When RWD models ???
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
When RWD models ???
My salesman checked today and said all W205's scheduled through the end of December are 4Matics. Does anyone have any better information?
I want to get a C300 RWD ordered but still waiting.
I want to get a C300 RWD ordered but still waiting.
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From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
Short answer, nobody knows. "they will start production first quarter of 2015" was email I got from MBUSA.
Long answer. It's definitely later than originally assumed by most. Production allotments are already assigned for first couple weeks after the week long Christmas shut down, and no RWD in those allotments as of 5pm this afternoon, and those would hit the owner's hands the end of January. Maybe see them February if they start orders in a couple weeks, otherwise, March? It's anyone's guess. The second question is when will they start as aggressively negotiation on RWD.
I was waiting to pull the trigger and see if RWD would come reasonable time, but it starts to hit diminishing returns to save the $2000. Now that they've worked a few bugs out, and are negotiating aggressively, I'm in the game for AWD, with the option to change my order to RWD if they announce prior to delivery. I'm not against 4matic, just didn't really have the need for it. Also as gets near March delivery, I'd be tempted to wait for 2016 and carplay and the 360 camera. I guess like cars and all technology, there's always a next.
Long answer. It's definitely later than originally assumed by most. Production allotments are already assigned for first couple weeks after the week long Christmas shut down, and no RWD in those allotments as of 5pm this afternoon, and those would hit the owner's hands the end of January. Maybe see them February if they start orders in a couple weeks, otherwise, March? It's anyone's guess. The second question is when will they start as aggressively negotiation on RWD.
I was waiting to pull the trigger and see if RWD would come reasonable time, but it starts to hit diminishing returns to save the $2000. Now that they've worked a few bugs out, and are negotiating aggressively, I'm in the game for AWD, with the option to change my order to RWD if they announce prior to delivery. I'm not against 4matic, just didn't really have the need for it. Also as gets near March delivery, I'd be tempted to wait for 2016 and carplay and the 360 camera. I guess like cars and all technology, there's always a next.
Last edited by floridadriver; Oct 10, 2014 at 09:48 PM.
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
I had contacted MBUSA and they said they would "Launch" by the end of December or early January but that conflicts with your information.
Maybe I should accept the reality that the earliest will be February or March and that may make it a 2016. I don't have any urgent need, for a new car, with my 2014 GLK so waiting may be a good idea with most of the early production issues resolved in a few months.
I thought the steering recall was a US issue only but there are 28,500, with the steering recall, in Europe.
Maybe I should accept the reality that the earliest will be February or March and that may make it a 2016. I don't have any urgent need, for a new car, with my 2014 GLK so waiting may be a good idea with most of the early production issues resolved in a few months.
I thought the steering recall was a US issue only but there are 28,500, with the steering recall, in Europe.
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From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
I understand, I've been watching like a hawk as well. My email was thru MBUSA October 3rd and they used the "start production" line. I thought they'd start orders on October 1st.
They sure know how to time it to make it not easy. I'm thinking the $2k is a financial wash until June, either get the 4matic on a deal, or wait for RWD with a little less wiggle room for a few months. I'm sure the bean counters at MB realize this, but can't help but wonder if they had a way to make more variations of the car, more $$ would come to their coffers. Hopefully some of the limitation will come at more reliability/durability. The German car makers need a few home runs in that department.
They sure know how to time it to make it not easy. I'm thinking the $2k is a financial wash until June, either get the 4matic on a deal, or wait for RWD with a little less wiggle room for a few months. I'm sure the bean counters at MB realize this, but can't help but wonder if they had a way to make more variations of the car, more $$ would come to their coffers. Hopefully some of the limitation will come at more reliability/durability. The German car makers need a few home runs in that department.
Last edited by floridadriver; Oct 11, 2014 at 09:58 AM.
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From: North Scottsdale
06 C 350 2014 GLK350
I understand, I've been watching like a hawk as well. My email was thru MBUSA October 3rd and they used the "start production" line. I thought they'd start orders on October 1st.
They sure know how to time it to make it not easy. I'm thinking the $2k is a wash until June, either get the 4matic on a deal, or wait for RWD with a little less wiggle room for a few months.
They sure know how to time it to make it not easy. I'm thinking the $2k is a wash until June, either get the 4matic on a deal, or wait for RWD with a little less wiggle room for a few months.
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Another round of ICE
However you decide, the cost is not limited to the purchase price. Consider the additional maintenance (fluid changes), as well as the effect on overall performance/fuel economy as you carry around another 100+lbs all day every day. Lastly, if we go by W204 history, this is not the most reliable component on the car. Having had a rear wheel drive C, and using 4MATIC service loaners, they just don't feel the same, if that matters to you. I would counsel another month of two of patience, especially in Florida!!
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2015 C300 RWD
Good info sportstick! I've driven both variations of the w204 and AWD felt more planted and lively, the RWD was less HP and no direct comparison.
I thought the tranny was the same and not extra fluids/maint. with the front diff?
How long before dealers will aggressively price RWD? It's taken a few months on AWD. Any other driving impressions in your experience?
I thought the tranny was the same and not extra fluids/maint. with the front diff?
How long before dealers will aggressively price RWD? It's taken a few months on AWD. Any other driving impressions in your experience?
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Another round of ICE
Good info sportstick! I've driven both variations of the w204 and AWD felt more planted and lively, the RWD was less HP and no direct comparison.
I thought the tranny was the same and not extra fluids/maint. with the front diff?
How long before dealers will aggressively price RWD? It's taken a few months on AWD. Any other driving impressions in your experience?
I thought the tranny was the same and not extra fluids/maint. with the front diff?
How long before dealers will aggressively price RWD? It's taken a few months on AWD. Any other driving impressions in your experience?
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From: Sunshine State
2015 C300 RWD
Good info. I wish both out to test and then order. On mileage hit, it seems some MB 4matic take a hit on mpg and others not, same on 0-60. I meow they have a couple different systems, but physics don't add up.... This is from 2012, same tranny/4matic though
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ed-test-review
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...ed-test-review
Last edited by floridadriver; Oct 17, 2014 at 01:19 PM.
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06 C 350 2014 GLK350
I noticed the W205 brochure shows that the 4matic adds 177 pounds to the car. If you don't need 4Matic, can you imagine hauling around that dead weight wherever you go?
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2015 C300 RWD
Anyone getting hints of RWD release? My dealer said by now with allocations and orders for 4matic, would be late February delivery minimum on RWD. By November 1, assuming they release then, March delivery in USA?
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E90 335i
Releasing 4matic first was an easy way to get most people that were excited about the car to fork over some extra $$ for an option they maybe wouldn't have ticked. Like if Apple only sold the new iPhone with the most memory for the first 4 months. All the early adapters will take what they can get cost be damned.
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2015 C300 RWD
Releasing 4matic first was an easy way to get most people that were excited about the car to fork over some extra $$ for an option they maybe wouldn't have ticked. Like if Apple only sold the new iPhone with the most memory for the first 4 months. All the early adapters will take what they can get cost be damned.
. CLA came out fwd first and in winter which seemed even more counter intuitive. Wonder if it's a tooling or supply issue, the desire to turn it into a Audi Quattro mantra where AWD is the norm, or just inefficiency.
Last edited by floridadriver; Oct 18, 2014 at 04:56 AM.
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Many drivers, especially those who drive in snow, prefer AWD to either front or rear drive cars. Even many who don't, still prefer the added traction of an AWD system. Audi has followed that design philosophy for years, and their Quattro cars outsell their FWD vehicles by a wide margin.
Personally, I would never have purchased my C300 if it didn't have the 4Matic AWD system on it. It'll be very interesting to see what the sales mix turns out to be when both AWD and RWD are offered. I would not be surprised to see the 4Matic cars as the best sellers.
Personally, I would never have purchased my C300 if it didn't have the 4Matic AWD system on it. It'll be very interesting to see what the sales mix turns out to be when both AWD and RWD are offered. I would not be surprised to see the 4Matic cars as the best sellers.
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Another round of ICE
Many drivers, especially those who drive in snow, prefer AWD to either front or rear drive cars. Even many who don't, still prefer the added traction of an AWD system. Audi has followed that design philosophy for years, and their Quattro cars outsell their FWD vehicles by a wide margin.
Audi essentially added rear wheel drive to their base architecture of FWD to create Quattro. It's now their marketing position, and, as you point out, many accept the AWD message. AWD with winter tires is the ultimate for all situations, of course. But, for most situations, it is not necessary to add the 100+lbs over the front wheels of a rear wheel drive car, resulting in increased cost, maintenance, repair, and generating understeer and reduced performance/fuel economy/steering feel, in order to successfully negotiate most winters.
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Not trying to be word-picky, but an AWD system has no inherent traction. Tires have traction. AWD just powers more 2 wheels to turn. That is helpful from a standing start if the rear tires happen to be on a very low mu surface but one of the front tires does not....not that frequent an occurrence. AWD does not help quick braking/steering to avoid an obstacle in winter...that is done by the traction generated by the tires. Many of those who have accepted the marketing of AWD then believe it allows them to skip proper winter tires, which would actually have delivered the traction they seek. Car and Driver has shown time again that a rear wheel drive vehicle with proper winter tires outperforms an AWD vehicle on so-called "all seasons".
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Another round of ICE
Absolutely correct. I have owned several FWD, RWD, and AWD vehicles and driven them all in severe winter conditions. Regardless of the drive, four good winter tires are mandatory, and I have always run snows on both axles. With four comparable snows however, an AWD is a much better choice on snow and ice. I've gotten stuck on steep inclines, and in deep snow, with both FWD and RWD cars that my AWD cars drove through with no or minimal slippage. As far as steering and braking, performance is entirely dependent on the rubber.
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Hat's off, sir! You've got this nailed. But, it is surprising how many don't understand it as well. In the relatively flat areas of the midwest, where we do get quite a winter, you'd be amazed how many SUVs wind up in ditches with their all-seasons above the roofline! Drivers are confounded that their AWD SUV somehow did not defy physics! I think we can agree, however, that our friend in Florida has different needs.
In Florida, that probably isn't a major concern.
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