In the market for a C450. Am I going to miss out if I do the "sensible" thing and jus
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prius. :(
In the market for a C450. Am I going to miss out if I do the "sensible" thing and jus
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.
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.
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2016 C300
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.
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.
Last edited by Mike5215; May 18, 2016 at 01:16 PM.
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Joined: Feb 2016
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From: Orange County
C450
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.
Also, yes the C300 and C450 interior are almost identical, however the C450 has a much prettier MB tex stitched dash pad.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 630
Likes: 188
C450, GLS 63 and a few other things
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 think the 450 I liked was $63k before discounts, and my 300 Sport, with every option but roller shades and 19" wheels was $59k before discounts.
I put around $4k additional into the 300 with an audio upgrade, sound deadening, a full car tint, and I swapped out the run flats for Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
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 think the 450 I liked was $63k before discounts, and my 300 Sport, with every option but roller shades and 19" wheels was $59k before discounts.
I put around $4k additional into the 300 with an audio upgrade, sound deadening, a full car tint, and I swapped out the run flats for Michelin Pilot Super Sports.
so my ears may be calibrated differently
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Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 987
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.
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.
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.
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Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 72
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'15 Black w205 C300, '02 E46 M3, '94 FD3S RX7
My C300 with the sport package has the MB-Tex stitched dash, is it different in the 450?
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 721
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From: NYC
2016 c450 / 2016 VW Jetta 1.8t / 2006 Wrangler X
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.
Anyway, enjoy the car. It is the best interior under $100k IMO.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
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prius. :(
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.
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.
Also, I'm in my early 30s so... I guess I'm good.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 1,036
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2018 GLC63
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
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 72
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'15 Black w205 C300, '02 E46 M3, '94 FD3S RX7
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 1,036
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From: Pittsburgh, PA
2018 GLC63
You need to see it in person, there is nothing that even comes close.
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prius. :(
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.
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.
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Joined: Dec 2014
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c300
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.
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.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 55
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prius. :(
