Why I won't lease C-class again
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Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
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From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Why I won't lease C-class again
3 years ago I leased a 2017 300C. Based on my experience I would not recommend this vehicle or a lease.
- Generally cheap interior finish, it just looks like Benz cut corners to save a few $ or bump people to the E class. Examples include:
- Thin fabric film provides no sun protection for sunroof. Result is that sun shines directly into your eyes through the closed sunroof. I installed 90% tint which helped but did not completely eliminate the problem. IMO it is dangerous to even sell a car in this condition.
- No telescoping sun visor which means sun shines right into my eyes from side window when I am driving north in afternoons. How much did they save, a few cents here?
- Navigation system is worse than systems 10 years older. Came with outdated 2016 SD card (how hard would it be to ship new ones to the dealer during the first 10 months of 2017). If I followed the Nav directions I would drive through a retaining sound wall to get from the main road to my cul-de-sac.
- Passenger side has a fake headrest control on door - was told this is only "decorative" so it matches drivers side. Actual control is manual at base of headrest.
- Cheapo rear speaker bass buzz when listening to talk radio - dealer said "it's functioning fine"
- Pirelli runflats wear quickly, plan to add $1000 to your lease cost as Benz will charge you to return with bald tires (though they won't last 20k miles anyway)
- $1k acquisition and $500 return fee - that's $1500 you can save thru buying
- Bogus charges for "mandatory" VIN etching means I won't be returning to this dealer
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 206
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From: san francisco
c class
This was very disappointing lol I thought i was about to read some sort of nightmare Mercedes experience already felt bad for you but I guess I’m glad there was nothing close to that ,I think you bought a poorly optioned c class and it left a bad taste.
all the things you are complaining about could easily be on an A4 or 3 series
all the things you are complaining about could easily be on an A4 or 3 series
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,130
Likes: 101
From: Belgium
W205
3 years ago I leased a 2017 300C. Based on my experience I would not recommend this vehicle or a lease.
- Generally cheap interior finish, it just looks like Benz cut corners to save a few $ or bump people to the E class. Examples include:
- Thin fabric film provides no sun protection for sunroof. Result is that sun shines directly into your eyes through the closed sunroof. I installed 90% tint which helped but did not completely eliminate the problem. IMO it is dangerous to even sell a car in this condition.
- No telescoping sun visor which means sun shines right into my eyes from side window when I am driving north in afternoons. How much did they save, a few cents here?
- Navigation system is worse than systems 10 years older. Came with outdated 2016 SD card (how hard would it be to ship new ones to the dealer during the first 10 months of 2017). If I followed the Nav directions I would drive through a retaining sound wall to get from the main road to my cul-de-sac.
- Passenger side has a fake headrest control on door - was told this is only "decorative" so it matches drivers side. Actual control is manual at base of headrest.
- Cheapo rear speaker bass buzz when listening to talk radio - dealer said "it's functioning fine"
- Pirelli runflats wear quickly, plan to add $1000 to your lease cost as Benz will charge you to return with bald tires (though they won't last 20k miles anyway)
- $1k acquisition and $500 return fee - that's $1500 you can save thru buying
- Bogus charges for "mandatory" VIN etching means I won't be returning to this dealer
in general all your reasons are related to the options you took (or didn't take) aside from this sun rattle i have no clue about what you mean
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Joined: Jul 2020
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2017 C300 Sport
This was very disappointing lol I thought i was about to read some sort of nightmare Mercedes experience already felt bad for you but I guess I’m glad there was nothing close to that ,I think you bought a poorly optioned c class and it left a bad taste.
all the things you are complaining about could easily be on an A4 or 3 series
all the things you are complaining about could easily be on an A4 or 3 series
Assuming you had the base 4matic sedan option, I'm not sure what you expect in a similarly optioned 3 series; those cars have even less luxuries and at a higher price point. Say what you will about the plastic interior of a C class, a 3 series will fall apart after a few yers due to all the cheap plastic parts under the hood. The 2017 and 2018 C classes don't offer carplay/android auto, which completely sucks (unless of course you retrofit the audio device); however, is anyone actually using the native GPS programs on their cars? I personally would much rather use google or waze on my phone.
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Joined: May 2018
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W205 2015
I disagree with the OP comments regarding the C class. The last remains a great car hot looking mini S. The plan now is to upgrade to a C43 or C63 and listen to the beautiful sound of an AMG engine 👍
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Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
What I get from the OP’s post is an unsatisfying ownership experience. This is common for MB owners today, unfortunately.
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
MBUSA’s choice of base model optioning is a failure relative to other brands, to wit: BMW.
BMW has no more, and possibly less, plastic underhood than Mercedes. We have both brands (recent models) in our fleet.
With Mercedes, the ownership experience does not justify the price paid. In 5 years it won’t surprise me if MB has noticeably lower market share in the US, yielded mainly to Genesis and also to BMW, Volvo, Cadillac and Lincoln.
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
MBUSA’s choice of base model optioning is a failure relative to other brands, to wit: BMW.
BMW has no more, and possibly less, plastic underhood than Mercedes. We have both brands (recent models) in our fleet.
With Mercedes, the ownership experience does not justify the price paid. In 5 years it won’t surprise me if MB has noticeably lower market share in the US, yielded mainly to Genesis and also to BMW, Volvo, Cadillac and Lincoln.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2018
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W205 2015
[QUOTE=chassis;8173726]
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
I do not have the issues listed in the OP comments. I diagree with the OP review of the C class. Please name for me a 100% perfect car. There are the bads and goods in every car. I think there are many great things about this car. I am happy with it. I have had it since 2016 i changed the auxiliary battery, main battery, and rear break pads. Dats it my friend. The remaining are oil change every 10,000 kms. Thank you Mercedes The Best or Nothing. 👍👍
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
I do not have the issues listed in the OP comments. I diagree with the OP review of the C class. Please name for me a 100% perfect car. There are the bads and goods in every car. I think there are many great things about this car. I am happy with it. I have had it since 2016 i changed the auxiliary battery, main battery, and rear break pads. Dats it my friend. The remaining are oil change every 10,000 kms. Thank you Mercedes The Best or Nothing. 👍👍
Last edited by Andy74; Oct 7, 2020 at 06:32 PM.
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Joined: Dec 2016
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2018 C43
I do have some griefs on my car but most of his creature comforts that didn't come with his came with mine so I can't understand you cheaping out on necessities and complaining about it
It's like marrying your other half who is heavy set and complaining why you so fat?
It's like marrying your other half who is heavy set and complaining why you so fat?
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W205 2015
Lol so true 👍
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2019 C300
What I get from the OP’s post is an unsatisfying ownership experience. This is common for MB owners today, unfortunately.
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
MBUSA’s choice of base model optioning is a failure relative to other brands, to wit: BMW.
BMW has no more, and possibly less, plastic underhood than Mercedes. We have both brands (recent models) in our fleet.
With Mercedes, the ownership experience does not justify the price paid. In 5 years it won’t surprise me if MB has noticeably lower market share in the US, yielded mainly to Genesis and also to BMW, Volvo, Cadillac and Lincoln.
There were no comments in the OP about style/exterior appearance, so the previous post doesn’t address the OP.
MBUSA’s choice of base model optioning is a failure relative to other brands, to wit: BMW.
BMW has no more, and possibly less, plastic underhood than Mercedes. We have both brands (recent models) in our fleet.
With Mercedes, the ownership experience does not justify the price paid. In 5 years it won’t surprise me if MB has noticeably lower market share in the US, yielded mainly to Genesis and also to BMW, Volvo, Cadillac and Lincoln.
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c300 4Matic
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From: Oklahoma
2016 C300 4Matic traded in for a 2022 E450 Coupe
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From: Belgium
W205
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Sadly the parts that should never be plastic are plastic with BMW 3 and 5 series from the last 10 years and I am not the only one that suffered major costs due to this. After 5 to 6 years the plastic seems to die. Never had this with any of my mercs... Only the rubber blocks the engine rests on needed to be replaced on the clk after 7 years. Never had issues with the 204, 207 and 205
Poor plastic formulation (recipe, molecular structure) and design (shape, thickness) have evolved in the past two vehicle generations. Making a better plastic part is generally more expensive, because the "good stuff" in the plastic are generally additives and chemicals that cost $$$, compared with the base commodity resin (ABS, PVC, PP, HDPE, etc.). Plus hotter molding temperature and longer cooling time. It's all added cost.
I criticize BMW for the use of flimsy sheet aluminum bits and stiffening tubes/struts underhood. Struts are band aids for poorly designed underlying body structure. Imagine a current model BMW with all of the added crutches (struts) removed from underhood and from under the transmission/propshaft tunnel. The structure would be like a bowl full of jello.
No carmaker truly has the secret sauce, they are all fumbling around.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 134
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From: Danville, CA
GLS450
Replaced the C300 with a 15 month old BMW 740i and could not be happier. Plus it cost me about $7k less than what I paid for the C300. Obviously this is like comparing hamburger and steak but I can't see myself ever going back to Mercedes except for another GLS or maybe S class sedan. The GLS is still the best vehicle I have ever owned but the 740 is not far behind.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2016
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2018 C43
Replaced the C300 with a 15 month old BMW 740i and could not be happier. Plus it cost me about $7k less than what I paid for the C300. Obviously this is like comparing hamburger and steak but I can't see myself ever going back to Mercedes except for another GLS or maybe S class sedan. The GLS is still the best vehicle I have ever owned but the 740 is not far behind.
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Joined: Jan 2018
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From: SoCal, Cannes France
1986 Light Ivory R107 560SL & 2024 W206 Starling Blue C300 4MATIC AMG-Line, Exclusive Trim
These complaints confused me so much, how can we give validity to someone complaining about a car when they could’ve just optioned it and fixed all those issues. My 2015 and 2020 both were specced with the stitched dash which looks and feels top notch, it was a 370 dollar option on my 2020, not like it broke the bank. My cars weren’t fully specced to 60k, neither even hit 50k, but they were optioned smartly and reasonably. I’ve got friends with a current gen 3 series and Audi, both are so jealous of the interior fit and finish on the C class, and everyone who jumps between the three agrees. Also both my cars had sun visors that pull back, maybe you just need to pull harder. Enjoy the 7 series, I jumped ship from that brand the last time I got left on the side of the road.
The panoramic sunroof fabric blind could’ve been fixed by just not getting the pano roof and sticking with the smaller one, which has a full black out sunshade.
Did you guys know heated seats aren’t even standard on the m340i, talk about nickel and dime, my friend also had to option lumbar support on his, luckily they made that standard for 2021...
The panoramic sunroof fabric blind could’ve been fixed by just not getting the pano roof and sticking with the smaller one, which has a full black out sunshade.
Did you guys know heated seats aren’t even standard on the m340i, talk about nickel and dime, my friend also had to option lumbar support on his, luckily they made that standard for 2021...
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Joined: May 2020
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From: Florida
These complaints confused me so much, how can we give validity to someone complaining about a car when they could’ve just optioned it and fixed all those issues. My 2015 and 2020 both were specced with the stitched dash which looks and feels top notch, it was a 370 dollar option on my 2020, not like it broke the bank. My cars weren’t fully specced to 60k, neither even hit 50k, but they were optioned smartly and reasonably. I’ve got friends with a current gen 3 series and Audi, both are so jealous of the interior fit and finish on the C class, and everyone who jumps between the three agrees. Also both my cars had sun visors that pull back, maybe you just need to pull harder. Enjoy the 7 series, I jumped ship from that brand the last time I got left on the side of the road.
The panoramic sunroof fabric blind could’ve been fixed by just not getting the pano roof and sticking with the smaller one, which has a full black out sunshade.
Did you guys know heated seats aren’t even standard on the m340i, talk about nickel and dime, my friend also had to option lumbar support on his, luckily they made that standard for 2021...
The panoramic sunroof fabric blind could’ve been fixed by just not getting the pano roof and sticking with the smaller one, which has a full black out sunshade.
Did you guys know heated seats aren’t even standard on the m340i, talk about nickel and dime, my friend also had to option lumbar support on his, luckily they made that standard for 2021...
Either way congrats on the 7-Series.
Last edited by js_cls; Apr 25, 2021 at 08:51 PM.
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Posts: 158
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From: Seattle
2019 GLC300 4matic, 2019 C300 4matic, 2018 C300 4matic, 2009 C300 Flex, 2004 C230 Kompressor
As a C300 owner, I completely agree with Sam Manuel's assessment. I feel obligated to respond as the C300 gets a lot crap for being the "cheap class". I'm not sure of what exact build of this vehicle Boraxo had, but the W205 C300 is a great vehicle with the right options and expectations: the car runs well and quiet as a daily driver, doesn't guzzle gas, repairs are relatively easy, parts are affordable and in sufficient supply, is comfortable, very spacious for a compact car, and elegantly styled for the entry-level Benz that it is. I don't mean "entry level" pejoratively, it's just that if you wanted to burn people at the track or turn heads at a car show with your Benz, it would seem that you chose the wrong car. Based on your complaints, it sounds like you should have bought your car, or at the very least, leased a C or even an E class with the options you needed. I say that you should have bought only because you got burned by typical dealer end-of-lease terms.
Assuming you had the base 4matic sedan option, I'm not sure what you expect in a similarly optioned 3 series; those cars have even less luxuries and at a higher price point. Say what you will about the plastic interior of a C class, a 3 series will fall apart after a few yers due to all the cheap plastic parts under the hood. The 2017 and 2018 C classes don't offer carplay/android auto, which completely sucks (unless of course you retrofit the audio device); however, is anyone actually using the native GPS programs on their cars? I personally would much rather use google or waze on my phone.
Assuming you had the base 4matic sedan option, I'm not sure what you expect in a similarly optioned 3 series; those cars have even less luxuries and at a higher price point. Say what you will about the plastic interior of a C class, a 3 series will fall apart after a few yers due to all the cheap plastic parts under the hood. The 2017 and 2018 C classes don't offer carplay/android auto, which completely sucks (unless of course you retrofit the audio device); however, is anyone actually using the native GPS programs on their cars? I personally would much rather use google or waze on my phone.
