chicagofan00

Interesting numbers.

I've been shopping mine around to see what kind of trade-in prices I can get for my C400...

StanNH

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.

ranord

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!

squid23

The F30 3-series will get a facelift now and BMW explicitly said they will improve steering feel. About time, many F30s are truly terrible.

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.

Flyersman

What was the mtex issue and has it been resolved in more recent additions to the c300?

madmax

Thanks for the info.

StanNH

If you search for MB-Tex or "bleeding seats" you'll find many posts and pictures about the issue on this forum.

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.

Newzchspy

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.

StanNH

Is it in production yet, and have production cars been tested?

chicagofan00

Let's not take this thread down that road again....

l3it3r

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.

MASSC450

Thanks for your input ranord!

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.

NYC-Style

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!!

nvestr

As someone that has been patiently waiting for a C450, this thread is pretty depressing.

StanNH

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.

Newzchspy

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.

Capt Slo

I agree. I really like my car but it's the customer service side that is a total let down.

ManiacGT

It's a nice car but I would not say exceptional.

MASSC450

Can I ask what would it take to make your new car "exceptional"?

30 extra hp? All the glitches fixed? Improved handling?

Newzchspy

Hopefully, the NEW C Class (C450 AMG SPORT) will have a LOT of the creaking/squeaking and MB TEX issues totally resolved before going to production. I have the feeling its going to be a BIG hit for MB.

Newzchspy

Close to 40 HP more and retuned engine ECM and trans too. Suspension basically right off the C63 S and with AWD,(4 Matic) its going to offer all season driveability, something that the C63 and others do NOT.

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.

bostonc400

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.

chicagofan00

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.

laz81

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..

bpsoren

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! :-/