great value, real fun to drive
Smooth engine, great Mercedes after sales service, stunning multimedia package (a must have).
Warranty is a little limited (50,000 miles) and maitenance is not included.

This is my first Mercedes in 10 years. I have always been a fan of MB but the last one was a major disappointment in quality and reliability.

The first thing that got me back was the design. I love the look especially in all white. So five stars for design. The build quality is average to fair. There is some orange peel paint if you look close and the trunk lid does not line up on both sides evenly. I just was informed some are made in Germany and some are made in South Africa. Mine is of the German build but still lacks quality. I don't want to see the South African built MB! Interior design is nice but again, quality is an issue. Cheap plastic can be found everywhere you touch. It also shows cost cutting is a main goal for MB these days.

Comfort is important to me and thus far its good. Not excellent but very good.

Performance is so-so. The C300 is better on gas than the C350 but there is not enough power for passing. Around town, its acceptable but after a few months you notice many other cars passing you up at stop lights. I'm not a racer but keeping up with traffic is important.

Gas consumption is very poor. For this size engine and performance, I expected to average 20+ MPG. Instead I drive with a light foot and average 16.3 mostly highway driving. The best I have seen is 22-23 MPG on the highway. That is real world driving. Do not go by the EPA ratings as you will never see them.

Value wise, its actually a bit cheaper than the BMW 328xi. You give up some performance for the MB but the ride is much better in the C300 than the 328i. Depreciation is average.

In the end I would consider trading this in next year. I'm not sure what I would get but it probably won't be a MB.

i have personally always driven a 911 C2 or C4 but recently tried the MB C350 and bought itas my secondary car to go along with my 2007 911 C4. I can tell you i is my main car now. It is smooth in and out of traffic. Comfortable bucket seats, excellent steering and acceleration. My vehicle is made in Germany and I noticed and compaired to one made in South africa it appeared that the German ones are better built. I am getting 20 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway which I can live with. I will keep for at least two years and then trade in for a SL. I am slowly becoming a MB man. Highly recommed for those guys that need a four door peppy cafr with very good looks.

I love my new car. It's peppy and fun. My first MB.
The versatility of the controls for "C" Comfort, and "S" for Sport are a great feature.

Having owned this car for 3 months, it may be too soon to say if this car will be a keeper or not, but so far it's been a let down in some major areas.
After researching several cars in this class, my reseach and opinions guided me to the obvious top three choices- a BMW 335i, a Cadillac CTS and Mercedes C350. Having compared a 335i side by side with the Cadillac, I decided on the Cadillac CTS for its unique and sharp design, well thought out interior, impressive quality and features and the better value of the two by far. The three factors as to why I did not end up with the CTS was because the dealership did not carry the model with the features/combos I wanted, the price was nearly non nogitable, and the dealer was rude and did not care much about finding the one I wanted.
I also did not settle with the BMW 335i for the simple fact that after owning 2 new BMWs that were in the repair shop every 2 months I'd shop wisely. Therefore I settled for the C350 which at the time was my next best choice.
Good points- I have a bad back so good seats are important and the C350 has excellent front seats. Easy to adjust; good for long rides. The rear seats leaves little to no room but I rarely transport anyone in the back so it was a non issue. The trunk is a decent size for this class. The mirrors have no power folding options but they are auto-dimming all around. The ride is much smoother than the BMW and gives up little handling because of it. Do not get the larger AMG wheels which cause significant impact noise and harshness. The engine is excellent- smooth and quiet. The transmission is smooth shifting and works well with the engine. The dealers have been very helpful and cover extra items. Service is excellent.
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Less friendly points-Fuel consumption is horrible and it requires premium fuel. Fill ups cost $72+ and lasts me less than a week. I average about 16 MPG with 50% city/50% highway driving. The service light has come on 3 times in 3 months. The emission system has had 2 electronic problems. The engine control system failed, rendering the car useless and left me stranded at work. Rear passenger power window motor failure. Command navigation has been replaced. So far so good on the new system. Transmission logic controls replaced. Transmission failed to change gears from 1st to 2nd and went straight to 3rd with abrupt harshness. Consistent low oil level warning. One morning the car started and left a large cloud of blueish black smoke. Dealer found no immediate problems. In the end, I like the car. I like the styling very much and there are many good points, but then again most new cars in this class also have many good points so I can't say if I'd get another MB. There's little advantage to getting a Mercedes, other than the name and prestige. I'll write my review again in a few months and give an update. Perhaps these are just glitches in the new model year? Time will tell.

I test drove C 300 luxury...did not like it, it did not feel like a Benz and i was very disappointed. But tried C 300 Sport, and it is a different car when you compare it to C 300 Luxury. I like everything about it. the comand system is awesome and easy to use. however, it could be pricey with options.

Execellent crusier. If you compare it BMW it would be wrong. BMW is a sporty ride which I like as well but not always good in my opinion. I like the smooth comfy ride most of the time and C class 2008 model offers me that.

If you get the COMAND system then do not forget to get HR logic 1.7 Music system option. And also opt for AMG wheels 18" or more. Dynamic handling package (Advance Agility ) is a must if you like a sporty ride as BMW. This option does make a lot of difference. This option give you a SPORT button on the dash so you can turn it on when you like a stiffer and sporty ride. I will surely get it in my next car.

I previously had the C230 Kompressor and the C350 is more than what I had expected. I got the Ipod integration and having the access to your music makes a huge difference. The new controls for the entertainment system makes changing from CD to Radio to Satellite so much easier.

My only complaint is the size of the trunk and center console. Both are much smaller. I know you don't get this car for those items but when you transition to the newer model and you move stuff and the space is no longer there it can be a problem. For example golf clubs don't fit as easily as before.

Overall great car.

one of the best cars i have ever driven. looks great moving and standing still. you must get this car if you are looking for a mercedes in the 38-45 thousand dollar range

I am a gearhead tyope of person. I just sold my 2003 Corvette (out of style). I have a upgraded to the max Mustang GT, a rare Dodge daytona Shelby (300HP) and a Motorcycle (Honda CBR1000F)... So basically I like serious power and performance. My wife isn't a good driver and she is even afraid of driving on the highway (because its too fast).

This car was the best of both worlds because this car adapts itself to your driving for example. When her special key is used, the car is a big sluggish and the comfort ride clicks on and it gets fantastic gas milage. It hesitates from the start and it rides smooth and comfortable like a Mercedes should. But, when I use my special key to use the car, it changes into more of a performance car, the gas milage is worse but the timing and the fuel curves adjust to my faster than normal driving and it stays in sport mode.

I am 100% happy with the car plus th toys like the navigation is really easy to use(easier than the TomTom that we had bought. My wife uses it all the time and it is really smart. Worth every penny.

I feel like I have a 4 door corvette with an auto trasnmission. she feels like she is driving a really safe car.

I am not a easy person to impress. get the sport model!!!
The extra money for the C350 is worth it. Driver the c300 first and then drive the C350...You will want the 7 speed tranny and the more power...