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Test Drove a 2016 C450 AMG, is it the car for me??

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Old 07-13-2020, 09:16 AM
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Ah, I don't think the LED handle issue would bother me at all then on the exterior. I've never had a car with lighted door handles on the exterior. If it were the interior, that would be another story. Nice that you can disable them from the command menu!

Unfortunately the C450 I test drove without the sunroof had a bunch of buzzing/rattles coming from somewhere. I thought it was coming from the roof but I'd have to investigate more. A $2000 repair isn't so bad for the sunroof, unless it causes the sunroof to get stuck open which means that the rain is pouring in.
Old 07-13-2020, 04:44 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
Ah, I don't think the LED handle issue would bother me at all then on the exterior. I've never had a car with lighted door handles on the exterior. If it were the interior, that would be another story. Nice that you can disable them from the command menu!

Unfortunately the C450 I test drove without the sunroof had a bunch of buzzing/rattles coming from somewhere. I thought it was coming from the roof but I'd have to investigate more. A $2000 repair isn't so bad for the sunroof, unless it causes the sunroof to get stuck open which means that the rain is pouring in.
The dealership should fix that for free, there's an open LI about it from Mercedes
Old 07-13-2020, 11:05 PM
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Are you talking about the sunroof or the LED handle? I'm reading more about the sunroof and it sounds more like a $3500 repair! Yikes!! And it sounds like it doesn't just disable the sunroof but can lead to all sorts of rattles.
Old 07-15-2020, 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
Are you talking about the sunroof or the LED handle? I'm reading more about the sunroof and it sounds more like a $3500 repair! Yikes!! And it sounds like it doesn't just disable the sunroof but can lead to all sorts of rattles.
Sunroof. It's a know issue, I brought my C400 in with 1 month warranty left and they replaced the whole thing for free.
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Old 07-15-2020, 10:52 PM
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Is the ESL failure common on the W205? It was a big problem with W204s. This video seems to suggest it is also a problem with W205s. What a pain!!

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Old 07-16-2020, 11:06 AM
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You are leaning to purchasing a new toyota corolla I bet.
Old 07-16-2020, 11:09 AM
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It's settled I just put a deposit on a Corolla

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Old 07-17-2020, 04:05 PM
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Well I canceled my Corolla deposit, I am sure that I want to get a C450 or C43. Unfortunately, the two C450s that were nearby that I thought were a real possibility had already sold (perhaps the inventory never updated and I was looking at old listings). The one I test drove is still available, but I'm just not sure if I want that color combo and it is missing the driving assistance package, which if I'm going to be spending $30k I would like it to be fully loaded. Also my wife may drive the car occasionally so the 360 view camera would be a great help in avoid her banging up my wheels parallel parking!! And just not crashing the car in general!

The funny thing is the cars that I've seen on Vroom and Carvana go "pending" almost immediately. It's really annoying because there's no way for it to tell you it just went live, so I have to keep constantly checking back on the website every hour and I don't always have time to do that!

Because of covid I really do not feel comfortable closing a deal in person. Test driving alone is fine, but when I have to sit in the sales office for 2 hours with all these random people not wearing masks it's not a good situation.
Old 07-17-2020, 07:46 PM
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Are you seriously hesitating between a C43 and a corolla? I read you made a deposit on a Corolla? This is an insult to AMG 😂 Please take all the unnecessary destraction from your brain and only keep the Best or Nothing in it. Make sure you post pictures of your C43/C450.
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Old 07-17-2020, 07:51 PM
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Haha the Corolla was a joke I did have a deposit on a 2018 Alfa Giulia Ti Sport Q2 but decided against it
Old 07-19-2020, 02:16 PM
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Now I'm starting to reconsider whether I want a C450 (to save on up front cash outlay) or a C43. A C43 seems to have some advantages such as better fuel economy and the newer 9 speed auto, and a slightly more rear-biased drivetrain.

Also, in the past I've been changing cars every couple of years. This one I intend to drive this car into the ground, or at least until I can't rely on it for daily transportation. Getting a 2017 C43 will give me an extra year of life on the car, and I will also have the insurance of having at least a few months of remaining warranty before the car expires. When you consider that the $5k or so additional cost the C43 would be over the C450, $5k for an extra year with the car is not bad.

Plus the 2017 C43s seem to all be coming off lease now (many to choose from), whereas the 2016 C450s seem to have already passed (can hardly find any!).

Looking at the brochure, it seems like I'll ideally want one with the Premium 4 package, but can commiserate with the Premium 3. Also, out of curiosity I noticed that "AMG Performance Exhaust" system is an option in 2017. Does that not come standard on the C43? What's the difference between that and the standard exhaust?

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Old 07-20-2020, 06:48 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
Now I'm starting to reconsider whether I want a C450 (to save on up front cash outlay) or a C43. A C43 seems to have some advantages such as better fuel economy and the newer 9 speed auto, and a slightly more rear-biased drivetrain.

Also, in the past I've been changing cars every couple of years. This one I intend to drive this car into the ground, or at least until I can't rely on it for daily transportation. Getting a 2017 C43 will give me an extra year of life on the car, and I will also have the insurance of having at least a few months of remaining warranty before the car expires. When you consider that the $5k or so additional cost the C43 would be over the C450, $5k for an extra year with the car is not bad.

Plus the 2017 C43s seem to all be coming off lease now (many to choose from), whereas the 2016 C450s seem to have already passed (can hardly find any!).

Looking at the brochure, it seems like I'll ideally want one with the Premium 4 package, but can commiserate with the Premium 3. Also, out of curiosity I noticed that "AMG Performance Exhaust" system is an option in 2017. Does that not come standard on the C43? What's the difference between that and the standard exhaust?
If you are set on c43, you need few things like AMG performance exhaust. Go read c43 sub forum, lot of ups and downs. On your next test drive, you will be more informed.
Old 07-21-2020, 10:02 AM
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I had a c450 and now a c43 - many things I preferred about the c450. Build quality was not one of them.

Mechanically the cars are very sound. The 9 speed is not better nor does it get better MPG.

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Old 07-23-2020, 03:18 PM
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So the build quality is better on the C43s?

I just made a deposit to hold a C450 that's "coming soon" on Carvana. 41k miles in Polar White and has the following options:

149 Polar White
413 Panorama Sunroof
P02 Premium Package: Burmeister Surround Sound System
317 Interior Package: Leather Upholstery, Passenger Seat
319 Lighting Package: Dynamic LED Headlights with Active Curve
320 Multimedia Package: High Resolution 8.4" Color Display, Comand(R)
389 Hands Free Access Package: Hands Free Access Trunk
521 Night Package: High Gloss Black Front Splitter and Rear Diffuser
997 Driver Assistance Package: Distronic Plus w/ Steering Assist
218 Rearview Camera
736 Natural Grain Black Ash Wood

At $32,300 with all taxes and fees, it seems like a better deal than that sunroof-less one with the quilted interior I was looking at before with 9k more miles. That one I was hoping to negotiate to $29k OTD.

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1473281

The only thing is I wish it had the 360 camera/parking package since I live in a fairly urban area and want to avoid chewing up the wheels on curbs. Strange because I think this is the first C450/C43 that I've seen that has the 997 package but not the parking package.

I may end up canceling the order if there are some condition issues, but I will have to wait and see the photos first.
Old 07-23-2020, 03:27 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
So the build quality is better on the C43s?

I just made a deposit to hold a C450 that's "coming soon" on Carvana. 41k miles in Polar White and has the following options:

149 Polar White
413 Panorama Sunroof
P02 Premium Package: Burmeister Surround Sound System
317 Interior Package: Leather Upholstery, Passenger Seat
319 Lighting Package: Dynamic LED Headlights with Active Curve
320 Multimedia Package: High Resolution 8.4" Color Display, Comand(R)
389 Hands Free Access Package: Hands Free Access Trunk
521 Night Package: High Gloss Black Front Splitter and Rear Diffuser
997 Driver Assistance Package: Distronic Plus w/ Steering Assist
218 Rearview Camera
736 Natural Grain Black Ash Wood

At $32,300 with all taxes and fees, it seems like a better deal than that sunroof-less one with the quilted interior I was looking at before with 9k more miles. That one I was hoping to negotiate to $29k OTD.

https://www.carvana.com/vehicle/1473281

The only thing is I wish it had the 360 camera/parking package since I live in a fairly urban area and want to avoid chewing up the wheels on curbs. Strange because I think this is the first C450/C43 that I've seen that has the 997 package but not the parking package.

I may end up canceling the order if there are some condition issues, but I will have to wait and see the photos first.
For what it's worth- last year (when it was also 4 years old) I bought my Polar White 2015 C400 for $23,500 with 46k miles. It had 95% of the options yours has. I get it isn't an "AMG" car, but the C450 isn't technically either. The AMG tune on the 7G tranny, black accents, more aggressive suspension and exhaust aren't worth the $7k premium over the C400 IMO. I'm also considering a C450 in the future to replace the C400 eventually, but I won't pay nearly $30k for one after spending $23k on mine. Just my .02!
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Old 07-23-2020, 03:35 PM
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Dynamic LED and natural black grain checks few items. If you bought the static LED, you will notice after few days why you have funny looking headlight vs adaptive LED headlights. The standard piano black trim is just scratch magnet. 360 camera is good to have, I always use it to park.

​​​​Other then 360, HUD and air ride, that C450 is fully loaded.

​​​​​​

Last edited by stockbmw; 07-23-2020 at 03:38 PM.
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Old 07-23-2020, 03:38 PM
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Originally Posted by bzammitt
For what it's worth- last year (when it was also 4 years old) I bought my Polar White 2015 C400 for $23,500 with 46k miles. It had 95% of the options yours has. I get it isn't an "AMG" car, but the C450 isn't technically either. The AMG tune on the 7G tranny, black accents, more aggressive suspension and exhaust aren't worth the $7k premium over the C400 IMO. I'm also considering a C450 in the future to replace the C400 eventually, but I won't pay nearly $30k for one after spending $23k on mine. Just my .02!
I hear where you're coming from. The C400 appears to be a very rare car as I haven't seen hardly any examples in my search. There's one local example that has an accident history and even so it's still listed at $23k.

The "AMG" badging or branding is of no importance to me. However, it does seem like there is a significant increase in power and also a more rear-biased AWD system in the C450 (even more so with the C43). I really wanted a RWD car but I can live with a fixed bias AWD system that is predictable. I hate those type of part-time AWD systems that only activate the front wheels when it detects slippage.

Unfortunately, I don't have a ton of time to search for a car since basically I don't have a car now because it's been totaled. This is probably my best chance to get a decent C450/C43 in the time I have within my budget.

Last edited by DrivingForce; 07-23-2020 at 03:55 PM.
Old 07-23-2020, 03:44 PM
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Originally Posted by stockbmw
Dynamic LED and natural black grain checks few items. If you bought the static LED, you will notice after few days why you have funny looking headlight vs adaptive LED headlights. The standard piano black trim is just scratch magnet. 360 camera is good to have, I always use it to park.

​​​​Other then 360, HUD and air ride, that C450 is fully loaded.

​​​​​​
According to the brochure, air ride was only available on C300s. HUD would be a cool party trick!

Before I get the photos, any idea what wheels it's supposed to come with? I assume the 18" black 5-spoke wheels?
Old 07-23-2020, 03:53 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
I hear where you're coming from. The C400 appears to be a very rare car as I haven't seen hardly any examples in my search. There's one local example that has an accident history and even so it's still listed at $23k.

The "AMG" badging or branding is of no importance to me. However, it does seem like there is a significant increase in power and also a more rear-biased AWD system in the C450 (even more so with the C43). I really wanted a RWD car but I can commiserate with a fixed bias AWD system that is predictable. I hate those type of part-time AWD systems that only activate the front wheels when it detects slippage.

Unfortunately, I don't have a ton of time to search for a car since basically I don't have a car now because it's been totaled. This is probably my best chance to get a decent C450/C43 in the time I have within my budget.
Understandable! The C450/43 are both more aggressive for sure, but they do share the same engine. My C400 with a JB4 outruns (in a straight line) most other performance cars in the $25-50k range
Old 07-23-2020, 03:54 PM
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Originally Posted by DrivingForce
According to the brochure, air ride was only available on C300s. HUD would be a cool party trick!

Before I get the photos, any idea what wheels it's supposed to come with? I assume the 18" black 5-spoke wheels?
I would say 19" multi spoke black accent rims.
​​​​​​
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...y-img_0581.jpg
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Old 07-23-2020, 03:57 PM
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Originally Posted by stockbmw
I would say 19" multi spoke black accent rims.
​​​​​​
https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...y-img_0581.jpg
Let's hope not. Those 19" blow tires like no tomorrow for some reason!
Old 07-23-2020, 03:59 PM
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Ah, I was hoping that since it has the "night package" the brochure says the 18" AMG wheels in black, but that appears to have a footnote of C300 and C300d. I would prefer the 18" because of the ride quality and also cheaper to get tires.
Old 07-23-2020, 04:00 PM
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Originally Posted by bzammitt
Let's hope not. Those 19" blow tires like no tomorrow for some reason!
No thing that a can of goo and an inflator can't fix, right? Oh wait....!
Old 07-23-2020, 04:01 PM
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Originally Posted by bzammitt
Let's hope not. Those 19" blow tires like no tomorrow for some reason!
I would have gone with 18" too and replace the run flats with winter tires and buy some 19s or 20s Michelin ps4s. But those multi spoke look sweet.
Old 07-24-2020, 12:13 PM
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I'm reading up on this mBrace. I didn't realize it was so expensive (like $20/month). I was hoping there is a built in Spotify app so I don't have to mess with my phone while driving. Any idea if this is available?

Also if i don't want to pay for mBrace does that mean I can't do a remote start? Also, how do I deactivate any previous owner's mBrace subscription on the car?


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