Mbracer26

Looking to buy the C350e, and was wondering how the car is in the real world. Do you enjoy the car since its heavier, how much can you drive on electric only in the real world? Heard the tires go out at 10k miles, is that true and why?

JIMSHANN

Had my C350e for 10 months, now. Driven 9,000kms.

Average fuel usage approx. 7 litre/100kms (45mpg Imperial)

Of the 9.000 kms I have recorded 3,700 kms on electric.

When fully charged it shows the estimated kms you should get on electric alone. However, that totally depends on your previous driving style. I have had it show between 19 and 23 kms.

In reality it only gives around 15 kms.

You should remember that the car charges as you drive, if you are going downhill, or, braking.

I am still trying to figure out how best to drive, for economy. At the moment, I just drive as I please and 7kms/100 litres seems to be the thing.

For me, the best thing is the acceleration that the petrol and electric motors give. 600NM is a lot and you definitely feel it. A standard C250 can't live with this car.

I bought the car since I thought I would be driving, mainly, around the town. However, half of my driving has been long distance which increases the fuel consumption.

On days where I am just town driving the consumption is around 5 litres/100kms.

In Australia the car comes with 19" wheels and run flats. Even with Airmatic the ride feels hard. I will change to standard tyres when they need changing. The Continentals seem about 50% worn at 9,000kms.

GerritKw

I have my C350e for 2 years now.
Mine came 17" non run flat.
My fuel consumption is varying between 5l to 6.5l/100km on a trip of 82km with a full charge.
Full electrical range varies between 16-21km depending on outside temperature and driving behavior.
When driving like an old lady i managed 33km twice, but the rest of the traffic won't like you for that.
I managed to get about 45.000 km on my rear summer tires. Front have not been replaced yet.
I have an average driving style but also use the performance of the car a lot.
If you would only get 9.000mls (approximately 15.000km) out of your tires you must be a racetrack driver if you ask me.

I love the car and haven't gotten any serious issues in the first 88.000km.

Hope this helps you in your choice.

JIMSHANN

Who were you referring to at 9,000 miles life?
The first comment asked about 10,000 miles.
My comment was 9,000 kms (half worn) on run flats. It is well known that run flats have a much lower mileage than non run flats. I'll only know for sure when the tyres are worn.
Other than that you seem to have much the same conditions as me.

Mbracer26

Interesting, Thank you all for your feedback. when the car switches from electric to gas and vice versa, does it clunk and feel harsh or is it nice and smooth? Also, how do you like the handling?

JIMSHANN

It's barely noticeable.

It gets rid of the nasty "stop/start" judder you get with just the petrol engine.

All in all, the car is very good. Good economy. Good acceleration.

It weighs more than standard, but, it's hardly noticeable.

It's eerily quiet when just on electrics. Tyre noise is all you hear.

Mbracer26

Thats good to hear, is there anything I should look out for when picking up the car? software updates, quality control issues...?

GerritKw

Sorry, i meant the 10.000 miles that was mentioned in the initial post.

Mbracer26

Thank you all for the feedback, delivered the car yesterday and its not much different then I thought. all your responses were on point. The only thing I hate about it is the halogen headlights. Anyone upgrade there to HID or LED bulbs?

JIMSHANN

Mine came standard with LEDs and the Vision Package. Brilliant for night driving. Don't think it can be retrofitted.

GerritKw

Sanne here, the car came standard with ILS.
There are some posts here on the forum about the upgrade to Led or ILS. Not seen anything about HID though.
You could check those out, but I believe believe it is going to be a serious job.

Mbracer26

No not looking to change the whole housing, just take out the halogen H7 bulb and fit in a LED bulb, go for $50-100 and are plug and play. But dont know which one to get as they aren't any certified ones with a good throw and light pattern, so I have to stick to word of mouth and others experience to find a good one.

JIMSHANN

https://www.powerbulbs.com/au/blog/2...t-bulbs-to-led

Mbracer26

I feel vibrations and the road through the gas pedal, is this normal for the c350e or do I have to take mines in? I drove a c300 and the pedal was buttery smooth with none of the issues listed.

JIMSHANN

I've never noticed any vibrations, as you describe.

I do get the tap from the Haptic pedal when it tells me to take my foot off the throttle.
Do you only feel the vibration at the pedal, or, through the car?

Mbracer26

Only in the gas pedal I would also say its kinda sticky as well. The car is silent with no rattles either.

GerritKw

Looks like you experience the haptic feedback in the pedal.
When you drive in Eco mode the pedal vibrates shortly when you approach another vehicle in front of you. This is a signal to take your foot of the pedal to save energy.
Try to drive in Comfort mode and see if you get the same feedback in the pedal

Mbracer26

No I know what the heptic feedback is, with two kicks alerting you to take your foot off the pedal. The issue consist in all driving modes as I tried today.