Big Value for C400, worth the difference?
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Joined: Apr 2018
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Mazda
Big Value for C400, worth the difference?
I'm seeing CPO C400s for, what I think, are quite big discounts, averaging at a 26% discount compared to a C450 and 40% discount compared to a C43, and almost at par with C300s depending on the condition mileage etc.
My question is, are the performance gaps between these models worth 26% or even 40% more in price?
I realize that there are AMG suspension parts in the 450 and 43, and some are saying that, though the turbos are the same, the fan may be bigger in the 43s?
But, in terms of "butt dyno", would you say that these difference would amount to a 26% increase in purchase price?
I am coming from a Miata, so I do like a 'driver's car', but I'm also renting a Lexus and am getting used to the luxury and refinement of a luxury car.
I have already booked a test drive for next week, but thought it might be worthwhile to get some input.
Thank you,
My question is, are the performance gaps between these models worth 26% or even 40% more in price?
I realize that there are AMG suspension parts in the 450 and 43, and some are saying that, though the turbos are the same, the fan may be bigger in the 43s?
But, in terms of "butt dyno", would you say that these difference would amount to a 26% increase in purchase price?
I am coming from a Miata, so I do like a 'driver's car', but I'm also renting a Lexus and am getting used to the luxury and refinement of a luxury car.
I have already booked a test drive for next week, but thought it might be worthwhile to get some input.
Thank you,
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 22
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Mazda
Not so much, I'm sure these aesthetic pieces can be found for relatively cheap on EBay if I really did want the same look, but again, not so much.
More-so looking for the difference on the 'butt-dyno' measure vs price (as I'm sure will be subjective)
More-so looking for the difference on the 'butt-dyno' measure vs price (as I'm sure will be subjective)
Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 153
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2015 C 300 4MATIC
I'm seeing CPO C400s for, what I think, are quite big discounts, averaging at a 26% discount compared to a C450 and 40% discount compared to a C43, and almost at par with C300s depending on the condition mileage etc.
My question is, are the performance gaps between these models worth 26% or even 40% more in price?
I realize that there are AMG suspension parts in the 450 and 43, and some are saying that, though the turbos are the same, the fan may be bigger in the 43s?
But, in terms of "butt dyno", would you say that these difference would amount to a 26% increase in purchase price?
I am coming from a Miata, so I do like a 'driver's car', but I'm also renting a Lexus and am getting used to the luxury and refinement of a luxury car.
I have already booked a test drive for next week, but thought it might be worthwhile to get some input.
Thank you,
My question is, are the performance gaps between these models worth 26% or even 40% more in price?
I realize that there are AMG suspension parts in the 450 and 43, and some are saying that, though the turbos are the same, the fan may be bigger in the 43s?
But, in terms of "butt dyno", would you say that these difference would amount to a 26% increase in purchase price?
I am coming from a Miata, so I do like a 'driver's car', but I'm also renting a Lexus and am getting used to the luxury and refinement of a luxury car.
I have already booked a test drive for next week, but thought it might be worthwhile to get some input.
Thank you,
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 11
C400
I bought a C400 a few weeks ago. It’s a very good car, feels very smooth and powerful but not that sporty to drive in my opinion. I’m not sure how it compares to a C450/C43. I made one inexpensive change which was to have the chrome around the windows wrapped which matches the change Mercedes made on the C450/C43...improves the looks on a dark color like mine.
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c300
Currently own a c400 and a friend owns a c43. The difference I found was power wise it wasn’t a dramatic difference maybe the c43 feeling slightly faster which could just be the exhaust being louder but nothing very noticeable. However the major difference I noticed was the braking power and handling was more surperior in the c43. That being said the ride was much harsher due to stiff suspension as the c400 was comfortable.
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neither are going to feel like a drivers car. Almost as far as you can get from the feel of a miata. Electronic everything, already dilapidated auto transmission (MB is usually a generation behind in tranny design/functionality), and the car wallows in turns and the c400 will have understeer.
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Member
Joined: Feb 2018
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C400
I don’t get all the hate for the 7 speed auto in the C400, I find mine is very smooth, quick shifts, and the paddles work great. My last car was a BMW with the 8 speed ZF which is recognized as a very good transmission, and the Merc’s feels just as good to me.
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From: Michigan
2017 C43 AMG
i will say the 9g most likely gets better gas mileage though and marginally faster acceleration.
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From: The Netherlands - ROTTERDAM
W205 C400
my 400 drives good, and with the Kleemann even better
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
Some points some are missing between the C400 and the C450/C43.
One big thing besides the tune in the engine and the transmission of the C450 AMG is that the engines have Nano protected cylinders which the C400 does not have. The C43 comes with the nano protection plus the 9G tuned transmission.
The suspension arms on the C450/C43 come from the C63 model which the C400 does not have. The suspension tuned or ride select is also from the C63 which the C400 does not have though it has the same switch it does not interact with the software and AMG suspension in the same way as the C450/C43.
Besides those fake quad pipe ends the front grill is diamond which is specific to the C450/C43 and other models that follow the timeline of the Mercedes Diamond era.
It all comes back to your budget.
One big thing besides the tune in the engine and the transmission of the C450 AMG is that the engines have Nano protected cylinders which the C400 does not have. The C43 comes with the nano protection plus the 9G tuned transmission.
The suspension arms on the C450/C43 come from the C63 model which the C400 does not have. The suspension tuned or ride select is also from the C63 which the C400 does not have though it has the same switch it does not interact with the software and AMG suspension in the same way as the C450/C43.
Besides those fake quad pipe ends the front grill is diamond which is specific to the C450/C43 and other models that follow the timeline of the Mercedes Diamond era.
It all comes back to your budget.
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From: NJ
C400
I picked up a C400 with low miles in the mid 30s. Basically saved myself at least 20k. Sometimes I am concerned about little issues like rattles during the warmer months. The brakes make a lot of noise in certain situations. It is a first run vehicle which makes me think production issues would be more likely then on a C43. Still, I couldn't personally justify spending that much more for the enhancements.
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From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
I then test drove a a 2020 C43 and the shifting seemed too aggressive in low gears. Not sure what mode I was in.
I got a 2020 C300 loaner and it was better than expected.
There are some good deals on C400s even in this crazy market. Not sure if dynamic headlights are standard on the C400 but it seems like they are.
I saw a C400 with 8k miles last month. It sold in under 2 weeks for 37K.
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2022 E53 AMG
Noted. I test drove a C450 and it was ok. It did not wow me. The 2019 C43 was noticeably better shifting wise.
I then test drove a a 2020 C43 and the shifting seemed too aggressive in low gears. Not sure what mode I was in.
I got a 2020 C300 loaner and it was better than expected.
There are some good deals on C400s even in this crazy market. Not sure if dynamic headlights are standard on the C400 but it seems like they are.
I saw a C400 with 8k miles last month. It sold in under 2 weeks for 37K.
I then test drove a a 2020 C43 and the shifting seemed too aggressive in low gears. Not sure what mode I was in.
I got a 2020 C300 loaner and it was better than expected.
There are some good deals on C400s even in this crazy market. Not sure if dynamic headlights are standard on the C400 but it seems like they are.
I saw a C400 with 8k miles last month. It sold in under 2 weeks for 37K.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Well it up to you want to car you want to drive. The C300 is for those that want to drive a nice car but save gas. The C400 does not come with the AMG parts including the Nano in the cycl which was added, just like in many Sport BMW. The C43 AMG should be better in gas but not by much then the C450 AMG. The newest C43 AMG come with more in the inside of the car so you get more then before.
I heard MB were putting a new lacquer finish on that was more scratch resistant. Not sure what year this started on.
Are you talking about Nanoslide? is that standard now in the newer cars?
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C400 4matic
Does anybody have an documentation for this? Everything I can find about the M276 DE30 AL engine says that every variation since 2013 has Nanoslide cylinder liners.
Thanks,
Mike
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2015 C400 Tenorite Gray
Well it up to you want to car you want to drive. The C300 is for those that want to drive a nice car but save gas. The C400 does not come with the AMG parts including the Nano in the cycl which was added, just like in many Sport BMW. The C43 AMG should be better in gas but not by much then the C450 AMG. The newest C43 AMG come with more in the inside of the car so you get more then before.
The seats also felt better in the C43 and there was no sliding.
They looked the same from what I recall. Maybe I just have it all wrong and need to do some research.
Definitely not going to buy a C400 even though they are inexpensive now. I will likely buy a C450 but one without a tune.
Last edited by Nicholi2007; Mar 28, 2022 at 02:14 PM.
