kai-wun

Hey All,

New here.

My lady's looking for a car. We've narrowed it down (for now) to a:

07-09 E550 4MATIC
or
08+ C300 4MATIC

Weird comparo. Hear me out ...

Let's just say quite simply, the two main things we're interested in/concerned about is reliability and cost of ownership.

I'm confident the E-class is a great car, that's worth more in terms of features/luxury than the (tens of) thousands listed over the C-class.

My father owns a C350 4MATIC and it's a great car too.

The main reason we're looking at the E550 is for the silky smooth V8. I know we can always go for the E350, but what's the point? Might as well save the $ and grab a C300.

We want the V8. Not for the power, but just for the perfectly balanced smoothness

We want the 4MATIC, no questions about that.

C-class is Benz's bread/butter. So parts should be less expensive (cheaper brakes, cheaper tires, etc?), and should be more reliable.

But does the better reliability (does this really exist?) and lower cost of ownership outweigh the silky smooth V8?

We'll be hopefully keeping this car long term (10 years hopefully?) so these factors are very important.

Thanks all!

WEBSRFR

Either car would cost to maintain. Get an 07+ E550. I've driven C300s as loaner cars from the dealer and though they are perfectly fine vehicles they don't compare to the E550 in terms of the interior feel, power, smoothness, and general presence. The C300 interior is too plasticy for me...

There aren't that many E550 4Matics around so if you want one, you might need to expand your search radius and wait it out until you find the car you want.

With the E550 the biggest concern I have for you is the cost of maintaining the Airmatic suspension as the parts are expensive. I also recommend that you get a low mileage CPO vehicle if you can. You will pay more but in return you will most likely be driving a vehicle that is in immaculate condition but you should still do the due diligence at a body shop for prior damage and a mechanic for the condition of the car.

Good luck and enjoy your new car!

Sportstick

We have both...I drive an 09 C and my wife has an 08 E, although a 3504MATIC, so to address two of your specific points:

-For those two main concerns, C wins over E for reliability and overall cost of ownership, but the C appears to have improved in 09 and 10 over the 08 North American launch, so I would try to find at least an 09 model.

-What's the point of an E350 over a C? First, overall smoothness is not just the powertrain, per se, but how well it's been integrated into the structure...powertrain adaptation is a fine automotive art, and the use of mounting and body structure has resulted in the V6 in E350 also providing an extremely refined and smooth experience, mostly just less powerful than the 550. The main difference is that the E is a more comfortable cruiser, with a more upscale interior and more space, while the C still has some sport sedan pretensions and, prior to the 2012 freshening, a more sporty/less luxurious interior. We use the E for more comfort for four adults, but I drive the C every day for the fun to drive aspect...it is less "sedating" and more entertaining. When I move from the C to any E, I feel about 10 years older, and at 57, I'm in no hurry for that!

So, for economics/reliability....C
For comfort/luxury/space...E
For chassis entertainment...C
For acceleration entertainment...E (550)
For overall refinement...E (any of them)

JaCe88

Great summary. I think you hit the nail on the head.

Quadcammer

If your primary concerns are cost of ownership and reliability, you should not be looking at a mercedes, period.

K-A

The C was released in M-B's "Back To Form" post '07 era, so build quality, durability, and fit & finish are much better than the rather soft W211. When I had my W211, I hated the W204 since the interior felt so horridly unrefined/non-Luxurious/cheap, however, recognized how "bomb-proof" the car felt.

Getting into and driving my W211 E after the C feels like I was going from some everyday car into a Bentley, however, there was/is a feeling of confidence and build-quality that the C had that was instantly recognizable over the W211. As far as Luxury, serenity, and refinement, there is no comparison, the E takes the cake, and has a much higher sense-of-occasion.

WEBSRFR

PS: There is a pretty big difference between a C300 and E550. Why not consider an E350 with 4Matic if maintenance cost is an issue for you? You'll pay less now, in maintenance, and also gas. You'll be able to enjoy the nicer interior without having to pay the 550 premium for a car that essentially looks pretty much the same. If you really need the extra power, you've just got to pay to play

Robaustin

My wife drives an '08 C350 and I drive an '07 E550 - neither are 4matic. I much prefer the 550 and my wife much prefers the 350. Maybe one of each?

WEBSRFR

You are a lucky man! That's all I have to say

webstermb

I am new to this site, purchased my 2007 E550 4matic about a month ago. Took me around 4 months to find car and grey color. Great automobile, best feature I like is the push button start. I looked at the C class and it is nice but the E class is much better overall. The V8 is incredible, most will never need any more power. Car just floats down the highway, air suspension may cost $ down the road for maintenance but the ride and handling is terrific.

SolidGranite

I really hate it when the OP doesn't come back to the thread after several folks have chimed in trying to help.

If the C300 is smooth enough for him then why isn't the E350? He also needs to consider cost of gasoline over a 10 year period in an E550 4Matic.

e550_4m_07

Why buy an elephant if you cannot afford to feed it..!!??