S-Class (W223) 2021 to Present

Just rented a C Class- Likes and Dislikes-Questions

Old Apr 17, 2025 | 10:31 PM
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Just rented a C Class- Likes and Dislikes-Questions

Hi everyone, I drive many German cars (Rent from Sixt very often) and just got off a 25 BMW 3 series. I just turned in my C class

Likes

1) Interior quality was good, better than the new stuff BMW and perhaps Audi are not producing (the New A5 or the new X3).
2) I did not think I would like the lower iPad-looking screen in the middle (Lower than BMW up high on the dash), but I liked it. Easy AC controls at your fingertips. For NAV, I prefer a higher screen.
3) Comfortable seats but without bolster options (Seats were better than BMW, but not outstanding either
4) The 9-speed transmission provided fantastic MPG (this car did not have 4 Matic): 35-42 on the highway. Does that seem right at 75 MPH?
5) Liked the shifter on the steering column. Easy and fast.
6) Long drives provided less tiredness and stiffness in my body compared to a new 3 Series.

Some dislikes

1) The Transmission is not nearly as smooth as BMW's. In fact (Question here), when I programmed the I (Individual setting) for Economy transmission and Sport steering, the car did not shift the same as when in Economy. It held on to shifts longer, like in the Comfort setting. It seems that this I setting programmed does not work as it should. Also, in the economy mode, it did not upshift as early as I think it could have for MPG efficiency. For the most part, I felt the shifts on this car were not smooth.
2) Steering feel is disconnected. Hard to explain, but it should be less light.
3) This car had 19-inch tubeless tires. The ride was a bit firm. Would an 18-inch tire make much difference? Does this car come with a spare or non-run-flat tires?
4) Brake pedal takes 1/4 push before engaging. BUT, I got used to it quickly.
5) Hate the steering wheel hepatic buttons. Whose idea was that? Kept hitting them the wrong way, even the Cruise Control buttons are not ergonomic.

Feel free to chime in with agreement or disagreement. I liked this car and would love to own one aside from those few issues.
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Old Apr 17, 2025 | 10:59 PM
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Agree that BMW transmission programming is best in class. MB *-Tronics are garbage. Porsche programming ruins the marvelous 8HP that BMW tunes so masterfully.

Agree that MB interiors are nice. BMW interiors are gimmicky and gee-whiz-boy-wonder by comparison.
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Old Apr 18, 2025 | 08:00 AM
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Originally Posted by stubbs1
Hi everyone, I drive many German cars (Rent from Sixt very often) and just got off a 25 BMW 3 series. I just turned in my C class

Likes

1) Interior quality was good, better than the new stuff BMW and perhaps Audi are not producing (the New A5 or the new X3).
2) I did not think I would like the lower iPad-looking screen in the middle (Lower than BMW up high on the dash), but I liked it. Easy AC controls at your fingertips. For NAV, I prefer a higher screen.
3) Comfortable seats but without bolster options (Seats were better than BMW, but not outstanding either
4) The 9-speed transmission provided fantastic MPG (this car did not have 4 Matic): 35-42 on the highway. Does that seem right at 75 MPH?
5) Liked the shifter on the steering column. Easy and fast.
6) Long drives provided less tiredness and stiffness in my body compared to a new 3 Series.

Some dislikes

1) The Transmission is not nearly as smooth as BMW's. In fact (Question here), when I programmed the I (Individual setting) for Economy transmission and Sport steering, the car did not shift the same as when in Economy. It held on to shifts longer, like in the Comfort setting. It seems that this I setting programmed does not work as it should. Also, in the economy mode, it did not upshift as early as I think it could have for MPG efficiency. For the most part, I felt the shifts on this car were not smooth.
2) Steering feel is disconnected. Hard to explain, but it should be less light.
3) This car had 19-inch tubeless tires. The ride was a bit firm. Would an 18-inch tire make much difference? Does this car come with a spare or non-run-flat tires?
4) Brake pedal takes 1/4 push before engaging. BUT, I got used to it quickly.
5) Hate the steering wheel hepatic buttons. Whose idea was that? Kept hitting them the wrong way, even the Cruise Control buttons are not ergonomic.

Feel free to chime in with agreement or disagreement. I liked this car and would love to own one aside from those few issues.
Yes the ZF is better but in your particular case the transmission likes to learn and adapt so need to spend more time to adapt.

Guess the steering feel isn't MB focus, more on the luxury side.

What was the tire pressure inflated to? It makes a difference and dealership usually over inflate for storage on the lot reasons.

Regen braking?

Yes the haptics need time for getting used to.
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Old Apr 18, 2025 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by chassis
Agree that BMW transmission programming is best in class. MB *-Tronics are garbage. Porsche programming ruins the marvelous 8HP that BMW tunes so masterfully.

Agree that MB interiors are nice. BMW interiors are gimmicky and gee-whiz-boy-wonder by comparison.
The new bmw interiors like in new X3 are indeed gimmicky the last gen was much more functional with the physical buttons. Think it was the idrive 7.
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