C400 vs. E400
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 140
Likes: 51
From: GR, Michigan
2015 Mercedes C400
C400 vs. E400
Hello everybody,
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 11
C400
Hello everybody,
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
I've had my CPO C400 since The beginning of March, and I really like it. It's fast, smooth, and very comfortable.
No issues with transmission mine seems very smooth (and before this car I had a BMW F36 with the ZF 8 speed which is regarded as one of the best in the business).
I've had quite a few rattles and creaks but most have been fixed by the dealer.
Overall the car looks pretty much new inside and out with 40k miles on it, so I think the basic quality is very good. However be sure to get one with a warranty I suspect repairs out of pocket are quite expensive.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 140
Likes: 51
From: GR, Michigan
2015 Mercedes C400
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
I've had my CPO C400 since The beginning of March, and I really like it. It's fast, smooth, and very comfortable.
No issues with transmission mine seems very smooth (and before this car I had a BMW F36 with the ZF 8 speed which is regarded as one of the best in the business).
I've had quite a few rattles and creaks but most have been fixed by the dealer.
Overall the car looks pretty much new inside and out with 40k miles on it, so I think the basic quality is very good. However be sure to get one with a warranty I suspect repairs out of pocket are quite expensive.
I've had my CPO C400 since The beginning of March, and I really like it. It's fast, smooth, and very comfortable.
No issues with transmission mine seems very smooth (and before this car I had a BMW F36 with the ZF 8 speed which is regarded as one of the best in the business).
I've had quite a few rattles and creaks but most have been fixed by the dealer.
Overall the car looks pretty much new inside and out with 40k miles on it, so I think the basic quality is very good. However be sure to get one with a warranty I suspect repairs out of pocket are quite expensive.
Member
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 136
Likes: 11
C400
Buy a CPO from a dealer they will add 1 year to the original warranty. I paid $30k for my 2015 CPO with 35k miles in February.
Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 169
Likes: 15
c400
I've had my 2015 C400 since april of 2017 and until now, I've put 50k miles since. Bought the car with 22k miles and it's not approaching 72k miles. I didn't buy the car as a CPO but it was a CPO for the 2nd owner (i'm the 3rd owner) so i was able to still purchase the mercedes cpo warranty for extra 2 years and unlimited miles and the car has been pretty flawless.
The only things I had to get things fixed under warranty are: both front axles (they were clicking; bad cv), transmission software update (it was pretty jerky before the update but it's gotten better afterwards. But still somewhat jerky, especially if you compare it to the zf in bmws as i had a 535i before this one), the battery capacitor, and one of the door handles replaced (led died).
Another thing that broke but wasn't able to get it fixed under warranty is the panoramic sunroof. One day, it decided to not close all the way on the highway. As i was trying to close it, it stopped closing about halfway. Mercedes told me i need to replace the guide rails, which they quoted me about 3700 bucks. It works fine at speeds below 75mph so i ended up not fixing it, as i'm probably gona keep the car only for another year to a year and a half.
The only things I've done so far as maintenance goes: oil changes (every 6-7k miles; i NEVER do 10k), transmission oil change, spark plugs, diff fluids, and pads and rotors.
So far, the car has been very reliable. As you see, I drive a lot (about 30-40k miles a year) and I do drive my car pretty hard from time to time but it hasn't given me any mechanical issues as it starts just fine as the day i bought the car. The only thing I regret about getting my C400 is that it's a little too small for me. And i wish the C400 crackles like C450s and C43s...
The only things I had to get things fixed under warranty are: both front axles (they were clicking; bad cv), transmission software update (it was pretty jerky before the update but it's gotten better afterwards. But still somewhat jerky, especially if you compare it to the zf in bmws as i had a 535i before this one), the battery capacitor, and one of the door handles replaced (led died).
Another thing that broke but wasn't able to get it fixed under warranty is the panoramic sunroof. One day, it decided to not close all the way on the highway. As i was trying to close it, it stopped closing about halfway. Mercedes told me i need to replace the guide rails, which they quoted me about 3700 bucks. It works fine at speeds below 75mph so i ended up not fixing it, as i'm probably gona keep the car only for another year to a year and a half.
The only things I've done so far as maintenance goes: oil changes (every 6-7k miles; i NEVER do 10k), transmission oil change, spark plugs, diff fluids, and pads and rotors.
So far, the car has been very reliable. As you see, I drive a lot (about 30-40k miles a year) and I do drive my car pretty hard from time to time but it hasn't given me any mechanical issues as it starts just fine as the day i bought the car. The only thing I regret about getting my C400 is that it's a little too small for me. And i wish the C400 crackles like C450s and C43s...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 4,975
Likes: 1,343
From: Cincinnati
2010 E350 4Matic
I've had my 2015 C400 since april of 2017 and until now, I've put 50k miles since. Bought the car with 22k miles and it's not approaching 72k miles. I didn't buy the car as a CPO but it was a CPO for the 2nd owner (i'm the 3rd owner) so i was able to still purchase the mercedes cpo warranty for extra 2 years and unlimited miles and the car has been pretty flawless.
The only things I had to get things fixed under warranty are: both front axles (they were clicking; bad cv), transmission software update (it was pretty jerky before the update but it's gotten better afterwards. But still somewhat jerky, especially if you compare it to the zf in bmws as i had a 535i before this one), the battery capacitor, and one of the door handles replaced (led died).
Another thing that broke but wasn't able to get it fixed under warranty is the panoramic sunroof. One day, it decided to not close all the way on the highway. As i was trying to close it, it stopped closing about halfway. Mercedes told me i need to replace the guide rails, which they quoted me about 3700 bucks. It works fine at speeds below 75mph so i ended up not fixing it, as i'm probably gona keep the car only for another year to a year and a half.
The only things I've done so far as maintenance goes: oil changes (every 6-7k miles; i NEVER do 10k), transmission oil change, spark plugs, diff fluids, and pads and rotors.
So far, the car has been very reliable. As you see, I drive a lot (about 30-40k miles a year) and I do drive my car pretty hard from time to time but it hasn't given me any mechanical issues as it starts just fine as the day i bought the car. The only thing I regret about getting my C400 is that it's a little too small for me. And i wish the C400 crackles like C450s and C43s...
The only things I had to get things fixed under warranty are: both front axles (they were clicking; bad cv), transmission software update (it was pretty jerky before the update but it's gotten better afterwards. But still somewhat jerky, especially if you compare it to the zf in bmws as i had a 535i before this one), the battery capacitor, and one of the door handles replaced (led died).
Another thing that broke but wasn't able to get it fixed under warranty is the panoramic sunroof. One day, it decided to not close all the way on the highway. As i was trying to close it, it stopped closing about halfway. Mercedes told me i need to replace the guide rails, which they quoted me about 3700 bucks. It works fine at speeds below 75mph so i ended up not fixing it, as i'm probably gona keep the car only for another year to a year and a half.
The only things I've done so far as maintenance goes: oil changes (every 6-7k miles; i NEVER do 10k), transmission oil change, spark plugs, diff fluids, and pads and rotors.
So far, the car has been very reliable. As you see, I drive a lot (about 30-40k miles a year) and I do drive my car pretty hard from time to time but it hasn't given me any mechanical issues as it starts just fine as the day i bought the car. The only thing I regret about getting my C400 is that it's a little too small for me. And i wish the C400 crackles like C450s and C43s...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,577
Likes: 264
From: Portland, OR
C450, GLC43
Hello everybody,
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
New poster here, and soon-to-be new Mercedes owner. We will be buying my wife a GLK 350 here shortly, then I get my pick after that. I have never owned a Mercedes but my current criteria is AWD, Sedan, 300+hp, forced induction, and <$30k. I was looking at B8.5 S4's (Can't get over the fact they've had the same interiors since 2009), F80 BMW 335i X drive (they just don't appeal to me), and finally the C400. On paper, the C400 has everything I want, but after reading reviews, I have some reservations. I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues. My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable. I recently found that the E400 has the same engine and still fits my criteria. I like the looks of the C Class a little more, but don't need the car to be super sporty. Anyway, this leads me to ask a few questions which hopefully doesn't yield biased responses from posting in the C Class thread:
1. Does the E400 have the same transmission as the C400?
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it?
3. Are their any other Mercedes vehicles that fit my criteria that I am forgetting about? (the CLA45 AMG is a little too "immature" for me)
Thanks in advance for your help!
There aren't that many C400s out there. If a coupe works for you I think you should look at the E400. You may be able to find one in your range if it's not too heavily optioned. They are attractive without being over the top.
If you really need a sedan, don't rule out the 2017+ C300 with the 9g tranny. The 9g really wakes up the little 240hp 4-pot. There are a lot of good deals right now on CPO C300s.
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Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 12
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From: Los Angeles
2015 c400 w205
I bought my c400 in 2014 and I still have it. I can tell you that I love the car. I have not encountered the issues that you stated. My ride is clean and smooth. Only complaint I have is whenever I use the gas pumps from Shell station, the pump gets stuck to my tank and doesn't want to come out. I have to maneuver the pump around with pressure to take it out.
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Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 77
Likes: 10
From: NJ
C400
I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues - I bought the extended warranty and it has easily paid for itself. Tire life is the worst of any car I have had. The fronts wear especially fast. The rattles are the worst in the summer months around 85 and up. It kind of drives me nuts but the sound of the engine makes up for it. The transmission doesn't bother me and I have adjusted to its little quirks. The acceleration is where the car shines for me. IT IS SUPER FAST.
My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable - I would think you are good for 75 highway miles. The car absolutely crushes the highway. Blasting around a left lane snoozer is nothing. Just watch out because you can do 90 like it's nothing. The car is comfortable but I only have the sport suspension. I wish I had the adjustable version to soften things up on long trips. The seats are not as comfortable as I would like but they don't kill me. Volvo seats are the most comfortable to me. Even my honda ridgeline is more comfortable.
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it? I am not sure about this one. We have a year and a half of warranty left and will decide based off what happens this year. I have been disappointed with the failure of many of the electronic interior components. Everything has been replaced but I don't like that they panels and clips have been yanked apart so many times. I wonder if the car rattles in the summer temps because the parts don't fit as tightly together as they did at manufacturing.
Overall I could be completely nuts and overestimating how a Mercedes should be. The problem is that I have loved all the older mercedes I have been in and always wanted one of my own. To me the build quality is disappointing but it could be because it was the first year for the new design. Currently undecided. On paper it should be the car for me. The engine and handling are amazing to me.
My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable - I would think you are good for 75 highway miles. The car absolutely crushes the highway. Blasting around a left lane snoozer is nothing. Just watch out because you can do 90 like it's nothing. The car is comfortable but I only have the sport suspension. I wish I had the adjustable version to soften things up on long trips. The seats are not as comfortable as I would like but they don't kill me. Volvo seats are the most comfortable to me. Even my honda ridgeline is more comfortable.
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it? I am not sure about this one. We have a year and a half of warranty left and will decide based off what happens this year. I have been disappointed with the failure of many of the electronic interior components. Everything has been replaced but I don't like that they panels and clips have been yanked apart so many times. I wonder if the car rattles in the summer temps because the parts don't fit as tightly together as they did at manufacturing.
Overall I could be completely nuts and overestimating how a Mercedes should be. The problem is that I have loved all the older mercedes I have been in and always wanted one of my own. To me the build quality is disappointing but it could be because it was the first year for the new design. Currently undecided. On paper it should be the car for me. The engine and handling are amazing to me.
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 188
From: Toronto
2022 E53 AMG
Be careful of 3rd party warranties as MB runs from them. The will refuse to fix your car if it's not their warranty as many dealerships will say they have been burnt. They will ask for you to pay first and then you will have to submit to your 3rd party warranty.
Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 169
Likes: 15
c400
I read a lot of reviews complaining about tire wear, jerky transmissions, rattle/creaky interiors, and a few electrical gremlins. I don't expect the car to be perfect, but spending ~$30k on a few year old car, I'd prefer not to have to deal with too many issues - I bought the extended warranty and it has easily paid for itself. Tire life is the worst of any car I have had. The fronts wear especially fast. The rattles are the worst in the summer months around 85 and up. It kind of drives me nuts but the sound of the engine makes up for it. The transmission doesn't bother me and I have adjusted to its little quirks. The acceleration is where the car shines for me. IT IS SUPER FAST.
My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable - I would think you are good for 75 highway miles. The car absolutely crushes the highway. Blasting around a left lane snoozer is nothing. Just watch out because you can do 90 like it's nothing. The car is comfortable but I only have the sport suspension. I wish I had the adjustable version to soften things up on long trips. The seats are not as comfortable as I would like but they don't kill me. Volvo seats are the most comfortable to me. Even my honda ridgeline is more comfortable.
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it? I am not sure about this one. We have a year and a half of warranty left and will decide based off what happens this year. I have been disappointed with the failure of many of the electronic interior components. Everything has been replaced but I don't like that they panels and clips have been yanked apart so many times. I wonder if the car rattles in the summer temps because the parts don't fit as tightly together as they did at manufacturing.
Overall I could be completely nuts and overestimating how a Mercedes should be. The problem is that I have loved all the older mercedes I have been in and always wanted one of my own. To me the build quality is disappointing but it could be because it was the first year for the new design. Currently undecided. On paper it should be the car for me. The engine and handling are amazing to me.
My work commute is ~75 miles highway so I need something comfortable - I would think you are good for 75 highway miles. The car absolutely crushes the highway. Blasting around a left lane snoozer is nothing. Just watch out because you can do 90 like it's nothing. The car is comfortable but I only have the sport suspension. I wish I had the adjustable version to soften things up on long trips. The seats are not as comfortable as I would like but they don't kill me. Volvo seats are the most comfortable to me. Even my honda ridgeline is more comfortable.
2. Can any C400 owners sell me that their long term ownership of the car is worth it? I am not sure about this one. We have a year and a half of warranty left and will decide based off what happens this year. I have been disappointed with the failure of many of the electronic interior components. Everything has been replaced but I don't like that they panels and clips have been yanked apart so many times. I wonder if the car rattles in the summer temps because the parts don't fit as tightly together as they did at manufacturing.
Overall I could be completely nuts and overestimating how a Mercedes should be. The problem is that I have loved all the older mercedes I have been in and always wanted one of my own. To me the build quality is disappointing but it could be because it was the first year for the new design. Currently undecided. On paper it should be the car for me. The engine and handling are amazing to me.
