has Anyone driven the new c-class?
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
has Anyone driven the new c-class?
I had my car in the shop today and was given the new c-class to drive. and I have to say I was not impressed at all. For 35K I can think of many other cars to spend my money on. Not even factoring in the lack of power, but all the other things about the car i didn't like. the steering was very loose and it felt very cheep. I wasnt a fan of the fake "IDrive" BMW's is much better and the old command system is better than the new one IMO. It has this rubber like dash that I'm not a fan off. a loaded Honda Accord would be a better buy I think along with A4 Audi. Not to mention the Infiniti G35 sadan that is a much better value all around. I remember diving an older c-class (Not my 55) but an 06 and I liked it alot. The new c-class is kinda bland and has no feel The only way I would want one is to have it be an AMG. anyone esle feel this way about the new c-class?
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From: Houston, TX
2005 C55 AMG
I've heard similar comments from other longtime MB owners, that the new C-class has lost the "solid" feel of its predecessors. It's apparent MB wanted to make a substantial change to the car overall in order to differentiate it from the basic platform they've had for the past 8 years. However, the true MB enthusiasts may not agree with their idea of change. Either way, we'll be stuck with it for quite some time.
On the other hand, having ridden with my friend in his new C63, I wish I could jump ahead about 3 years to where I could afford to pick one up used! It is an amazing car, and clearly doesn't have the bland feel of the regular C-class. Personally I liked the new Nav system and accessibility of the features, however I cannot compare it to the BMW I-drive, because I've never used one of theirs. Although the stereo in the new C is still Harmon Kardon, they've apparently given it some much needed improvements over the ones in our C55's.
I'll be taking mine in for some warranty work soon, and hope they give me a new C class as my loaner, because I'm curious to make my own comparison with real life input.
On the other hand, having ridden with my friend in his new C63, I wish I could jump ahead about 3 years to where I could afford to pick one up used! It is an amazing car, and clearly doesn't have the bland feel of the regular C-class. Personally I liked the new Nav system and accessibility of the features, however I cannot compare it to the BMW I-drive, because I've never used one of theirs. Although the stereo in the new C is still Harmon Kardon, they've apparently given it some much needed improvements over the ones in our C55's.
I'll be taking mine in for some warranty work soon, and hope they give me a new C class as my loaner, because I'm curious to make my own comparison with real life input.
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
I drove a C350 and while I liked the upgrades in the interior and exterior, it just felt weak in the power department. But frankly, the C63 should solve that. I sure think our cars look dated.
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08 MB
I started off looking at C32's and just missed out on 1 or 2 very clean ones and got frustrated with no other options coming around that were nice so I upgraded to looking at C55's. Most of these were not well taken care of and the few that were put them in the same price range of a new C350.
Yes the C55 has a lot more power and I always loved power but for most of my driving I would not use the power anyways and decided a new car for the same price was the better option. Especially when the looks of the new 08 are pretty damn nice IMO.
Honestly it's all in the eye of the beholder. I fell in love with the AMG seats in the C55 and power but after having my new C350 and then getting a 07 C class as a loaner while getting a clear bra I know I made the right decision overall. There are a lot of things I don't like about the older C-class now that I have experience with both to make a more fair comparison.
As far as the power you have to match up against the C63 that replaced your C55. Not fair to say the non AMG model is weak when they are not in the same class. If you had a C300 for a rental well that is weak though. The C350 is quite a power upgrade.
The C230 I had for a rental was a joke at best for power. That car being a Mercedes in model year 07 should have never left the factory. My economy 4 cylinder was just as quick.
Interior I have no complaints at all and actually like it more every day. I was looking at Audi's for a long time as well and read article after article about the great Audi interiors and they set the standard. Honestly I never saw it. Every time I sat in an Audi I always thought what is so special.
Yes the C55 has a lot more power and I always loved power but for most of my driving I would not use the power anyways and decided a new car for the same price was the better option. Especially when the looks of the new 08 are pretty damn nice IMO.
Honestly it's all in the eye of the beholder. I fell in love with the AMG seats in the C55 and power but after having my new C350 and then getting a 07 C class as a loaner while getting a clear bra I know I made the right decision overall. There are a lot of things I don't like about the older C-class now that I have experience with both to make a more fair comparison.
As far as the power you have to match up against the C63 that replaced your C55. Not fair to say the non AMG model is weak when they are not in the same class. If you had a C300 for a rental well that is weak though. The C350 is quite a power upgrade.
The C230 I had for a rental was a joke at best for power. That car being a Mercedes in model year 07 should have never left the factory. My economy 4 cylinder was just as quick.
Interior I have no complaints at all and actually like it more every day. I was looking at Audi's for a long time as well and read article after article about the great Audi interiors and they set the standard. Honestly I never saw it. Every time I sat in an Audi I always thought what is so special.
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From: Philly
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I've not yet been in/driven a w204. Curious to know those things that you refer to that you don't like about the older C-classes after getting the '08 C350.
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PLAID
A few weeks ago in April, I had an 08 C350 as loaner and did not like the car, the looks and most of all the engine. It pales in comparison to the C55 and C32. It was not even that great on gas. I had the car for a week and felt like it was simply an update on the prior C class (primarily radio, Navi and steering wheel). Sure, my C32 is getting old, BUT the new C class will get old real fast since it didnt blaze any new trails in design etc. The only one I could get my hands around is the C63, and only because of that terrific engine. An 09 with the PP is being considered.
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From: MIRAMAR,florida
I have the 2008 C 350 sport. Irridium Silver Metalic,Multimedia Package,iPod,18" AMG wheels
i have one
I had my car in the shop today and was given the new c-class to drive. and I have to say I was not impressed at all. For 35K I can think of many other cars to spend my money on. Not even factoring in the lack of power, but all the other things about the car i didn't like. the steering was very loose and it felt very cheep. I wasnt a fan of the fake "IDrive" BMW's is much better and the old command system is better than the new one IMO. It has this rubber like dash that I'm not a fan off. a loaded Honda Accord would be a better buy I think along with A4 Audi. Not to mention the Infiniti G35 sadan that is a much better value all around. I remember diving an older c-class (Not my 55) but an 06 and I liked it alot. The new c-class is kinda bland and has no feel The only way I would want one is to have it be an AMG. anyone esle feel this way about the new c-class?
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08 MB
Keep in mind I was coming from a 05 Toyota so Mercedes was a big upgrade in overall fit and finish IMO no matter if W203 or W204.
Starting with the first W203 and it never got better with the rest of the W203's I drove the side mirrors were terrible. No matter what I always found them to be small and a pain to see out of.
After looking at the C55's I loved the 2005+ interiors much better than the older version W203. But after going back to the 2005-2007 interior with the rental after having my 08 W204 a few days I found the dash area harder to read and dated as well. The radio controls and buttons didn't seem as user friendly to reach and the radio easily got a glare on it.
The W203 center counsel cup holder set-up seemed cool at first but not great or useful for that matter when actually needing to carry two bigger cups. Note: this was my wifes complaint as my cars don't get food or drink brought in them by me so I don't care.
Now I don't hate the W203 body style and it has a classic look but IMO the new W204 style in and out is great opposed to what others opinions are and great enough for me to pass up on the C55 power to get the updated body style for a similar price and my price range.
To make one AMG reference the extra power and upgraded trans makes most if not all those little quirks mentioned above disappear. But then again as most if not all would agree the C63 has the best of everything.
I hope nobody gets butt hurt over my views as they are just that. Heck my own wife doesn't see anything special with my Mercedes over her Mazda.
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08 MB
Nothing special from 0-60 but I can't complain with passing power and midrange at all.
Remember reading about Mercedes years ago as I've always been a fan. Mercedes always seemed to have some of the best passing times which is where it's at for me being a highway DD. Not sure if this still holds up nowadays?
Remember reading about Mercedes years ago as I've always been a fan. Mercedes always seemed to have some of the best passing times which is where it's at for me being a highway DD. Not sure if this still holds up nowadays?
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From: Miami, FL
1991 Toyota MR2, 2002 C32 AMG
I see the new C-Class and upon a glance you see how poise and elegant the cars shape form to make an exquisite piece of engineering. Anything less than an AMG is not subpar, but it isn't excellence either. It's the whole point of having AMG. It's to make an already good car, better. Now like every vehicle it cannot be perfect. It has its flaws I agree, but once you tasted what can come out of a German factory you cannot go back to a Japanese car.
Now in my opinion there are some things worth mentioning.
1) I'm not a fan of the plastic covered bucket seat. It feels far too cheap. If someone sits behind you it's just going to get scratched by their knees.
2) The way they copied BMW's I-drive. Mercedes has always been innovaters in the automotive industry.
3) The poor dash craftsmanship. It feels like the plastered roof in my house.
4) Their option list included a ton of things that should come standard.
However listing all this I'm still swayed by how powerful and menacing the 6.2 liter engine performs. The exhaust note is like a tribute Andrea Bocelli.
Bottom line, if the car caters to what you desire and need then by all means purchase one. I know I won't.
Now in my opinion there are some things worth mentioning.
1) I'm not a fan of the plastic covered bucket seat. It feels far too cheap. If someone sits behind you it's just going to get scratched by their knees.
2) The way they copied BMW's I-drive. Mercedes has always been innovaters in the automotive industry.
3) The poor dash craftsmanship. It feels like the plastered roof in my house.
4) Their option list included a ton of things that should come standard.
However listing all this I'm still swayed by how powerful and menacing the 6.2 liter engine performs. The exhaust note is like a tribute Andrea Bocelli.
Bottom line, if the car caters to what you desire and need then by all means purchase one. I know I won't.
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Yeah I mean I can see why you guys picked your C350's. However most of the AMG drivers here are power-hungry madmen (myself included)! I think we all agree with the new C63 commercials talking about how 400hp is nice, but 451hp is even better.
It's funny you mention the cupholder thing. Apparently that is one of the primary things that women look at when choosing cars and I've seen it while walking around in dealerships or car shows. German cars never used to have cupholders (my 300E is a prime example) and American fast food sentiments changed that pretty fast. I remember the response from the Germans was "vee do not vant to ruin zee driving experience". lol
It's funny you mention the cupholder thing. Apparently that is one of the primary things that women look at when choosing cars and I've seen it while walking around in dealerships or car shows. German cars never used to have cupholders (my 300E is a prime example) and American fast food sentiments changed that pretty fast. I remember the response from the Germans was "vee do not vant to ruin zee driving experience". lol
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From: Ohio
X3 and 2012 C coming soon
My parents had 2006 W203 that I used a lot. Compared to the W204, it seemed really old. I liked it, but not that much. I actually liked my B5.5 Passat way better than the W203. As far as power-hungry, yeah high hp vehicles are fun. I looked into older C32s and C55s; fun in straight line, but dated. And the handling; good grief. I may consider a C63 or (my very favorite CLS) in a couple of years. It would be awesome to have a luxury sedan with as much hp as our last Viper. Anyway, I have really grown to love all of the MB products (except the Smart go-kart) over last year. I honestly think you have to live with the W204 for a while for the whole experience to mesh.
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PLAID
Hard to say without a long drawn out post but I'll try and I'll keep it W203 vs W204 and not AMG vs. standard as that's a stupid comparison..Not really, the genesis of any AMG car is the base class such as C, E, S or SL. AMG is superior in engine, trans, suspension, wheels and brakes.
Keep in mind I was coming from a 05 Toyota so Mercedes was a big upgrade in overall fit and finish IMO no matter if W203 or W204. Good Move, although Toyota not a bad car either for a grocery getter.
Starting with the first W203 and it never got better with the rest of the W203's I drove the side mirrors were terrible. No matter what I always found them to be small and a pain to see out of. Agreed, the C32 mirrors are very small. although thats only because all of the traffic and other vehicles are always behind us.
After looking at the C55's I loved the 2005+ interiors much better than the older version W203. But after going back to the 2005-2007 interior with the rental after having my 08 W204 a few days I found the dash area harder to read and dated as well. The radio controls and buttons didn't seem as user friendly to reach and the radio easily got a glare on it. Matter of opinion, I dont see much difference from the W203 to the 204 other than radio and steering wheel.
The W203 center counsel cup holder set-up seemed cool at first but not great or useful for that matter when actually needing to carry two bigger cups. Note: this was my wifes complaint as my cars don't get food or drink brought in them by me so I don't care. Shouldnt drink and drive anyway
Now I don't hate the W203 body style and it has a classic look but IMO the new W204 style in and out is great opposed to what others opinions are and great enough for me to pass up on the C55 power to get the updated body style for a similar price and my price range. You're going to miss that additional power someday
To make one AMG reference the extra power and upgraded trans makes most if not all those little quirks mentioned above disappear. But then again as most if not all would agree the C63 has the best of everything. Agreed and its also got the mostest of prices too!!!
I hope nobody gets butt hurt over my views as they are just that. Heck my own wife doesn't see anything special with my Mercedes over her Mazda.
Keep in mind I was coming from a 05 Toyota so Mercedes was a big upgrade in overall fit and finish IMO no matter if W203 or W204. Good Move, although Toyota not a bad car either for a grocery getter.
Starting with the first W203 and it never got better with the rest of the W203's I drove the side mirrors were terrible. No matter what I always found them to be small and a pain to see out of. Agreed, the C32 mirrors are very small. although thats only because all of the traffic and other vehicles are always behind us.
After looking at the C55's I loved the 2005+ interiors much better than the older version W203. But after going back to the 2005-2007 interior with the rental after having my 08 W204 a few days I found the dash area harder to read and dated as well. The radio controls and buttons didn't seem as user friendly to reach and the radio easily got a glare on it. Matter of opinion, I dont see much difference from the W203 to the 204 other than radio and steering wheel.
The W203 center counsel cup holder set-up seemed cool at first but not great or useful for that matter when actually needing to carry two bigger cups. Note: this was my wifes complaint as my cars don't get food or drink brought in them by me so I don't care. Shouldnt drink and drive anyway
Now I don't hate the W203 body style and it has a classic look but IMO the new W204 style in and out is great opposed to what others opinions are and great enough for me to pass up on the C55 power to get the updated body style for a similar price and my price range. You're going to miss that additional power someday
To make one AMG reference the extra power and upgraded trans makes most if not all those little quirks mentioned above disappear. But then again as most if not all would agree the C63 has the best of everything. Agreed and its also got the mostest of prices too!!!
I hope nobody gets butt hurt over my views as they are just that. Heck my own wife doesn't see anything special with my Mercedes over her Mazda.
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From: Houston, TX
2005 C55 AMG
I will say the C63 w/ it's additional aggressive styling and wheels is a good looking car overall, but I'm still not a fan of the side view. "Elegance" is by no means a word I'd use to describe the new design, however I'm sure it'll grow on me over time. It's just going to take some getting used to. The C63's performance would however make me overlook any of the other minor appearance flaws.
The biggest dislikes I've heard thus far about the new C class are regarding its overall driving appeal, rather than its design or interior. It supposedly doesn't have the distinct feel of the MB's of past, and that's a shame...
But, as stated by someone else already, these are only opinions, and we all have our own.
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From: Phoenix AZ & Cayucos CA
’27 AMG SL55(ordered), ‘23 EQS 580 SUV, ‘19 AMG E53 Cpe, ‘48 Willys Jeepster
I've driven a w204 C350 and liked it, but not any more than a w203 for the most part. The parts I really haven't bonded with yet are the exterior styling (looks like a new Ford Taurus) and the vast expanse of plastic inside. The pop-up Nav screen doesn't do much for me either.
The wife won't even drive one. She hates the seats, interior and exterior. The only way to get her into one was when the dealer drove her home when she dropped the w203 off for service.
We talked about the C63 before we bought the C55, but maybe I'm getting old (true), but it looks a bit too boy-racer for my tastes and the dash isn't any better.
The wife won't even drive one. She hates the seats, interior and exterior. The only way to get her into one was when the dealer drove her home when she dropped the w203 off for service.
We talked about the C63 before we bought the C55, but maybe I'm getting old (true), but it looks a bit too boy-racer for my tastes and the dash isn't any better.
Last edited by lkfoster; May 15, 2008 at 05:17 PM.
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'98 C43 AMG. Obsidian Blk w/2 tone slvr/blk interior
i agree!
i have driven 3 different c300's as loaner cars as well as my friend having purchased a c300 recently as well. i didnt like the w204 on the inside at all. way too much plastic as earlier stated and it just has a cheap atmosphere.
to make matters worse for the 204, my friend keeps critiquing my c43 saying "oh its a 10 year old car, my car is WAY nicer" and he drives a pos c300. im like listen buddy your car is a peice of **** ive driven a few of them and theyre not impressive AT ALL.
i continued to explain to him that my c43 has very conservative interior styling which is WAY classier than the 204's plastic get-up. not to mention i have ALL the options and his car only has a 6 disc changer, he thinks MB tex is leather!!!!!!
im disappointed in the quality above all. what was mb thinking. the 202's and even 203's had nicer stock interiors (with the 202's interior lacking any excessive use of plastic and having a very good general quality to the cabin)
i have driven 3 different c300's as loaner cars as well as my friend having purchased a c300 recently as well. i didnt like the w204 on the inside at all. way too much plastic as earlier stated and it just has a cheap atmosphere.
to make matters worse for the 204, my friend keeps critiquing my c43 saying "oh its a 10 year old car, my car is WAY nicer" and he drives a pos c300. im like listen buddy your car is a peice of **** ive driven a few of them and theyre not impressive AT ALL.
i continued to explain to him that my c43 has very conservative interior styling which is WAY classier than the 204's plastic get-up. not to mention i have ALL the options and his car only has a 6 disc changer, he thinks MB tex is leather!!!!!!
im disappointed in the quality above all. what was mb thinking. the 202's and even 203's had nicer stock interiors (with the 202's interior lacking any excessive use of plastic and having a very good general quality to the cabin)
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'98 C43 AMG. Obsidian Blk w/2 tone slvr/blk interior
however, i think the exterior styling is decent. it was a strange move on MB's half but they ignored the 203 and went back to the 202 for the styling foundation. they went back to using a boxier shape with sleek lines to accentuate a more modern era, whereas the 203 has a sloped hood with a slimmer nose and overall a more rounded car.
all 3 models are nice in my opinion i was just stating how i observed the styling of the 204 to be adopted more from the 202 than the 203
all 3 models are nice in my opinion i was just stating how i observed the styling of the 204 to be adopted more from the 202 than the 203
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PLAID
however, i think the exterior styling is decent. it was a strange move on MB's half but they ignored the 203 and went back to the 202 for the styling foundation. they went back to using a boxier shape with sleek lines to accentuate a more modern era, whereas the 203 has a sloped hood with a slimmer nose and overall a more rounded car.
all 3 models are nice in my opinion i was just stating how i observed the styling of the 204 to be adopted more from the 202 than the 203
all 3 models are nice in my opinion i was just stating how i observed the styling of the 204 to be adopted more from the 202 than the 203
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Former Vendor of MBWorld
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From: Glendale Arizona
C55,SL55,C63
I have to disagree with some of this. ^^^ Yes my C55 is rather fun in a straight line... However I think the car handles great. for a four door sports sedan. I'm not taking it to the track and beating the **** out of it but for everyday use its a true kick in the pants to drive. Its got Power when you want it and if you want to mess around on some back roads it will hold its own there too. I dont feel as if the car is dated at least not yet I still get heads turning but that may be to the rumble from the res-delete IDK?
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From: Philly
N/A
I have to disagree with some of this. ^^^ Yes my C55 is rather fun in a straight line... However I think the car handles great. for a four door sports sedan. I'm not taking it to the track and beating the **** out of it but for everyday use its a true kick in the pants to drive. Its got Power when you want it and if you want to mess around on some back roads it will hold its own there too. I dont feel as if the car is dated at least not yet I still get heads turning but that may be to the rumble from the res-delete IDK?
I can't speak for the C32, but the handling in the C55 is far from "good grief" category...
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From: Philadelphia Suburbs
2002 C32, 2007 E550 4matic
My C32 handles pretty good IMO. My DD is a heavy A6 and my wife's is a B5 A4. The C32's handling is on par with the A4 which I think takes corners like it's glued to the road. I think some users may need to post what they are comparing it to. Compared to an M3, which I have never driven, maybe it is pretty bad.
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From: Oakland, California
07 E550, 02 C32, 91 300E
Shouldn't be that different since the C55 only has minor improvements suspension wise. Just look at the guys that track their C32's here. They're taking on P-cars and vipers no problem.
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From: sf
Merc power
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08 MB
To wrap this up on my end the C55 is still a very nice car and I wouldn't have any regrets if I bought one. It's still a Mercedes with a lot of great attributes. Even the used ones I test drove were still solid feeling.
I just really got used to having new cars and it was hard for me to go back to used for the same price and lose some of the warranty.
Plus their all great cars in their own right. Even going back 6 years to a used C32 a owner has a great argument that it's a lot of car for the money which it is. I would still have been happy with a "clean" C32 but I missed out on the two within a 100 mile radius of me when looking and lost patience waiting. Right move on my part as there still isn't anything on the market nice in my area and who knows when there will be.
I just really got used to having new cars and it was hard for me to go back to used for the same price and lose some of the warranty.
Plus their all great cars in their own right. Even going back 6 years to a used C32 a owner has a great argument that it's a lot of car for the money which it is. I would still have been happy with a "clean" C32 but I missed out on the two within a 100 mile radius of me when looking and lost patience waiting. Right move on my part as there still isn't anything on the market nice in my area and who knows when there will be.
