I am a current 05 C230 Kompressor (sport sedan) owner and am considering getting a C300/C350 4matic. I could only test drive the C300 (non-sport, 4matic) cause all local dealerships had sold out all the 2008 C-class. I feel my current car has more power & omph when it comes to acceleration, although the new C runs more smoothly.
I would very much like to know what you think about your C300/C350. What do you like/dislike about your car? Are there any problems with it?
I thank you all in advance.
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Curiosity killed the cat. Come on, kitty kitty. What's in the water?
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My prior car was a 2002 Sports Coupe. At first, I missed the memory and Easy Entry/Exit features. But, as these were the areas where I had all my electronic glitches, they were missed less and less. All my friends appreciate the four doors.
The C300 is definitely quieter and smoother. Don't be fooled by the quiet, the acceleration is very good. You don't really realize how fast you are going. 1st gear in the manual is a bit low. But it picks up very nicely with the shift to second. While the engine is rated at 28 mpg highway, I have gotten over 29 mpg on long trips and over 31 mpg by using a lot of cruise control. This car without question feels more solid than its predecessor.
The quality of the leather is better, but the seats aren't quite as comfy as what you have now.
The Harmon Kardon sound system is a vast improvement over the Bose option.
The command screen is fairly easy to use. It's the first time I have navigation in a car and it seems to work well.
Received my car in late March with no problems to report. Overall, I think most anyone would be pleased upgrading from a prior generation C Class.
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'08 C300 Sport/Barolo Red/Gray-Black Leather/6 SP/AMG Wheels/iPod/P2/MultiMedia/Tele Aid
Our C300 Lux was the first W204 delivered in the Pacific NW region - Aug 9, 2007.
Now have 8500 miles - quick, quiet, comfortable, good brakes, no issues - I couldn't be happier (except I really want the new twin-turbo 4 cyl diesel).
You can see my Mercedes history; beyond that, there are nearly 40 other cars since 1962, including examples of every import. This is probably the best car I've ever had....period.
I had a 2005 C230K with 6-speed manual previous to getting a 2008 C350 (+P2+Multimedia+Leather+iPod) last week.
The differences are:
Mileage:
C230K: I got 28mpg (combined hwy+city) over 3-years, 36K miles. I used to consistently get 34-35 mpg on highways. My best was 39.7 mpg over a 110 mile trip in So. Cal. This car gave awesome mileage - too bad MB stopped selling this here in the US.
C350: My first week mileage so far is 18mpg, after 220 miles of combined use.
Looks & comfort:
I think each car looks good, for its time period
Steering:
The C350 steering feels very light. I prefered the stiffer steering on the C230K manual. I noticed that the C230K autos did not feel that stiff, for the same model year
Finish:
Both are plasticky - the steering wheel on the C350 looks cheap, whereas the dials and 7" screen are nicer
Tires:
My C350 came with Continentals - crappy compared to the Michelin Pilot Primacy that came with the C230K
Handling:
C230K felt lighter and more nimble. The C350 feels heavier - more of a touring car, rather than a sporty one.
The C350 Harmon Kardon system was a huge disappointment - compared to the Mark Levinson that I have in my other car (a Lexus GS). It does not sound like a premium sound system - specs don't mean anything if the sound repro is this bad.
That said, I like my C350 for its refinement, design styling (always subjective) and hi-techiness.
Last edited by jtheodore : 07-12-2008 at 12:59 AM.
Vehicle: 2008 C350 5th Avenue Special Edition, 2007 SLK350
Location: Virginia Beach
Posts: 20
i have a 2008 C350 Sport. I am really happy with it. I also have a 2007 SLK350. I like the C350 much better than the SLK350. The C has such loose steering and to me has much smoother and nicer exceleration than the SLK. My friend has a C230 i think a 05, and i like the C350 a lot more. The command system is nice. the only thing i don't like about it is the fact that it does not have memory seats and a power steering column. But i understand that the 2009 C class will have that stuff. So in my opinion you should get one but go ahead and order a 09, don't get the 08.
My C350 is pretty quick. I have gotten tire chirps on dry pavement after flooring the throttle going about 30 mph. Mind you I drive pretty hard, I've been getting about 12 mpg on local roads. My car doesn't have any options, just the 6 disc changer. CD changer takes forever to change CD's. Stereo is absolutely horrible. No high-end frequency whatsoever. I will probably change the tweeters soon. You would probably replace the whole sound system if you were an audiophile. Plasticy interior, so-so leather, no memory feature, good ergonomics. Typical hard Benz seats. The styling is very beautiful and aggressive. People think it costs way more than it does. Body motion is well-controlled, but the ride is bit stiff due to 17 inch tires. The car feels very solid and connected to the road due to its heavy weight. There is enough power to kick the rear out even on dry pavement with ESP off. When I was filling up the owner of the gas station came over to look over the car. He was driving a 3 series. I took him for a fast ride and he was totally blown away. 3 series looks plain parked next to C350, like an Accord. For the price, you can't beat the prestige it gets you. Very happy with the car overall. I'd get the 2009 and get the agility package since the transmission can be slow to kick down, and forget about the high-end stereo and navigation. You can get those aftermarket and get much better quality for cheaper amount.
Would like your opinion on your C300/C350 
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