I very much enjoy following pre production Mercedes models, tracking when they go on sale, and finding odd spec cars for sale in the US. Yesterday, 8 very early producition US market C300s got added to the dealership in Marietta Georgia's inventory and I was able to get build sheets. I find this very fascinating and thought I would share, in case anyone was as fascinated as I am.

Some of the options which these cars have which should not be possible on US cars include 2XX leather interiors on non AMG Line cars, active lane keep assist outside of the drivers assist package, parktrnoic as a standalone, drovers assist with the additional inflating side bulsters, a midrange Advanced sound system, 4 zone climate control, heated back seats, "luxury" suspension with selective damping, AMG Line with no night paclage, two wheel options which are non night package versions of AMG Line wheels, air balance package, air control package, and the power rear window sunshade. In addition, a few of the cars have option 670 Engine rest, which I believe means the climate control stays on using the cars additional heat after you turn it off.

I also saw a few months ago chassis 302 for sale in Florida, which has the additional options of adaptive selectable suspension and the 2.5 degree rear wheel steering, plus manual side window shades.

These are all early "trial 1" pre production cars (also labled advanced prototype) which I believe were built in May to June 2021.

 

Hmmm that is interesting to say the least.

 

I guess those might be press models made before MBUsa decided what to offer as options.

 

Could be, to showcase different options.

 

These cars were built before MB had written the order guide, so I'd say they just didn;t know what was going to be on offer yet and just built cars.

 

This is very cool, thanks for sharing!

When the W206 was first released in the US, I thought it was annoying that the AMG line meant you could only get the night package. I saw a couple very early cars for sale new back in 2022 without the night pack but with AMG line. I knew how rare that would be going forward. The RWS is another super cool thing that US C300s will never get, a real cream puff.

If by “selective damping” on the luxury suspension car means that you can actually switch it from stiff to smooth, then that is super cool. I hate how they go on about the “agility select” suspension and how it firms up and loosens up. It’s fluid based and even a bad road is enough to firm it up, it’s complete BS. It’s borderline misleading because they lead you to believe that you can switch it on the fly when in reality it’s just the way the car reacts to driving conditions, and it doesn’t do a very good job. Stiffens up over poor roads when you want it to be smooth, and takes forever to slightly firm up when you’re really pushing it. I know in Europe they have an option for REAL selectable suspension, if that is what that is then that is VERY nice!

Another thing I’ve been so confused as to why MBUSA doesn’t offer it is the “advanced sound system.” A 5 speaker system is NOT befitting of a new MB no matter what class. Granted they’ve worked on it and it’s not horrible, I have it. However, they should AT LEAST make it optional on Premium trim cars. I understand the 15 speaker burmester system is apart of the exclusive and pinnacle lines (or so they say, but it looks like even after the shortage you can chose to omit it). However, the US has a higher expectation of these cars than Europeans do. The “advanced sound system” with 9 speakers is a more than acceptable system. I believe it should be standard, and if not, a $500 option (for US premium trim cars) like it is in Europe. They should’ve at least made it the replacement system for MY2022 and early MY2023 cars who had the burmester system omitted due to the shortage. The advanced system was not impacted by it as it was available the entire time in Europe. They did the same thing with the W205, by omitting the advanced system as even an option in US cars.

 

I believe the car with the selective damping suspension isn't adjustable i.e. it doesn't have a different sport and comfort mode, I think it just means it responds slightly to driving style and road conditions. So code 677 is the base suspension, 486 the sport suspension, and 485 this "selective damping suspension". But the other car I saw that did have rear wheel steer had option 459 steel suspension with variable damping, so that one might be adjustable with different sport and comfort modes. That's my guess.

And yes, it's very annoying that this (and the S Class) get so neutered with the high end options in the US. It would be nice to see advanced sound system, for example. It's being asked $390 on those cars, which is very reasonable (to be fair so is $650 for the excellent burmester system). I'm sure the reason for the lack of suspension and RWS optinos is to protect the C43, and the lack of heated back seats and 4 zone climate and things like that is likely because of very low take rates previously.

 

Low take rate is the main issue, I am guessing the GLC gets the 4 zone climate control for example while the W206 doesn't in the USA for that same reason?

 

I agree that the RWS and suspension is probably for C43 sales. But the rear heated seats, 4 zone climate and advanced sound are just stupid omissions. Not much we can do about it unfortunately

 

Wonder if it again have to be do with chip shortage or supply issues? They want to save some chips/components for higher tier models?

 

Wait even advanced sound? What advanced sound though, Burmester? I thought that was included in one of the trim lines?

 

No. In Europe they offer Base, advanced, and Burmester audio systems. Apparently here in US we only get either Base or Burmester.

This is the Italian configurator, and as you can see they offer the advanced audio system SA-853

 

Some W206 owners claim the Burmester is not that good either and were disappointed so I can't say if having "advanced sound" as an option is a good thing... but that said though, having options to pick from are always a good thing, in general.

 

Well... speaking of "advanced sound system" https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...good-help.html

 

Nevermind that was a 2020 GLC

 

Mine GLC 300, 2020 has the advanced one. It's crap, ****ty sound, my previous Honda Civic Base had a much better sound lol. Even worst is that not many Plug & play upgrade is available for this advanced one due to complicated wiring/coding/amplifier.

Go with the base then upgrade with plug & play Match UP by Audiotec Fischer or Focal, even better than Burmester.

 

So what is the difference between it and the absolute base/standard system?

 

Base is a 5 speaker system (4 mids and 1 frontbass subwoofer type thing system in the passenger floor board) and then the advanced is a 9 speaker system (4 mids, 2 tweeters, 1 center speaker and 2 frontbass)

 

I see, what about Burmester what does that add?

 

I think burmester just adds a couple extra speakers (pointless) as well as more powerful amplification and possibly better processing.

 

I see, and last but not least the cover the brushed aluminum looking cover I guess.

 

yep, also the 3d part as well but I think it’s more of a gimmick by how the description looks.

 

You are right

 

The burmester is a 15 speaker system pushing 710 watts. Most of the extra 6 speakers are in the back with a couple of tweeters, some surround sound speakers and mid range. I don’t think they add any more subs compared to the advanced sound system. Unlike the base and advanced sound systems, this system is surround sound. It is also highly customizable and you can even pick what seat the surround sound focuses on. The 3D aspect of it is also really cool because you can customize all kinds of aspect of the “surroundness” of the sound. While the basic and advanced sound systems have a basic 3 tier equalizer, the burmester system offers an insanely customizable system that even allows you to create your own sound profile. There’s also a much more powerful amp. Plus those cool speaker covers. It’s a really good system. Compared to the Harmon kardon of the 3er, this blows it out of the water. I’ve experienced it many times and it lacks a lot of clarity to this system.

 

Very detailed thank you, I am just confused why I hear people complaining about the lack of bass with the Burmester on the W206, maybe they are audiophiles? I know the W205 one wasn't good and so do people here said: https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ster-myth.html
but was disappointed to hear some say the W206 isn't good too, although I could find that thread of the complaints.