Tempted by this... UPDATE: It's home...
- Thread starter Maniac
- Start date
Not been on here in a while, but stumbled across this thread... it seems a few of us are tempted by the new C class!
StevenH72, your car looks stunning, I'm guessing that's Polar White? I've also been looking at the new C as a replacement to the SLK which will be 2 years old in August. There are some really good deals out there at the moment, and I think Merc have really moved standard equipment to a new level... pretty much everything is standard, even sat nav and a reversing camera! Thankfully the 10-digit telephone keypad is gone at last which makes the dash look much more modern. I'm looking at a C250 Bluetec with Premium pack, which is the same engine in the SLK, but slightly faster 0-60 and hugely more fuel efficient.
Look forward to hearing about yours Maniac when it arrives.
StevenH72, your car looks stunning, I'm guessing that's Polar White? I've also been looking at the new C as a replacement to the SLK which will be 2 years old in August. There are some really good deals out there at the moment, and I think Merc have really moved standard equipment to a new level... pretty much everything is standard, even sat nav and a reversing camera! Thankfully the 10-digit telephone keypad is gone at last which makes the dash look much more modern. I'm looking at a C250 Bluetec with Premium pack, which is the same engine in the SLK, but slightly faster 0-60 and hugely more fuel efficient.
Look forward to hearing about yours Maniac when it arrives.
The 2.1 diesel is indeed a bit of a rough diamond, but for me the higher mpg figures and torque from the twin turbos means I can live with it. The SLK has gradually become more refined as the miles have piled on and any diesel clatter is only really noticeable at lower speeds.
If thinking of a C Class I would have to spend a day in a 3 Series first and then try the Merc as it doesn't compare too well at all in most areas apart from the interior maybe. I do like the look of the C Class Saloon though and their offers on them don't seem too bad at the moment.
Tim.
Tim.
Z4 Beemer said:
Yep, Polar White. The interior and toys / technology are what moved me away from BMW. to get a comparable 4 series, I was looking at an additional £200PCM, a 50% increase. Even then the interior in the 4 series is crap compared to the Merc (imo of course).
As I think I mentioned earlier, the Merc for me is a comfortable every day cruiser. I have the Z4M for driving pleasure, so Merc was an easy choice over the 3 / 4 series.
Good to hear you're pleased with it. The 3 series BMW is just not on my radar at all, I reckon it comes across as being pretty bland in comparison.
Just out of interest, does the C pull away from rest in 1st or 2nd? The SLK only changes right down to 1st if you stop completely. If you slow down to say 1mph it stays in 2nd and you can pull away from there.
Just out of interest, does the C pull away from rest in 1st or 2nd? The SLK only changes right down to 1st if you stop completely. If you slow down to say 1mph it stays in 2nd and you can pull away from there.
Z4 Beemer said:
I would reserve judgement until I've driven a C Class, my brother has recently taken delivery of a 3 Series Touring which drives as a BMW should, a really nice motor when specced correctly. I would expect the C Class to be similar to the Audi, a dandy interior but lacking somewhat in the drive dep't, similar to the SLK. As a motorway plodder though a nice car to have and pretty to look at
Tim.
The estate is a really nice looking car Maniac. Glad you've finally taken the plunge and sounds like you got a great deal too!
The saloon is an awkward looking thing though, and the rear looks dreadful.
The saloon is an awkward looking thing though, and the rear looks dreadful.
Z4 Beemer said:
Yeh it stays in 2nd until complete standstill.
As Tim says, I guess it depends what you want it for. BMW's will always be better driving cars, but I was only ever looking at a 320d anyway, so hardly the last word in driving enjoyment. For a daily car the cabin is more important imo.
Maniac said:I still find myself in a quandary on the wheels ...
18" 5 spoke AMG or 19" cart wheel style AMG.
Drove both, 19" was hard riding and 18" notably better.
But the 19" looks great on the car.
Merc use run flats now too
I'm trying to understand why there is a notable differance in ride quality, hence the question in tyre profile
I'm not sure on tyre sizes. There was a notable difference. The 18" AMG wheels on the estate were firm but comfy enough. The 19" AMG wheels I tested on a saloon and were very firm.
The estate suspension could be softer, skewing the result. Plus I'm getting air suspension on mine which should help comfort. Making me wonder on the best option.
The estate suspension could be softer, skewing the result. Plus I'm getting air suspension on mine which should help comfort. Making me wonder on the best option.
Maniac said:
Have you test driven one with the air suspension? I was tempted to spec it, but the salesman said it really doesn't do a great deal. Admittedly I didn't drive one with air suspension so can't comment first hand. I tested saloons with both the 18s and 19s...the 18s were definitely a better ride.