2009c63soon

I think most of us disagree with the MBUSA decision to not provide the 19" wheels as a factory option. Instead of costing us $1,200, as with the new M3, it forces us into spending thousands more on a decent aftermarket option.

The official MBUSA response to me was:

"According to our Mercedes-Benz USA Accessories Database, and confirmed with
Product Management Group, there is no 19" wheel available at this time for
the 2008 or 2009 C-Class. Not as a factory or dealer installed option."

I got them on the phone and spoke to someone who called one of the product managers for me. To his credit, this guy was very helpful, courteous and responsive. He got back to me within the hour and shared that MBUSA has not contracted for these and that it was purely a Marketing decision.

He wouldn't put me through to speak live with anyone in Marketing so I have taken the time to write a courteous, constructive letter to their VP.

I would like to encourage all of you to do the same. It's important that MBUSA hear from the enthusiast base that will make this car such a success. This isn't like asking for a major technical change or even making some of the other non-US options (keyless go etc) available which I could see being a production hassle - this is just putting different rims on!

The contact details are:
Mr. Steve Cannon
Vice President, Marketing
Mercedes Benz USA
1 Mercedes Drive
Montvale, NJ 07645

I don't want to bash MBUSA, just want them to get good, constructive feedback. They're good guys giving us a great car at the right price-point. We just want to spend $1,200 more, right?! I figured hearing from a few of us would be useful.

IwantA124

It's not that serious...

2009c63soon

That serious? No, I agree with you. It's just that we collectively spend hours posting thoughts of why didn't they do this or that and I figured we might as well share thoughts with them. We're doing them a favor, free market research from a group who are enthusiastic supporters of their brand.

IwantA124

Yeah you're right about that. It is a dumb move how the wheels aren't offered here in the states.

NCE500

Based on most reviews from the Euro cars with the 19's, I am glad that MBUSA did not include 19's with the P30 option in the states. Consensus is pretty consistent that the 19's ride is borderline too harsh for daily use.

Mercedes Enthusiast magazine has a great writeup on the C63 with 18's and 19's under track testing conditions in their current issue, and their recommendation is to get the car with 18's as well unless one tracks their car all the time. They found the 18s to be a much better overall car.

All that being said, a standalone 19" wheel option in the states would not hurt anything as it would allow those who want them to get them with OEM quality parts and (hopefully) better pricing than the aftermarket.

I doubt it will happen until my 2010 though.

M5CLK

Standalone 19" rims option is US$1,150 over here in Hong Kong... But no, I won't be getting it since 18" without performance package was more than enough for me during my test drive... Plus, I actually like the 18" design better.

Alex@wheelexperts

hmm...well i guess all the more reason to go for a lightweight forged 19" or 20" wheel... maybe the HRE monoblock?

liqidvenom

Me personally i like the 18" wheel look, the 19"s are nice but i would like to see the same 18"s in bigger sizes

Sincity

I wish that MBUSA did offer a 19" option. BMW has been doing this since the E46 M3 and why not a C AMG? I would rather pay the $1200 and not have to spend more $$$ on aftermarket 19s and buying add'l TPMS sensors with the new wheels and tires.

Give us the choice.....that is all we are asking.