Dropped the German Suit for an American Bowtie
08-13-2018, 01:44 PM
#482
Moderator
Thread Starter
More like a 2 car, really. the 3rd bay has bikes, fridge & chest freezer, toolbox, shelving, water softener. So a motorcycle would about the only vehicle that would fit over there.
08-13-2018, 03:19 PM
#484
Ex-OEM King
08-13-2018, 03:31 PM
#485
Moderator
Thread Starter
Luckily, only have 2 cars at the moment.
It is nice having a lot more space in there than we had last week. Even with both cars in, everything is more organized.
It is nice having a lot more space in there than we had last week. Even with both cars in, everything is more organized.
08-13-2018, 06:54 PM
#487
I swear at least half of the people I know with a house gradually fill their garage with more and more crap until they start giving up parking spots 
I know somebody who has a shed and it still happened. Oh no baby what is you doin
I know somebody who has a shed and it still happened. Oh no baby what is you doin
08-14-2018, 08:52 AM
#488
Moderator
Thread Starter
Ended up with an '18 CLA250 FWD for a loaner, definitely makes me miss my C on the drive to work. Seats aren't as comfortable, the DCT isn't as good as the RWD 7G-tronic, blind spot monitors are hyper-sensitive, tire pressure light came on halfway to work.
Service adviser also tried to say that airflow on the windshield is normal, regardless of A/C setting....This is my 11th car, and have never had that happen, and the CLA surprisingly doesn't fog the windshield...
08-15-2018, 03:10 PM
#489
Moderator
Thread Starter
Picking the C up after work today.
Door LED fixed, entire exterior handle had to be replaced.
Windshield fogging; they re-initialized the blend door motor, and say that the issue should be resolved.
Front suspension creak is a bad strut. Currently on backorder, they tightened/greased things & said the noise is gone, but will come back, so they're going to replace the strut.
Will be glad to be out of the CLA.
Door LED fixed, entire exterior handle had to be replaced.
Windshield fogging; they re-initialized the blend door motor, and say that the issue should be resolved.
Front suspension creak is a bad strut. Currently on backorder, they tightened/greased things & said the noise is gone, but will come back, so they're going to replace the strut.
Will be glad to be out of the CLA.
08-28-2018, 10:08 AM
#491
Moderator
Thread Starter
Drilled a curb in an unlit, goofy shaped intersection last night. Luckily, minor scratch on the edge of the LF wheel.
11 cars & somehow only the 2nd time I've damaged a wheel (the first being the cheap plastic hubcap on a Saturn in college)
08-29-2018, 07:16 AM
#492
the saturn with a plastic hubcap doesn't count.
this is the first time you've done it...don't be too hard on yourself.
time for some new wheels and powder!
check this shit out from cars and coffee...maybe the colors but this really stood out to me as a really good look on this car...I think those are SL wheels from a different year.
this is the first time you've done it...don't be too hard on yourself.
time for some new wheels and powder!
check this shit out from cars and coffee...maybe the colors but this really stood out to me as a really good look on this car...I think those are SL wheels from a different year.
08-29-2018, 11:10 AM
#493
Moderator
Thread Starter
I think those are some flavor of R230 wheels, too swoopy for me.
Once the C is washed up, I'll get a better idea if the rash is bad or not.
I'm in a GLE350 today, while the C is back in the shop for the LF strut to be replaced. Hopefully eliminates the creak in the LF.
Simply asked to not be put into a CLA, was expecting a GLA or C, not a huge GLE.
The GLE is definitely like being back in a truck, rides so high up. Decent power from the V6, but none of the low end turbo torque. Definitely smoother than a sport trim C-class, was cruising at 85mph & didn't realize it.
Once the C is washed up, I'll get a better idea if the rash is bad or not.
I'm in a GLE350 today, while the C is back in the shop for the LF strut to be replaced. Hopefully eliminates the creak in the LF.
Simply asked to not be put into a CLA, was expecting a GLA or C, not a huge GLE.
The GLE is definitely like being back in a truck, rides so high up. Decent power from the V6, but none of the low end turbo torque. Definitely smoother than a sport trim C-class, was cruising at 85mph & didn't realize it.
08-29-2018, 01:13 PM
#496
Moderator
Thread Starter
My own opinions after spending ~2 days in a CLA loaner.
My C300 is a Sport pkg & as such has sport (stiffer/lower) suspension, and also has the option 19" 'AMG' wheels.
The CLA250 I had for a loaner had a harsher ride than my C, it too had some optional wheels (18" over the standard 17"), so partly down to that I think, but otherwise was a pretty standard CLA.
The CLA is a good bit smaller inside, especially in the back seat, and has an older generation infotainment. It also seemed a bit less sound insulated, so more road/wind/tire noise in the cabin.
The DCT on the FWD Mercedes seemed much jerkier at low speeds compared to the 7AT in my RWD C.
When I requested to not have a CLA today, they were going to put me in a GLA
so I was surprised when a GLE rolled up for me.
In the past, the C-class was Mercedes entry model. The CLA (and upcoming A-class) took that position & the C got some refinement & improvement. There's about a $7k base MSRP difference between the C & CLA for MY2018.
The GLE350 I'm in right now, has a quick B&P guess MSRP of $65k
My C300 is a Sport pkg & as such has sport (stiffer/lower) suspension, and also has the option 19" 'AMG' wheels.
The CLA250 I had for a loaner had a harsher ride than my C, it too had some optional wheels (18" over the standard 17"), so partly down to that I think, but otherwise was a pretty standard CLA.
The CLA is a good bit smaller inside, especially in the back seat, and has an older generation infotainment. It also seemed a bit less sound insulated, so more road/wind/tire noise in the cabin.
The DCT on the FWD Mercedes seemed much jerkier at low speeds compared to the 7AT in my RWD C.
When I requested to not have a CLA today, they were going to put me in a GLA
so I was surprised when a GLE rolled up for me.In the past, the C-class was Mercedes entry model. The CLA (and upcoming A-class) took that position & the C got some refinement & improvement. There's about a $7k base MSRP difference between the C & CLA for MY2018.
The GLE350 I'm in right now, has a quick B&P guess MSRP of $65k
08-30-2018, 10:11 AM
#498
Moderator
Thread Starter
Haven't driven a GLA, so it would have been something different, but I expect it drives like a lifted/less sporty CLA.
Also found the window sticker on the GLE, a few $$ shy of $60k. Considering my C had a MSRP of $50k, not too bad. The GLE is a lot of truck for another $10k, but it was far from loaded.
Also found the window sticker on the GLE, a few $$ shy of $60k. Considering my C had a MSRP of $50k, not too bad. The GLE is a lot of truck for another $10k, but it was far from loaded.
08-30-2018, 11:41 AM
#499
OIC.... I'll be in the market in about a year which is why I ask.
Looking for an AWD 4 door sedan off lease... only real requirement is Android Auto
prolly spend 20-25k, so I'm in the C300/CLA A3/A4 Q50 328 ATS zone.
Leaning toward the ATS right now.
Looking for an AWD 4 door sedan off lease... only real requirement is Android Auto
prolly spend 20-25k, so I'm in the C300/CLA A3/A4 Q50 328 ATS zone.
Leaning toward the ATS right now.
08-30-2018, 11:51 AM
#500
Moderator
Thread Starter
Just FYI, AndroidAuto is only just now available on the W205, I think it's 2018+ which also gets the new 9AT.
I think the prior-gen infotainment in the CLA is retrofittable for AA, but not the version in the pre-MMC W205.
Personally, I don't like the facelifted head/tail lights on the new C as much. I think the pre-facelift LED headlights (static & active LED) look much better.
I think the prior-gen infotainment in the CLA is retrofittable for AA, but not the version in the pre-MMC W205.
Personally, I don't like the facelifted head/tail lights on the new C as much. I think the pre-facelift LED headlights (static & active LED) look much better.
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brian2 (08-30-2018)
08-30-2018, 12:12 PM
#501
Ex-OEM King
FWIW, the Android Auto (and apple carplay) on the A3/A4 is infuriating to use with the stupid knob. The interface is designed for touch use (like your phone) and sucks to use with a knob. The BMW's don't have Android, only Apple. The Infiniti isn't as good of a car as the others (except CLA) and the CLA blows. I drove it before buying the Golf and it was very obviously a cost reduction special and, IMO, not worthy of the badge on the hood. It's a car for people who like badges and not cars. The ATS is being phased out so you can probably get a hell of a deal on one and, if you're willing to forgo the AWD, can grab a GTI for about that price point (complete with touch screen) no problem.
08-30-2018, 12:22 PM
#502
didn't realize that. The AndroidAuto has been genius in my GMC. I'm hooked.
I'd love a GTi, but I'm done with the boy racer phase and I'd be too tempted to mod. I need something that can be somewhat classy for work that also doesn't make me feel guilty about stacking the miles on.
I'd love a GTi, but I'm done with the boy racer phase and I'd be too tempted to mod. I need something that can be somewhat classy for work that also doesn't make me feel guilty about stacking the miles on.
08-30-2018, 01:15 PM
#503
Moderator
Thread Starter
The GTI was top of my list, until this C fell into my lap (at about a $4k lower price).
The GTI is a super fun car & not too boy-racer-ish, but I too would've likely had the mod bug with one.
Not sure of the facelift W205 gets a touch screen interface, if not, it may be the same story as the A3/A4 & having to run AA via the control knob.
I find the Mercedes system pretty easy to use, once you get the hang of it, but I have had 2 generations of S-class for occasional practice.
You can probably find a CPO GolfR near your price range, but probably not a 2018.
Another option (but without AA) is look at a C400. TT V6, AWD, and a good bump of power over the C300. I drove a couple, but the ins cost was a huge jump over the C300, so the annual $$ out was too big of a difference for what we were wanting to pay.
The GTI is a super fun car & not too boy-racer-ish, but I too would've likely had the mod bug with one.
Not sure of the facelift W205 gets a touch screen interface, if not, it may be the same story as the A3/A4 & having to run AA via the control knob.
I find the Mercedes system pretty easy to use, once you get the hang of it, but I have had 2 generations of S-class for occasional practice.
You can probably find a CPO GolfR near your price range, but probably not a 2018.
Another option (but without AA) is look at a C400. TT V6, AWD, and a good bump of power over the C300. I drove a couple, but the ins cost was a huge jump over the C300, so the annual $$ out was too big of a difference for what we were wanting to pay.
10-08-2018, 04:40 PM
#504
Moderator
Thread Starter
Nothing new with mine, but have a coworker that was wanting to get out of her 86k mile 2016 Colorado.
Been helping her look around at a few Lexus RCs, then she took my car for a drive.
She stopped in a MB dealer over the weekend to look at a C300 coupe, but realized that for the same price, the coupes put you into a base model.
She showed up at the office today in a near twin of mine. Hers being a 2016, and without the multimedia pkg (nav & bigger infotainment screen). Hers also has 2 holes in the front bumper where the front lic bracket was.
The Germans are taking over in my office. 2 BMW 5ers (E60 535i & G30 540i), an C7 Audi A6 & 2 W205 C300s
Been helping her look around at a few Lexus RCs, then she took my car for a drive.
She stopped in a MB dealer over the weekend to look at a C300 coupe, but realized that for the same price, the coupes put you into a base model.
She showed up at the office today in a near twin of mine. Hers being a 2016, and without the multimedia pkg (nav & bigger infotainment screen). Hers also has 2 holes in the front bumper where the front lic bracket was.
The Germans are taking over in my office. 2 BMW 5ers (E60 535i & G30 540i), an C7 Audi A6 & 2 W205 C300s
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RPhilMan1 (10-09-2018)
10-08-2018, 06:53 PM
#505
Chapter Leader (Southern Region)
Why did she get a Colorado and why did she want to get away from it?
Also.. you took her for a ride did you? She has two holes you say..
Also.. you took her for a ride did you? She has two holes you say..
10-09-2018, 09:57 AM
#506
Moderator
Thread Starter
She had a Lexus prior to the truck, wanted to get back into a car. Was looking at RCs & was swayed to ze Germans.
10-15-2018, 10:07 AM
#508
Moderator
Thread Starter
We have about 20 offices at our company, and she drives to a lot of them. Also an hour commute each way for her.
Gave the C a bath, finally, yesterday & debadged the C300 on the trunk lid.
And, of course, black skies this morning
Gave the C a bath, finally, yesterday & debadged the C300 on the trunk lid.
And, of course, black skies this morning
10-15-2018, 11:01 AM
#509
Team Owner
That's um... An ugly, all brick, poor person house, behind the Benz...
:sarcasm:
:sarcasm:
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00TL-P3.2 (10-15-2018)
10-15-2018, 02:57 PM
#511
Moderator
Thread Starter
11-19-2018, 11:52 AM
#512
Moderator
Thread Starter
C went in for service on Friday.
Front wheel bearing, both front headrests (passenger side the F/R adjustment is stuck, driver side has a small rattle), flutter/click from A/C vents (sounds like a blend door issue, noise goes away if I take it off of AUTO), small rattle from sunroof shade.
In a '18 GLC300 for a loaner. A lot like a C-class that's been raised & a hatchback added. Drives a lot like my car, with a hint of understeer & top-heavier feeling. The 9-speed works really well, and a feature I wish mine has (M button by the drive-mode selector, enables manual mode, with no revert to Auto).
I can see why people like these, I could see getting one for my wife, when CPO prices come down some more. But I'd definitely want the Sport/AMG-line. Think it looks much better that way.
Front wheel bearing, both front headrests (passenger side the F/R adjustment is stuck, driver side has a small rattle), flutter/click from A/C vents (sounds like a blend door issue, noise goes away if I take it off of AUTO), small rattle from sunroof shade.
In a '18 GLC300 for a loaner. A lot like a C-class that's been raised & a hatchback added. Drives a lot like my car, with a hint of understeer & top-heavier feeling. The 9-speed works really well, and a feature I wish mine has (M button by the drive-mode selector, enables manual mode, with no revert to Auto).
I can see why people like these, I could see getting one for my wife, when CPO prices come down some more. But I'd definitely want the Sport/AMG-line. Think it looks much better that way.
11-21-2018, 09:46 AM
#515
Moderator
Thread Starter
Wheel bearing noise was diagnosed as cupping on front tire.
Driver headrest replaced, passenger still inop, will have to call back on that.
So far, A/C noise is gone.
Glad to back in the go-kart. The GLC was nice & very smooth on the road, but too truckish for me. Definitely an option for the wife, once CPO prices are more reasonable.
Driver headrest replaced, passenger still inop, will have to call back on that.
So far, A/C noise is gone.
Glad to back in the go-kart. The GLC was nice & very smooth on the road, but too truckish for me. Definitely an option for the wife, once CPO prices are more reasonable.
12-03-2018, 11:09 AM
#516
Moderator
Thread Starter
First experience (in over a decade) of DIY German maintenance.
Oil change on the C yesterday. Definitely a bit more involved than the typical Honda.
Remove 2 floor panels under the car.
Remove engine cover & air intake hose for filter (top cartridge) access.
Drain oil.
Replace filter (cartridge & 3 o-rings)
Repeat in reverse.
Would've been nice if they'd put in an access panel for the oil pan, rather than having to remove the whole underfloor.
Oil change on the C yesterday. Definitely a bit more involved than the typical Honda.
Remove 2 floor panels under the car.
Remove engine cover & air intake hose for filter (top cartridge) access.
Drain oil.
Replace filter (cartridge & 3 o-rings)
Repeat in reverse.
Would've been nice if they'd put in an access panel for the oil pan, rather than having to remove the whole underfloor.
12-03-2018, 11:44 AM
#517
Team Owner
Yeah, but then how else is the dealership going to charge someone for 2 hours labor to change the oil?
12-03-2018, 12:47 PM
#518
Moderator
Thread Starter
It was due for 'Service B' which is pretty much an oil change, tire rotation & wiper blades; along with 'checking/inspecting' other components.
On one of the MB forums, I was seeing quotes ranging from $350-800. For what amounted to a $70 DIY oil change.
I get that the rotation on staggered & directional tires is more involved, but $800
12-03-2018, 12:50 PM
#519
Ex-OEM King
That's par for the course with the German brands. BMW was going to charge me $225 to change the oil on my E46, I basically laughed and walked away. The huge advantage of that car was that the filter was on top and you could use an oil extractor through the dipstick to just pump the oil out. No need to crawl under, remove the undertray, and get dirty and could do it even if it's cold outside.
12-03-2018, 02:45 PM
#520
Moderator
Thread Starter
I may look into one of the oil extractors, since everything else is up top.