Mercedes C300 (W204)
 

Hey guys, I'm looking to purchase my first car and I think I'm going to pick up a 2009 C300 in the near future. Just wanted to call out any other owners or anyone with experience around the car. Any problems I should be aware of? Maintenance costs? General info?

hmm they are solid machines, the only thing you should be aware off for the Star extended warranty, you can negotiate and have up to the end of your new car warranty to purchase, provided that you have it serviced at the dealership (until you purchase). Be aware that they are relatively high drinkers (since it is a 3L engine).. so make sure it suits your intended purpose.

Oh retrofitting ipod kits etc can be a pain (the one with playlists etc).. so bonus if they are included.

Solid car, owned one since new in 2010. If budget allows try to look for a post 2010 car as they have a number of improvements like new door mirrors with the arrow looking turn signals with less wind noise, ipod kit integrated to comand system (media interface, so you can control your ipod through the dial on the center console), etc. Make sure the car is serviced religiously, and only go for the 4matic option if you have to as it costs more to run and to maintain, not to mention the (slight) penalty in driving feel.

Try to look for a Canadian car as the C300 from the US has smaller front brakes (same size as the C230/C250 in Canada), whereas our C300 has the C350 front brakes. Also US cars don't usually come with bi-xenon headlights.

2011 cars come with LED strip on the bumper instead of the foglamps. 6 speed manual cars were available but rare. Options to look for include premium package (Harmon Kardon Logic 7 sound system, park distance control or electric rear sunblind depending on production date, memory seats, electronic compass on mirror, garage door opener), Comand navigation package (pop up screen, navigation, 40GB hard drive for music storage, voice recognition), media interface, keyless go, sport package (dynamic handling dampers and paddle shifter on steering wheel, 17" AMG wheels).

all about budget... if you can afford it they are very nice.
people run in to issues are for the most part guys that pick um up cheap and think everything is very inexpensive. obviously not the case. one simple seeming job or part can brake the bank!

as far as real issues, when we get them at my work its ecu updates, and sensor issues.

the cars are nice to drive the 204 chassis is a very nice looking car, fair power, and the engines are quite strong. one of the few i would want to own.

as toast said service regularly!!!!!

just drove the c350 today thought it was a v8 at first.

My sister drives one as a DD in Toronto.. Mercedes service is a bit hit and miss honestly for what you pay $200/hour... went in for an oil change but didn't clear a CEL? Anyhow consult Mercedes website like benzworld etc for the best dealer etc.. if you find a Service Adviser reliable definitely keep their name card and make a friend ;)

$200/hr for service at a Mercedes dealership?

:heckno::fulloffuck:

its actually closer to $140 / hr

your thinking of MCL, i think they are at $200 / hr now.

Its Toronto.. not Vancouver

you got to be joking right... i mean what car do you normally drive?
btw, i used to drive 09 c350.

Stay away from them, MB still haven't got back where they dropped off.

drove a C300 6MT from a Kingsway dealership. I quite liked it it's got that "Chill bro, I got this" attitude long gone since the W202.

I was heading to that dealership on Kingsway to test the 08 white c300 6 speed, but they told me it was sold. Lol probably the same one.

now that's an awesome slogan:

"Chill bro, I got this"....

:lawl:

how much were they asking for it?

i work as a tech so i drive on a daily basis, c63 sl500... granturesmo, R8 v10, m6 m3 m5 760li TT the list goes on and on :fuckyea:


i think i know what power is and a v8 feels like.... as far as mid range v6 goes it has 300 hp from a low rpm and a huge power band
btw im talking 2012 and 2013 already...

So you haven't driven a V8 yet...none of those manufacturers make a V8.

Try something with pushrods.

MCl is 145/hr

442 with a built 468, colbra, corvettes,mustangs, all of them far less exciting in every way...

I drove a CLK320 W209 and it was a nice car no issues at all, drove a buddy's C300 and loved it. My opinion on this would be to do homework and make sure all inspections are done before making the purchase, to avoid hefty bills for repairs from stealership. I assume 2009's have warranty still so be sure previous owner did all required maintenance, esp the major ones, and after warranty is up you could do regular maintenance at Mercedes mechanic. They use fancy terms Service A, Service B, etc. but they could be done at regular shops. Congrats on your first car, OP!

^^^^ looks like taylor made a new acct (actually it is him lol)

My dad owns a black 2011 premium package C300 manual with nav. you're right it has the C350 front brakes. Ours came with bi-xenon headlights.