DC 10

Hi Folks newbie to the forum - Looking for some balanced input here - Both are the same price..

I have an option to either get a 2014 E350 or 2015 C300 (Both 4Matics)- I am looking only for these comparisons - These are the only two models I am interested in -

We don't have kids and are trading in a 2013 BMW X1 Xline package -

The E350 has 28.2K - is in absolutely stunning condition - I mean its gorgeous - going to drive both of them tomorrow - Silver with black interior -
The C300 has 11K miles on it - its white with white interior - Obviously its immaculate too...

I am going to be keeping this car for a very, very long time - This will not be commuter car - Driving on weekends and trips -

Lastly, are there any recalls on the E350 that I should be aware of?

Thanks for your help and suggestions -

abqhudson

2014 E350. You can't do better. If you must have a C class get a 2014 C300. These cars have wonderful and reliable non-turbo V-6 engines. And decent tires - not run flats. And they have room for a spare tire. And they feel like a Mercedes when you drive them. I personally would not trade my 2014 E Class for a 2018 C Class. YMMV.

Mud

My entirely subjective opinion is that anytime I've had a loaner C-anything its a pleasure to get back into my "old" 2011 E350.
I think the C class is a clattery mess, I've never seen anything wrong with the smooth V6. Or of course you can look at E550's for the V8.

cetialpha5

Just what options did the E350 have? Only reason I like the E class over the C is that it has options that you can't even get on the C class. Look for one with the lighting package and at least keyless go. Some C class cars have no options so it's like driving a luxury car with no options. I had one of those loaner rentals and it didn't even have navigation.

SolidGranite

What sort of stature are you? The E will be dramatically more comfortable on long rides, regardless of size but more pronounced if you're over 6' tall. I can really only think of two reasons to buy a C over an E.

1.) Cost - In your case the acquisition cost is the same but the E will cost more in the long run.
2.) Handling - The C definitely handles better due to it's shorter wheelbase and lighter weight.

Someone said anytime they've had a C class loaner (no matter how new) they were glad to be back in their dated E. I can second that opinion because the E is truly a full step above the C in terms of class. Same goes for the S over the E and so on.

Get the E350 and don't look back!

Lorenzo

I didnt think the 2015 had turbo or run flats. Does anyone know for sure, Thanks

JSch

Go and Drive both. I agree with SolidGranite about stature. My biggest complaint about the C class is the space around the driver. I am 6' 2" and the center console is too wide to be comfortable - even on short ttrips. I have had a C class loaner, a GLE, and a new E class. The new E class (with the 4 cylinder) was VERY smooth - engine and transmission. But, you could feel the power difference when pushing the car. Between the loaners I would have picked the GLE.

But, after every loaner I am normally very happy to be back in my E class (2012 model). I have not had one single issue on the car which makes it a keeper for me. The one thing that I would critique on my E class is that the V6 is like all V6 engines - not the smoothness you have from a straight six. Even my old S class straight six is smoother!

Since you will not use it as a commuter car, the E class would definitely be my vote. I think that is has the best balance between luxury and performance.

Good luck!

abqhudson

The 2015 C300 had a 4 cylinder turbo engine.

pamiboy

I don't think you can get a "balanced" opinion by posting in selected forums. I'm sure you must have posted this in C class forums as well and after looking at the comments you make a "balanced summary" yourself.

If you want a car for daily commute in cities with congested traffic, then you should consider a C class. The E class has a comfort level and stature unmatched by C class. If you have an E class, you can always get a C class as loaners to test it yourself, but the reverse is not always true. I don't know if the model you mention is the redesigned model C, but if that ticks your senses then go for it. I use the E class as a daily commuter but I feel it is not fair for this car to be a daily commuter. I would love to keep my E class only for weekends so that i can enjoy it more, but I don't have another car for that purpose. My vote - E class, get it....you deserve it .

DC 10

You seem a bit angry or a tad annoyed at my post - or something, as there seems to be some type of tone, but again, that's just me speculating. I apologize, if my post upset or annoyed you.

I have no opinions yet - Although, I would love a C300 with Red/Cranberry interior - that's about it for my opinions.

I am new here to the forums and the WXXX MB nomenclature is a little strange to me still, as I am trying to figure out things when it comes to forums.

I am looking forward to driving both - But, I suppose, I can honestly, say thanks for your input.

rediesel

The E is just a better car than the C. The materials and fit are better. Everytime I get in a C loaner I push down on the vinyl on the interior door handle around the window switches and it has virtually no give till you feel the hard plastic, on my E you can really push and feel the cushioning. It's little things like this that make the entire package better.

Mud

I don't think anybody's annoyed at all, just giving you an honest answer.
I suspect if you asked the same question in the C class forum the response may be just as direct, except "C" will be substituted for "E" 😁
Regardless, good luck with your final choice.

BeachBunny

With my '15 E350 spending 10+ months in the shop, I've driven everything the dealers have as loaners. I think the C-Class is as low as I would go with a Mercedes...BUT at that price range I'd be tempted to look at other brands. Jaguars are awesome to buy 2nd-hand as their initial value sinks faster than the Titanic. Buy it with a good warranty and enjoy a great car.

To me, the C-Class is a decent car, but felt tinny to me. I actually prefer the W204 C-Class over the W205.

As far as W212 E-Class cars, GET THE SERVICE HISTORY on the car. These cars are extremely complex and 2014 was the first year of the "facelift" which also meant some significant changes to the car's systems as well. This was the first year Bosch engine management computers were implemented vs. Chrysler's, first year ECO Start/Stop (and the frequently-replaced Aux battery) made it to US models, first year of the new COMAND system, etc. If you see any electrical system complaints, RUN AWAY and find a different one. That said, I'd gladly take a working 2014 E350 over a C300 any day. It is truly a Mercedes in feel and handling.

I should note, a replaced Aux battery on a W212 isn't cause for alarm in and of itself, but beware if it's been replaced more than once on a 2014 car.

pamiboy

My exact thoughts. I'm still trying to figure out which post the OP thought off as angry or annoying. ...???? or is it a general vibe felt from all the responses combined...??? .

MBNUT1

I looked at a 2014 C vs 2015 C vs W212 E. The new C rode better and was quieter than the 2014 C but the older C felt more solid ie substantial. Then I drove the E and it was both more substantial and a much nicer car than both. I bought the E. To me the new C doesn't feel like a Mercedes but it is a nice car in its own right. Having said that the E is not as light on its feet as the new C so it really comes down to what you want. If I was to buy that class of car I would buy a new A4

raja777m

my vote is for E-Class..!

El Cid

Two entirely different cars. I get a C every year when I take my E in for service. Convinces me again that I absolutely made the right decision. Only one advantage to a C - it costs less because it is less. Does get a little better MPG, but if that is an issue, you shouldn't be looking at MB anyway.
I am 5'7" and when I got into a 2018 C loaner, the roof knocked my baseball cap off every time. C is small and tight. As one MB service advison told me the E is a true MB and great for all your transportation needs. The C is good for running errands around town.
Not sure about 2015, but one thing I hate is the stupid, cheap tacked on infotainment screen in the C. Also, the kick in the butt start/stop technology. It really does feel like someone is kicking the back of the driver's seat every time it starts back up.
You really need to take your wife with you and drive both for at least an hour, preferably without a sales rep.