Why does this forum still exist
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 721
Likes: 74
From: NYC
2016 c450 / 2016 VW Jetta 1.8t / 2006 Wrangler X
I think some owners are getting a little ¢unty with the C class problems. I think it important not to compare a w205 with a handbuilt vintage SE, or even a new S for that matter. Squeeks and rattles happen, but interiors are the best they have even been. I cannot think of a single new car in the price range of the C that doesn't have the same niggles.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 206
Likes: 15
From: san francisco
c class
I'm disgusted by my c class and so disappointed in my self for not having the strength to hate it , the car is simply stunning inside & out.
When I sit in a Mercedes I can feel that it's special and that feeling isn't strong inside an Audi product,they feel like just a nice car but not that special.
Haven't bothered checking out a Lexus
When I sit in a Mercedes I can feel that it's special and that feeling isn't strong inside an Audi product,they feel like just a nice car but not that special.
Haven't bothered checking out a Lexus
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 33
From: Whitefield, NH
2015 C300 Sport: Palladium, Premium, Multimedia, Leather, BLIS
Compared to my past Audi's, BMW's, Volvo, and current Porsche, I am not all that impressed with the build quality of this car. In spite of that, my current C300 is turning out to be a fairly reliable, economical, comfortable, and good handling sedan. My first one was borderline lemon, and my current one was sold to me with the dealer assist program.
I don't think anyone would argue that the W205 is a trouble free car. I am lucky in that I have an exceptional dealer ... one who takes my concerns seriously and is able to resolve them. With good dealer support, this can be a good car to own. Without that, it can be very problematic. Since my last dealer visit a few months ago to take care of rattles, which were totally eliminated, I have had zero issues. I enjoy driving the car and am always impressed wth it's gas mileage... given that it's an AWD car.
Too many people have had too many issues, that's a fact. Many have also had no issues or only minor issues as well. The car sells well, so it is a success for MB. As to why this forum exists ... it is to share experiences and information with other owners and potential owners. Most here are not blind supporters of the brand, and there's certainly no inclination to cover up all the warts.
I don't think anyone would argue that the W205 is a trouble free car. I am lucky in that I have an exceptional dealer ... one who takes my concerns seriously and is able to resolve them. With good dealer support, this can be a good car to own. Without that, it can be very problematic. Since my last dealer visit a few months ago to take care of rattles, which were totally eliminated, I have had zero issues. I enjoy driving the car and am always impressed wth it's gas mileage... given that it's an AWD car.
Too many people have had too many issues, that's a fact. Many have also had no issues or only minor issues as well. The car sells well, so it is a success for MB. As to why this forum exists ... it is to share experiences and information with other owners and potential owners. Most here are not blind supporters of the brand, and there's certainly no inclination to cover up all the warts.
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 2
From: Alexandria, VA
'17 C300 Sport, P2, Pano, Black; '17 Jetta GLI White
I think some owners are getting a little ¢unty with the C class problems. I think it important not to compare a w205 with a handbuilt vintage SE, or even a new S for that matter. Squeeks and rattles happen, but interiors are the best they have even been. I cannot think of a single new car in the price range of the C that doesn't have the same niggles.
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Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 613
Likes: 42
From: NYC
2014 C300
I compare it to the w204. For me, my w204 was superior. No rattles, smoother shifting, able to leave in sport mode, better gas mileage on the highway, real tires, better ride, better balance. I want to love it because I like Mercedes, but it falls short. Additionally, I will say the w204 was superior to the w203, which is why I didn't think twice about buying a w205. But, after a few months of ownership and 4k miles, the previous model was better. I have not changed my tires yet but once done, I am sure it will make a difference but still shouldn't be something you have to do after dropping ~45k.
The new trend toward lighter materials are what is causing the hollow feeling and the mix of materials without adequate foam/felt leads to more rattles. That said, the W205 is a new platform and was bound to have some growing pains, the facelift in 2019 should rectify almost all of these issues. The early W204 was not that great 2012 and on was much better.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 721
Likes: 74
From: NYC
2016 c450 / 2016 VW Jetta 1.8t / 2006 Wrangler X
I didn't own a w204, so I can't speak to how it felt as well as those who had, but I drove the car a couple times a year as a loaner, and I HATED the interior. It had plastic door cards and a flat black plastic dash and ****ty switches. The interior on the w205 is gorgeous. I bought my car because a loaner impressed me so much.
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Forest Lake, Brisbane
2014 C250 AMG + 2013 E220 CDi + 1994 E220
Had 2x W204's (07 & 13) both great, both a return to the old school Benz feel. The W205? Different car, but I love it for its depth of capabilities. Has it been perfect? No, would I buy another one? In a heartbeat.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,095
Likes: 52
C63s
Originally Posted by cenzo86
I didn't own a w204, so I can't speak to how it felt as well as those who had, but I drove the car a couple times a year as a loaner, and I HATED the interior. It had plastic door cards and a flat black plastic dash and ****ty switches. The interior on the w205 is gorgeous. I bought my car because a loaner impressed me so much.
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
We've had both.
While the 204 was less noisy, the interior was dated before it was even out and the materials felt cheap.
Not so in the 205, but the sacrifice is the perception of lower quality build early on in the lifecycle of the model line/body designation.
It's just kinks in the assembly procedures and required revisions in parts for various markets, which they will make.
They cannot possibly put 20k test miles on a car in each of 160+ countries too check for every possible noise or issue....
In general, the cars are reliable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
Originally Posted by DapperStyle
When my W204 was in for repairs I had W205 loaners for a couple of weeks and the W204 was just a much tighter, better built car. It didn't rattle and the doors closed with authority. Even though the W205 felt more nimble the W204 felt better day to day. Also the W205 lost its composure over rough roads and I even had the back tires lose traction once on an uneven road which I attribute to the crappy tires.
The new trend toward lighter materials are what is causing the hollow feeling and the mix of materials without adequate foam/felt leads to more rattles. That said, the W205 is a new platform and was bound to have some growing pains, the facelift in 2019 should rectify almost all of these issues. The early W204 was not that great 2012 and on was much better.
The new trend toward lighter materials are what is causing the hollow feeling and the mix of materials without adequate foam/felt leads to more rattles. That said, the W205 is a new platform and was bound to have some growing pains, the facelift in 2019 should rectify almost all of these issues. The early W204 was not that great 2012 and on was much better.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 613
Likes: 42
From: NYC
2014 C300
I didn't own a w204, so I can't speak to how it felt as well as those who had, but I drove the car a couple times a year as a loaner, and I HATED the interior. It had plastic door cards and a flat black plastic dash and ****ty switches. The interior on the w205 is gorgeous. I bought my car because a loaner impressed me so much.
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
I ask again, is it that you have such fond memories of your last car, or is it at all possible that your all getting a bit cun+y about your new car?
If you've ever driven a W212 FL E class the W204 was like a miniature version of that in terms of driving feel, solidity (bank vault feel) and exterior looks. The E Class killed it in interior and driving comfort as well as power.
Though the interior had way more plastic I'll say it was more solid and better put together than any car in its class (compact sedans) at the time.
Super Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 613
Likes: 42
From: NYC
2014 C300
Yup. Mercedes Lite. All of the money with half the substance. Form over function. I wasn't crazy about the interior of the 204 but it was a real, honest car. As a stand alone exercise the 205 is a decent car. Not sure it should be wearing three point star. It probably should be wearing an asterisk.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 560
2016 C300
I'm not sure a refresh is going to make the 205 any more solid feeling. It's true that comparing it to its current competitors it holds up, but I think that's because BMW and Audi also stopped building real cars. Put the 205 against anything MB produced from 2000 to 2006 and it's another story. I guess it's being driven by fuel economy goals. Smaller forced air engines where NA V8 and V6 once were, less weight, more aluminum.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
C300
I think some owners are getting a little ¢unty with the C class problems. I think it important not to compare a w205 with a handbuilt vintage SE, or even a new S for that matter. Squeeks and rattles happen, but interiors are the best they have even been. I cannot think of a single new car in the price range of the C that doesn't have the same niggles.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
C300
[QUOTE=CFG;7187607]Great, call the service manager at either dealership and ask them to help you get the fix. They'll help your dealer.
Sorry, I simply found your syntax somewhat unusual.[/QUOTE
Thanks, exactly the substance I was looking for.
And I think you meant diction. Syntactically, we are both speaking English?
Sorry, I simply found your syntax somewhat unusual.[/QUOTE
Thanks, exactly the substance I was looking for.
And I think you meant diction. Syntactically, we are both speaking English?
