[viviliu]

Hello, guys,
i am new here.I am torn between 2011 sport C300 and 2012 sport C250 now. I know there is a lot of upgrade in 2012 c250 with better price.
But I really like the C300 Sport look of 2011.
I kind feel the C250 sport 2012 is little shorter than 2011 C300 in the front part, which is not as sleek as the 2011 c300. But I am not quite sure. Could any onen confirm the appearance difference. I might just be biased.
I am really stuck at the appearance right now.
Thanks!

 

[c300miami]

Hello viviliu

I actually just got a C300 about 2 weeks ago and was also inclining towards the 2012 c250. I ended up buying the 2011 c300 because in the long run v6 engines tent to last longer. I have had turbo european cars ( TT 1.8T) and when it comes to maintenance the lifespan it is definitely shorter. I do like the changes made to the new c250,but not much of a one muffler lover. When it comes to doing stuff to the engine to make it faster, definitely the c250 would do it, you can add a chip, blow off valve, intake, computer, but then you got to be careful not to void the warranty. I sat on a c250 and love it. I like the display feature much bigger than mine. Did not went to the new c300 2012 because of the great deal of 2011. I had v6 car and life is lot longer, because is a bigger stronger engine. On my TT around 70,000 miles i was all ready changing timing belts, I know we cannot compare VW with mercedes, but do the research of 4 cilinder cars compare to vs and you will see the diference, if you plan to keep the car for about 3 year then dont worry about.

Kool
take care. Post some pics when you make uo your mind.

 

[viviliu]

Hi, c300miami
Thanks very much for your reply. I will go with the C250!

Hello viviliu

I actually just got a C300 about 2 weeks ago and was also inclining towards the 2012 c250. I ended up buying the 2011 c300 because in the long run v6 engines tent to last longer. I have had turbo european cars ( TT 1.8T) and when it comes to maintenance the lifespan it is definitely shorter. I do like the changes made to the new c250,but not much of a one muffler lover. When it comes to doing stuff to the engine to make it faster, definitely the c250 would do it, you can add a chip, blow off valve, intake, computer, but then you got to be careful not to void the warranty. I sat on a c250 and love it. I like the display feature much bigger than mine. Did not went to the new c300 2012 because of the great deal of 2011. I had v6 car and life is lot longer, because is a bigger stronger engine. On my TT around 70,000 miles i was all ready changing timing belts, I know we cannot compare VW with mercedes, but do the research of 4 cilinder cars compare to vs and you will see the diference, if you plan to keep the car for about 3 year then dont worry about.

Kool
take care. Post some pics when you make uo your mind.

 

[c-This]

I am new to this Forum. I was also torn between the 2011 C300 and the 2012 C250.
I like the Navi screen much better along with the dash and new steering wheel on the C250. On the C300(2011) the screen pops up out of the dash. I drove both and really didn't notice much difference between the T4 and the V6.
It may be my imagination but the T4 seemed quicker. I know the mileage is better.
Main difference in the appearance is the Headlights and the single tail pipe on the C250.
You get the projection Headlamps on the C300 along with the dual pipes. But I think the LEDs on the C250 are cool!

 

[viviliu]

Hi, c-chris
Thanks very much for the comparison? The upgrades in C250 is quite decent.Have you decided which one to get?

I am new to this Forum. I was also torn between the 2011 C300 and the 2012 C250.
I like the Navi screen much better along with the dash and new steering wheel on the C250. On the C300(2011) the screen pops up out of the dash. I drove both and really didn't notice much difference between the T4 and the V6.
It may be my imagination but the T4 seemed quicker. I know the mileage is better.
Main difference in the appearance is the Headlights and the single tail pipe on the C250.
You get the projection Headlamps on the C300 along with the dual pipes. But I think the LEDs on the C250 are cool!

 

[c-This]

I ended up going with the 2012 C250 Sport.It also has the upgraded AMG 18" Wheels,command package and upgraded surround radio. I have had it about a week and absolutely love it! I had it back at the dealer today for a minor adjustment and was given a C300 to drive for the day. The 2011 C300 was not a Sport version and reminded me of several Lincolns I've had in the past. Nice ride but a bit floaty. It drove totally different from the 2012 C250. After driving a while I got out to check to see if it was a 4 or a 6. It was a V6 and didn't have the punch the C250 4 Turbo had. It actually felt like a non turbo four. The sport suspension and the AMG wheels and tires made a big difference. I also like the new dash layout (Navi) and new steering wheel. The LED and fiber optic tail lights,Led turn signals and the front LED running lights also make it look more updated.

 

[viviliu]

that is the package i want to get too. I will check wit dealer tomorrow.

 

[fasani]

Hi!!!!.... I bought a 2012 C250 Sport. Afert 600 miles it had a problem with the A/C and they gave me a brand new C300 Elegance as a service car.
I really love the V6 sound, it's just incredible. The acceleration is good but it's true that the the T4 feels faster. But, even the turbo or whatever a V6 will always be smoother than a T4. They are different. I'm in love with my 2012 C250 and I'll keep it for at least 3 years, but I also like the V6. They have completely different performance.

 

[MB-SV]

I was a bit surprised as to how good stock C300 exhaust note sounds. It is a true dual exhaust config.

 

[ecnavalleb]

The C250 6 cylinder engine is very sluggish starting from stop, compared to my zippy C300 6 cylinder. I wouldn't buy this car. I know nothing of the new 4 cylinder engine, though.

 

[saurey]

efficiency alone - C250
same performance as the c300

Edit- 2012 Interior is outstanding. Compare side by side and it should be a no brainer.

 

[StuttgartAmerican]

Hello viviliu

I actually just got a C300 about 2 weeks ago and was also inclining towards the 2012 c250. I ended up buying the 2011 c300 because in the long run v6 engines tent to last longer. I have had turbo european cars ( TT 1.8T) and when it comes to maintenance the lifespan it is definitely shorter. I do like the changes made to the new c250,but not much of a one muffler lover. When it comes to doing stuff to the engine to make it faster, definitely the c250 would do it, you can add a chip, blow off valve, intake, computer, but then you got to be careful not to void the warranty. I sat on a c250 and love it. I like the display feature much bigger than mine. Did not went to the new c300 2012 because of the great deal of 2011. I had v6 car and life is lot longer, because is a bigger stronger engine. On my TT around 70,000 miles i was all ready changing timing belts, I know we cannot compare VW with mercedes, but do the research of 4 cilinder cars compare to vs and you will see the diference, if you plan to keep the car for about 3 year then dont worry about.

Kool
take care. Post some pics when you make uo your mind.

I wouldnt put to much credance in the thought that more cylinders equal a stronger or more reliable engine. Trust me the Mits Evo runs a 4 cylinder that is probably one of the strongest engines ever. We dont know much about this engine only time will tell how stout it is. But you will get 100,000 miles out of a 4 or a 6 no problem. Its not the 60's anymore. As a very experienced car guy, the Turbo 4 is the way to go, mechanicaly the V6 is a ancient dinosaur that never was a great engine. To say that a 4 cylinder can not be as refined as a six dont know much about cars. The tuning options alone make the 4 a better bang for the buck. for $250 bucks you can put a JBOX on there that will take care of the turbo lag and offer more power on the power curve that most people drive it changes the dynamics and makes the little 4 banger a much more rewarding experience than the V6 in the C300.

 

[MB-SV]

Cylinder count has nothing to do with reliability. Some V6's are more reliable than 4's. Some 4's are more reliable than V6's. Don't care about Audi's and Mits, this is a Mercedes C-class thread.

 

[StuttgartAmerican]

C class forum or not, its relative to the conversation to compare other engine platforms . The statement made was that the C300 was a more stout and refined engine than the new Turbo 4. I countered with relative and factual instances of other Turbo 4s that are exceptional in the regards of refinement and stoutness as well as producing more power than the Old V6 that the C300 currently posses as its power plant. The jury is still out on this Turbo 4 as it has not had any time really to develop a reputation. Not sure if to take your post serious as that comment is not of a car enthusiast that can appreciate other makes and models in comparison or just a flag waiver of MB.

 

[MB-SV]

As you can see I own other vehicles besides MB (IS350 is Lexus, CX-5 is Mazda), so if you read my signature you would know if I'm a car enthusiast. Sorry, but I don't need to mention "as a very experienced car guy" blah, blah, blah, lol... Don't take my post seriously please.

Now back to the C250 vs. C300 discussion.

 

[Benzowner88]

I drove both (own a C300).
The C250 with 7G tronic is as fast as the C300 in sprint. The engine sounds not so good, but has more power on low rmp. Consumption is 10-15% below C300.
I buyed the C300 because here in Germany high-consumption cars are cheaper (nobody buys them because of high fuel cost 1liter = 2 USD, 1 gallon = 8 USD), but I drive less miles, so consumption has no big effect. The C300 runs 250km/h (160 miles/h) which you can drive on german Autobahn. The C250 runs only 242km/h. I love the sound of the V6. The 250 has the M271 engine with 1,8liter. It's an evolution of an 15 year old engine, so its really reliable.

 

[MB-SV]

Thanks for the report Benzowner88.

 

[st4]

Just wait until you guys get the C250cdi.

Turbo diesel makes the C250 petrol seem weedy

 

[Benzowner88]

I drove the C250CDI Diesel too (in Germany 50% of all cars have diesel engine).
Most sold is the C220CDI with 170hp, the 250CDI has the same engine with other software. Its a bi-turbo with 2 turbo. It has 70% more force than the 250/300. But this force is only useable in a 2000rmp range. A C250/300 petrol has a much wider range. So, if you prefer CDI, take it always with 7G, otherwise or are shifting every second.
Sound is terrible (compared to 300), but CDI is faster (7,0s to 100kmh/61miles) but it isnt running full 250kmh(160miles). Fuel consumtion is about 5-7liter per 100km, i hope I calculated right, this would be 40-50miles per gallon. C300/250 is only 0,3s slower in sprint, so not noticeable. CDIs had at start lots of problems because of fuel injectors. But now, the problems (caused by Delphi parts) are solved. If you want a diesel engine, I would suggest the C350CDI (265hp), its a 3liter 6 cylinder engine which runs much smoother and quiter and doenst take much more fuel/diesel.

 

[st4]

I've got a C220cdi OM611 single turbo, and its mated to the 722.6 box.

Its the finest driveline IMHO mercedes do, 7g 722.9 boxes have lousy shifts and issues 722.6 boxes do not.

The bi turbo OM651 220cdi/250cdi bi turbo came initially with 5g boxes and had better acceleration again over the 7 speed cars that came later. The 7g boxed 651 cars have really good economy but a technical specialist said he wouldn't have one and if getting a new diesel today the V6CDi 350cdi is the one to get.

5g OM611 is my favoured driveline, I had a V6CDi 320 and had no end of troubles.

because of the torque the gears can be quite widely spaced so the 5g works well with the 611 engine