Does anyone buy the C350 petrol coupe?

[steve333]

Good luck with the viewing,hope it's a good un!

 

[Berkshire Rich]

From the Merc coupe brochure...

"The AMG Handling Package offers technical and styling
enhancements, carefully ‘engineered by AMG’ for the
true sports enthusiast (optional on AMG Sport Plus;
only available on C250 BlueEFFICIENCY and C250 CDI
BlueEFFICIENCY with automatic transmission). The larger
brakes, sports exhaust and sports tuning of the engine
and transmission lend even greater driving dynamics to
the AMG Sport Plus. These additions are complemented
with subtle exterior styling cues including black exterior
mirrors, sport badging on the front wings and floor mats;
and a black lamella grille with chrome highlights."

The C350 has the uprated brakes and there's no need to tune the exhaust or engine. No mention of suspension upgrades.

This is covered in some detail in the W204 lengthy thread. The suspension is firmer although quite subtly so. Various dealers and MBUK have confirmed it and the German spec / brochure lists it. Other owners think it sits lower too but can't be 100% on this.

Having driven with, and without, I have found the handling to certainly be sharper with - hugs the road very tightly, no slight sense of understeer which I did find when pushing the C350 hard. It gives a real confidence that just occasionally was missing with the standard set up. Yes it's firmer, but noticeable less so than my old RX8 or as reported elsewhere, a 370z, and the variable damping does a decent job at normal speeds.

The quicker gear changes are a plus and although not a factor in my choice, the brakes are simply fabulous!

For £530 i think it is one of the best value options, bar none. Not for everyone of course, as the standard suspension will be fit for purpose for most, but for me, the gorgeous power of the C350 Coupe needed it

Hope that helps.

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Having driven with, and without, I have found the handling to certainly be sharper with - hugs the road very tightly, no slight sense of understeer which I did find when pushing the C350 hard. It gives a real confidence that just occasionally was missing with the standard set up. Yes it's firmer, but noticeable less so than my old RX8 or as reported elsewhere, a 370z, and the variable damping does a decent job at normal speeds.

The quicker gear changes are a plus and although not a factor in my choice, the brakes are simply fabulous!

For £530 i think it is one of the best value options, bar none. Not for everyone of course, as the standard suspension will be fit for purpose for most, but for me, the gorgeous power of the C350 Coupe needed it

Hope that helps.

I have the Dynamic Handling Pack on my C350 Sport petrol saloon and I've experienced the same improvements.

 

[steve333]

Sounds like money well spent on an option-good to hear!

 

[Moonie]

This is covered in some detail in the W204 lengthy thread. The suspension is firmer although quite subtly so. Various dealers and MBUK have confirmed it and the German spec / brochure lists it. Other owners think it sits lower too but can't be 100% on this.

Having driven with, and without, I have found the handling to certainly be sharper with - hugs the road very tightly, no slight sense of understeer which I did find when pushing the C350 hard. It gives a real confidence that just occasionally was missing with the standard set up. Yes it's firmer, but noticeable less so than my old RX8 or as reported elsewhere, a 370z, and the variable damping does a decent job at normal speeds.

The quicker gear changes are a plus and although not a factor in my choice, the brakes are simply fabulous!

For £530 i think it is one of the best value options, bar none. Not for everyone of course, as the standard suspension will be fit for purpose for most, but for me, the gorgeous power of the C350 Coupe needed it

Hope that helps.

The 2013 Coupe has the "Agility Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System" as standard, so there is no suspension changes in the "AMG Handling Pack (£530)" - which is only available on the C250 Coupe's.

AMG Handling Package
Technical enhancements – engineered by AMG
Sports exhaust system
Speed-sensitive sports steering with more direct ratio
Sports tuning of engine and transmission in S- and M-mode, offering faster
gearshift, active downshifts under braking and more direct throttle*response
Styling enhancements
Black exterior mirrors
Black lamella grille with chrome highlights
Sport badging on front wings and floor mats


The 2013 Saloon doesn't come with the Adaptive Damping System, so it gets the differently titled "Dynamic Handling Pack (£500)" which comes with the suspension upgrades.

Dynamic Handling Package
‘Sport’ button on centre console for sport driving mode
Sharper accelerator response
Continuously variable damping for improved ride
Quicker gear shifts via steering wheel gear shift paddles
(automatic*transmission only)

 

[Berkshire Rich]

The 2013 Coupe has the "Agility Control suspension with Adaptive Damping System" as standard, so there is no suspension changes in the "AMG Handling Pack (£530)" - which is only available on the C250 Coupe's.

AMG Handling Package
Technical enhancements – engineered by AMG
Sports exhaust system
Speed-sensitive sports steering with more direct ratio
Sports tuning of engine and transmission in S- and M-mode, offering faster
gearshift, active downshifts under braking and more direct throttle*response
Styling enhancements
Black exterior mirrors
Black lamella grille with chrome highlights
Sport badging on front wings and floor mats


The 2013 Saloon doesn't come with the Adaptive Damping System, so it gets the differently titled "Dynamic Handling Pack (£500)" which comes with the suspension upgrades.

Dynamic Handling Package
‘Sport’ button on centre console for sport driving mode
Sharper accelerator response
Continuously variable damping for improved ride
Quicker gear shifts via steering wheel gear shift paddles
(automatic*transmission only)

Sorry but I can assure you the suspension is different with the amg handling pack and apparently the ride height is 16mm lower, though i am unable to confirm that aspect. MBUK and dealers confirmed the pack is as per the German brochure, though were at a loss to explain the UK brochure not mentioning it. Having driven both, there is a noticeable difference - which is not to everyone's taste so it makes sense being an option!

 

[CAT220]

Good luck with the viewing,hope it's a good un!

Well went to see the e350 today. Car was awaiting preparation, needed a few bit and bobs done. Quite a bad ding on the rear bumper and a couple of marks here and there all of which were going to be taken care of.

Took the car out for a test drive, could tell it had been sitting for quite a while with the noise of the disks. It's the first time I'd driven the 350 petrol and not surprisingly it runs well, doesn't have the initial pickup of the v8 in the 7 series but once past the 3k mark it gets going. Enjoyed the drive and the feel of the car. What I couldn't believe is it didn't have parking sensors. Might sound daft but with my wife driving it most of the time I dread to think what state the bumpers would get in. You would think if you were buying one of these new you would include the sensors in the spec. Also didn't have command which I wasn't too fussed about.

Cut a long story short, we couldn't agree on figures, was looking to trade the 7 in. Found it quite ironic being told that no one wants a big engined petrol car. Told them that too, considering I was in attempting to buy one. Was also getting tired of the hard sell on GAP and Starguard! Can appreciate the Starguard on a new or very nearly new car but not so much on a 2008 car. Both these were £399 each.

So back to the drawing board, think I might try selling the 7 privately or just keep it. Decisions decisions!

Thanks for all the advice.
Cheers,
C

 

[steve333]

Well went to see the e350 today. Car was awaiting preparation, needed a few bit and bobs done. Quite a bad ding on the rear bumper and a couple of marks here and there all of which were going to be taken care of.

Took the car out for a test drive, could tell it had been sitting for quite a while with the noise of the disks. It's the first time I'd driven the 350 petrol and not surprisingly it runs well, doesn't have the initial pickup of the v8 in the 7 series but once past the 3k mark it gets going. Enjoyed the drive and the feel of the car. What I couldn't believe is it didn't have parking sensors. Might sound daft but with my wife driving it most of the time I dread to think what state the bumpers would get in. You would think if you were buying one of these new you would include the sensors in the spec. Also didn't have command which I wasn't too fussed about.

Cut a long story short, we couldn't agree on figures, was looking to trade the 7 in. Found it quite ironic being told that no one wants a big engined petrol car. Told them that too, considering I was in attempting to buy one. Was also getting tired of the hard sell on GAP and Starguard! Can appreciate the Starguard on a new or very nearly new car but not so much on a 2008 car. Both these were £399 each.

So back to the drawing board, think I might try selling the 7 privately or just keep it. Decisions decisions!

Thanks for all the advice.
Cheers,
C

Sorry to hear it didn't go as you would have liked but by the sounds of things you did the right thing in walking,if i we're you i'd try selling your car privately at a price your comfortable with & in the mean time find a c350 that has parking sensors & has been well cared for,good luck again & let us know how you get on.

 

[Maverick80]

Mercedes C350 AMG Sport Coupe

Hi Guys,

First Merc I have bought and I would give it an overall rating of 6/10.

I have a Sep 2011 C350 AMG SPORT Coupe. When I bought it I had all the extras on it too including the sport button which sharpens up the throttle response and stiffens up the suspension. This was a great extra as it really makes a big difference to the responsiveness of the car.

The engine is amazing- smooth and almost endless power. Accelerates impressively from 80/90mph up to 140/150mph (on track of course).

MPG- Merc give it combined figure of 40mpg. You will never get anywhere close to this in normal driving conditions. The closet I have ever got was 36mpg and I have only got that once on a 60mile journey that didn't exceed 45mph. Normally it does about 25mpg.

I love the car and would have given my overall score of the car 10/10 but there are some problems with build quality and the level of service from Mercedes dealerships.

The issues I've had with car are as follows,

1, Rattles from behind the dash- been back to the dealer 6 times and still not fixed to this date. (I have been in a c63 AMG coupe, and c63 AMG black and both also had the same metallic rattle from behind the dash, also numerous loan vehicles have had similar annoying rattles and noises from the dash area.)

2, Rattles from under the drivers seat-Fixed, this was caused by metal cable clips on the wiring looms not being attached to anything and moving about.

3, The high visibility rear brake light was rattling when music was being played. The upgraded Harmon/Kardon speakers in the rear parcelshelf were rattling the high visibility brake light loose. It's been back twice for this fixing and since going back for the second time it hasn't happened again.

4, Drivers door lock sticking and not releasing the lock when opened. Not fixed as such as it just did this for a period of a couple of weeks intermittently and before the car went into the dealer it stopped doing it but the lock sticks up slightly now when in the locked position when compared to the one on the passenger door.

5, Panoramic sunroof. Sounds like it has a X-factor audition going off inside it. Lots of creaking and squeaking from it. It's been back three times for this taking care of. After multiple times of them trying to lubricate the seals (which failed) they finally have covered the sunroof in felt and it no longer squeaks and creaks.

6, The seat controls on the passenger side are intermittently sticking on the seat recline button. Not fixed as its intermittent and when it goes into the dealer it seems to behave and work ok.

7, The jack provided with car collapsed whilst changing a tyre. Luckily the wheel was still on and I had only just started unscrewing the wheel nuts. (Yes it was in the correct mountings and on a flat surface with the foot brake applied firmly). Luckily I was in a petrol station and I borrowed a trolley jack from an recovery truck while he was refuelling.

The dealer problems from Stratstone in Wakefield where I bought the vehicle from are that the vehicle was never washed when it was returned to me, (apparently they don't routinely wash customer vehicles before returning them unless specifically requested, even then when I asked for it to be put on the job sheet it didn't get done).
On a couple of occasions the car came back from the dealer with damage to it. I had scuffs on the wing mirrors where something has scraped along it, and when they had the dash out they damaged two pieces of the aluminum trim and didn't say anything about or replace it until I took it back in and showed them the damage. The dash was also not put back properly and was protruding from the rest of the surrounding trim.

They filled the washer bottle up with water instead of screen wash.

Worse than all that was the attitude of the dealer principal when confronted with all these issues.

I would love to love the car but the build quality issues and the level of service from the dealer means that when I swap my car next year I won't be swapping it for the C63 AMG as planned I will be swapping it for BMW M3 and it won't be from Stratstone.

 

[DSB SL AMG]

Hi And Welcome,

I cant believe the woeful service you have received from MB Stratstone Wakefield, truly embarrassing for any garage....

A shame you have had so many build issues, not acceptable on a 2 year old car...

I would document all below and contact MB UK customer services asap....at least you may be able to resolve some issues and prevent future customers receiving appalling service from this 'stealer'

Mercedes-Benz UK - About Mercedes-Benz - About us

Hi Guys,

First Merc I have bought and I would give it an overall rating of 6/10.

I have a Sep 2011 C350 AMG SPORT Coupe. When I bought it I had all the extras on it too including the sport button which sharpens up the throttle response and stiffens up the suspension. This was a great extra as it really makes a big difference to the responsiveness of the car.

The engine is amazing- smooth and almost endless power. Accelerates impressively from 80/90mph up to 140/150mph (on track of course).

MPG- Merc give it combined figure of 40mpg. You will never get anywhere close to this in normal driving conditions. The closet I have ever got was 36mpg and I have only got that once on a 60mile journey that didn't exceed 45mph. Normally it does about 25mpg.

I love the car and would have given my overall score of the car 10/10 but there are some problems with build quality and the level of service from Mercedes dealerships.

The issues I've had with car are as follows,

1, Rattles from behind the dash- been back to the dealer 6 times and still not fixed to this date. (I have been in a c63 AMG coupe, and c63 AMG black and both also had the same metallic rattle from behind the dash, also numerous loan vehicles have had similar annoying rattles and noises from the dash area.)

2, Rattles from under the drivers seat-Fixed, this was caused by metal cable clips on the wiring looms not being attached to anything and moving about.

3, The high visibility rear brake light was rattling when music was being played. The upgraded Harmon/Kardon speakers in the rear parcelshelf were rattling the high visibility brake light loose. It's been back twice for this fixing and since going back for the second time it hasn't happened again.

4, Drivers door lock sticking and not releasing the lock when opened. Not fixed as such as it just did this for a period of a couple of weeks intermittently and before the car went into the dealer it stopped doing it but the lock sticks up slightly now when in the locked position when compared to the one on the passenger door.

5, Panoramic sunroof. Sounds like it has a X-factor audition going off inside it. Lots of creaking and squeaking from it. It's been back three times for this taking care of. After multiple times of them trying to lubricate the seals (which failed) they finally have covered the sunroof in felt and it no longer squeaks and creaks.

6, The seat controls on the passenger side are intermittently sticking on the seat recline button. Not fixed as its intermittent and when it goes into the dealer it seems to behave and work ok.

7, The jack provided with car collapsed whilst changing a tyre. Luckily the wheel was still on and I had only just started unscrewing the wheel nuts. (Yes it was in the correct mountings and on a flat surface with the foot brake applied firmly). Luckily I was in a petrol station and I borrowed a trolley jack from an recovery truck while he was refuelling.

The dealer problems from Stratstone in Wakefield where I bought the vehicle from are that the vehicle was never washed when it was returned to me, (apparently they don't routinely wash customer vehicles before returning them unless specifically requested, even then when I asked for it to be put on the job sheet it didn't get done).
On a couple of occasions the car came back from the dealer with damage to it. I had scuffs on the wing mirrors where something has scraped along it, and when they had the dash out they damaged two pieces of the aluminum trim and didn't say anything about or replace it until I took it back in and showed them the damage. The dash was also not put back properly and was protruding from the rest of the surrounding trim.

They filled the washer bottle up with water instead of screen wash.

Worse than all that was the attitude of the dealer principal when confronted with all these issues.

I would love to love the car but the build quality issues and the level of service from the dealer means that when I swap my car next year I won't be swapping it for the C63 AMG as planned I will be swapping it for BMW M3 and it won't be from Stratstone.

 

[PhilC350]

Proud owner of a C350 Coupe for a whole four days and can say it's by far the most complete and enjoyable car I've ever owned (previous few have been C350CDI estate, BMW 635d and Lexus ISF so a fair variety of styles and power).

The engine is smooth, appears to be very economical so far although that for me isn't a big deal as I cover low-ish mileage, and it flies when asked to. Seats are superb and the build quality and equipment levels are excellent. Also love the fact that it's unlikely that I'll pass another one in traffic anytime soon, although that factor of course may come back to bite me at resale time

Really can't understand why there aren't far more of these on the road given the overall blend of looks, power and economy, but somehow glad that there aren't. The 335i BMW doesn't come close, and every other car you pass is a 3 series of some variety so as exclusive as the common cold.


Cheers

Phil

 

[Deleted member 65149]

Hi Phil and welcome. You've got the best engine so enjoy it now and don't worry about resale.

 

[PhilC350]

Thanks Knight. Loving every minute and resale is the last thing on my mind

Cheers

Phil

 

[Magoo]

Thanks Knight. Loving every minute and resale is the last thing on my mind Cheers Phil

Great choice Phil - I'm sure you'll have many happy days! Good luck with spotting another C350 Coupe. I've had mine for over a year now and never seen another 350 yet. Look out for the tell tale exhaust on either side. IMO it's a head turner in a lowly C180 too, though.

S.

 

[Maverick80]

Update to faults.

I've checked out other forums about the issues and the speakers rattling around on the back parcel shelf seems to be a common fault. Not good when you have paid extra for the better speakers. Anyway mine has been back to the dealer again for the rattling speakers in the parcel shelf and although they have covered everything in felt to reduce the noise it's still rattling around. Looks like a complete replacement of the rear parcel shelf. Yet another few days with my car in Mercedes and a filthy loan car from Mercedes in Doncaster. This time when it went it it did get cleaned before being returned but the last two times it came back dirty. Still covered in finger marks where the technicians had been working on it. :fail

Hi Guys,

First Merc I have bought and I would give it an overall rating of 6/10.

I have a Sep 2011 C350 AMG SPORT Coupe. When I bought it I had all the extras on it too including the sport button which sharpens up the throttle response and stiffens up the suspension. This was a great extra as it really makes a big difference to the responsiveness of the car.

The engine is amazing- smooth and almost endless power. Accelerates impressively from 80/90mph up to 140/150mph (on track of course).

MPG- Merc give it combined figure of 40mpg. You will never get anywhere close to this in normal driving conditions. The closet I have ever got was 36mpg and I have only got that once on a 60mile journey that didn't exceed 45mph. Normally it does about 25mpg.

I love the car and would have given my overall score of the car 10/10 but there are some problems with build quality and the level of service from Mercedes dealerships.

The issues I've had with car are as follows,

1, Rattles from behind the dash- been back to the dealer 6 times and still not fixed to this date. (I have been in a c63 AMG coupe, and c63 AMG black and both also had the same metallic rattle from behind the dash, also numerous loan vehicles have had similar annoying rattles and noises from the dash area.)

2, Rattles from under the drivers seat-Fixed, this was caused by metal cable clips on the wiring looms not being attached to anything and moving about.

3, The high visibility rear brake light was rattling when music was being played. The upgraded Harmon/Kardon speakers in the rear parcelshelf were rattling the high visibility brake light loose. It's been back twice for this fixing and since going back for the second time it hasn't happened again.

4, Drivers door lock sticking and not releasing the lock when opened. Not fixed as such as it just did this for a period of a couple of weeks intermittently and before the car went into the dealer it stopped doing it but the lock sticks up slightly now when in the locked position when compared to the one on the passenger door.

5, Panoramic sunroof. Sounds like it has a X-factor audition going off inside it. Lots of creaking and squeaking from it. It's been back three times for this taking care of. After multiple times of them trying to lubricate the seals (which failed) they finally have covered the sunroof in felt and it no longer squeaks and creaks.

6, The seat controls on the passenger side are intermittently sticking on the seat recline button. Not fixed as its intermittent and when it goes into the dealer it seems to behave and work ok.

7, The jack provided with car collapsed whilst changing a tyre. Luckily the wheel was still on and I had only just started unscrewing the wheel nuts. (Yes it was in the correct mountings and on a flat surface with the foot brake applied firmly). Luckily I was in a petrol station and I borrowed a trolley jack from an recovery truck while he was refuelling.

The dealer problems from Stratstone in Wakefield where I bought the vehicle from are that the vehicle was never washed when it was returned to me, (apparently they don't routinely wash customer vehicles before returning them unless specifically requested, even then when I asked for it to be put on the job sheet it didn't get done).
On a couple of occasions the car came back from the dealer with damage to it. I had scuffs on the wing mirrors where something has scraped along it, and when they had the dash out they damaged two pieces of the aluminum trim and didn't say anything about or replace it until I took it back in and showed them the damage. The dash was also not put back properly and was protruding from the rest of the surrounding trim.

They filled the washer bottle up with water instead of screen wash.

Worse than all that was the attitude of the dealer principal when confronted with all these issues.

I would love to love the car but the build quality issues and the level of service from the dealer means that when I swap my car next year I won't be swapping it for the C63 AMG as planned I will be swapping it for BMW M3 and it won't be from Stratstone.

 

[MarriedBlonde]

I've checked out other forums about the issues and the speakers rattling around on the back parcel shelf seems to be a common fault.

I have the dreaded parcel shelf rattle in my c63. I upgraded to the HK stereo so I guess thats why.

 

[cuillich]

c350 Tyres

Hi all

Are there any thoughts or advice on the best tyres of the current crop to put on my 350 coupe?
Any pointers much appreciated

 

[cuillich]

I took the plunge and bought one - absolutely the right thing to do its a brilliant 'bit of kit' and difficult to find something I dont like - I've had it 6 months now (bought from MB dealer, very low mileage and one lady owner - honest) and on long journeys using a mix of motorways and deserted rural roads I regularly get approx 38 mpg. Its now got Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, big difference to the originals. Its my first MB after a lifetime of cars including the 'odd' brand new exotica like the RS4 in 2001 - in my opinion a better build and in reality not that much slower when driven like the older Escort rally cars. Will I buy another MB certainly will......hope all this praise isnt tempting fate!!!

 

[Deleted member 65149]

I took the plunge and bought one - absolutely the right thing to do its a brilliant 'bit of kit' and difficult to find something I dont like - I've had it 6 months now (bought from MB dealer, very low mileage and one lady owner - honest) and on long journeys using a mix of motorways and deserted rural roads I regularly get approx 38 mpg. Its now got Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres, big difference to the originals. Its my first MB after a lifetime of cars including the 'odd' brand new exotica like the RS4 in 2001 - in my opinion a better build and in reality not that much slower when driven like the older Escort rally cars. Will I buy another MB certainly will......hope all this praise isnt tempting fate!!!

Good to hear you made the right choice and still pleased with it.

Thanks for the recommendation on Michelin Pilot Sport 4s. Mine are getting close to needing to be changed (3mm, not the ridiculous legal 1.6mm) and of the many options the Michelins look to be the best.

 

[cuillich]

Hi knighterrant
Did you note my earlier recommendation (Absolutely no connection other than a very satisfied customer) for blackcircles.com - cheapest by far and brilliant fitting service.