I just got the February issue of Consumer reports and was very pleased to see that the Road Report:Luxury Compact Sedans now puts the C300 in first place. It bumped the BMW 3 Series to second place by one point, and outscored the Acura TLX by five points. It also came out on top in the "Most Luxurious" category

Comments include, "unflappable ride comfort with sharp handling," "commendably quiet cabin," "it delivers a donkey kick of power," "a plush, baby S interior," and "Mercedes has done BMW one better."

With all the early build issues some of us are suffering through, it's not a bad thing to focus on just how good this car is. Alabama may be letting us down, but none can argue about the inherent excellence of this car.

 

Too bad it isn't reflected in the US sales figures. BMW sold 19464 3 series in Dec, which was by far their best month ever, I believe. The c class sold 8224 units. With better QC maybe they they can increase their sales. They have certainly been giving some pretty aggressive discounts in the US at least.

 

Yes ~ there are strong predictions in SA that it will win our COTY award. If not overall, certainly in it's class.

 

Interesting.. but written before more and more US issues became apparent. I wonder if they'll re-write this later down the line.

 

So it isn't "normal ultra floaty if not wallowy Mercedes handling", like some non-Mercedes posters claim, hmmm?

 

BMW is a very, very tricky company - I believe they channel stuff like crazy to pump up the numbers.


Mercedes IMHO is out-doing BMW at all levels and even if BMW is selling more cars, who cares. The proof is in the pudding that their cars have been painfully value-engineered - and the proof is in the pudding that Mercedes is delivering a far superior product. I'm really proud to see how far Mercedes has improved over the past 8-years.


Mercedes stands true to their philosophy that's been in place for a very long time --- while BMW unfortunately abandoned theirs in late 2000 and it's finally biting them hard.

 

I the C/R results should help sales, I think the C/R demographic overlaps the M-B demo quite a bit (it includes me, anyway ). The initial C/R (and other car reviewer) reviews helped me choose.

pek

 

 

Yes, what a pity that such a well designed car is being built with flaws @ the Alabama plant.

That TSB that was issued concerning MBTex seat covers will come back to haunt MBUSA. "Wash with soapy water and deliver to customer" is a disastrous strategy that will cost Mercedes an enormous amount of goodwill.

 

The road test results will stand, but the C300 will never be recommended based on what will surely be poor reliability ratings for 2015.

 

not completely fair.. since BMW has every flavor of 3 series you can think.

Sedan,
Wagon
GT-monster looking

diesel, 4, 6, engines...

I like the new 3 series cars.. much respect to BMW to take on turbo engines seriously in 2007 with 335i.

Audi had a chance to do it much earlier, but they focused on only the 4 cy engines. Mercedes fell behind by using kompressors and turbos on only the 12 cyl engines.

Now all big 3 have products are very good.

 

Where did you read it was due to a lack of quality control?

 

It's sad though seeing NA motors phased out. I had two NA M3s and loved them to bits. The e90 M3 was a little slow though for my needs... at that time, I looked back and wished I bought the W204 C63 AMG. It was a better car. I think the new F80 M3 is awesome... I do want one. But I also want the W205 AMG C63 - and I have a feeling it's going to be mind-blowing. My only concern is what the starting MSRP will be. Wish I could to own both really. We'll see. The M3 is the only BMW product I would ever consider. I have zero interest in the M4... looks like a banana. And the rest of their products IMHO are lame ducks.

 

If every car is like yours, Stan. They have over 8,000 sales and maybe a hundred or so owners are on this website. Again, not to excuse the nonsense you are dealing with, but I do think it is a little early to tell.

 

In this case, I really hope I'm wrong.

 

My point was if the new c gets positive reviews for things like initial customer satisfaction and reliability from organizations like Consumer Reports it should be a positive influence on future sales growth.

 

I'm guessing that out the owners on this forum, many may be in warmer climates or have leather seats, so we need to find out how many w205 owners on this forum that live in cold climates with MB-Tex either have the problem or have not noticed any sign of it.

 

Thanks for clarifying. You made it sound like the lack of sales was due to a lack of QC.

 

Me too!

 

sorry but for me 3 series is still the king of the segment. only thing C class has over 3 series is the interior

 

That belief is fast waning in many markets. BMW's don't make old bones well. They are fine while they are under motorplan. They don't have Benz durability. It's no accident that Benz is the worlds ubiquitous taxi outside the UK.

 

Admirable of you to stay so positive towards the car and the Mercedes brand after the issues you have experienced, especially with your seats StanNH.

But then again, you come across as a calm, informed and intelligent individual in all of your posts.

 

I disagree with this statement. When we purchased our '12 C350, we test drove the F30 and it was a POS. My wife who had owned BMWs for years was appalled - it was downright depressing actually. BMW went from lead to follower overnight. The C350 has been absolutely amazing - it's built beautifully, the material quality is superior and her car still looks brand new. And we have had not one single problem whatsoever.

 

It's pretty much sweeping a path to victory Down-Under as well. In Australia the new C has won several COTY awards as well (from motoring bodies to magazines).
http://www.mercedes-benz.com.au/cont...rs/Awards.html

 

Yep! ~ The 2012 W204 blew BMW 3 Series out of the water in SA as well. Cheap materials & crap ride quality let down the 3.