Just bought my first Mercedes

[Iggipoppop]

Thanks everyone, I really am very happy with it so far!

My becker has just arrived too, the software wouldn't run on my pc so had to download from beckers website, lets hope that's the only speed bump!!

 

[littlebrooklyn]

Looks a very nice car

 

[Botus]

is it your first auto?

never understood those who thinkg its remotely possible to muddle the braking so wont go there. however in my experience it takes a month to get used to the slower, later more ponderous throttle response. often needs a far bigger application of throttle (and earlier) to pull out smartly from junctions etc.

however, after a month everything is natural and the idea of wasting time phaffing about with a clutch will seem totally stupid and so unnecessary.

when I was young I thought anyone driving an auto was a sad old fart that should have license taken away. in an attempt to persuade me my father read a quote from Niki Lauda (who at the time had a 500 merc). When he was asked why does he have an auto Niki replied something along the lines of "I know how to change gear why do I want to bother"

Took me another 20 years to agree with him...

 

[EmilysDad]

... When he was asked why does he have an auto Niki replied something along the lines of "I know how to change gear why do I want to bother"

Took me another 20 years to agree with him...

Brilliant reply! I've been an auto convert for the past 25 yrs or so ..... can never agree with the 'I want to be in control' manual stalwarts

 

[daibevan]

That's because they have never driven Merc autos. I was that man, now I've seen the light.

 

[EmilysDad]

That's because they have never driven Merc autos. ......

...... other car manufacturers fit automatic gearboxs too

 

[Iggipoppop]

Haha, I like that story Botus!

This is my first auto, although having the flappy paddles means if I want to get my gear change on I can! I know what you mean about the throttle response but I'm generally enjoying the laziness of it all! It means I can concentrate on playing with all the other toys on offer too!

 

[Headhurts]

Mercedes auto boxes in Eco are very lazy but that seems to be a trait and can catch you out occasionally when pulling out but not completely stopped.

Sport mode though makes it a much better drive and I have noticed hardly any difference in MPG.


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[Lisadj]

Hi, nice car !
I'm 2 years into being a Merc driver and also 2 years of being in the auto club. I agree with the others, I had to go back to manual when I borrowed my Dad's car for a few days (in between my old one being picked up and my new one being delivered) and it was erm, interesting.
Definitely prefer auto. I mainly use eco mode but agree its sometimes sluggish when I want to pull away quickly (out of my road onto the main road for example). I sometimes have a go in Sport/Sport+ on the dual carriageway or when there's a boy racer next to me at the lights. :lol:

 

[Brizzle]

I sometimes have a go in Sport/Sport+ on the dual carriageway or when there's a boy racer next to me at the lights. :lol:

Nah, let the boy racers go ... and then at them when you catch up at the next set of lights

 

[John Laidlaw]

Someone once told me my gearbox had another mode

 

[EmilysDad]

Someone once told me my gearbox had another mode

it makes no odds whether I'm in C or S

 

[C350Carl]

Even with COMAND you can't get messages



Nice motor

Depends which version of COMAND. If it's the same NTG4.5 that I have in the S212 then you can get messages displayed.

 

[C350Carl]

I have the same engine as you but in an E Class. Mine is a Jan 13 62 plate but is on nearly 78k miles.

Things to watch for:

Timing chain rattle. - Known fault on the engine. Although the internet will have you believe it's an everyday occurrence it is in fact quite rare. Tell tale sign is starting from cold it sounds like there is a kids rattle under the bonnet for a few seconds.

Injectors have been an issue in the past but yours should be the same as mine and have the revised items already fitted.

Gearbox if it's a 7G Plus should require an oil change once at 77500 miles. You can check on the Mercedes My Sevice or ESS.

Link to ESS - http://lite.servicemercedes.co.uk/pc/pc_start.asp

Just had mine done recently at 75k miles. Gear changes were a lot better afterwards. But still not a patch on the DSG offering from VAG. Then again 7G Plus is not a dual clutch box like DSG. The new 9G that was on the loan car I had recently was and you can tell the difference.

Only other issue I have had is needed the battery replaced and also the column mounted gearshift stalk (don't think you will have that on a C). Otherwise it's a good engine.

 

[Botus]

Hi, nice car !
I mainly use eco mode but agree its sometimes sluggish when I want to pull away quickly (out of my road onto the main road for example). I sometimes have a go in Sport/Sport+ on the dual carriageway or when there's a boy racer next to me at the lights. :lol:

I drive quite sedately most of the time due to traffic. I hate the adaptive element of modern gearboxes. The have no view of traffic conditions and start ruining change points based on absolute rubbish (and worse still remembering this as if its something I want). I had the opportunity to press on the other day and the box was lethargic and hopeless and making progress hard work.

I switched to sport and it just went demented on me. From bad to outright dangerous, somehow it took the request to go a little bit faster to meaning OK lets swap from 1500rpm to 4500 rpm. All I got was ESP and Traction control interference and the car lurching uncontrollably from one change point to another. I had to swap back to normal so the revs weren't bouncing off the red line giving me 380 bhp when I was only asking for 200 under the same throttle application that normal would have given me.

Since the dark ages I don't get why the throttle position isn't one of the major factors in when an auto changes up.

If I'm Ayrton on acid I still have to follow other traffic hence keep revs below 2k, if I then give it 3/4 throttle don't change up a gear at 2.5k doh !!!!

 

[Lord_Lucan]

Regarding C or S mode: I've found my w203 is actually more economical in S mode which I'm guessing is down to being able to reach my desired speed sooner and cruising at said speed for longer.

 

[SunnyDee]

Good chose of a car and model, I also have a 62 reg C250 Coupé but my petrol not stinky diesel lol. I did test drive a black C220 I found the engine to be very noisy that was including cold start and warm up, but don’t get me wrong the petrol powered engines do sound quiet winey when its cold.

I have online command on mine, also don’t bother settings up SMS on it as lets face it no one sends text messages anymore, its all about whats app, but good point I do like about Bluetooth calling is that FaceBook calling works hands free too!!!

I do enjoy spinning the rear out on slight wet road conditions lol

 

[EmilysDad]

I send texts ...... not every where has an Interweb signal ;-)

 

[v8disco]

Just had mine done recently at 75k miles. Gear changes were a lot better afterwards. But still not a patch on the DSG offering from VAG. Then again 7G Plus is not a dual clutch box like DSG. The new 9G that was on the loan car I had recently was and you can tell the difference.

Only other issue I have had is needed the battery replaced and also the column mounted gearshift stalk (don't think you will have that on a C). Otherwise it's a good engine.

You are so right about the VAG box. The 7 speed DSG in my wife's Audi is way smoother, more responsive and just generally nicer to drive than the box in my CLS350.



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[John Laidlaw]

Yeah I have an A6 auto and it for sure shifts up and down quick...like a CVT..but it just to me is whiny , the 7g in my SL is way better imo