Cruel-Merc

Hello folks, im looking to upgrade to a 2009 c350 with 90k miles , coming from a w203 and i can say them cars are good.My question is do you recommend getting a c350? What are the good/bad things with these cars?

chazzz

I have a 2009 C350 and love it! I bought it with 61k miles and love it! I would say that it's a great car - plenty of power for passing the trucks on the highway, etc. The heated seats are nice to have. I don't know anything about "bad" on this car. I replaced the spark plugs last month, just to keep up with the maintenance.

My wife has a 2005 C230 Kompressor, we love that car too! Bought it in December 2013 with 75k miles. I did some work on it such as changing the cam magnets, spark plugs, etc. It's a fun car to drive and work on it.

vipsa

I spent months looking for a w204 and decided on the C350 for the additional power. I would have loved to have the 4matic, but for some reason it wasn't offered in the US. If there's one thing that's bad about it, then that's that. I put a set of 17" Nokian Hakka R2s and the car is capable in the snow, but the 4matic would've been a great option to have in the climate up here. If you're in the south, then that shouldn't matter to you.
I also think the P2 option is very useful to have. There were barely any C300s with the P2 when I was looking for one and since you're not paying retail for the option, I would suggest you look for one that has it.
Other than that, go and drive a few to make sure you're ok with the ride quality. I've not driven a w203, but my C350 has a pretty hard ride, not very "mercedes" like.

steven1888

Great car. two thing ImO is that they don't offer the 4matic in the us and no rear view camera although you can install one yourself with the DIY on the forum. And when winter comes, put on snow tires!!!!

chewychiu

With the C350, I highly recommend snow tires. It's like night and day. Enjoy!

Cruel-Merc

Thanks for the response folks.Iam going to try driving few ones first.Gotta love the look of the car and sound of the exhaust.I actually live outside the us and have a very nice and warm climate for around 8 months a year so not sure about getting a 4 matic one when there isnt much snow around( too bad, i like snow).I was hoping for paddle shifters but they dont seem to come on these cars except for the c63 version.Im planning of importing a car from the US since i like the options offered in the us cars more than the Europe versions, so do you recommend a specific state known for its good cars? I hear cars in the north of the US are in better condition than the ones in the south due to the lack of sun ? I got my w203 from orland park in the North of the US 2 years ago and it was almost brand new.

jailminner

I bought the 2014 C350 4Matic - fully loaded - blind spot assist, rear view camera, lane keeping assist. Absolutely love it! Not a single complaint.

However one of the sensors malfunctioned this winter (back in Jan) but its getting replaced under warranty.

I highly encourage getting the extended warranty. (proved very useful for my 2012 E350) and thats why I paid for it again on the c350.

I suggest the 18inch rims. they look amazing

vipsa

I would look for a southern car actually. The cars in the north have seen snow and very corrosive cheap salt. It's much cheaper to wax, clean up some dull paint than to deal with rust. Just don't get one from Arizona as that's desert climate there. Something from FL or GA would be best and during my search FL had the most C350s and the best priced ones too.

Cruel-Merc

nice well too bad i cant afford a 2014 model at the moment so looking for 2009-2010 one and these models didnt come with rear view camera... too bad.

Cruel-Merc

well thats good to know, south it is then, them cars cost alot when importing to here, talkin around 30 grand for the 2010 model registered and customs fees included.