newyorktoLA

I ordered a 2012 C250 back in April with Premium 1, Lighting Package, Multimedia Package (which now includes 3D maps and BT Audio), Lane Tracking Package (Blind Spot Assist & Lane Keeping Assist), and Burl Walnut wood trim. The 2012 C also has the new CLS steering wheel and the new color instrument cluster with the iPod integration in the center console.

However, the price of the car has skyrocketed so that instead of buying a 2012 C, I could instead purchase a used E350. I found a certified one with approx. 30,000 miles with Premium 2 Package, Black Ash wood trim, and Parktronic.

Which one would be a better buy given similar asking prices? Is getting a 2010 E class worth giving up 3D maps, Blind Spot Assist, or Lane Keeping Assist, or would it be better to get a 2010 E350 which has a faster engine, more space, keyless go, and parktronic?


Thanks in advance for the replies.

park423

going from a S550 to C250 is quite a drop, but with the new interior on the 2012 C's it looks to be a much nicer car overall. Nevertheless, I would go for the E but 30K miles is a little scary unless you get it certified (then definitely the E).

Joyride

Maybe he is keeping the S550 Plus it seems like there is a GL in the line up. Then you could justify going with the C as an addition. Otherwise if you are replacing the S, I would get the E, but try to get something with lower miles. It's going to be a tough sacrifice going from a S to a C...

SRPE350

I personally like the shape and specs of the 2010 E....I'd buy the used E over a new C250....but that would be my preference. Good luck...

SolidGranite

30k is way too many miles certified or not. Get the C250. The increased heft of the E also negates the additional power.

K-A

E hands down, whole different and superior experience to the C in many ways.

However, if this is a "second car to your S-Class", and you just need something economical and efficient, and aren't as concerned about catering to your luxury/etc. necessities, since you have an S to do that, then maybe the C would be the better buy in your personal circumstance.

All in all though, for the same price especially, IMO there's no question (E), just get it CPO'd (that's a bit of mileage for such a new car).

DCubed

I vote for the E350.

newyorktoLA

I'm keeping the S550 and GL, and adding on the E or C. 30,000 miles is a lot, but then again With my 2010 GL, I have 40,000 miles already... Do you think I should push the dealer to go down in terms of pricing from 45K considering the mileage and options? The dealer also has a couple of 2010 P1 cars with less mileage, but then again, None of my other benz's have LEDs

steelgrey

I had a loaner 2011 C300 for about 2 weeks. In my mind their is no question E is the way to go. I was amazed how small the interior felt and also how small the car felt overall. I'm a E coupe owner and trust me their is no comparison size wise even with the coupe and it shares the same basic chassis. The coupe is 3 inches longer and here's the big difference 10.1 inches wider. The E sedan is 9.7 inches longer and 11.8 inches wider. Believe me when I say you can really feel the difference.

wireless200

You know I think it really is a case of "to each his own." My wife and I drove both the E350 and the C350. If the car was for me I'd buy the E but as far and the driving experience and feel of the car while driving, we both liked the C much better. The E is more of a cruiser while the C is much sportier, easier to drive, toss around, feels faster, just an overall better drive.

On the Interstate give me the E hands down, everywhere else the C. And although the interior is clearly smaller, the C didn't feel uncomfortable, in fact, I felt like it set up more while the E was more laid back like sitting down in it with the dash high and out in front. Purely a matter of preference. And honestly the plastic dash and door material in the E are hard plastic - something I couldn't quite get my head around in an E class level car. I hope the 2012 C is better than that.

park423

Since u are keeping the S, I would look into a used C350. When I had the C300, I loved it, felt solid and handled well with the 18" wheels. Power was decent, and with a 350 engine it should be sufficiently quick and powerful. The C's are solid and fun cars, the interior is a really bland though.