Got a 2013 C300 4Matic....as a loaner today. - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

JamesDean · #1 12-02-2013, 04:30 PM

I sent my 300D up for an alignment at Mercedes-Benz of North Olmstead and got a pretty young C300 as a loaner.

This MB dealer seems miles a head of my local dealer. But then again you're talking Youngstown and Cleveland big difference in money. lol.

Seems like a pretty decent car, certainly lots of buttons and features. Way more power than my lowly 300D. My foot is used to the 300D's throttle and brake response. The brakes on this car are substantially better too. All I had to do was rest my shoe (not even pushing with my foot) and the car immediately started to slow down quickly.

Honestly not sure if I like the sensitivity. Probably something I'd have to get used to if the C300 was a daily driver. I think that's to be expected with any modern car.

The interior was comfortable. The digital controls and displays were very clear and sharp. I've seen GM displays (in the Cruze) and these put them to shame. Its like looking at Bluray vs VHS.

The ride was decent, more sporty than my 300D. My 300D floated over bumps where the C300 absorbed them a bit more harsh. I suppose thats because they've geared it towards a more sporty suspension setup than the old 124.

Alignment is a bit more expensive than my local dealer.. $189 vs $129 but I'm don't mind paying the premium since they've had success in the past (I contact a Cleveland forum member that had success and was very happy).

They just called me like an hour ago and unfortunately the 300D's tie rods need to be replaced. I kind of thought that might be the case and somewhat expected to have to do that but then they read off their quote of $215 per side. YIKES! I promptly ordered all three tie rod assemblies (Lemforder) for $125 and will be putting them on this coming weekend, and rescheduling my alignment.

I noticed that I could upgrade my loaner status from a C to an E for $35. The highest they would loan out is a GL, no S-classes.

Anywhoo, just thought I'd share.

Some pics I took:
W204 C300 4Matic - Imgur

nate300d · #2 12-02-2013, 04:52 PM

Thanks for the share and the pictures. It is 2013 and even Mercedes can not do a simple ergonomics thing right. The climate controls are flat to the dash, not adjusted for line of view. If you are a mouse between the front seats it is a good view, but not for the driver. How are would it be to tilt that panel 15-30 degrees (move the bottom edge towards the seats) to provide a better view?

MTI · #3 12-02-2013, 05:15 PM

The interior of our GLK is similar and I don't have any issues with the HVAC or entertainment control visibility. About the only issue is the age long problem with the cruise control stalk icons being pretty much invisible.

JamesDean · #4 12-02-2013, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nate300d

Thanks for the share and the pictures. It is 2013 and even Mercedes can not do a simple ergonomics thing right. The climate controls are flat to the dash, not adjusted for line of view. If you are a mouse between the front seats it is a good view, but not for the driver. How are would it be to tilt that panel 15-30 degrees (move the bottom edge towards the seats) to provide a better view?

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTI

The interior of our GLK is similar and I don't have any issues with the HVAC or entertainment control visibility. About the only issue is the age long problem with the cruise control stalk icons being pretty much invisible.

I didnt have any problems with the climate control or entertainment control. Actually I quite like that knob they place at the end of the arm rest. Its quite handy. I normally have my remote in hand at about the same position. The entertainment system is very responsive, I was quite pleased with its performance.

It took me a bit to find the cruise control stalk however it operates in the same fashion that the ones in my 124/201/126 do. I do believe it had double detents in the up/down direction so you can jump 5 MPH in setting the speed.

I liked the tilt/adjust ability of the steering wheel. Was nice to be able to move the wheel all the way up and see the full cluster. This isnt a problem on my 124 but the 201 is kinda obscured.

According to the car I got 29 miles to the gallon on my 65 mile return home trip. My 190E gets 23-25 and 300D gets 32-35 on the same trip. Granted both have a less than half or so of the HP/TQ of that C300.

I still can't find the instrument cluster dimmer control. I found the entertainment center's.

It also has this ECO mode where when you come to a stop it will shut down the engine. It appears to be triggering on the brake pedal because as soon as I removed my foot from the pedal the engine came back on. Its relatively smooth to start but still noticeable.

JamesDean · #5 12-02-2013, 11:31 PM

Finally found the dash board dimmer knob. It was right on the dashboard! I dont know how I missed it.

Also updated album with more pictures.

Evidently the C300 was built in South Africa.. The Engine and Transmission were from Germany though. The VIN starts out with a "W" though.
W204 C300 4Matic - Imgur

Hatterasguy · #6 12-03-2013, 02:53 PM

Those are nice little cars, you can pick them up pretty reasonable to.

I'm interested if the C250CDI ever is available here, I suspect so since that same drive train is currently in the 14 E class. That would make one heck of a good commuter car.

JamesDean · #7 12-03-2013, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Those are nice little cars, you can pick them up pretty reasonable to.

I'm interested if the C250CDI ever is available here, I suspect so since that same drive train is currently in the 14 E class. That would make one heck of a good commuter car.

The C300 I drove got 27 on my daily commute, which is just a above my 190E yet below my 300D. I'd be interested in a C250CDI as well.

The one C300 I drove was optioned out to the tune of $46K

Hatterasguy · #8 12-03-2013, 04:18 PM

You can lease them for $300 ish, no one pays $46k.

JamesDean · #9 12-03-2013, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

You can lease them for $300 ish, no one pays $46k.

I don't doubt that. $300 seems reasonable actually, however I don't think I could do a lease. I would easily exceed the mileage limitations. I know it varies from lease to lease but I know a few of my friends have leases and their limits are around 12,000 miles. In three years I'd put around 100K on it.

iwrock · #10 12-03-2013, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I don't doubt that. $300 seems reasonable actually, however I don't think I could do a lease. I would easily exceed the mileage limitations. I know it varies from lease to lease but I know a few of my friends have leases and their limits are around 12,000 miles. In three years I'd put around 100K on it.

Tell me about it!

Put 32k miles on my truck last year!

JamesDean · #11 12-03-2013, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Tell me about it!

Put 32k miles on my truck last year!

I put the same on my 300D since putting it on the road last October!

Im thinking about getting some heated seat options put in my driver's seat. of course I'd want to get some factory switches and make it look proper.

Gotta swap out my headlights. Picked up a stone and cracked my passenger one. LUCKILY my buddy and I pulled a pair of Bosch/Hella euros from a car at the junk yard.

iwrock · #12 12-03-2013, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

I put the same on my 300D since putting it on the road last October!

Im thinking about getting some heated seat options put in my driver's seat. of course I'd want to get some factory switches and make it look proper.

Gotta swap out my headlights. Picked up a stone and cracked my passenger one. LUCKILY my buddy and I pulled a pair of Bosch/Hella euros from a car at the junk yard.

Heated seats sound nice! Don't have those in my truck!

JamesDean · #13 12-03-2013, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwrock

Heated seats sound nice! Don't have those in my truck!

How cold does it get over there? It was like 14F last week here..now its 47F

LOL

The one place quoted me at $300 and the wanted to do their own wiring etc. Not sure what that means. I just wont want them to cut my b-pillar or seat plastics and hot glue some **** switch in. I want the MB factory switch in ths factory location. Somehow. lol.

iwrock · #14 12-03-2013, 04:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JamesDean

How cold does it get over there? It was like 14F last week here..now its 47F

LOL

The one place quoted me at $300 and the wanted to do their own wiring etc. Not sure what that means. I just wont want them to cut my b-pillar or seat plastics and hot glue some **** switch in. I want the MB factory switch in ths factory location. Somehow. lol.

Was 32* when I got out of bed this AM. Currently 53* outside.

I think Dave M/GSXR has done that retrofit.