JBMCL

What's the "wrist pin rebuild" or "wrist pin issue"?

MASSC450

Certain earlier build 2015 C300 2.0L engines were assembled using the wrong size wrist pins (connecting the piston to the connecting rod). At first there's engine noise, and later it could lead to worse issues.

Mercedes has been dealing with the issue as a case by case basis...rebuilding the engines under warranty when necessary.

MJ83

Funny, I had CTS rental in Miami a few weeks before I bought the C450, and I too was impressed. The looks grew on me, although I still feel the Caddies are over-angular. The power delivery was smooth and fit and finish in the car is top notch. However, I thought the infotainment system was one of the worst I have ever used, especially the touch sensitive controls. That alone would have been a deal breaker, so I find it interesting you were impressed with it. In the end though, it still had that lessor, tinny, General Motors feel to it. Now if they came out with a CTS-V (or ATS-V) with AWD, I may reconsider.

alexasa

iTrader: (1)

I have heard countless gripes about cadillacs cue infotainment system.

At the end of the day there are always a number of things we have to compromise on, it's finding the car that provides the least amount of compromises that erk each individual user.

For me, price was the main deciding factor when jumping into this car. First and foremost I could stay in the same tier vehicle that I had been accustomed to (previous car was a 2013 S4) at a great price.

Then I drove it the c450 and it drove beautifully. Driving dynamics blew the S4 away and the engine and exhaust note were much more intoxicating then the very well manicured and bland S4 noise.

Price combined with driving dynamics is why I am in this car. Things that I wish were better.

- Less rattles, the rear parcel shelf and the seat adjustment buttons seem to be the main culprit here. But at about 4,500 RPMs these things are rattling (still a new car and have to take it in for these issues).

- better sound system, the base system in the S4 was better than this system. The low end is horrid and the volume goes too high for the quality of sound the system can produce.

Those are likely my two main concerns with this vehicle. If those two things were buttoned up I would have nothing but praise for this car. Dealing with rattles on a brand new car just sits poorly.

StanNH

I have no particular brand allegiance to Mercedes Benz ... in fact, the W205 is my first MB purchase. I've owned three BMW's, three Audi's, and a Volvo in the past few years ... and all were very good cars.

When I bought my first C300 in September of 2014, I was looking for an AWD compact sedan that offered performance and economy, with attractive style and advanced electronics. That car turned out to be a service nightmare, and a very concerned dealer was able to get me into a new C300 Sport with trade assistance. My C300 Sport, bought in April, 2015, has been excellent. It is not perfect, and I have had to bring it in for some very minor issues, but it is a very solid car.

I am annoyed by several MB quirks; the lack of an odometer on the digital speedometer screen, the lack of "door open" warnings, and the fact that opening the car with the fob will not initiate seat memory settings. Other than that, the car seems to be pretty well sorted out.

During our harsh winters, the car was excellent with a set of snow tires ... as good as any AWD car I've owned or driven. Fuel mileage has always topped 30 mpg on trips, and stayed in the mid to high 20's in mixed driving. Handling has not been the sharpest I've experienced, but it is competent and not sloppy. Interior style and comfort has been well above average. The COMAND system and its various functions can get flaky at times but, hopefully,future software updates will settle things down.

Would I buy this car again? Well, it does do what I want it to do, it is a sharp looking car, and I am lucky to have a superb dealer to back me up. When the time comes for my next car, I will still be looking for an economical, yet upscale, AWD sedan. It might be another C-Class or even an E-Class. It might also be another Audi, BMW, or Volvo. It all depends on how the market evolves and which brand is offering the car that appeals to me the most. I would not rule out another C-Class, but I always go into my car shopping mode with an open mind. So the answer to the question is: maybe yes, maybe no.

mo11

How about a jag? For those who are thinking of switching to a different brand, has anyone ever considered getting a jaguar as their replacement?

alexasa

iTrader: (1)

Jag residuals are awful. Bad investment and poor lease-ability.

mo11

Oh wow, i didn't know that... I've always been curious about the F-type.

Luton Driver

Don't think I would get another one unless the discounts were very good. It's a great car with a cheap entertainment system that sounds no better the a Kia Rio. I ordered the Burmester Audio but they put it in a £3000 package before I took delivery so I never got it.

I think the service costs are far too expensive which is another reason to not go with the C class again.

CO2010

Good car, no major issues. But I'm ready to move on to something else. Too many options out there to stick to one brand.

likerage

Yep. In fact I bet I buy another before this gen is through.

MJ83

This is my sentiment exactly. My car history includes at 2000 Nissan Maxima SE, 2000 Audi A4 1.8T, 2008 Subaru Legacy GT, 2013 Acura RDX, 2014 BMW 328i SportWagon, and now the C450. I have no brand loyalty, and I too will see what vehicle offers the best package for me at the time of purchase.

MJ83

I was very close to ordering an F-Pace before they were starting delivery, but I ultimately talked myself out of it. I contacted at least 7 dealers, and none of them were willing to discount the vehicle at all. I simply won't pay MSRP out of principle. Once the lease rates hit, I was glad I passed. Residuals were not terrible, but certainly not best in class as Jaguar had stated they would be. The money factor on the other hand is where they got you.

The F-Type, actually, doesn't lease too bad if you get a coupe. Depending on the length of term and mileage, I think you can get residuals in the 60's.

xgman

Yeah, this lack of any free service bothers me. Once you've had free service plans, it's hard to go back.

omg516

Even with all of the issues I've had (wrist pin, wind noise, door creaking) I would still consider another MB but likely not another C300. After recently driving a 328i, the BMW 2.0T and ZF 8 speed transmission are in a different league from the MB 2.0T and in-house 7 speed.

hans007

you are paying for it either way....

i had an audi and paid for audi care.

i have a bmw right now and paid for bmw service because it was bundled into the car.

car companies are moving away from free service anyway, 2017 model BMWs only get 3 years now and no more brake service.

just pay for mercedes 3 pack of service and its the same thing...

alexasa

iTrader: (1)

yup.

With BMW's removal of brake service, it's a pretty even playing field. For the money they want - it's best just to get the pre packaged service plans.

evoi19

This is my first MB and I've only had her for 3 months. Would I buy/lease again, it's a little too early to tell. I come from the BMW world so it does drive alot different than what I'm used to. However, while the driving is less involved in the MB, it does shine in how comfortable the ride is. Interior also goes to MB also by miles and miles!

The tranny is somewhat lacking in response tthough. I wish there was a dual clutch type option for the C450 that's standard in the C63. To me, that would make a huge difference in my everyday enjoyment.

MASSC450

My wife will be trading her 2014 BMW 328i xDrive this September for an ordered 2017 Jaguar XE 35t R Sport.

$1,500 off MSRP, Jaguar $500 rebate, and Jaguar takes care of the 1st months payment...PLUS free maintenance for 5 years!

JBMCL

Have they fixed the issues for 2016 C300 models or are the 2016 experiencing the same issues?

scrambler900

I would totally buy a Benz again, and will buy again. My 2016 C300 built in South Africa has been flawless with none of the issues everyone on here thinks they have.

mcbc220

Still wondering how you got a South Africa build! Did you just find it on a lot or was there more to it?

Shadwell

I don't "think" I have had any issues..
I, and all others, "know" we have had them as they are self evident and confirmed by MB....

scrambler900

There were two identical cars with exactly what my wife wanted. One built in the USA and the other SA. I picked the SA one. In my opinion American quality isn't on par with other parts of the world.

Mike5215

It's not like Mercedes drops a pile of parts in the parking lot of a Waffle House and hopes for the best. Vance is a state of the art, highly automated factory that was designed, built and operated by Mercedes Benz, just like the South African plant or any other MB plant. No factory producing the W205 has a lock on quality. They've all had the typical first year quirks.