Trying to determine if I will regret not buying a C450 with the biturbo V6. My budget will allow either a 2016 C450 or a 2018 C300. The biturbo V6 is a huge expense, so I’m wondering if it is worthwhile? It seems like a 2 year newer car with a quarter the mileage would be a better long term choice. Thank you.
Nope, I’m not disappointed at all.
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Nothing negative here. I came from an EcoBoost (2.7TT) F150, and the C300 has a similar pwr/weight.
I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
Quote:
I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
Thanks. I’ve driven the C450 and an EcoBoost, but not the C300 with the 4cyl. I’m mostly afraid I’d be dissapointed by difference. The mature and practical choice seems to be the newer car with two extra years of remaining warranty, but my wife and I both also really love that rumble the biturbo V6 makes, lolOriginally Posted by JAMADOR
Nothing negative here. I came from an EcoBoost (2.7TT) F150, and the C300 has a similar pwr/weight.I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
Lanzz
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Even in the E class, the 4cyl is not a disappointment. Paired with the 9 speed auto, it is lively and quick around town. Only runs out of steam if you want to accelerate quickly at higher highway speeds. For nearly all of my driving, it is perfect - I do not think you will be disappointed.
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Do a test drive. Also there’s plenty power upgrades for the C300.
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DylanM
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You'll be happy with either! Compare all the available option packages on each, and see how that brings the price up or down accordingly...
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I didn't buy this car for speed, so I am not disappointed at all. In fact, I think it has enough power to impress me for a non-performance compact sedan.
V6 would be definitely faster but not M3 fast. It's all about finding the right balance. For me, since I wasn't looking for a fast car to begin with, C300 was plenty powerful.
V6 would be definitely faster but not M3 fast. It's all about finding the right balance. For me, since I wasn't looking for a fast car to begin with, C300 was plenty powerful.
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Quote:
What he said /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\ /\Originally Posted by soloz123
Tune it!
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I had a 2015 GLA250, with what would appear to be the same 2 l. engine that is in my newish(to me) 2016 C300. The GLA250 seemed quite lively in S mode, with 208 HP. The C300 seems much more lively at 241 HP.
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Yeah, the CLA/GLA get the detuned FWD version.
IMO, the DCT in the CLA/GLA is too jerky at parking lot speeds, and the C does much better with the 7G-tronic.
IMO, the DCT in the CLA/GLA is too jerky at parking lot speeds, and the C does much better with the 7G-tronic.
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Quote:
IMO, the DCT in the CLA/GLA is too jerky at parking lot speeds, and the C does much better with the 7G-tronic.
I lived with the GLA for 3 years. It was a handy little SUV, but had some serious problems. Very jerky at all speeds, not just parking lot speeds. Halogen headlights were awful. The most serious problem was the very limited visibility, especially on the driver's side. This was not a car you would want to own without the side sensors. Also, visibility out the back was quite limited. It did not feel like a heavy duty car; everything seemed to be designed light/almost flimsy. The C300 is so much more comfortable to drive, especially with the LED headlights at night. My GLA was a 2015, and there were a lot of improvements with the new models, but visibility was not improvable. It was really a good looking little SUV....Originally Posted by JAMADOR
Yeah, the CLA/GLA get the detuned FWD version.IMO, the DCT in the CLA/GLA is too jerky at parking lot speeds, and the C does much better with the 7G-tronic.
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i have a 2016 C450.
just got a brand new 2019 C300 as loaner with 18 miles on it ! (c450 is getting windshield replacement at dealer).
when i start the c300 with sport+, it so quiet, it just like a regular start.
the C450 is more fun to drive
just got a brand new 2019 C300 as loaner with 18 miles on it ! (c450 is getting windshield replacement at dealer).
when i start the c300 with sport+, it so quiet, it just like a regular start.
the C450 is more fun to drive
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I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
do you believe i pay 3300$ annually for insurance (AAA) on the 2016 C450 ?Originally Posted by JAMADOR
Nothing negative here. I came from an EcoBoost (2.7TT) F150, and the C300 has a similar pwr/weight.I drove a couple '15 C400s & loved the drive and power. But my ins agent put a hold on that plan, the premiums were significantly higher than the C300 (nearly double).
maybe i drive alot, i drive 20,000 miles annually plus my coverage is $500,000 liability.
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I've driven both, and own the C400. I wouldn't necessarily be disappointed with the 300, but would tune it as others have said. I prefer the 6, as the 4 is punchy and quick, but it does not hold a candle to the v6 at full trot.
The v6 feels much more substantial, the nose is a little heavy in the twisties (I have some fun road on my way to work), but it is more car in all the right ways and still corners very, very well. The steering is just a little heavier and fast switchbacks are somewhat muted. Add a JB4 from BMS, and you're in some serious company as far as performance goes. I still want a v8, though. So, maybe the above differences are not that important to you. You'll know when you drive both and do the math.
So, if they're both a serious option, drive them both. Experience the difference, then decide.
The v6 feels much more substantial, the nose is a little heavy in the twisties (I have some fun road on my way to work), but it is more car in all the right ways and still corners very, very well. The steering is just a little heavier and fast switchbacks are somewhat muted. Add a JB4 from BMS, and you're in some serious company as far as performance goes. I still want a v8, though. So, maybe the above differences are not that important to you. You'll know when you drive both and do the math.
So, if they're both a serious option, drive them both. Experience the difference, then decide.
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Quote:
maybe i drive alot, i drive 20,000 miles annually plus my coverage is $500,000 liability.
That's three times as much as I pay for my C300.Originally Posted by netboy
do you believe i pay 3300$ annually for insurance (AAA) on the 2016 C450 ?maybe i drive alot, i drive 20,000 miles annually plus my coverage is $500,000 liability.
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Not disappointed. I have driven a C300 as a service loaner, and today my wife and I test drove a C300. Nice acceleration, considering it is the base powertrain option.
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Thanks. I’ve driven the C450 and an EcoBoost, but not the C300 with the 4cyl. I’m mostly afraid I’d be dissapointed by difference. The mature and practical choice seems to be the newer car with two extra years of remaining warranty, but my wife and I both also really love that rumble the biturbo V6 makes, lol
The “tell” here is that last line... you’re really not looking for a sedate sedan... you guys want something way sexier and way more fun. Maturity and practicality are crappy reasons to deprive yourself. It’s your money of course and if you think you’ll get in a 300 every morning and get excited about how practical it is, get the 300. If you think, as I do, that once the novelty of the new car has worn off you’ll have a nagging regret, I’d find a way to make a C450/C43 work.Originally Posted by Chad Zappa
Thanks. I’ve driven the C450 and an EcoBoost, but not the C300 with the 4cyl. I’m mostly afraid I’d be dissapointed by difference. The mature and practical choice seems to be the newer car with two extra years of remaining warranty, but my wife and I both also really love that rumble the biturbo V6 makes, lol
Really, the one year only 2015 C400 with the TT V6 would probably check a lot of boxes for you and split the difference. It lacks the attitude of the C450, but it’s smoother and more powerful than the C300.
Anyway, please post pics of your C450 when you get it.😉
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I am disappointed with my 2015 C300. I traded out of a 2017 Porsche Macan S with 80,000 miles (I was the original owner) and greatly miss the quality of that vehicle. Light years difference between the Macam and the C300.
For me, the worst aspect of the C300 is the engine. The clattering sounds are below what I think of as Mercedes quality (I’ve previously owned a 2008 CLK350 and a 1986 190E), and the lack of torque at highway passing speeds is annoying. For a comparison (this isn’t an exaggeration), in the CClass going full bore for 2-4 seconds starting at 75 mph! I’ll reach 90-95. In the S, I would be reaching 110+. I admit the engine note sounds better the harder you flog the car, but I don’t want to drive the car at 7/10ths all the time.
Interiors-wise, the MB closes the gap, but is maybe 80% of the Porsche’s quality. I won’t. Get into the differences in tech between the two vehicles as two years’ difference is huge in this area.
For suspension/handling the Macan, despite its weight penalty, could run rings around the C300. On the same highway ramp the Macan is probably 3-5 mph quicker, I’m continually surprised at how soft the rear suspension is of the C class. I wish I could upgrade the sways as a starting point.
the one positive for the C300 is the mpg. I’ m getting about 31 on the highway. The Macan achieved 24. That’s the primary reason I bought the C class, as I drive 150 miles daily. But I also bought the car as a means to divide the cost of a new Porsche into 2 cars, so I could purchase a used Cayman as the better car, and still have a beater that would be acceptable. As a beater the car is probably slightly above average in its class.
I consciously selected this car due to its price (no payments!) and interior, so this isn’t sour grapes. But after driving it for 7,000 miles I need to remind myself during the long commute of the reasons I bought the car, and I don’t look back at the car when I leave it.
For me, the worst aspect of the C300 is the engine. The clattering sounds are below what I think of as Mercedes quality (I’ve previously owned a 2008 CLK350 and a 1986 190E), and the lack of torque at highway passing speeds is annoying. For a comparison (this isn’t an exaggeration), in the CClass going full bore for 2-4 seconds starting at 75 mph! I’ll reach 90-95. In the S, I would be reaching 110+. I admit the engine note sounds better the harder you flog the car, but I don’t want to drive the car at 7/10ths all the time.
Interiors-wise, the MB closes the gap, but is maybe 80% of the Porsche’s quality. I won’t. Get into the differences in tech between the two vehicles as two years’ difference is huge in this area.
For suspension/handling the Macan, despite its weight penalty, could run rings around the C300. On the same highway ramp the Macan is probably 3-5 mph quicker, I’m continually surprised at how soft the rear suspension is of the C class. I wish I could upgrade the sways as a starting point.
the one positive for the C300 is the mpg. I’ m getting about 31 on the highway. The Macan achieved 24. That’s the primary reason I bought the C class, as I drive 150 miles daily. But I also bought the car as a means to divide the cost of a new Porsche into 2 cars, so I could purchase a used Cayman as the better car, and still have a beater that would be acceptable. As a beater the car is probably slightly above average in its class.
I consciously selected this car due to its price (no payments!) and interior, so this isn’t sour grapes. But after driving it for 7,000 miles I need to remind myself during the long commute of the reasons I bought the car, and I don’t look back at the car when I leave it.
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DylanM
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That's one of the reasons I picked my C400... It's quite the sleeper and can be tuned into a real beast (once enough courage can be plucked up)...Originally Posted by Mike5215
Really, the one year only 2015 C400 with the TT V6 would probably check a lot of boxes for you and split the difference. It lacks the attitude of the C450, but it’s smoother and more powerful than the C300.
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Yeah, it’s a shame they discontinued it. I’d have vastly preferred it to the C300, especially the C300 with the seven speed transmission. A 300 isn’t quick or fun, which is okay since it’s not a sport sedan, but its drive train is too choppy, raspy and unrefined for it to be a luxury sedan either.Originally Posted by DylanM
That's one of the reasons I picked my C400... It's quite the sleeper and can be tuned into a real beast (once enough courage can be plucked up)...
My ‘16 C300 is fully optioned (aside from 4 Matic) and pretty enough but I was bored with it after a year. Never bonded with it like I did my previous Mercedes. I think the C400 would have held my interest longer.
I ended up giving the 300 to one of my kids to run out the lease and did a custom build ‘18 430i with a manual six speed. No problem bonding with that thing whatsoever.
The BMS JB4 is what you’re looking for in a piggyback tune in terms of safety and bang for the buck. I have one in the 430. Big difference.
http://www.burgertuning.com/mercedes...00_Stage1.html
They also make an intake for the 400 that’ll help optimize the tune and make more power but it’s not required. The car will breathe better but you’ll be able to hear the turbo’s waste gates.
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My C400 is currently in for warranty work and I currently have a 2019 C300 loaner. The C300 is fast enough, but its not really exhilarating. In terms of speed I cannot wait to get the C400 back. The engine rumble and acceleration is absolutely worth it for me. I found myself cruising at 73 or so in the C300 in Sport mode. The C400 loves 90mph way too much. One thing to consider is suspension. I have the sport suspension and it is really rough making long trips a pain in the back for me. I've unfortunately run into a lot of little BS with the C400. Tons of fit issues, electronic issues, and recalls. Kind of a bummer in the quality control department but it is a first generation model and I guess stuff like this happens. I doubt the C43 has as many issues. Front tires also wear out very fast.
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Yeah, all the 205’s are unnecessarily stiff. I swapped the runflats for Michelin Pilot Supersports about 2 lbs under on psi. Every little bit helps.
