Hello folks,
In the process of selling my 2020 GLB250 due to being a lemon. Love the car but two major brake downs and now im trading it in. MB is giving me a deal for 2021 C300 with the following packages:

• Aventagrade packgae (Sports package for USA customers, includes NAV, Traffic and some other bells)
• Convenience package
• Technology package
• Rest is just colors and interior trim colors

The are offering $8,000 off. The value of my trade in is low but made up through the $8k. Here is what i want to really know from you wonderful people:

1. How is the sound system? My GLB had the stock 6 speaker setup (Non upgrade, just standard). Even with standard, i have deep base and really good sound.
2. How is the ride? Is it quite? My GLB was loud and a but noisy.
3. How reliable is this? My GLB is a full lemon broke down twice side of road and they had to re-do the engine or what ever for 3 weeks. I really want a reliable car
4. I understand this doesnt have the new MBUX. How is the rest? Like the nav and quality of the screen. Can you have decent android auto with good resolution?

PS- This car is built in SA(South Africa) instead of Germany. Does that matter? Reason im asking is my GLB is mexico made and 1st month you could see things falling apart.
My other option is a fully loaded 2021 BMW X3 with decent discount. No idea how reliable are X3's since never owned em. Feel free to shine on the original thread:
https://mbworld.org/forums/glb-class...-my-lemon.html

Thanks in advance <3

 

I don’t know if this helps but I think that the C300s are the most reliable cars that Mercedes’ makes. I have a 2016 with the technology package which I upgraded the screen to the android screen, which I am sure is better OEM from Mercedes’ but mine works like a charm. The ride is fairly quiet and comfortable depending on what tires you’re running. If you have run flats expect to hear some noise. Mine came with the bermeister sound system, which when I’ve heard the difference from the generic speakers that Mercedes’ has on base model cars, I was shocked at the difference. The sound is clear, there isn’t a crazy amount of bass however and I noticed that the loudness of the speakers differs from if you’re listening to music through the radio or if you’re using Spotify, or YouTube music, but I would say the difference is minimum. Overall I would really recommend this car and I advise you to take everything I said with a grain of salt as I do have the older model 2016. The engines however haven’t changed much, I think they just upgraded the turbo a little bit so it has a little bit more power than the pre facelift version. I hope I helped!

 

They are both great engines in the C 300 no matter what, whether or not facelift or pre-facelift. The actual engine is changed, your 2016 was a M274 and the 2019 and beyond is a M264 with 14 horsepower increase over the older M274. The M264 engine's main performance change would be peak torque at higher RPM compared to the M274 when peak torque is at a lower RPM. The M264 may be smoother than the M274 but it really is just personal preference on when you want peak torque.

Edit and disclaimer: That torque difference felt is based solely on my test drives and not based on facts or official data. I have test driven numerous pfl C 300 prior to getting my 17 C 43 and a few facelift C 300 to come to this conclusion when my 17 C 43 was due for annual service.

 

Any reason I should be concerned about it being assembled in South Africa than Germany?

 

W205 is a great car. Mine is a 2015 I have had it since 2018. No issues at all. Fun to drive i installed Armytrix Exhaust system with its downpipe, Brabus power box, Racechip pedal commander and k&n air filter. This made the car more aggressive and responsive. I got rid of the oem screen and installed a 10.25" multimedia screen. Mine is German built.
I heard many American built W205 had piston cracking/failure issues mainly C300. It is not a rule that if the car was built outside Germany would be a disaster. Its a 2021 model so we have to wait and see the South African assembly quality. But if I had to choose between a Mercedes C300 or BMW X3 I would choose the C300.

 

unlikely, that being said they only recently, a year or two ago? shifted the production there so I am not fully sure about the quality of the new factory.

 

The G01 currrent model X3 is solid reliable. We have had one for 3 years and it has been great. Sporty/quick, comfortable, looks good.

 

So I am going with the c300! They reduced the price by $9,000 so couldn't beat it. My only question is rim/tires. I have snow tires from my GLB. Here is the specs:

235/50/19 for GLB250

225/45R18 Front, 245/40R18 for C300 Aventagrade

Wondering if I can use mine. I know this one can take 19" but not sure if my GLB tires are too big!

 

I am glad you went for the Best or Nothing. Congratulations.

 

Congrats! You did fairly well for the negotiation. Looking forward to hearing your enjoyment of the new vehicle and pictures.

As for winter tires, it is unlikely the offsets are correct after all you are going from SUV to Sedan but let me check. In the mean time, you could plug it in the fitment calculators found on the internet and see if it might work. Since you already have them (and not trying to decide if not you should buy them), it doesn't hurt to actually try installing on the C 300 and see if it fits. Some dealerships do a swap on rims for $90 dollars for example or you can usually do it yourself or go to a tire shop. If it turned out to be too close to the suspension (you could technically use spacers to push it out but if it is sticking out too much the spacers will make it worse and the stones the tires kick up has a possibility of chipping the fenders)

 

Awesome advice, never going to use spacers. I have a set of 19"s that i bought separately which i get to keep. Dealer said 19" do work with the car but the tire size changes (Tire wall decreased and makes them more expensive) Thats why i am considering just seeing what is cheaper, buying the tires for the 19" option so i can swap them in my garage or just buy the standard 18" tire size and each year change them on the OE Rim and sell off my entire set.

I have a feeling my GLB tires at 235/50 is WAY to big. But i can certainly try.

 

I see. The C 300 can be optioned with 19 inch after all. Some SUV tires does actually fit sedans but it is rather rare because of the obvious body style differences. Worth a try though, MB dealerships usually don't charge you anything if they can't actually fit the tires (at least from my experience, may vary) otherwise tire swap on rims should be about $90 dollars at an MB dealership probably went up though. Tire shops will most likely charge like $40 max but also possibly increased since then.

 

Your C 300 has the following tires:

Staggered...
225/45 R18 7.5J x 18 ET 44 (Front)
245/40 R18 8.5J x 18 ET 49 (Rear)

The optional 19 inch on a C 300 is (which you thankfully didn't option because they are more prone to potholes):
Staggered...
225/40 R19 7.5J x 18 ET 44 (Front)
255/35 R19 8.5J x 19 ET 52 (Rear)

Your older vehicle, the GLB had these wheels
Squared setup...
235/50 R19 7.5J x 19 ET 53 (Front and Rear)

 

What are the specs of your winters you had on the GLB, please include the offset of the wheels, the width and diameter (diameter is 19 right?) .

 

Sorry for late reply, Car is arriving in 2 days (Friday). Everything got cleared up, finance and all the good stuff. I am selling my 19"s and the GLB tires and getting a decent price. For now i will just buy new winter tires and call it a day. The options i got on sale are the following:

Michelin X-Ice Snow
225/45/18 Front
245/40/18 Rear
Grand total installed tax in $1010 from Canadian Tire. (Canadian currency) They are like 25% off on sale.

Any idea if they are good? MB recommended the Pirelli and asking $2800 + tax lol. Like 3x the price. The same tire can be bought at Costco for $2,000 but still double. Wondering what would be special with them?

I will try to buy winter rims too 18", i am not 100% sure what specs they should be other than 18", 5x112. I dont really understand other numbers... like the offsets or what ever else. Any tips?

 

Happy to hear that you have a firm date for the delivery of your vehicle. I don't like to go to crappy tire but if you prefer going there and buying from there, by all means. I am glad you are getting a decent price for your old tires, that is good to hear. A couple of forum members here use https://pmctire.com/en/, personally I went to a local shop to get mines but considering getting winters from pmctire when my old ones are done since others here reported good experience with them. Like so: https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...get-tires.html

As for snow tires, I personally use Bridgestone Blizzak (mine is an older model WS90, so get something more recent), it has so much grip on my 2017 C 43. They are one of the best tires out there. Another good option (again one of the best) would be Nokian Hakkapeliitta... think their latest model is R3? Honestly if I have to pick one, I couldn't decide they are both so good.

If you wish to stick with the ones from crappy tire, you may. The key things to note is to check if the new tire markers are still there (make sure they don't sell you used ones! or slightly used ones! crappy tire is infamous of doing that). Another thing to check is the manufacturing date, they are the four numbers right after DOT. The first two numbers represent the week and the second two numbers represent the year. So for example 1022 presents 10th week of 2022 manufactured. Tires' rubber naturally age so don't get tires that is 2 years old, I tend to replace my tires 5 years maximum due to the nature of rubber aging. Even if you don't get tires from crappy tires, make sure to do the same check on tires you got from other shops as well, just incase. As tires are what connects you and the road, you want to make sure they are safe.

no, don't get MB's recommendation. The Pirelli, they make good summers (but honestly the summers aren't even that good either, just in my opinion though, summers I got Pilot Sport 4S, or if you want something that has a better wear index and do better in the rain, AS3+) but not winters, I wouldn't trust Pirelli in NB winters or winters of rest of Canada.

As for the winter wheels, stick with all four tires 225/45 R18. Just my opinion non-staggered (basically squared, which is what I am running for my winters) works better in winters anyways plus you can rotate them to increase the life of the winter tires. Given how basically 3 seasons snows here in Canada, you want to prolong the life of the tires as much as possible. As for offset you need to get something close to OEM or it either rubs the suspension or sticks out too much. In that case, I recommend getting all four wheels with ET45. 5x112 you mentioned, is the bolt pattern. Get wheels that are 66.6mm CB (centre bore). As for width, 8 is fine.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

 

You really summed it all for me, only confusion did you mean to get all 4 tires the same size for winter? Like all 4 snow tires to be 225/45 R18? if so it would even be more cheaper for me! I hate CrappyTire but its only place its being discounted. i will MAKE SURE they are new tires and not old Date. I got all the great info for the rims you provided and will shop around!
I currently do have Blizaks on the GLB so i understand how good they are lol. Sadly that option is not discounted and id end up paying 30% more right of front.

 

Sorry, I tend to edit my post (sometimes more than 3 times) after being posted because 9 times out of 10 I realized there are typos or that I wanted to provide more information and I forgot. Please read the additional information and see if it answers your question.

Actually, better yet, I will just paste the paragraph that was edited so you don't have to re-read the whole thing:

As for the winter wheels, stick with all four tires 225/45 R18. Just my opinion non-staggered (basically squared, which is what I am running for my winters) works better in winters anyways plus you can rotate them to increase the life of the winter tires. Given how basically 3 seasons snows here in Canada, you want to prolong the life of the tires as much as possible. As for offset you need to get something close to OEM or it either rubs the suspension or sticks out too much. In that case, I recommend getting all four wheels with ET45. 5x112 you mentioned, is the bolt pattern. Get wheels that are 66.6mm CB (centre bore). As for width, 8 is fine.

A couple of forum members here use https://pmctire.com/en/, personally I went to a local shop to get mines but considering getting winters from pmctire when my old ones are done since others here reported good experience with them. Like so: https://mbworld.org/forums/c450-c43-...get-tires.html

In short, yes get squared winters, no need staggered for winters. 225/45 R18 for all four.

 

Alright I am done editing the two posts, sorry about that.

 

You are the man! Got everything set up. All done! Thanks again, will post pics shortly when new car arrives.

 

Glad to help!

 

Gonna bother you one last time lol. I got this offer too but want to clarify if this would work.

Use my 19: rims which are Replika 19x8, 5x112, 45
https://www.canadawheels.ca/replika-...ver-dark-w2654

With those rims i buy all 4 tires same size, 225/40 R19 7.5J x 18 ET 44 (Front) NON-STAGGERED as you suggested.

I notice OE are 7.5 and my rims are 8 and 45 instead of 44. Would that be a big issue?
The cost of the tires are about $200 more but hey i get to use my rims and not lose any money at all selling them.
Fun fact: Called 2 MB dealers and got TWO different response. 1st MB dealer said NO DO NOT PUT 19 AND DO NOT UNSTAGGER THEM, it will cause issue with suspension and making sounds and hit inside when turning. Other MB said UNSTAGGER THEM and 19 will work but stiff ride/driving, 18 are more comfy and better.
I do agree with him but he did say its fine and 19 will work. What do you make of it? Sell the 19s and lose money or use em with more expensive tires? Or are they going to hurt the car?

 

not a bother at all, ask away. Not sure if you like my opinion, 18s are usually safer (actually the smaller the safer) in winters as there is more tire to contact the road plus you will appreciate the 18's ride quality more than 19s. Only reason why I don't recommend 17s is because your vehicle has the amg-line package or sport package which means the front calipers are bigger, the 17s will not fit. The second dealership is correct, I am not sure why the first dealership said what they said, they might just want to sell you new wheels and tires to make a profit. Fun fact, MB sells winter tire packages in 18 inch squared setup for the C 300.

If you do want to proceed with keeping the GLB ones, just keep in mind that stock 19s' offset in the C 300 is ET 52 for the rear so the tires will stick out more if you put 19s on the C 300. There are no problems for the front as you mentioned it is ET 44 just like the 18s. Since your winters are 45, it will actually tug in more, so make sure it doesn't hit anything at the rear.

That being said, I understand you don't want to spend so much money already on tires when you don't even have the vehicle yet and already spent so much money on the GLB. The decision is yours.

Hope that answers your question. If you are still confused feel free to ask again and I will try to explain it better.

Edit: To save you from refreshing the page too many times, I am just going to start a new post instead of editing this one so frequently.

 

To not confuse you, let me try to explain it better. I mentioned the offset stock 19 inch for C 300 because the geometric arrangement of the suspension and other components are based on the stock 18s and stock 19 inch, there is a reason why the stock 18's offset is 49 on the rear compared to 52 on stock 19s on the rear. Although another reason is to make it look more sporty. If you put 19s with offset of 44 it will tug in more instead of poking out, that is why you need to be careful with it and to make sure nothing is rubbing especially depending on what aspect ratio 19s you are putting on too.

I would recommend getting 225/45 R18 with the appropriate wheels but it is up to you and since you said you are losing money selling the GLB set, finding ways to reuse it is not a bad idea.

 

I realized I am still confusing you so sorry about that. In short, yes you can go with squared 19s 225/40 R19 but be mindful about the rear clearance and they are not too close to the suspension.