C200CDI - A few specification questions

[collierd]

Hello

I'm considering a New Mercedes for my next car (moving from a BMW 320) and would appreciate any advice regarding the following questions - thanks!!

It's likely to be a C200CDi with an elegance upgrade

The E series offers climate control as standard whereas the C offers air conditioning - have I read this right and if so, what is the difference?

I'm also going to rule out a 6 disc CD player and just use an MP3 player (less cost and clutter!) - does that seem wise and do I need anything extra to do that?

I have had back problems in the past, so I am looking at adding multi-contour seats - Is this any good or is there something else I should consider?

Is cruise control a useful addition - i've never had/used it

I'm aware that this is completely personal choice
Has anybody got any suggestions on interior/exterior colours
I'm thinking Iridium silver, Black/Black Artico upholstery, Burr Walnut Wood
I don't think there are any other choices

Is there anything else I should be thinking of?


Again, any advice would be appreciated

Thanks.

Damian.

 

[aero8]

Hi Damian,
I am an newbie myself, but I guess I could offer you some advice, all C classes offers automatic air conditioning which is same as climate control(basically you set the temperature, and it does everthing for you, so that the cabin remains at whatever temp you've set)

Re cruise control, it comes as standard if you opting for auto transmmsion which IMO a must-have option in anything C class or above to keep the residuals.

Depending on your budget, I'd go for 6 cd(selling point for next purchaser )

Silver is a good colour to keep clean(swirl marks less visible)
I'd go for cubanite....just my 2p

 

[carabind]

If you do much motorawy driving, pick the cruise, it could save you some points on your licence if used properly
Silver is a better choice than black
I've got a MP3 (with a quality wireles transmitter) which just plugs into the cigar lighter and transmitts to a frequency around the 88-92mz range. stores around 200 songs, more than a CD changer and a fraction of the cost - and can be easlily transferred in seconds to any car in the future

not disagreeing with areo, just my opinion

 

[aero8]

not disagreeing with areo, just my opinion

LOL Not at all, just realized that all new C classes has Aux input for I-pod, so 6 cd are probably un neccessary....

 

[collierd]

Thanks for the advice

cruise control does seems sensible

Forgot to say, this is a company car

For that reason I can't go with the auto (we now have a limit of 160 co2)
The impression I seem to be getting is that a merc need auto - I had to test drive an auto has they had no manuals in stock
I've always driven manuals
Am I likely to be disappointed?? or do people tend to pick auto's for residual reasons

Thanks

 

[Phil D]

Thanks for the advice

cruise control does seems sensible

Forgot to say, this is a company car

For that reason I can't go with the auto (we now have a limit of 160 co2)
The impression I seem to be getting is that a merc need auto - I had to test drive an auto has they had no manuals in stock
I've always driven manuals
Am I likely to be disappointed?? or do people tend to pick auto's for residual reasons

Thanks

yes on both points which are inter-related. To get the best from a merc it absolutely has to be automatic - for that reason nobody with half a brain buys a manual - new or second hand - esp new as it knocks thousands off the residuals. As you're talking about a company car the the residual value won't be your prpblem but do try & drive a manual before committing yourself to a 2 or 3 year deal

 

[carabind]

There is a bit of a gap in the ramge here, I don't think you can get a "small" diesel auto ie 200 or 220 with an autbox on the back.

 

[Xtractorfan]

In your position i would talking to the dealer and certainly auto before manual, the cd changer isnt necessary as the ipod or mp3 will plug n play , cruise control is good and it is a bonus if u can swing it, seating is really a dealer issue, tho cloth is much more comfortable than leather, silver is always good, tho white is the new silver.. and black if you're a clean and gleam guy, One thing to do is have a good look around at the different colours and pick ur utmost favourite, cos u wont have had your car ten minutes until u think u have just spotted a nicer one... such is life

 

[aero8]

One thing to do is have a good look around at the different colours and pick ur utmost favourite, cos u wont have had your car ten minutes until u think u have just spotted a nicer one... such is life

I take it it has happened to you before then