Bonesxxx

OK so I just bounced into this forum... I was in the 205 room since I purchased a 2015 C300 4matic for Mrs. Bones. She complained that it seemed cheap and squirrely after coming out of a Bimmer.

I gave it a run or two and just was not impressed (I drive a 2014 204).

Long story short, I moved her 'down' a year and into a 2014 C350 Sport.

Now, that's the ticket... night and day my friends. I can't find a SINGLE thing I miss about the 2015. Anyone? Am I missing something?

Laxpower87

I was getting a recall done at mercedes and the guy that worked there even said 204 are built like tanks and stay away from the 205’s

Adi-Benz

I don't like that in all new cars, the:

1) center console is moved up higher
2) dashboard is moved higher
3) door panels are moved higher
4) therefore less headroom
5) the cars are bigger but the inside feels so much more claustrophobic as a cause of these things


If you're going to get a w205, it needs to be a 19+ anyways.

HBguy

I've had TONS of driving miles in W205s from loaners and rentals. I've went back and forth between them and my W204. Despite the updates in technology, and my history of despising 4 cylinder engines, I prefer my 1.8L W204 over any W205 I've had. The handling is first and foremost. More firm than any newer 3 series I've driven since I bought the W204 new and definitely any W205. Second, despite one major issue from the day I drove it off the lot, my German made 2013 has been bullet proof from defect. I've had questions and concerns with many of the Alabama made W205s I've driven. Third, other than aesthetics and technology behind the plastics, I never saw any significant changes in the subsequent generation. Trust me, I wanted to 'upgrade' to a W205 or an E series.

But from my history of reading about Mercedes in the prior generations, and talking to many guys who had decades of experience working on W108s and W109s, there's one thing for sure- they always were convinced that there was never any replacement for German made Mercedes VS those made elsewhere. This was my main reason for not upgrading to any current Alabama production models, seeing that this has not changed in todays model years.

tekfoc

I have both love both
But the 205 is a 63S

catmandoob

I won't lie, I drove a 205 for about a week and by the end I came to the same conclusion. Only thing I liked better was they fixed the pedal lag so it felt more alive on initial take off. My biggest turn off was the radio and whole experience of the audio system.

205 is updated and has nifty tid bits such as instrument cluster and had a bit nicer interior but it just didn't feel good if that makes any sense. Could be the placebo effect from driving a 204 for so long but there was enough things i didn't like to out weigh anything I did like. Not saying they are bad and depending on model it might be difference in suspension tweaking etc, just didn't feel it was my cup of tea.

Bonesxxx

Well said. I couldn't find as many pros with the 205. Both of us hated the new gear shifter - electronic turn signal thingy vs. console shifter.

The i-pad thingy stuck to the dash was obtrusive and ugly compared to the screen in the 204 which looks much more integrated.

I could forgive those things if the ride and feel were there but they just weren't.

Tom in Austin

Interesting comments, I wasn't aware the W205s are made in the US. I've had W205 service loaners a couple of times and my impressions were similar to yours ... initial tip-in with the four is well tuned for responsiveness and feels lively. I found the interior design ok, with the controls and interfaces no better or worse than the W204. I did sorta miss the gear selector on the console but found the little lever on the column easy to adapt to. Build quality, ride, etc. seemed very good.

To my taste the W204 is a better looking car, but that's entirely subjective. I personally have had all the four-cylinder engines I'll ever need in this lifetime, so even in this configuration, hidden though it may be under an idiotic black plastic engine cover, I would not want to own one.

HBguy

Those plastic engine covers are all over new cars, all makes. I think its safe to say, unfortunately, that they're here to stay. BTW, before I bought my c250, I test drove two with opposite results. The third time, someone explained why. In eco mode, the engine is slow and honestly, seems weak. In sport mode, you feel it come alive. It is day and night, and when I read people tell me the model year is either twitchy/too sensitive or too weak, I think they're not really letting the car go in the other mode. For those looking for a full demonstration of its potential, turn off traction control.

Just204

I think the w205 is not as good. The interior feels cheap compared to the w204. The seats are no where as comfortable as well. I also think they drive like junk, but most of the new cars out there now have that feeling. I’d never give up my w204 for a new c-class.

Adi-Benz

I just had a 14 and a 15 side by side, and I would soooo not choose a w205 c300 over it.

superangrypenguin

Ditto. The 204 has been one of the best built cars in that price range/segment. The new 205 does not even come close!

ezshift5

It's merely an opinion - my C250 coupe certainly has positive 'build' components. It's a good looking car (again - opinion). It's never given me trouble (36,000 miles). The interior looks classy plus the materials (build?) seem first class.

It's not fast like the Corvette from my USNR days - - - and that's ok with this old sailor.




ez

triplmmm

I haven't driven a 205, but having owned nearly all lines of luxury cars I agree my 2103 c300 is the best of all. I got way more then I expected from the car. I bought it sight unseen from CPO. Amazing handling & comfort. Now if it gives me many years trouble free, I'll be very happy.

PHXBenz

I just purchased a 2013 C250. I also test drove a 2015 C300. the W205s have a bit more room in the back, but as Adi-Benz stated, they feel more cramped. And, I liked the comfort of the seats and seating position in the W204 better. And it feels like it handles better than the 205's as well. I think the 205 shifted a bit better than the easily confused gearbox in the 204s. Obviously, I liked the 204 better and I saved some coin with the older car (but same mileage, 40,000).

TheRulesLawyer

I'm not a fan of the w205. Ipad on the dash. Super soft 'excuse me' exterior styling. Softer suspension tuning. No thanks.

Moto_Guzzi

Change for the sake of change, there money in change initially, but no gurantee to satisfaction.

Kelvin Bellrose

I bought my 2012 C350 4matic from a private seller withour even driving it. It looked like showroom condition inside and out. Was super shiny so I just handed over the 19 grand and drove off.
Couldn't be happier. Well, I shouldn't say that, it is a little stiff, but then, that is what sport means right?
I have had zero issues with the car so far, and on smooth road it is the smoothest car I have ever driven.

teksurv

I had a 2013 C350 RWD and that thing was awesome! Solid car, felt hefty but agile, plenty of power. I then moved to a W212 which was less agile but similar in many ways. Now I drive a C238 (213 coupe) and it's my favorite so far. The difference in perceived quality, IMO is the use of lighter materials in the newer models takes away from that "solid" feeling of previous models. Additionally the 205 has stitched panels throughout but almost no padding underneath, which does feel cheap to me. I would take a well equipped late model 204 over a face lifted 205 any day.