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Sorry I was talking about C450 as for me it is an AMG model too.
Regarding model comparisons: I test drove 435i awd, C450 AMG sport, Macan S, Jag XE S, RS3 before making my choice.
RS3 is smaller category, so even if it is an AMAZING car, it cannot compete for what i"m looking for.
Macan S was all what I wanted (now with the new GTS it is even a dream car) but was too expensive for me (final bill around 90.000 EUR)
I found the BMW a bit articifial and even if we feel the road feedback there is not enough sensations on steering. Sound is good but not great. The interior is very minimal but clearly well refined. We cannot have flat bottomed wheel, pano sunroof (only small one), electric close of trunck... and it doesn't have a lot of torque.
The tough choice was more between XES and C450. The XES is a lot of fun, sexy look, great sound and the best feeling of the road i found. It has few cons: from scratch new model with no usage feedback, limited space on rear seats, average interior materials and high CO2 tax here in France (6500 EUR) !
So made my choice for C450
ps: I have a more detailed comparison table if anyone is interested i can share.
How does the exhaust sound of the XES compares to the C450?
Sorry guys about the acronym. Yeah HK = Hong Kong and ***** is right in pointing out the crazy amount of import tax they impose on cars (not as crazy as Singapore though). The C450 is not available yet but I am guessing that the price would be more of USD115K as the CLA45 is already 100k.
I consider myself to be very lucky to be moving to Canada as a car person
Nvestr r u getting a good deal? I wanted to get the standard seats because I have two huskies and the dynamica would eat dog fur like crazy. Have been emailing a dealer and was told that the AMG seats are not an option in Canada - is that the case for you too?
Yes, I believe I am getting a decent deal, considering how rare the cars still are and the fact that I am ordering and not buying off the lot. My dealer is allocated 6 of these per year, so the deal I got makes sense to me!
AMG PErformance seats are only available in the C63, apparently. That being said, I prefer the standard seats regardless.
How does the exhaust sound of the XES compares to the C450?
Jag are masters of exhasut sound. The Ftype exhaust sound is probably the best i ever heard but on the XES it has been reduced on purpose. Yet, the XES sound is good, as loud as C450 in S/S+ but it doesnt' do the "blubs or small explosions" when decelerating
Minutes away from ordering a C450 in Eastern Canada.
How do you guys feel about the Standard seats vs AMG Leather?
I saw and drove a C450 for the first time on Saturday. I had never driven or been in a W205 before. Based on my research, I expected the AMG Nappa Leather to be extremely good. In person, it did not feel or look overly special. I compared and felt a C300 with Artico (beige color) and thought the Artico was almost just as soft to touch - there was a difference but not huge. I expected to really be able to tell a difference. Anybody get the C450 with the standard Artico/Dynamica seats? Any regrets?
I think the two materials on the standard seats look really cool and I certainly welcome saving $2000 over the Nappa leather, especially given it did not wow me as much as I hoped.
Perhaps my expectations were too high for the leather... My current car, a 2012 Acura TL AWD Elite/Advance has the upgraded Premium Italian Leather seats in Umber (similiar to saddle brown) and I felt that the leather in my TL is way softer and nicer than the AMG leather... I would have thought that leather in a Mercedes would be much nicer than a more "value-oriented" luxury brand like Acura... I'm no leather expert but this is my impression on touch and feel...
Would love the opinions from those that have gone way or another...
If you like the Artico and suede stuff go for it. I got the black leather and couldn't be happier. I'm not a fan of the two-material seats and that suede stuff just isn't my style at all. Plus the white contrast stitching on the black leather seats really raises the luxury factor of the car, while the red stitch and suede stuff makes it feel a bit more sporty but IMO a bit less high end.
I drove a 435i gran coupe to an MB dealership this past weekend to do a side-by-side comparison with the C450. After driving both, I felt it was a tough call. Personally, I may give the BMW the slightest of nods on the handling (more connected to the road), but it was not enough of a difference such that I would feel that I was missing something should I buy the C450.
I give the BMW a slight nod on the exterior appearance, too, but that's because I like the BMW 4 series gran coupe styling. That, and I don't like ANY of the MB wheels offered with the C450! I don't think I can post without harping on the fact that MB doesn't offer any nice forged alloy wheels for this car. Again, not enough of a difference in the exteriors that I would feel like I would have remorse should I pick one over the other (except when I look at the wheels).
On the other hand, I felt that there was a very appreciable difference between the interiors of the two cars with the C450 being superior. The biggest (but not only) advantage being the openness and natural lighting afforded by the C450's panoramic roof. If I bought the 435i, I do feel that I would lament not having the MB interior and roof.
I was in the same boat. I love the 435 gran coupe exterior, but the interior is the same old tired 3 series that I couldn't wait to get out of.
I drove a 435i gran coupe to an MB dealership this past weekend to do a side-by-side comparison with the C450. After driving both, I felt it was a tough call. Personally, I may give the BMW the slightest of nods on the handling (more connected to the road), but it was not enough of a difference such that I would feel that I was missing something should I buy the C450.
I give the BMW a slight nod on the exterior appearance, too, but that's because I like the BMW 4 series gran coupe styling. That, and I don't like ANY of the MB wheels offered with the C450! I don't think I can post without harping on the fact that MB doesn't offer any nice forged alloy wheels for this car. Again, not enough of a difference in the exteriors that I would feel like I would have remorse should I pick one over the other (except when I look at the wheels).
On the other hand, I felt that there was a very appreciable difference between the interiors of the two cars with the C450 being superior. The biggest (but not only) advantage being the openness and natural lighting afforded by the C450's panoramic roof. If I bought the 435i, I do feel that I would lament not having the MB interior and roof.
I decided against the pano roof. i never really open my sunroof on my A6 so i really dont need one. while i like the pano, i hate the flimsy fabric they have. rather Kia-ish. if it had a hard cover like a standard sunroof, id be all for the pano. or maybe the magic sky control like in the SL.
just my preference.
i did play around with the idea of a 4 series or M3, but the interior was just blahh for me. and im not a fan of that gear shift. I did look at the Audi S5, Jag XE and was intrigued with the new alfa coming out, but always wanted an AMG, and figured this would be the best decision.
Picked mine up today!, Steel Grey with the cranberry interior. I got the heads up display, which i'm really liking, well worth it. I test drove a bunch of cars, Macan, 435GC, IS350Fsport, GolfR. More than any other this car really put a smile on face when i drove it.
AMG PErformance seats are only available in the C63, apparently. That being said, I prefer the standard seats regardless.
4 days ago I placed an order for a C450 here in Montreal Canada with the option 555 Amg Performance Seats and so far the order is valid. Even the dealer wasn't sure if this can be done but it looks like it's all good.
In their computer system, the option 555 is there. On the website configurator, the option is not there. It's strange but whatever... as long as I get the AMG seats i'm happy.
4 days ago I placed an order for a C450 here in Montreal Canada with the option 555 Amg Performance Seats and so far the order is valid. Even the dealer wasn't sure if this can be done but it looks like it's all good.
In their computer system, the option 555 is there. On the website configurator, the option is not there. It's strange but whatever... as long as I get the AMG seats i'm happy.
I'm in the US, and according to the online configurator my build is not possible. The configurator is saying that if you select leather, you have to have the Premium 2 package. My car has leather, but not Prem 2. There are other inconsistencies as well. I guess they really mean it when they say that "specifications may change".
Tuner Werks is quoting higher numbers than the other three. Curious as the others are all pretty close and a few big names. Hopefully someone here takes them up on the "sponsor" and can post results.
Last edited by Sma2c; Nov 20, 2015 at 02:10 PM.
Reason: typo...
2018 E63S: Former cars 2016 C450, 2013 C350, 2009 C300
Originally Posted by Sma2c
Tuner Werks is quoting higher numbers than the other three. Curious as the others are all pretty close and a few big names. Hopefully someone here takes them up on the "sponsor" and can post results.
yeah they wouldn't let me be the sponsor because i run the website. they are pricing sponsorship pricing at 999 usd i am going to get those 0 to 100 numbers soon just been super busy with work lately
I'm in the US, and according to the online configurator my build is not possible. The configurator is saying that if you select leather, you have to have the Premium 2 package. My car has leather, but not Prem 2. There are other inconsistencies as well. I guess they really mean it when they say that "specifications may change".
Buff, I did get leather without premium 2 (that's the option with surround, right?) They must change that order form all the time. I know they did when I was looking, and when I was ordering. Good luck straightening it all out.
I'm in the US, and according to the online configurator my build is not possible. The configurator is saying that if you select leather, you have to have the Premium 2 package. My car has leather, but not Prem 2. There are other inconsistencies as well. I guess they really mean it when they say that "specifications may change".
The first "batch" of builds did not require premium 2. I was at my dealer the day the got their first few. Some of those had the leather without Premium 2, but by then the configurator and the ordering system required it. Actually, that day the ordering system seemed to only require premium 2 if you got the leather without the red stitching, and the configurator said any leather. The ordering system changed a couple of days after that.
Hi guys, I wanted to set the record straight on a comment I made earlier in this thread in regards to ECU flashes for our cars.
I mistakenly thought the GL450 that OE tuning tuned, was a different engine/powertrain than our Mercedes. I believe I was wrong and want to apologize.
A member named Cajun started a c450 website and on it, a vendor broadcasts an ECU flash available for the C450 that shows substantial gains and also claims it is the same tune for a GLE450 and GL450.
I dug deeper, and in fact the 2015 GL450 has the same m276 dela 30 engine that the C450 has. This then means, the ~100 whp, 120 wtq based on an ECU flash (gains for 91 octane on get this, a mainline dyno--notorious heart breakers) should be applicable to the C450.
In summary then, this tune would make the car an absolute animal given these gains on a mainline dyno roughly equate to about 140 whp 170 wtq on a "dynojet."
Again this is all speculative but one can imagine what an extra 100whp can do to a car that I believe traps 108 ish stock : )
2018 E63S: Former cars 2016 C450, 2013 C350, 2009 C300
Originally Posted by sliqdaddy91
Hi guys, I wanted to set the record straight on a comment I made earlier in this thread in regards to ECU flashes for our cars.
I mistakenly thought the GL450 that OE tuning tuned, was a different engine/powertrain than our Mercedes. I believe I was wrong and want to apologize.
A member named Cajun started a c450 website and on it, a vendor broadcasts an ECU flash available for the C450 that shows substantial gains and also claims it is the same tune for a GLE450 and GL450.
I dug deeper, and in fact the 2015 GL450 has the same m276 dela 30 engine that the C450 has. This then means, the ~100 whp, 120 wtq based on an ECU flash (gains for 91 octane on get this, a mainline dyno--notorious heart breakers) should be applicable to the C450.
In summary then, this tune would make the car an absolute animal given these gains on a mainline dyno roughly equate to about 140 whp 170 wtq on a "dynojet."
Again this is all speculative but one can imagine what an extra 100whp can do to a car that I believe traps 108 ish stock : )
Sorry OE tuning, and keep up the good work
I have reached out to OE to see about a flash for review purposes I hope to here back from them soon. Their numbers are pretty high im interested to see if it actually performs. We shall see
I have reached out to OE to see about a flash for review purposes I hope to here back from them soon. Their numbers are pretty high im interested to see if it actually performs. We shall see
The problem I have with tuners are they don't tell you about how their figures are derived.All dynamometers measure wheel HP unless the engine is removed and put on a engine dyno.They don't tell what formula was used to compensate for driveline loses.I have seen figures of 20 or 25% for AWD.If they got 300HP at the wheels they could say the crank HP is 400 HP(400X.75).Modern AWD systems have more like 10 to 12% loses.This would net only about 345 crank HP(345X.88).If I use 15% loses the figure is about 355 HP.The important figure from the dyno is wheel HP,otherwise the claims don't mean much.Also diff manufacturers dyno's give greatly diff numbers.
2018 E63S: Former cars 2016 C450, 2013 C350, 2009 C300
Originally Posted by oldman&theC
The problem I have with tuners are they don't tell you about how their figures are derived.All dynamometers measure wheel HP unless the engine is removed and put on a engine dyno.They don't tell what formula was used to compensate for driveline loses.I have seen figures of 20 or 25% for AWD.If they got 300HP at the wheels they could say the crank HP is 400 HP(400X.75).Modern AWD systems have more like 10 to 12% loses.This would net only about 345 crank HP(345X.88).If I use 15% loses the figure is about 355 HP.The important figure from the dyno is wheel HP,otherwise the claims don't mean much.Also diff manufacturers dyno's give greatly diff numbers.
Exactly the reason I want to review as many of them as we can at least that way we can have consistent baselines and hopefully get acurate numbers for all the tunes but its going to require help from a couple of forum users.
Why does anyone even bother quoting estimated flywheel/brake hp numbers? What gets to the ground is what counts... Odd. Only thing I can see it have it as a comparison with factory numbers, perhaps?
Best way is to run a baseline on a stock car and compare with the tuned version - weird to try to estimate flywheel HP IMO..
The problem I have with tuners are they don't tell you about how their figures are derived.All dynamometers measure wheel HP unless the engine is removed and put on a engine dyno.They don't tell what formula was used to compensate for driveline loses.I have seen figures of 20 or 25% for AWD.If they got 300HP at the wheels they could say the crank HP is 400 HP(400X.75).Modern AWD systems have more like 10 to 12% loses.This would net only about 345 crank HP(345X.88).If I use 15% loses the figure is about 355 HP.The important figure from the dyno is wheel HP,otherwise the claims don't mean much.Also diff manufacturers dyno's give greatly diff numbers.
I am not as weary of OE tuning's numbers since the dyno sheet shows a baseline read of roughly 280 whp and and 280 wtq...Once again I estimated this car to be about 300 whp and 320 wtq on a dynojet, so I believe them to be legit in their claims since mainline dynos are considered to be some of the best in the business despite the heartbreaker numbers they produce...
[QUOTE=nvestr;6622681]Why does anyone even bother quoting estimated flywheel/brake hp numbers? What gets to the ground is what counts... Odd. Only thing I can see it have it as a comparison with factory numbers, perhaps?
Best way is to run a baseline on a stock car and compare with the tuned version - weird to try to estimate flywheel HP IMO..[/QUOTE
I agree,but many tuners give you the crank HP gains which are developed from the WHP numbers they got from the dyno.Unless the took the engine out of the car there is no way to get accurate crank numbers,and who knows what they used for driveline loses.
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