I previously owned a 2011 or 2012 C300 but due to someone hitting me and totaling the car only owned it 7 months. I’m now looking at the 2016 Certified Pre Owned C300 4MATIC below and had some questions.

First, how is the reliability? This car has 35,000 miles and would be in warranty until March of 2021 since it’s a CPO. Other than the A and B service are there any expenses I would incur over the the next 4 years or up to 100,000 miles? I figure that is how long I would own it before trading again. I’m trying to calculate these costs into my figures.

Second, Does anyone have feedback on the latest going prices for the A and B prices? Also, does everyone do everything on the B service each time or no? I’ve heard mixed things about this.

Third, for those who own this generation how happy are you? Anything you don’t like? I don’t like the fact it’s lacking Apple CarPlay but can probably get a phone mount and get over that.

I’m cross shopping this with a 2018 Kia Stinger GT with similar miles to the C300 and a 2017 Ford Mustang Ecoboost or GT Premium with 24K-27K miles.

Thanks!

 

Make sure it wasn't one of the recalled ones for the wrist pin issue - you can check the Vin (models though April 2015 roughly impacted). Engines 274 920 E0 043259 and beyond and 274 920 30 406602 and beyond are good. My buddy picked up one without carplay and it also has no parking sensors which he was disappointed about - something to consider.

50k service gets spark plugs
60k service gets transmission service

I put this spreadsheet together which puts the cost estimates together up to 120k which is nearly identical on my E300 and wifes GLC300, which will basically be the same as yours (although I have added differential services every 30k to my cost factor at ~$150 for mine and ~$300 for hers
Mileage - Cost - Running total - Service

10k, A ,250.7 ,250.7 ,oil

10k , Add'l ,105 ,355.7 ,wipers/tire rotation

20k, B ,607.86 ,963.56 ,oil/dust & comb/brake fluid

20k, Add'l ,105 ,1068.56 ,wipers/tire rotation

30k , A ,250.7 ,1319.26 ,oil

30k , Add'l ,252.74 ,1572 ,wipers/rotation/ diff

40k, B ,607.86 ,2179.86 ,oil/dust & comb/brake fluid

40k, Add'l ,105 ,2284.86 ,wipers/tire rotation

50k, A ,567.86 ,2852.72 ,oil/spark plugs/engine air filter

50k, Add'l ,105 ,2957.72 ,wipers/tire rotation

60k, B ,1345.84 ,4303.56 ,oil/transmission/dust & comb/brake fluid

60k, Add'l ,252.74 ,4556.3 ,wipers/rotation/ diff

70k, A ,250.7 ,4807 ,oil

70k, Add'l ,105 ,4912 ,wipers/tire rotation

80k, B ,607.86 ,5519.86 ,oil/dust & comb/brake fluid

80k, Add'l ,105 ,5624.86 ,wipers/tire rotation

90k, A ,250.7 ,5875.56 ,oil

90k, Add'l ,252.74 ,6128.3 ,wipers/rotation/ diff

100k, B ,925.02 ,7053.32 ,oil/3 air filters/spark plugs/ brake fluid

100k, Add'l ,105 ,7158.32 ,wipers/tire rotation

110k, A ,250.7 ,7409.02 ,oil

110k, Add'l ,105 ,7514.02 ,wipers/tire rotation

120k, B ,1558.15 ,9072.17 ,oil/transmission/dust & comb/brake fluid/coolant

120k, Add'l ,252.74 ,9324.91 ,wipers/rotation/ diff

 

1. Good. The C300 has very few issues, some 2015's had the wrist pin issue but that's it

2. Service A is just an oil change. My dealership just charges me for an oil change, its about $80 bucks. Service B is a lube/oil/filter and brake fluid change. When I do that I'll just have the dealer do the oil and brake fluid and do the filters myself, probably 3-400 bucks I guess.

3. Apple Carplay is kinda lame anyways. I have been satisfied with bluetooth and stream both spotify and apple music without issue. I like the car a lot. I've owned other Mercedes, my other car is a Q50 Red Sport and the MB is so much better in every way. I also own and older Escalade and the MB is of course better.

The nice thing about the C300 is parts are not expensive, and ANY shop can work on it.

Kia Stinger GT are nice cars, but it's a Kia. I think they're kinda ugly. I hate the Ecoboost. I like the GT.

Have you considered a C400? They only made them in 2015, but they have the same engine as the C450AMG/C43 in it. They come stock with all the AMG interior appointments, AMG body styling, the run a 4.6 0-60 and a 13.0 quarter mile, With a tune they run 12's all day long, and they have 4Matic too which is nice.

 

Service A 250 bucks? I just ask my dealer to charge me for an oil change and reset the service light lol

 

That's what the dealer charges! I put this together to see how much I'm saving doing most of my own work (transmission / diff are all I get done @ the dealer)

 

Thank you! How do I check the VIN to see if the engine is one of those affected? The VIN is 55SWF4KB3GU136373

EDIT: When this posted a link appeared to do a VINCHECK through this website. I have Engine No: 274920 E0 107656

 

that one shows

M - engine: 274920 E0 107656 274.920 M274 E20 GASOLINE Inline 4-Cyl. ENGINE M274 E20 GA - Automatic : 722969 06 737840 722.969 W7 X 700 (NICHT FUER / NOT FOR VAN/G-CLASS) 7-SPEED А W7X700

Delivery date: 15 01 2016

so, post recall

 

Random question: Any feedback on how the GLA250 compares to the C300? The GLA is similar to the CLA250 in comfort and handling right meaning it's pretty stiff and not forgiving? I assume the GLC would be closer to the C300?

 

also, I would try and find one with the sport suspension and stay away from air suspension... looks like yours is just standard but the sport is a nice to have (from friends who have the same)

 

yeah, GLC is closer to the C. I am not a fan of the GLA and CLA as they have the ( I believe) Dual clutch transmission which has numerous reports of issues. Wife has a GLC and she loves it (I do too).

 

I actually prefer the Sport due to exterior styling but they don't have any in stock (which is the same for another dealer 1.5 hours away as well). Everyone just has the regular C300's as CPO's. Love the sportiness of the CLA250 exterior but hated how it drove. It was so stiff and not very comfortable. I like the C300 comfort and performance better but just wish it didn't look so bland. Before I make a decision on this car I thought about asking one more time if they could track down a C300 Sport for me. I assume the sport is stiffer but is it drastic? I still love that luxury car softness when hitting bumps, etc.

 

all the A Class's are cheap feeling, but they are also cheaper cars.

 

I agree on the previous generation CLA250 for sure. That said, I drove the 2020 last week and it is really nice and comfortable. I liked the A220 too although didn't feel as sporty behind the wheel. That new interior with the MBUX is really nice. The ambient light and overall sporty appearance make it look more premium I feel like than even the current C300.