Sheepy

Why am I asking this question?

I have several friends with BMW 335i and a few with an M3. Been driving these off an on for a while and love every minute of them.

Usually when I go out on a business trip I upgrade my car to a "luxury" model. Usually an Audi S4, at one point a BMW Z4, and several times Mercedes Benz C450. I was 100% in the tank for a C450 until...
Last business trip I went to was a smaller area and their only "luxury" model was a BMW 528i. Bigger, heavier, and a less power engine compared to the 335i. But it was still a pleasing and "fun" drive. Car had enough pushing power to get in and out of traffic without a problem. It did not, however, sound very well and the steering was a bit thick.

So again, why am I asking this question?

A C300 is still about 400 pounds lighter than a 528i. Is still a better performing vehicle. If it is anything like the C450 then definitely has better handling that the 528i.

I want the C450 because it is a well performing beast of a car. It's beautiful looking. It sounds fantastic. The interiors between the C450 and C300 are 1:1. If the C300 performs as good as the 335is I have driven, then there's really no harm in going that route in the end. I just miss out on some of the goodies that yell "sports car".

I'm even thinking of tracking down a C400 since those still have the engine "burps" and growls that the C450 has. So that may be a nice option in between.
How are the E400s?

If the wife is okay with it maybe I'll even opt for a CLA AMG 43.

Maybe the best idea would be to let MB release the rebadged C450 and then low ball them an offer.


I'm expecting a baby soon so maybe I should do the "responsible" thing and be a bit more price sensitive.

Mike5215

I think the consensus (at least in the automotive press) was that the 400 was smoother and a more relaxed cruiser, but vs a 300 the additional weight in the nose made the handling less crisp and the car feel less agile and fun. The 300 delivers decent power, makes a lot of torque down low, but the exhaust note is raspy and harsher. It's a really good T4 but it's still a T4.

The C450 is louder, quicker, rides firmer and handles better. It's a true sport sedan for better or worse. By that I mean if you ever want it to stop being a sport sedan, you're sort of out of luck.

The exhaust note, which I found to be fun in small doses, annoyed me after awhile. Coming from a cat back quad exhaust on the 5.5 V8 in my S550, the T6 in the 450 sounded a little shrill. Also, at highway speeds, irrespective of gear, I perceived a constant drone. If I was in my 30's instead of 50's I'd probably have felt much differently about the 450.

I decided to spend C450 money and build a loaded C300 instead. No regrets. I've driven the 528, 535 and 550 and didn't care for them. Interiors felt cheap, ride wasn't great and expensive as hell for what you get.

lbowroom

Don't know if you really have a question there. My only comment would be that a C300 will be nowhere near a 335is or the C450 in performance.

Also, yes the C300 and C450 interior are almost identical, however the C450 has a much prettier MB tex stitched dash pad.

z28lt1

Mike5215 has good test drive experience in both, so he has good comparison knowledge That said, I find the C450 in comfort mode very relaxed and quiet. Could be the fact that the (at least some?) of the new ones, including mine, have acoustic glass that keeps the cabin quieter than the older ones. It wasn't as quiet as something like a TLX (which is very quiet), but I couldn't see anyway it was going to be bothersome. I didn't come from S-class though so my ears may be calibrated differently

inhartwetrust

There is no such thing as a CLA AMG 43. It is either a CLA 45 or C43.

Also, the C400 does not have engine "burps" and growls...just the C450, or the C63.

Lastly, you're not going to get very far with a "low ball offer" on a C43 (i.e. the rebadged C450) as it's a car that isn't even released yet. You're about 9 months from being able to get any type of low ball discount on it, unless you have some leverage with a dealership.

Str8Down

My C300 with the sport package has the MB-Tex stitched dash, is it different in the 450?

lbowroom

Well crap, I don't know. I was basing that on all the C300 loaners I've had.

Str8Down

Well, if its the same, I agree, its super nice, and a huge upgrade

scrambler900

Who would even think of getting a C300 without the sport package anyway?

cenzo86

The c300 is such a fantastic car. I had a fully loaded loaner twice when my sprinter was in for service and I fell in love. I still didn't want the car as a DD until the c450 came out however. I knew I wanted more power and was in the market for an Audi S3, but then I saw the specs on the c450 and was sold. The extra style and power was the reason I bought a C class... Na that's bull****, it was the red seat belts!

Anyway, enjoy the car. It is the best interior under $100k IMO.

Sheepy

I meant low ball them on a C450 when the new C43s come in.




Also, I'm in my early 30s so... I guess I'm good.

Mike5215

Yeah, if you can envision it as your DD I say go for it. Must be doing something right to be in the market for a $60,000 car in your 30's.

Vipershade

I see it a little different... I agree the C300 interior beats pretty much all of the BMW interiors mentioned. But the C450 (C43) puts an exclamation point on the Mercedes vs. BMW interior discussion (interiors that aren't available in either the C300 or C400 including: designo interior, Carbon Fiber and Silver Fiber Glass trims, AMG Performance Steering Wheel, and AMG Performance Seats).

Saddle Brown designo interior (courtesy of https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...l?nojs=1#links)
Platinum White/Black designo and Silver Fiber Glass interior (from https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...then-some.html)
AMG Performance Steering Wheel
AMG Performance Seats

Str8Down

WOW. Not a fan of that AT ALL. I like the seat design (racing style seats) but that designo leather is ugly. And it doesn't match the non-seating surfaces at all. Also, black-ash looks much better than that CF IMO.

Vipershade

You need to see it in person, there is nothing that even comes close.

Sheepy

Just hard work and dedication.




Can anyone comment on maintenance for a MB? I hear all kinds of crazy ****, like $300 oil changes to needing to replace rotors every time you replace the brakes because MB forces you to do so etc etc etc.

I figured that's a load of **** though considering how many countries you see with fleets of Benz as their car of choice for taxi service.

Mike5215

Yeah, that's all true. On the 450 you're replacing genuine AMG brakes. They're even more expensive. Might want to price that stuff out before deciding. Insurance might be a small hit as well.

inhartwetrust

I am 30 yrs old and the ride has never caused me any type of ailment. Should be all good, man!

huyuci

Yep. For service A (their fancy word for oil change, which was meant to confuse you and justify their ripping off price), I think minimum is $200. But you can do it yourself like I did for around $40 without even lifting up the car and getting your hands dirty.

Sheepy

They tend to last 50k miles anyway, right?

Mike5215

Generally, and this is true of any German luxury car, high maintenance and repair costs are part of the package. The performance variants even more so. What do you drive now?

Sheepy

prius.

Mike5215

Well, the Benz will certainly be a change of pace!

iluvdaBenz

If you get the C450, say goodbye to the stellar gas mileage you are used to on the prius

Arthrodesis

That's a big change, lol.