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Motorweek did a very positive full road test of the C450AMG on its latest TV episode .
Test results in summery were : 0 to 60 - 4.5 secs
1/4 mile -12.9 @109 mph
Their conclusion was : Price closer to C300
Performance closer to C63 AMG
I wonder if these figures will improve with the C43, having a 9-speed transmission ?
Maybe it is just me, but that seems pretty fast for a stock C450. If those are the true numbers, then the tunes we have been reviewing aren't really doing that much good. I never saw the c450 run below 13.1 stock, though
Maybe it is just me, but that seems pretty fast for a stock C450. If those are the true numbers, then the tunes we have been reviewing aren't really doing that much good. I never saw the c450 run below 13.1 stock, though
Motortrend got a 13.0, which would be weather corrected, so in theory, with a little better weather, someone who does not weather correct should be able to get a 12.9 without issue. I don't believe Motorweek does correction for weather, so might have been a sunny (warm track) but cool day...
The episode aired Sunday morning here in NY. It will probably be online sometime this week. I don't know how Motorweek still exists with its "tried and true" format. It is really just a terribly produced show that insists on playing 1990 drum machine midi music over the sounds of the car on the road. Instead of hearing the distinctive "v-8 like crackle" you get to hear John Davis say "let off the throttle and get that neat V8-like crackle ". I hate that guy.
Hellloh. And welcome toooo. Motorweek!
The episode aired Sunday morning here in NY. It will probably be online sometime this week. I don't know how Motorweek still exists with its "tried and true" format. It is really just a terribly produced show that insists on playing 1990 drum machine midi music over the sounds of the car on the road. Instead of hearing the distinctive "v-8 like crackle" you get to hear John Davis say "let off the throttle and get that neat V8-like crackle ". I hate that guy.
Hellloh. And welcome toooo. Motorweek!
I hate him too. ive actually heard him speak on another show and I confirmed that he only speaks like a moron on motorweek. he speaks pretty normally othwerwise.
By the way guys, where have Cajun1689 disappeared to? Didn't he promise to update us on the Meisterschaft exhaust? Like more than a month ago? Cajun, where are you? We miss you bro!
Maybe it is just me, but that seems pretty fast for a stock C450. If those are the true numbers, then the tunes we have been reviewing aren't really doing that much good. I never saw the c450 run below 13.1 stock, though
Originally Posted by z28lt1
Motortrend got a 13.0, which would be weather corrected, so in theory, with a little better weather, someone who does not weather correct should be able to get a 12.9 without issue. I don't believe Motorweek does correction for weather, so might have been a sunny (warm track) but cool day...
Not to mention, the 4matic doesn't hurt.......combined with the 200 lb. or so lb. weight loss from the C63.
Also, remember that the 'C450' badging, while it no longer designates the traditional naturally-aspirated MB engine displacement, it seems to refer more to the anticipated output of a well-tuned or better-tuned tuned 4.5 liter V-8. For instance, while the torque numbers would be lower and limited by displacement, Audi's 4.2 puts out some healthy numbers.
All of which is another way of saying..........make no mistake about it, we ARE packin' V-8 power. Just with a wee bit of lag, but way better gas mileage.
And I can get past the lag (usually appearing from around 1200-1800 rpm in my 450) quite easily by simply putting my foot down while in the proper gear. She gets a little jumpy as it gets past 2000 and up in to the mid-range. (Oh! Can I call her a she?)
So, those numbers sound about right in my experience. Lastly, the 9-speed should bring some improved numbers, what, a couple ticks faster maybe?
So, those numbers sound about right in my experience. Lastly, the 9-speed should bring some improved numbers, what, a couple ticks faster maybe?
It depends on the gearing. I know the 9G is used in the CLS63 and other cars already so maybe that could provide some insight. Without doing any research and just throwing a guess out I would say I that gears 7-8-9 will be cruising gears just like 7 is on the current system. While in Sport+ in the C300 7th is locked out already so I feel like 8 and 9 will be too. Maybe MBs goal is to get you cruising at 100 MPH and hovering around 1000-1100 RPM for better mileage.
The episode aired Sunday morning here in NY. It will probably be online sometime this week. I don't know how Motorweek still exists with its "tried and true" format. It is really just a terribly produced show that insists on playing 1990 drum machine midi music over the sounds of the car on the road. Instead of hearing the distinctive "v-8 like crackle" you get to hear John Davis say "let off the throttle and get that neat V8-like crackle ". I hate that guy.
Hellloh. And welcome toooo. Motorweek!
I just like that I'm not the only guy on the board who remembers MIDI. And yeah, John Davis reminds me of a guy who's one misplaced hard drive away from getting busted doing a total Jared Fogle.
Hey kids, watch me put the rubber to the road, let the cat out of the bag, unleash the muscle, and any other cliche you can think of. Imagine having to write a new pun ever week for 30+ seasons. I'm pretty sure John Davis references the c450 as the perfect 'tweener in the c class lineup. I hate him.
It depends on the gearing. I know the 9G is used in the CLS63 and other cars already so maybe that could provide some insight. Without doing any research and just throwing a guess out I would say I that gears 7-8-9 will be cruising gears just like 7 is on the current system. While in Sport+ in the C300 7th is locked out already so I feel like 8 and 9 will be too. Maybe MBs goal is to get you cruising at 100 MPH and hovering around 1000-1100 RPM for better mileage.
Is 7th locked out in Sport+ on the C450?
Sport and Sport plus lock out both 6 & 7 on the C450, regardless of speed and throttle input. This also explains the big gas mileage drop off when you play in sport mode too much.
Sport and Sport plus lock out both 6 & 7 on the C450, regardless of speed and throttle input. This also explains the big gas mileage drop off when you play in sport mode too much.
Not correct. Sport or sport plus does hold the lower gear longer, and throttle response and sound is elevated, but the car will go into 6 or 7, just that you would be way over the speed limit by then. I drive in sport plus mode most of the time, in 7 speed on the highway. You can also use the paddle shift to go to 7, depending on speed and rpm
1. When it's winter I bring my own washing mitt to the self serve bay carwashes, or I just use the touchless washes that do a really good job.
2. When the roof is opening and closing, I do hear the motor that opens it and closes it, don't think that's too uncommon.
4. I have a Valentine 1, unreal. Probably has save me thousands of dollars in tickets.
5. I think you can tint a leased car, all my friends when I lived in Florida did that, non uncommon.
6. My mom's ML got a dent in it last month from a valet, she noticed it and went in to the hotel to tell them and the hotel's insurance company cut her a check for $1k.
The red and brown combo looks great!
Thanks for your comments. I hear the constant hum from the center light area even when the pano roof is closed and not being operated. I am not sure what is causing it. Sometimes, the hum stops after several minutes.
What is a good product for claying and waxing the car?
Nice.....'cause you know how MB likes to understate those 0-60 numbers. I can remember looking an all-AMG brochure, and whether it was a (guess-timating) 4600 lb. CL63 or a 41-4200 lb. CLS63/E63 with the same M156 6.2 V8 - 4.5....4.5....4.5. Then the 4000 lb. C63.........4.3 or 4.4. I'm thinking: Not complaining, but get the *&^$ outta here! 4.5 my butt.
Originally Posted by DapperStyle
It depends on the gearing. I know the 9G is used in the CLS63 and other cars already so maybe that could provide some insight. Without doing any research and just throwing a guess out I would say I that gears 7-8-9 will be cruising gears just like 7 is on the current system. While in Sport+ in the C300 7th is locked out already so I feel like 8 and 9 will be too. Maybe MBs goal is to get you cruising at 100 MPH and hovering around 1000-1100 RPM for better mileage.
Is 7th locked out in Sport+ on the C450?
Gotcha. Thanks for the breakdown. Always knew more gears = better mileage, but never quite knew exactly why. (I know, "what kind of car guy are you? That's basic knowledge!" Hey man, I'm still learning; gimme a break.) On the 7th gear lockout situation, will defer to Autopal, having experienced the same....but will add a little something.
Originally Posted by autopal
Not correct. Sport or sport plus does hold the lower gear longer, and throttle response and sound is elevated, but the car will go into 6 or 7, just that you would be way over the speed limit by then. I drive in sport plus mode most of the time, in 7 speed on the highway. You can also use the paddle shift to go to 7, depending on speed and rpm
Also, while you could conceivably stay in Sport+ and have the auto go all the way up to 7 throughout the day the nature or calibration of the tranny will defeat the purpose of driving in Sport+ to begin with. Translation: You'd have to drive like granny at all times; no exceptions. Here's why.
Back in the C63 days, on that MBWORLD board it was made known that MB tunes the computer to recall the last 30-40 throttle inputs and adjust accordingly to our style. However, if you start out for the day in Sport+ and drive with easy inputs, it mimics Comfort mode.......always searching for the highest/gas-saving gear. Will be in 7th gear @ around 45 mph, just like C or Eco.
But, as with when I tried it in the 63, you punch it one stinkin time to manuever out of whatever slow or congested traffic and it totally resets to all-out Sport+ Gangster mode. As if the computer is saying: Oh!? We're finally at Moroso? (If you're in S. Florida) Yeah, baby.....finally another track day! Let's rock. Largely a waste of time to try to fool the onboard computer is what I've noticed.
And no, switching to C or E and back to S+ does not help. For that drive - until I shut it down for ___ hours (no clue), I'd be lucky to see 5th gear in the mostly 50mph zones that I travel in.....without manually shifting up, of course.
So, that's why I tend to save Sport+ for weekends and chill my ticket-magnet *** out during the week. Don't ask.
Not correct. Sport or sport plus does hold the lower gear longer, and throttle response and sound is elevated, but the car will go into 6 or 7, just that you would be way over the speed limit by then. I drive in sport plus mode most of the time, in 7 speed on the highway. You can also use the paddle shift to go to 7, depending on speed and rpm
My experience differs from yours. I played with the car for over three hours yesterday on freeway, rural highway, winding country roads and city streets. At 65mph on the freeway with minimal throttle input MY car holds 5th gear and will not upshift. On Interstate 5 at speed on a slight down grade the car still held 5th gear. Again on hwy 217 at 70mph flat surface and no throttle input my car held 5th gear. I verified this in both Sport +, Sport, and my Individual setting which used Sport+ engine configuration. Manual shifing is a moot point since manual mode will nearly always provide the gear selected.
It is possible that the car will upshift at higher speeds. My top speed on the highways and freeways did not exceed 75mph. My average cruising speed was 65-70. For all tests I reduced throttle input to zero attempting to trigger an upshift, the car held 5th gear regardless of the reduced throttle input.
My build date was 4/13/2016.
It is possible that the ECU mapping is different on later build dates.
I also have not yet noticed the delay from a rolling stop that other members here have complained about. I tried to initiate it a few times yesterday and was not able to replicate this condition.
Also, while you could conceivably stay in Sport+ and have the auto go all the way up to 7 throughout the day the nature or calibration of the tranny will defeat the purpose of driving in Sport+ to begin with. Translation: You'd have to drive like granny at all times; no exceptions. Here's why.
Back in the C63 days, on that MBWORLD board it was made known that MB tunes the computer to recall the last 30-40 throttle inputs and adjust accordingly to our style. However, if you start out for the day in Sport+ and drive with easy inputs, it mimics Comfort mode.......always searching for the highest/gas-saving gear. Will be in 7th gear @ around 45 mph, just like C or Eco.
But, as with when I tried it in the 63, you punch it one stinkin time to manuever out of whatever slow or congested traffic and it totally resets to all-out Sport+ Gangster mode. As if the computer is saying: Oh!? We're finally at Moroso? (If you're in S. Florida) Yeah, baby.....finally another track day! Let's rock. Largely a waste of time to try to fool the onboard computer is what I've noticed.
And no, switching to C or E and back to S+ does not help. For that drive - until I shut it down for ___ hours (no clue), I'd be lucky to see 5th gear in the mostly 50mph zones that I travel in.....without manually shifting up, of course.
So, that's why I tend to save Sport+ for weekends and chill my ticket-magnet *** out during the week. Don't ask.
Maybe this is what I was encountering since I hit the winding backroads before getting on the freeway. The car is so new that it is still adapting to our driving styles.
Sport and Sport plus lock out both 6 & 7 on the C450, regardless of speed and throttle input. This also explains the big gas mileage drop off when you play in sport mode too much.
one can always tap up on the paddles and get those gears.. I do it all the time on the highway.
and the motorweek review has been up a couple days. they are usually pretty good at getting them on youtube within a week..
I just have a channel sub setup and watch them on the weekends on my ATV
I wanted to post this again here for anyone with a lack of crackle. Rallye motors diagnosed the issue and reprogrammed the ECU. Here is the service record showing what was done at the dealer. My car has its pop again.
I wanted to post this again here for anyone with a lack of crackle. Rallye motors diagnosed the issue and reprogrammed the ECU. Here is the service record showing what was done at the dealer. My car has its pop again.
Thanks for posting your update, will be helpful to others. Glad your dealer took the time to address the issue. My fear is the lack of 'pop' will return, since I can't guess what a reporogram to the same version of the code would do rather than unlearn learned behaviors. Let us know how well it works out for you.
I'm reading all the hype about what the new c43's exhaust might be and it got me thinking a bit. More automakers are doing the crazy factory exhaust thing lately. I heard a new 911 startup this morning and it barked! This is the 2017 car with the turbo base engine and it sounded feirce. The CLA and GLA45 (turbo 4) pops and backfires just revving in park. What are they doing that's not happening on the c450?
Mercedes makes the c450 backfire at high RPM, but it doesn't snap off the throttle backfire like the others. It has to be more than just exhaust though. The AWE exhaust is similar in design to the c63 exhaust without the cables. Even in the track trim, the car doesn't pop and get mean from a stop, and that's an almost entirely open exhaust. What do they have to do to make a better sound.
I'm reading all the hype about what the new c43's exhaust might be and it got me thinking a bit. More automakers are doing the crazy factory exhaust thing lately. I heard a new 911 startup this morning and it barked! This is the 2017 car with the turbo base engine and it sounded feirce. The CLA and GLA45 (turbo 4) pops and backfires just revving in park. What are they doing that's not happening on the c450?
Mercedes makes the c450 backfire at high RPM, but it doesn't snap off the throttle backfire like the others. It has to be more than just exhaust though. The AWE exhaust is similar in design to the c63 exhaust without the cables. Even in the track trim, the car doesn't pop and get mean from a stop, and that's an almost entirely open exhaust. What do they have to do to make a better sound.
My thoughts exactly. If AWE is the the upper echelon of C450/C43 exhaust note - then I am unimpressed with this optional exhaust being better than what is already offered.
Honestly, I love the stock system - but always interested in bigger and louder.
I wanted to post this again here for anyone with a lack of crackle. Rallye motors diagnosed the issue and reprogrammed the ECU. Here is the service record showing what was done at the dealer. My car has its pop again.
So does this confirms that the ECU will make adapt to your style when not switching between Sport and Sport+ when driving daily (not racing) vs very aggressively (smashing faces)?
Then you will be forced to smash a lot of faces to get it back to awesome or bring it to a dealership to have them reprogram it.
I truly believe that they had no idea what caused the problem. The dealers problem was that they acknowledged there was a problem. Once that happened they were forced to find the solution. Reprogramming the ecu was their only solution, and it worked.
C450 Impressions (And perspective post BMW M School)
Hi all
As my username suggests, I have just come from a BMW (Z4 35is) to a C450. I have had a few weeks to drive the car and have been really impressed. So, I have a few paragraphs of thoughts to share (for current and would-be C450/C43 buyers) and my last thought will be asking all of you fellow owners to reinforce how good I should feel - since today BMW did a HELL of a job showing me how incredible their cars are... I'll explain further.
First, my impressions on the C450:
Design/Fit/Finish/Appointments Pluses
I cross-shopped EVERYTHING before leasing my C450. Audi A4/S4, BMW 3 and 4 series and M4, Jaguar XE R sport, Cadillac, Lexus, Infiniti, Schwinn, Tonka.... you name it. I am VERY particular about interior design and BMW was getting stale for me. After sitting and driving damn near every comparable vehicle out there, the C class beats them ALL in interior design which is both well-made and a nice mix of sporty and classy. The Designo seats, the contrast dash stitching, sweeping center console, the materials and quality... The best. Period. Audi is a close second and I love some of what they did with the TTS but it was too small for me (I needed more than a 2+2) and the new 2017 A4 has a horizontal dash design that reminds me of the Oldsmobile I had when I was 18. So, it was Mercedes.
On the exterior, the car grew on me. At first, I was concerned it was too old-school and subdued. I ended up with black exterior (didn't think I would, but I found a fully-featured one) and the black with the saddle brown interior/carbon exterior accents/black wheels/blacked out everything else... in one of his reviews MotoMan spoke of a black C450 and called it 'sinister' and he was right. My car looks fearsome. I have received a few comments from people who have no idea what it is (I de-badged) but they like it. It makes a statement which pictures can't convey. My last mod will likely be slight spacers on the wheels to give a bit more aggressive stance, and after that, she will be done.
So, all in all, its classy and aggressive in a subtle way. I have come to really enjoy walking up to it in the parking lot.
Design/Fit/Finish/Appointments Deltas
1) The seats are comfortable, but coming from a sports car, I needed more tight/form fitting side bolsters. The C450's don't adjust either - I am 6 ft all, but thin framed, I slide too much in the C450 seat.
2) Also on the seats - I love the power slide out extension for the seat bottom, but there isn't angle adjustment on the bottom of the seat. I can't tip the seat slightly up so I don't 'submarine' under hard breaking. I get it, this is a sports sedan... but I want to feel firmly planted in a car with over 350HP.
3) And finally, on the exterior... it's not as aggressive looking as some other cars (BMW M4) but, maybe more distinctive? This is a wash, as noted above, the exterior continues to grow on me.
Performance and Driving Pluses
I was worried when I finally pulled the trigger on the C450 (and BMW just made me a bit more nervous today, as I'll speak to below) that coming from a sports car I would feel like an old man in the sedan. I have two young daughters and it was no longer practical for me to be in a 2 seater but I wanted something with performance. Theres a lot to like in this regard, namely, the sound of the exhaust - nice. It's just enough burble and grunt and fits the car's character. I had a really nice sound on my Z4 (much more aggressive sounding than a non iS Z4) and I loved how aggressive it sounded. The C450 has that crackle and is one of the main reasons that I crossed the Audi TTS off my list - the TTS sounds ridiculous compared to the C450.
In terms of performance, does the C450 deliver? Yes. I just drove from Virginia to South Carolina to BMW's Spartanburg facility and the power is really impressive. The all wheel drive was a big want for me (not a deal breaker, but I loved that Audi knows how to do it and made me want it, so I hated to give it up) and the C450 feels PLANTED. When I have the car in Sport+ and manual shift mode, it....moves. My Z4 was the highest horsepower of that car available (sort of an M Sport version of the Z4) and with the DCT it would scare the p*** out of me sometimes when it was pushed from a standing start. The C450 feels FASTER. Technically, if the real world numbers are to be believed, at 4.5 seconds at 0-60, the C450 may truly be faster than my Z4. What is interesting... and why it's here in the plus, is the car doesn't feel dramatic when it accelerates to that speed. It feels composed and smooth. That's a plus, but....
Performance and Driving Deltas
1) ...It's also a delta. I want a high performance car to feel involving. The C450 feels so well composed that I don't have the two drops of pee come out that I used to get when I pushed the Z4. Again, yes, I am in a sedan, I know. But there was a moment this trip, on a highway run during which I needed (er...wanted...) to get around a slow driver who was dawdling in the left lane and I asked the C450 to touch 100mph. It did it and felt as dramatic as a summer day with no clouds. It was just... easy. I am not complaining - hence this being a plus and a delta. The car knows how to be fast and composed. It's very enjoyable, just not dramatic.
2) I have never been a track car guy (up to now... again, more below) and I was vacillating a lot before this purchase about how much 'Sports' I needed in a car. There are moments I wish I had gone with a coupe (believe me, I tried to find a coupe I loved, but sadly the C43 coupe is months away, the C63 is too brutal/expensive and I mentioned the TTS rule outs above). I wanted a car that felt 'sports' and not just 'sporty' but also had to remind myself I have never tracked a car. Alas, throughout my search, the devil on my other shoulder would then say, 'yeah, but don't you want to?' Sigh. Well, maybe I do....
Attending BMW M Performance Driving School
I am just a couple of hours out of the seats of an M4, M5, M3 and yes, I tracked an M2 today (one of only 30 or so civilians who have done that with an M2 at any BMW school to date).
It. Was. Epic. For those of you who have done this kind of thing a lot, I am a noob and probably a geek for gushing on about it but it was an amazing experience. The instructors were incredible and we took the M cars around slalom courses, two full tracks (short and long), timed laps, skidpad (!!!) and handling courses. We learned car control, turn in/out, over/understeer control, did timed laps against each other (15 of us in the class) all in our cars solo. No instructor next to you - they were on the radio with us as we drove. Damn, BMW has done a BRILLIANT job with this class. I can't think of a more compelling sales tactic than this class and had I done it before I turned in my Z4 lease (ONE WEEK AGO!!) BMW would have kept me. End of story.
So, now that I have experienced this day and I realize how compelling the idea is of having a car capable of track driving, hitting 100mph on a backstretch and being braked HARD into a descending sweeping turn and being HAPPY about it.... the question for me is - Should I have buyers (leasers) remorse about my C450?
Please, current owners, share your thoughts, but be kind - I am feeling fragile heh heh....
For those of you who aren't yet C450 owners, hopefully what I've shared helps you. It's a stellar car.
So you went to your high school reunion, ran into your old flame, one thing lead to another, you ended up banging her in the janitors closet and it was mind-blowing. Now you're having second thoughts about your beautiful new wife.
We've all been there. You know what? F that skank. Who blows a guy in a janitors closet anyway?? There's a reason you two broke up in the first place. Now go take the C450 out for a nice wash and vacuum and let's pretend the whole thing never happened.
Or, pick up a cheap Z4 to keep on the side when the mood strikes.
05-10-2016, 09:53 AM
(Oh! Can I call her a she?)
(one of only 30 or so civilians who have done that with an M2 at any BMW school to date). 
