Does anyone here actually like this car?
#127
Laz: I haven't brought my car back to dealership to have them address some of these issues yet but planning to do that in next week or two. I am sure next winter I would have to go through bleeding seats since I have August 2014 build date in addition to everything else. Are all Mercedes models suffer from these quality issues all the time? Btw, the very first time yesterday I didn't notice the low grinding fan noise I usually get every morning for first 7-10 minutes of driving so that was a change. But I have to revise my accuracy number for keyless-entry, couple night ago I said it works 90% but it is more like 80%. Actually I just realized last night that I don't have working rear passenger side door handle LED and when you look at the front and rear driver side doors, rear door handle LED is considerably brighter than front.
#128
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 31
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
I've been told that a manual start of the car, with the key inserted, will reset the fob functions ... so I just did that and will see if it helps.
Last edited by StanNH; 05-23-2015 at 11:35 AM.
#129
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..
Perhaps late this summer when the 2016's and more of the bugs are kinked out I'll visit my Benz dealer. He's only been calling me like every other week haaaa !!!
#130
I'm the kind who would normally jump on the latest and greatest !? Had one of the first W204's here in Jersey when they came out in the Fall of 2007 and was gonna jump on the W205's also however I guess with age also came some wisdom thus I actually held back my temptation !!
Perhaps late this summer when the 2016's and more of the bugs are kinked out I'll visit my Benz dealer. He's only been calling me like every other week haaaa !!!
Perhaps late this summer when the 2016's and more of the bugs are kinked out I'll visit my Benz dealer. He's only been calling me like every other week haaaa !!!
#131
Member
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 154
Likes: 4
From: San Francisco Bay Area
2015 C300W4, 2011 G37, 1998 528i Sport 5MT
Where else can you find a new car with the "design characteristic" of window open level wind noise without even cracking a window open? Another Mercedes first!
The quietest, my a$$. My 17 year old BMW with 220K has a quieter cabin.
The quietest, my a$$. My 17 year old BMW with 220K has a quieter cabin.
#132
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 235
'13 GLK350 4matic,'09 C300 4matic,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43
I am not liking it. I have a loaner car which I have been driving for a few days and the car is similarly equipped to my 09 c300. Loaner car is c300 4matic as well. I find the seats not comfortable and a little wide compared to the old version. The center console has become wider that the knee room became a little cramped. The car steering feel got really numb. Doors does not sound like a german car anymore when you close it. I think the loaner car has the sports package. The car seems to bounce more as to what others have been complaining about. The gloss finish of the center console is somewhat too much. I would prefer the open pore trim. The most important is the exterior change. I HATE IT! The old version looks like a precision tool were as the new one looks like a baseball bat. The glossy buttons looks cheap to me compared to the matte finish of the old version.
Things I like about it. The engine is peppier on the low end and dies down a little bit on the higher rpm not like the old 3 liter V6 that loves to be pushed on the higher RPMs. The design is miles ahead from pre-facelift version but I find the old version to be simplier to look at and more classy but maybe it really has not grown on me yet. It has a little more room on the rear seats. I like the big screen but not how it is mounted on the dash. The command reminds me of BMW's interface. Gas consumption is also a big plus.
Things I like about it. The engine is peppier on the low end and dies down a little bit on the higher rpm not like the old 3 liter V6 that loves to be pushed on the higher RPMs. The design is miles ahead from pre-facelift version but I find the old version to be simplier to look at and more classy but maybe it really has not grown on me yet. It has a little more room on the rear seats. I like the big screen but not how it is mounted on the dash. The command reminds me of BMW's interface. Gas consumption is also a big plus.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; 05-26-2015 at 04:20 PM.
#133
Not be rude but when you put both interior pictures next to each-other it becomes very clear how 'outdated' the old (PFL) interior is compared to the new, especially design wise. It really looks like an 90's interior compared to the w205.
I do agree however that the black glossy plastic is such a bad material choice for a default trim, put in the ash wood trim and it looks spectacular in my opinion. It changes how the interior feels completely, which is remarkable for trim choice.
Exterior is a tricky one, I like both but would say that w205 follows the present trend of rounding up the shapes compared to the squary feel of older models.
It still looks far better than anything else in it's segment.
I do agree however that the black glossy plastic is such a bad material choice for a default trim, put in the ash wood trim and it looks spectacular in my opinion. It changes how the interior feels completely, which is remarkable for trim choice.
Exterior is a tricky one, I like both but would say that w205 follows the present trend of rounding up the shapes compared to the squary feel of older models.
It still looks far better than anything else in it's segment.
#134
I got this car thinking I'd pay it off and keep it for as long as possible. Having lived with it, as comfortable, luxurious and stylish as is, it's quite a boring and unpredictable drivetrain and this will likely mean I'll hand it back at year 2 or 3. Plus today it's developed a creak from the centre console wood trim/vents (which creaks and ticks badly, like polystyrene when pressed by a finger). Good job I got a huge discount.
Really glad I didn't part ex the BMW as originally planned as I love that car.
Really glad I didn't part ex the BMW as originally planned as I love that car.
Have you had it looked at yet
#135
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,983
Likes: 235
'13 GLK350 4matic,'09 C300 4matic,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43
Not be rude but when you put both interior pictures next to each-other it becomes very clear how 'outdated' the old (PFL) interior is compared to the new, especially design wise. It really looks like an 90's interior compared to the w205.
I do agree however that the black glossy plastic is such a bad material choice for a default trim, put in the ash wood trim and it looks spectacular in my opinion. It changes how the interior feels completely, which is remarkable for trim choice.
Exterior is a tricky one, I like both but would say that w205 follows the present trend of rounding up the shapes compared to the squary feel of older models.
It still looks far better than anything else in it's segment.
I do agree however that the black glossy plastic is such a bad material choice for a default trim, put in the ash wood trim and it looks spectacular in my opinion. It changes how the interior feels completely, which is remarkable for trim choice.
Exterior is a tricky one, I like both but would say that w205 follows the present trend of rounding up the shapes compared to the squary feel of older models.
It still looks far better than anything else in it's segment.
#136
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 57
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
I just find the lack of attention to detail like this annoying as if they knew this would happen (and they should) then they should take steps to minimise it.
I have just the same issue with the ventilation controls on my BMW e89 (2009).
Pressing any of the rings around the ventilation controls makes a heck of a squeaky creaking noise, just like that on the S205.
#138
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 57
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
That's not to say the s205 is poor, on the contrary, its a very lovely car, but just doesn't have the driving dynamics BMW build into their cars, which is something that appeals to me.
#139
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: London, UK
MB W204, VW Polo, Audi R8 V10 - SOLD.
That really looks lovely. I'm really considering the LCI 340i as my next ride. It's that or the C450 but that doesn't hit our shores until late next year and I don't think I can wait that long...
BMW only need to do a few things to bring the interior up to MB's level, such as changing the switchgear, leather on the dash as standard, and then you're pretty much there... I'll probably get a few M Performance parts to make it look a bit like this (without the stripe though):
BMW only need to do a few things to bring the interior up to MB's level, such as changing the switchgear, leather on the dash as standard, and then you're pretty much there... I'll probably get a few M Performance parts to make it look a bit like this (without the stripe though):
#140
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 57
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
Personally I find the 3 series interior (and therefore the 4) in-cohesive and fussy. Certain elements don't line up properly and it just makes it look messy. Plus that nasty plastic they use around the gear shift, that's ultra naff. They should look to the 6 series and use that as a template for the 3/4 series cars as the 6 series has a much nicer, more cohesively designed interior.
This is the 6, still a touch fussy, but simpler overall than the 3 series;
vs this mess;
This is the 6, still a touch fussy, but simpler overall than the 3 series;
vs this mess;
Last edited by ManiacGT; 05-27-2015 at 07:51 AM.
#141
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 651
Likes: 2
From: London, UK
MB W204, VW Polo, Audi R8 V10 - SOLD.
Fair point Maniac. I saw that on the 3 series in the showroom and I agree that it looked a bit dated and out of sync with the interior. Fortunately they have changed the dash material to be piano black on the LCI so it isn't the naff plastic - but the area around the gear lever remains unchanged.
#142
I'm looking to replace my current BMW 325. After 4 BMW's I'm as amazed as anyone that I'm even considering a Merc. I've hung onto it for too long, though, and it's now 8 years old.
However, I'm tired of BMW. What really swung me was how fresh the W205 both feels to drive, but also how it looks. Both inside and outside.
I've kicked the ball over to my local dealer, in regards to buying dealer demo-car, an August 2014 manufactured C180. The more I read on this forum the more uncertain I get though :-/
I still like it though, the only deal-breaker now is price. I will later on have to worry about going from a silky smooth 3.0 litre down to a golf cart engine (aka 1,6 156HP).
However, I'm tired of BMW. What really swung me was how fresh the W205 both feels to drive, but also how it looks. Both inside and outside.
I've kicked the ball over to my local dealer, in regards to buying dealer demo-car, an August 2014 manufactured C180. The more I read on this forum the more uncertain I get though :-/
I still like it though, the only deal-breaker now is price. I will later on have to worry about going from a silky smooth 3.0 litre down to a golf cart engine (aka 1,6 156HP).
#144
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 12
From: GA, USA
Current: '19 E450 Cabriolet - Past: '19 C300 Coupe, '12 SLK350, '16 E350, '14 C250 (x2), '09 CLK350
Just like to say the below is 100% personal opinion - and I think W205 owners are smart to purchase and drive such a nice car - but one thing bugs me about it...
The W205 interior is crazy overrated.
In my experience the interior of the pre-facelift W204 was lacking big time, but facelift - to call that a 90s-style interior - I can't agree with it. Maybe 2000s but not that far back. Big improvements in facelift interior. In terms of truly being "intuitive" - W204 blows away the initially confusing W205 interior. Obviously when you own one you'll get used to it, so this is a moot point.
In the W205, the iPad style screen looks like garbage. Deal-breaker for me. Center console is wider and definitely more cramped feeling than W204 (I am 6' tall, so not a giant) - but the seats are nicer. And don't get me started on the steering column mounted shifter. Come on now.
I do like how the cupholders are concealed in the W205, the stitching throughout and the nicer wood and trim materials. But to say that these things "elevate" the W205 above other cars in its class interior wise I think is a stretch. You can find similar interior features in a Chrysler 200 nowadays.
Exterior-wise the W205 is beautiful, even if a little soft looking. Lowering it a tiny bit could help a lot there. But even before I'd consider I'd wait for a facelift that solves the above issues.
If you just purchased a W205, congrats - and I hope you enjoy it! Sure you will not regret the purchase, and look forward to reading more about owners' experiences as I figure out what my next MB choice will be, in a couple of years.
The W205 interior is crazy overrated.
In my experience the interior of the pre-facelift W204 was lacking big time, but facelift - to call that a 90s-style interior - I can't agree with it. Maybe 2000s but not that far back. Big improvements in facelift interior. In terms of truly being "intuitive" - W204 blows away the initially confusing W205 interior. Obviously when you own one you'll get used to it, so this is a moot point.
In the W205, the iPad style screen looks like garbage. Deal-breaker for me. Center console is wider and definitely more cramped feeling than W204 (I am 6' tall, so not a giant) - but the seats are nicer. And don't get me started on the steering column mounted shifter. Come on now.
I do like how the cupholders are concealed in the W205, the stitching throughout and the nicer wood and trim materials. But to say that these things "elevate" the W205 above other cars in its class interior wise I think is a stretch. You can find similar interior features in a Chrysler 200 nowadays.
Exterior-wise the W205 is beautiful, even if a little soft looking. Lowering it a tiny bit could help a lot there. But even before I'd consider I'd wait for a facelift that solves the above issues.
If you just purchased a W205, congrats - and I hope you enjoy it! Sure you will not regret the purchase, and look forward to reading more about owners' experiences as I figure out what my next MB choice will be, in a couple of years.
#145
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 2,075
Likes: 57
From: Manchester, UK
BMW e89 Z4 sDrive 35i & MB S205 C200 AMG Premium Plus
Just like to say the below is 100% personal opinion - and I think W205 owners are smart to purchase and drive such a nice car - but one thing bugs me about it...
The W205 interior is crazy overrated.
In my experience the interior of the pre-facelift W204 was lacking big time, but facelift - to call that a 90s-style interior - I can't agree with it. Maybe 2000s but not that far back. Big improvements in facelift interior. In terms of truly being "intuitive" - W204 blows away the initially confusing W205 interior. Obviously when you own one you'll get used to it, so this is a moot point.
In the W205, the iPad style screen looks like garbage. Deal-breaker for me. Center console is wider and definitely more cramped feeling than W204 (I am 6' tall, so not a giant) - but the seats are nicer. And don't get me started on the steering column mounted shifter. Come on now.
I do like how the cupholders are concealed in the W205, the stitching throughout and the nicer wood and trim materials. But to say that these things "elevate" the W205 above other cars in its class interior wise I think is a stretch. You can find similar interior features in a Chrysler 200 nowadays.
Exterior-wise the W205 is beautiful, even if a little soft looking. Lowering it a tiny bit could help a lot there. But even before I'd consider I'd wait for a facelift that solves the above issues.
If you just purchased a W205, congrats - and I hope you enjoy it! Sure you will not regret the purchase, and look forward to reading more about owners' experiences as I figure out what my next MB choice will be, in a couple of years.
The W205 interior is crazy overrated.
In my experience the interior of the pre-facelift W204 was lacking big time, but facelift - to call that a 90s-style interior - I can't agree with it. Maybe 2000s but not that far back. Big improvements in facelift interior. In terms of truly being "intuitive" - W204 blows away the initially confusing W205 interior. Obviously when you own one you'll get used to it, so this is a moot point.
In the W205, the iPad style screen looks like garbage. Deal-breaker for me. Center console is wider and definitely more cramped feeling than W204 (I am 6' tall, so not a giant) - but the seats are nicer. And don't get me started on the steering column mounted shifter. Come on now.
I do like how the cupholders are concealed in the W205, the stitching throughout and the nicer wood and trim materials. But to say that these things "elevate" the W205 above other cars in its class interior wise I think is a stretch. You can find similar interior features in a Chrysler 200 nowadays.
Exterior-wise the W205 is beautiful, even if a little soft looking. Lowering it a tiny bit could help a lot there. But even before I'd consider I'd wait for a facelift that solves the above issues.
If you just purchased a W205, congrats - and I hope you enjoy it! Sure you will not regret the purchase, and look forward to reading more about owners' experiences as I figure out what my next MB choice will be, in a couple of years.
#147
#148
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 300
Likes: 12
From: GA, USA
Current: '19 E450 Cabriolet - Past: '19 C300 Coupe, '12 SLK350, '16 E350, '14 C250 (x2), '09 CLK350
Like I said, the interior was a dealbreaker for me. When I saw the first pictures, I was very disappointed. The W204 also feels and looks more sporty to me. I fell in love with the W204 when I drove it. I did not when I drove the W205.
Maybe I'm just a bizarre person - but I'll save my pennies while leasing this and leapfrog to the E or CLS class. I don't even let myself test drive either of those, CPO or new, because I know I will drive home with one. My wife also has a W204 - and she'll probably head in the direction of the SLK next time around.
#149
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 446
Likes: 56
EQC 4matic AMG line Premium Plus replacing S213 220d 4matic with airmatic
Love my week old s205 to be in and drive, think the exterior is bland not my favourite at all, for that i need an s204 which in my opinion looks far far better. However for me the interior of the w204 is poor......came from a glk and the 205 is a huge improvement but again i prefer the exterior of the glk pre facelift.
Going back to the original question on this thread yes i like the 205, still improvements to make but at last a luxury small car......being a european i do not want a large engined gas guzzling co2 producing monster which with our congested countries barely fits on the narrow roads but i still want luxury in ride and comfort and decent performance....my 250 diesel 4matic is a step closer to meeting that brief.
Going back to the original question on this thread yes i like the 205, still improvements to make but at last a luxury small car......being a european i do not want a large engined gas guzzling co2 producing monster which with our congested countries barely fits on the narrow roads but i still want luxury in ride and comfort and decent performance....my 250 diesel 4matic is a step closer to meeting that brief.
#150
For you to say that MoneyVSOP is "simply wrong" is not fair. You have made clear that you do not share his opinion and that's quite OK - just do not imply he is mistaken in his views because you don't share them !
By the way, your Z4 is a very sharp looking machine ! No doubt it's a blast to drive on a twisty country road !
Last edited by DerekACS; 05-27-2015 at 04:48 PM.