I have a B200 Turbo which is in for warranty work for the 10th time (a whole other story). Anyway - I currently have a non-turbo on loan with virtually no options except CVT and the sport package.
As I'm sure many people know, the sport package in Canada adds, the sport seats, 17" rims and stiffer suspension. Frankly, when I ordered my car (turbo, CVT, premium pack) I thought it (sport pack) was basically nothing more than bigger rims. After driving the car, my opinion is slightly different.
Compared to my Turbo, the car is SLOW! Don't get me wrong, its a nice car, but the turbo completely changes the dynamics, not all for the better, but definitely different. The sport package I have equally mixed feelings. The rims look GREAT! The seats I can live without (I suspect the bolsters will wear if you aren't careful). As for the suspension - oddly enough I find it MORE comfortable and controlled around town, but on the highway I think it is too "choppy" and slightly annoying.
Opinions may differ of course - but I must say the 17" rims are making me jealous!
Yes the seat bolsters do get caught when you get in and out and it does cause the stitching to tear into the seat (had mine replaced under warranty)
The sports suspension does make for a harder ride all round but I do find the steering feels more precise.
The 17" 10 spokes do look nice but they are fairly difficult to clean (see post on brake dust) and also as they are almost level with the side of the tyre they do get kerbed very easily.
For £500 though you do get quite a lot for your money as the (UK) sports pack includes trim differences as well
...not in Canada...the aluminum trim is already standard and the wood is in the Premium Package (for 08)....the sport package here is just the wheels, seats, and suspension.
It's suprising the differences for the different countries.
Will edit my earlier post to UK version
This is why it's a good idea for members to state their locations & model variants in order that there is no confusion when discussing specifications & localised problems.
What model is that on ? if it's the B200 Turbo I think our (UK) B200 Turbo comes with all the goodies from the sports pack as standard. In UK wood trim was not available with sports pack. (Unless they've changed this for 2008)
yah, I test drove both turbo and non turbo and for the difference in the lease monthly payment I went with the turbo, huge difference...it is almost not worth the money to buy the regular...
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2008 Benz B200 Turbo w/ Premium Package White
2005 Toyota Sienna CE (POS...breaking lease to get the benz)
1996 Dodge Stratus (great car first repair on it's 5 th year)
Having tested both, I looked at it the other way, for 4 grand less, I'd rather get better fuel economy and have a more reliable engine (I keep cars LONG term). 134 net HP is PLENTY for me.
The Turbo seemed to be power overkill, part of the North American power lust that will shortly be coming to an enforced end....
Be nice to your turbo if you plan to buy the car at lease end.....they need special care when starting and stopping.
Linear Mode
