Does anyone here actually like this car?
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C400
I've been shopping mine around to see what kind of trade-in prices I can get for my C400...
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
My guess is that you're getting yourself into a very positive car ownership experience. All the recalls and service campaigns affected early build cars. Based on my own experience between early and late builds, I'd have to say there is a dramatic difference between the two. I did, in fact, trade in my first C300 after only seven months. I had my fill of recalls and minor fixes, plus the wonderful MB-Tex fiasco. My new C300 is solid and much more satisfying to be in. I really don't think you have much to worry about, especially if you have a good dealer to help if there is any problem.
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Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 71
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From: Massachusetts
2022 EQS 580 Nautical Blue Macchiato interior.
MassC300. Just picked up my c400 from dealer. They had to replace one of the 19" tires. Blew out on a pothole. Have tire/wheel insurance!! Out the door cost was $500. Wheel a bit scratched, but minor from rolling on it until could pull over. Suggest either less low profile tires or the insurance. Still really like the car & find it a joy to drive. On the highway it is super smooth & handles very well. Around town is also very good, but watch out for our many marred New England roads. As stated by several posters... New design, new production facility. Statistically most likely to have problems given the nature of product inception to production & organizational issues. We all would like it to be perfect, but reality is what it is.
I will not be one to turn it in as mechanically I find it to be very well made. The smoothness of the C400s power & road feel meets my expectations! I also like the C300 model & feel it is quite a leap from the last generation. You know what might be, so do your due diligence & communicate with the General Manager of your dealership if you are anxious about taking delivery. Just my dollars worth!
I will not be one to turn it in as mechanically I find it to be very well made. The smoothness of the C400s power & road feel meets my expectations! I also like the C300 model & feel it is quite a leap from the last generation. You know what might be, so do your due diligence & communicate with the General Manager of your dealership if you are anxious about taking delivery. Just my dollars worth!
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Joined: Jan 2014
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E89 Z4
I've owned three BMW's and, without any question, BMW makes some of the finest engines available in any car. They are efficient, and offer both performance and economy. I lost my love for their steering when they switched to electric from hydraulic assist. The current 3..xi series is very good, but the styling and interior seem somewhat dated at this point. Handling, which used to be class leading, is now still better than average, but that edge seems to have dulled a bit. BMW still offers excellent sedans, but they are no longer the enthusiast's "slam dunk" of cars. Audi's superb A4 is getting very long in the tooth, and due for a revamp in 2016.
The big three German makers all offer solid sedans with different personalities. One comparison review I read many months ago put it best: the W205 may not be the best in any one category, but it does everything well and has no weaknesses. I think that's accurate ... this is a very well rounded and balanced car.
The big three German makers all offer solid sedans with different personalities. One comparison review I read many months ago put it best: the W205 may not be the best in any one category, but it does everything well and has no weaknesses. I think that's accurate ... this is a very well rounded and balanced car.
My view on the W205 is that they did not fix the floatieness that I perceived in the W204, which would have been the most important fix for me. This is different from steering feel. The other thing that really matters to me is the stereo and I was really excited about the cheap option being Burmeister made. Too bad that it received some royal trashing. I did not go and measure what the W205 Burmeister does, yet.
My interest in the W205 was mainly fueled by wanting the upcoming new CLK convertible or whatever the heck they will call it. But the project is on hold for now. I also want Euro delivery which has issues at least with the Sedan.
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Joined: May 2007
Posts: 91
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From: New York
2018 GLC300 4Matic
Hi Madmax, sorry for the delay; we tinted the car with Medium all the way around. There is enough light that come in the windshield and with the pano roof that the cops don't seem to hassle us...knock on wood! 
Plus my wife drives the car quite a bit and she hates having the window tint too dark, so Medium all around works.
Jim
Plus my wife drives the car quite a bit and she hates having the window tint too dark, so Medium all around works.
Jim
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
Basically, the MB-Tex material being used on US production cars was made with an improperly formulated plasticizer ... or softener. At below freezing temperatures, the chemicals would leach out of the vinyl and form an oily coating on the seats and headrests. As the interior of the car warmed up, the chemicals would evaporate leaving behind a white evaporite all over the seats. This cycle, once started, would continue. Many cars were affected, and MB-USA had to issue a TSB which called for the replacement of the seat covers and the headrests. Starting with 1/5/15 production, a new version of MB-Tex was used in the cars and the problem did not reappear. Any MB-Tex car made prior to 1/5/15 is at risk and should be monitored when temperatures fall below freezing. Not every car made before that date had the issue, but it was very widespread.
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PLAID
Did you just call the new C300 an "All Season Tire" ?
I haven't received my ordered C300 yet, but I did researched/test drive a lot of others in the C300's class...Audi A4 (aging design...lower HP), BMW 328i (spartan interior), Lexus IS (AWD only comes with the older 6 sp), Q50 (worst handler of the group)...and I liked the C300 best. I agree though, the C300 wasn't the best in a couple catagories, but overall it was the leader of the pack.
I haven't received my ordered C300 yet, but I did researched/test drive a lot of others in the C300's class...Audi A4 (aging design...lower HP), BMW 328i (spartan interior), Lexus IS (AWD only comes with the older 6 sp), Q50 (worst handler of the group)...and I liked the C300 best. I agree though, the C300 wasn't the best in a couple catagories, but overall it was the leader of the pack.
I also agree with this assessment of the C300/400. What's the term I'd use, milquetoast. It's a perfectly good car and does as required. But, if you want W205 excitement, the only vehicle in this class is the new C450. Almost an AMG without an AMG price. Actually, according to many sources and reviews, it's a better car than the CLA /GLA AMG cars and even more enjoyable for non-track use than the C63S . Probably the best C Class made to this point.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I also agree with this assessment of the C300/400. What's the term I'd use, milquetoast. It's a perfectly good car and does as required. But, if you want W205 excitement, the only vehicle in this class is the new C450. Almost an AMG without an AMG price. Actually, according to many sources and reviews, it's a better car than the CLA /GLA AMG cars and even more enjoyable for non-track use than the C63S . Probably the best C Class made to this point.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 236
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C400
I also agree with this assessment of the C300/400. What's the term I'd use, milquetoast. It's a perfectly good car and does as required. But, if you want W205 excitement, the only vehicle in this class is the new C450. Almost an AMG without an AMG price. Actually, according to many sources and reviews, it's a better car than the CLA /GLA AMG cars and even more enjoyable for non-track use than the C63S . Probably the best C Class made to this point.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 336
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From: Hagerstown Maryland
2015 W205 C400 4Matic
I'm only 2300 miles into the car, but my C400 has been fantastic. The power delivery is great, the ride is smooth, the features all work, and it all looks amazing while doing these things. It's a really nice place to be while behind the wheel, and my wife and kids like riding along in the car. It's far more efficient than I thought it would be (coming from a 300hp 4cyl VW to the 330hp V6 MB, it was one of my big concerns, but they're very similar in terms of MPG actually), and it still has the ability to really get up and go when you put it in sport plus. If I have an issue, it's the creaks that can come from the display on the center console. It seems to be very susceptible to heat/cold cycle expansion. Other than that, it's been a very enjoyable car. I guess time will tell in the end, and 3.5 years from now, I might be chomping at the bit to trade it in for my next lease. Hopefully that will be an AMG.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
My fear is after a year or so I start thinking my C300 is just a glorified Camry...but without the reliablility Toyota is known for.
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Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Las Vegas NV
Corvette/2017 E-300
I like the car...but don't love it!! Replaced door seals/window seals and still have wind noise. Replaced rear window controls after they stopped working...power steering malfunction which required a software update. I've only had the car for 7 months...I will trade it in...buyers remorse has already set in. And the MB commercial calls it the "car of your dreams"...it's been more like a nightmare!!
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From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
There were plenty of early build issues, and way too many recalls and service campaigns that affected those builds. Although wind noise issues and poor rear bumper cover alignment are still issues on some cars, I truly believe the bulk are now being produced with much better quality control than early builds.
The odds of you getting a well built and satisfying car are high, so don't let all this venting get you down.
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PLAID
Yes, they are in production overseas and will be here July-August-ish!! Look for CD or MT reviews of the C63 and there's a side bar test of the C450 AMG SPORT and ALL of the reviews were positive, more so than the C63 being tested.
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From: In a box
2019 C43 Sedan and 2020 Volvo V60 CC
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From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
It shouldn't be. This is an exceptional car, in spite of all the complaints being voiced here. In some ways, this forum has become the focal point of every issue that's ever been reported for this car. It is being subjected to intense scrutiny and very vocal complaints if anything is found to be amiss.
There were plenty of early build issues, and way too many recalls and service campaigns that affected those builds. Although wind noise issues and poor rear bumper cover alignment are still issues on some cars, I truly believe the bulk are now being produced with much better quality control than early builds.
The odds of you getting a well built and satisfying car are high, so don't let all this venting get you down.
There were plenty of early build issues, and way too many recalls and service campaigns that affected those builds. Although wind noise issues and poor rear bumper cover alignment are still issues on some cars, I truly believe the bulk are now being produced with much better quality control than early builds.
The odds of you getting a well built and satisfying car are high, so don't let all this venting get you down.
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Joined: Mar 2015
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From: Mass
2026 GLE 53 Coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
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PLAID
I like the car...but don't love it!! Replaced door seals/window seals and still have wind noise. Replaced rear window controls after they stopped working...power steering malfunction which required a software update. I've only had the car for 7 months...I will trade it in...buyers remorse has already set in. And the MB commercial calls it the "car of your dreams"...it's been more like a nightmare!!
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PLAID
Yes, the mags all say much improved handling and power compared to the C300/400. 40 HP and a retuned trans is a LOT in a C CLass car.
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Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Boston, MA
2023 AMG E53
I traded in a 2015 C400 with 1600 miles - lost my shirt. I loved the car, but I was annoyed with all the warranty issues, and was particularly disappointed to discover that the MB-Tex issue impacted those of us with leather, since there is some MB-Tex used on the seatbacks, etc. Honestly, it was the LED doorhandles that set me over the edge. I realized that although I reported the problem back n November, it was late April, and two more were dead and awaiting parts. The car is still gorgeous, and I'll still buy another Mercedes, but most likely I'll be going back to an E class. My C207 coupe was flawless. I took delivery of a 2015 BMW X6 35i two weeks ago, and I love it. It's a very different car, and quite a bit more expensive than the entry level C class. And, as I have always maintained, iDrive is 10 years ahead of Comand, and there are a bunch of web apps that enable one to stream audio from Pandora etc. using one's existing data plan.
Member
Joined: Feb 2015
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C400
I traded in a 2015 C400 with 1600 miles - lost my shirt. I loved the car, but I was annoyed with all the warranty issues, and was particularly disappointed to discover that the MB-Tex issue impacted those of us with leather, since there is some MB-Tex used on the seatbacks, etc. Honestly, it was the LED doorhandles that set me over the edge. I realized that although I reported the problem back n November, it was late April, and two more were dead and awaiting parts. The car is still gorgeous, and I'll still buy another Mercedes, but most likely I'll be going back to an E class. My C207 coupe was flawless. I took delivery of a 2015 BMW X6 35i two weeks ago, and I love it. It's a very different car, and quite a bit more expensive than the entry level C class. And, as I have always maintained, iDrive is 10 years ahead of Comand, and there are a bunch of web apps that enable one to stream audio from Pandora etc. using one's existing data plan.
I'd be curious to know what you got on the trade-in. I've got an offer for $43k currently. Mine has about 4,200 miles on it.
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Joined: Apr 2015
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c300
It seems that most of the issues are with early builds?? My car was built mid February and so far I have no issues. Knock on wood. It also seems that a lot of the issues could have been better handled by the dealers and even Mercedes.
It's a first year model. So I did expect some issues. But what I'm reading here is overwhelming. I have to admit. I'm pretty happy I went for a 3 years lease..
It's a first year model. So I did expect some issues. But what I'm reading here is overwhelming. I have to admit. I'm pretty happy I went for a 3 years lease..
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Joined: Jan 2008
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C 300 2015
Hey everyone! I've had my 2015 C 300 for a few months now, about 3k miles.... The interior started off solid, a significant upgrade from my 2013 c class.. But, then it started, the popping, the crackling, the ticks and tocks. Almost every part of the interior makes a noise at some point, the dash trim, the air vents, the seat belt adjuster, the center console, the arm rest, the doors, the mirror, the back window panel, the roof! it's like a bad symphony and so very annoying. As the weather gets warmer it's definitely getting worse. Now, on rough roads, the ride is still smooth, but the interior plastics pop and snap, making it feel rough and actually kinda cheap. The buttons are not soft touch and crackle if touched too hard. I love the car, but I find this to be unacceptable and I'm not sure how MB gets away with it... I'm taking it in next week to state my case,,, there are a couple other bugs in the car too... Anyone else going loco over this? Needed to vent, thanks for reading! :-/
