we did and buy both, a decision is in order! Trying to read between the lines, I think you'll be better off with the C. Both our 09 C and 08 E have been extremely high quality and reliable vehicles, so the larger concern may be the actual mileage (you did not report) to assess basic wear and tear. I assume the newer car has lower mileage.

From a power perspective, the C is fine, especially if it's usually just you. The E is my wife's daily driver, but we never use it together unless we will have rear seat passengers. I find that I feel "older" driving the E; the C is more responsive and entertaining. The front space in the C is also quite fine. But, some of this is subjective, so you need a test "sit" as well as a test drive.

One of the nice things about this choice is that you cannot really make a mistake but each is slightly better at something than the other.

John-L

Thank you both for your response. Sportsstick the C has about 12k and the E has about 29K. Not a big deal, but was just concerned that the C may have newer gadgets than the older E may have. As far as the ride, i like the firmness of the C alot, and it feels a bit more sporty.

Sportstick

Both are reasonable mileage, but consider that at 29k miles, you're probably ready to think about tires (if not already renewed under CPO prep), possibly not far from brake pads/rotors, depending on how far above minimums they are now, and you're close to the $400+ service for the auto trans at 40k miles. With the C, those kinds of expenses are quite a bit further out.

Not from my perspective, but from reading yours, I think you're headed to C.

ralawren

As you said these are much different vehicles. We compared a 2013 E vs C last year and decided that we liked the size and sporty feel of the C much better. It is very much personal taste. But the E Class, even with sport package, felt very much like a large and solid luxury car. The C300 4Matic also feels very solid, but also a bit livelier and a better match for the suburbs and urban areas where the smaller size makes it easier to part. The 2013 also has the new 3.5L Direct Injection motor and better fuel economy. It also can be flashed to pick up another 20-30 HP. Not the full 50 to match the C350, but enough.

JaredP

There is a pretty big debate regarding the power capabilities of the 2013 C300. Kleeman states the C300 and C350 both are capable of the same power, based on claims by their customers and forum members that tuned C300s are pulling on stock C350s. OE tuning states they aren't capable of the same power, based on some inside knowledge they "won't discuss".
Believe what you want. But for $1300 or so you can tune that C300 to have more power than the E350.

Have you been inside both vehicles? The facelift C is miles ahead of previous year C's and E's in design. The circular LED screen in the 2013 C will definitely catch more attention then the nasty black/grey display in the 2011 E, in addition to the new steering wheel.

MBSebas87

I thought about switching to an 2011 e350 but reading this thread makes me appreciate my c more and more

aznmode

Same here. Every time I see an E class I get envious and want to switch. But I have a feeling it's the idea that it's always greener on the other side that's getting in my head.

Trancebolt

I've had two e350s 08 09, drive my dads bluetec 350e 2010, had a c300 09. And drove my dads e350 2013

Alot mind you...

And now my 2010 300c luxury is the only thing I ever want to drive. Every time I haveto get in his I'm like Ugghh.

C300 Ftw. I've never driven a direct injected one but the e class is... Dad hates it too. Says the old one is better.

Btw I own the luxury. Happily.

If you ever want to own a car buy a bluetec oh my god its the single best car we have.

aznmode

Could you elaborate on why you didn't like E class?

Carlos.33193

Get the Newer car and enjoy it.

John-L

Well all after all the great comments for both the C and the E. i picked up a 2012 E Class. I am so happy to be back into the Mercedes family. Thanks all for your great comments.

Trancebolt

Gladly; I liked the 08 and 09 eclasses but experienced horrible tranny issues around 60k in each.

The bluetec was a DREAM. so i loved that and my dad did too

Specifically the newer DI e350 my dad said he hated from the get go. He said the thing shifts like crap. Up, down, slow, fast. Ever since from his firtst drive home from the dealership he said they changed it for the worse.

I personally like the lighter feel and look of the C and the interior is cleaner, not so live and crazy like the E. im a simple person.

My pops loves his interior but hates the performance. and the mileage. NOt to say coming off a bluetec would make that hard to believe; dissatisfaction with performance, but even considering he knows the diff between 250 tq car and a 400 tq car, the newer E is clunky and quite unpolished in its handling and performance he says.

Seems the older models (2010 e, 08-10 c) were more solid and intentional builds/

Plus i read somewhere they spend 5 years in the 08-10 C, the most on any car on R&D. So no wonder its tight!

aznmode

Thanks for the input. I was concerned about the performance of the E. Thanks for clarifying. There is something i dont like about the interior of it either but don't hate it. I do prefer the complex look. But I love the exterior in particular the pre FL. The new one just doesn't look right to me. Specially the front. It doesn't match the rest of the car. I probably just need to test drive one so I can get it out of my system.

Trancebolt

No i specifically chose luxury for the standup emblem and wood interior; 4 spoke leather wheel for using one hand in the bottom center of the wheel cruising.

bit soft suspension but otherwise you adjust. the new e inside has no foldaway screen for smoothe dash lowkeyness; its all track lit etc etc....

Dont get me wrong they put more in the engine and it moves... no question... delivery to wheels is faster than a c350 still, but its more of a boat.

I also hate led lights. My 10 has regular ones on the front and back. The new E front lights make my soul hurt