First of all, every dealer in the country received a C300 Sport model this week to be used as a demo. My guess is they are all silver with black Tex interiors.
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The car is less than two inches longer.
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Same as outgoing model.
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W204 uses a new design all hydraulic self adjusting shock.
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Depends on model.
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Didn't look but I'm sure there is a spare.
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It's Comand, not I-Drive which is a BMW feature. Yes, there is a control knob and all the reviews so far so it is intuitive and easy to use. Plastic? Probably. You wanted maybe sterling silver?
This model has been plastered all over the internet for months now and every magazine has tested them and there is nothing unrevealed. Including prices. Try www.germancarfans.com as just one site.
I have been keeping up with the news about this car because I have one on order which I will see about October 15. It will be a C300 Luxury, Barolo Red with Cashmere Beige leather plus most other options and it will be nearly $1700 cheaper than my '01 C320 that has less equipment.
I sat in my dealer's demo yesterday and am astonished at the obvious quality everywhere. Panel fit and paint quality is excellent and the interior, even in dismal black Tex is impressive. EVERYTHING is different.
Unfortunately, MB will be holding back the Bluetec diesel and the direct injection gas engines for another year. Probably to coincide with the new E-Class due as an '09 model.