[MB_noob]

Hi everyone,

I'm new here and I'm posting because I would like an expert opinion. Since the new C-class is out, it seems that the W204 C350 coupe has dropped in price. I always thought it was a good-looking car but it was never within my reach. I realize it's probably the last year before they are updated but to me, that means that all the bugs have been worked out (then again, I'm no car expert). Another factor is that I have never owned a Mercedes (currently drive a BMW) so I'm not familiar with reliability and such. So, I was wondering what you guys think about a quote I got recently for a black 2015 C350 Coupe with 4MATIC. Details are:

183 Magnetite Black
711 Appearace Package Upholstery
234 Blind Spot Assist
319 Lighting Package: Bi-Xenon Headlight
615 : Bi-Xenon Active Light System
608 : Intelligent Highbeam Control
320 Multimedia Package: 7.0" Color Displ
527 : COMAND w/Navigation and Voice Control
502 : Navigation Map Updates
218 : Rearview Camera
U71 : DVD Coding
322 Appearance Package: 18-Inch AMG® Two
889 : KEYLESS-GO®
607 : 18" Two-Tone 7-Spoke Wheel
P66 : Appearance Package
6P5 Factory Code739 Aluminum Trim

MSRP is $54,750 but the dealer is offering $45,000 (New). Also, should I get the prepaid maintenance? Is that worth it? (Got 50k miles free maintenance with my BMW and I'm loving that - I do about $20k miles/year).

Thanks for the help!:grin

 

[james.calton1]

I have noticed that as well. I think the coupe stuck around as a 204 body car in the US for another year because they didn't quite have enough parts to go around to support the South Africa Assembly and US assembly. The 205 coupe was available for the 2015 MY in Europe as well as some other countries where it was not here. I noticed that at my local dealer that the prices were advertised cheaper than priced on the car. I am pretty sure the dealers are trying to get through as many as those 204 body coupes out the door before the 205 coupes start showing up for the 2016 model year. As far as the prepaid maintenance is concerned it is competitively priced, but it depends on where you plan on getting your vehicle serviced at. My independent services my car off the clock for 30 and hour and I get parts for cost so all of that will determine if you go with the prepaid maintenance or not. I've done it this way for years and I have never had any problems. Good luck with your purchase if you get it.

 

[MB_noob]

Thanks! Very helpful. I'm looking at it tomorrow but browsing several websites shows a lot of mechanical issues. That said, I'm aware that mostly bad stories are posted out of frustration, which I can understand. My BMW gets bad reviews as well but so far, no issues whatsoever.

I realize it's a sports car but just out of curiosity, what kind of mileage can you get in this car? Fuelly reports around 24mpg average... I'll look for another thread as well...

 

[james.calton1]

I would say for the 3.5 V6 that its between 24 to 26 MPG. I know the C250 version gets 31. The only real issues that I have had on my 204 body car were the front strut bushings and hydro mounts, fuel door assembly, and now a slight oil leak probably coming from the vacuum pump. Its still under warranty so I haven't had to fork out any big money as of yet.

 

[Vortecpwr]

I worked for BMW for 8.5 years. I left in late 08.

I have not been working for MB for over 3.5 yrs now.

I will say MB makes a better car over the BMW. NOW they do have their own quirks but as far as crazy stupid programming MB does not have that. NOW they don't handles as well as a BMW, but I will give up a little handling for a better reliable car.



NOW: maint plan. your trans trans is service around 60-70k miles now. It used to done at 40k. the issue is MB DID NOT lower the maint fee when they moved the trans service. that service prices out at around $450 to 500 depending on dealer. there are several plans. 20k a year will result in 2 services a year.

 

[mb1068]

I think general opinion is these are one of the more reliable Benz and your theory about late model year is probably good. My 08 is now at 80k miles - and Id say only out of ordinary issues (compared to japanese car at least) were bad cam sensors ($200!diy but would have been a lot more at the dealer) and $1k for broken fuel pipe connector. You will be under warranty for first 50k anyway and yes prepaid service would give you piece of mind. You should be able to get to 5 years 100k without any major issues.

Alternative might be a low mile CPO 250 coupe - better gas miles and warranty to 100k ?

If you want to go to 200k without major expense/repairs - get a Camry hybrid or similar

 

[MB_noob]

Thanks for sharing... I always keep my cars in good shape so I don't mind spending the extra cash for maintenance. With a Camry, I may not be interested enough to do that. The CPO is a great suggestion!

 

[james.calton1]

That's what I did last summer. I went with a CPO C250 sedan that had 26K on it. It has 40K now and I haven't had any major issues. some warranty work, but nothing serious. I did look at a couple of C300 4Matic cars that were CPO, but they just had too many miles on them for the price. I know those 4Matic coupes are indeed hard to find so that is a great selling point for the one that you were looking at. My dealer has already had a CPO 205 body car come and go so there are some options out there on both sides of the house. Good luck with your search.