Mercedes C-class experiences, anyone? Infiniti G37xS ?

[Turboguy]

Hoping to draw on fellow FFR enthusiasts for some daily-driver advice/feedback?


I'm looking at the 2013 MB C300 4matic and 2012/2013 C350 4matic for a daily driver. Wondering if anyone here has experience and can chime in? I'd likely go for one with all the bells and whistles (or a lot of them).

As a general rule, I leave all work on the DD to a mechanic. On this end I'm a little concerned about repair/operating costs. Although I have heard they are quite reliable, a service adviser at the local dealership told me I wanted an extended warranty "because it's a Mercedes, after all. If something goes wrong, hooking it up to a computer and fixing it can cost $1,000 in a hurry", she said. I don't know anyone who drives one, so I don't know if this is a fear tactic or real and a frequent occurrence or rare.


The other car I liked was the G37xS (coupe, AWD). Definitely sportier than the Mercs, but more money and a a touch less practical too.


Anyone have experience with these? Like the longer factory warranty, but I have friends with Nissan's that have had some VERY bad experiences with their newer Altima's. Not sure if this is of any relevance.

[wallace18]

My son in law has the infinity sedan with AWD. He loves it. He has owned all major German makes and says this car is the best.

[JAE]

Hi Turboguy

I was just through the car buying process and the 2012 - 2013 C300 4matic was one of the cars I looked at. The MB dealers here in the Toronto area have quite a few of them to choose from - I think most of them are lease returns. I was very impressed at the quality of their used vehicles. They are all very clean and well maintained, in fact, they told me anyting that has more than 50% wear is replace - tires,brakes,etc. I though it might be a line from the sales person, but most of the ones I saw, had all new rotors and pads. I do know a few people that own (or have owned) MB vehicles and they all suggest extended waranties. The costs can addup quickly at the dealer. I did notice that some of the 2012 and 2013 cars did come with the extra warranty, I guess it just depended on what it came with when it was new. In the end, after looking at new and used vehicles (Lexus, Acura, VW and Subaru),I purchased a new Subaru Impreza. I realize the it is hard to compare an Impreza to a C300, but I did end up with a car that has everything the C300 has + an 8 year extended warranty for $15000 - $18000 less than the 2012 C300. Besides, if someone hits this car and totals it (the reason I needed a new car anyway) I can always build an 818 with what's left. I guess it all comes down to everyones personal likes and dis-likes, all I can say is test drive a lot of different vehicle to get an idea of what works for you. The Subaru wasn't even on my list when I started, I happend to be going by the dealer and stopped in just to look.

Thanks John

[Turboguy]

Thanks for the input, guys.

[JoeT]

My wife is on her 3rd Mercedes.. her first was a '06 C class (I know it's a different model) and had a CLS55 and now an E63. My Mother in law is on her second Mercedes first was an 07 C class (again, different model) and currently a '12 C300. In the roughly 400,000 miles on these 5 cars they have been unbelievably reliable. All requiring just routine maintenance. With the exception of the '06 and the 07 having the same broken dash panel there was not one issue on any of them.

If you have a mechanic do all the repairs there is a slightly higher cost. Oil changes on the C class IIRC use 9 quarts of synthetic at a cost of about $125, but they are done every 12k miles. Mercedes calls maintenance a schedule A,B or C...they are really nothing more than standard maint, but because they're not called change oil and air filter inspect brake fluid; they charge extra for it. I just did brakes on my MIL's car. The dealer wanted $1800. I did all four brake pads and rotors for $400 with performance parts (Zimmerman and Hawk). and they were as easy to do as your roadster.

I'm pretty impressed with my MIL's C300. for the price (she bought it 2 year old off lease as a CPO) it's a fantastic car. Similar money to a 2 year old Toyota or Honda.

That said, the jump from a '13 C300 to a '12 E350 isn't much price wise and the E class is a significantly better riding car. My Wife's E63 is a monster, the 350 a much tamer ride

here's a car line up for current garage....we like german cars and fords
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p92/jtehan/Mobile%20Uploads/e8156fa6-f619-40b1-ba9a-ce675f1cc2c6_zpsteeqgzug.jpg

[luvaz]

Turbo guy,
Lot's of good feedback here so far.
I don't have AWD/4matic experience, but sold an E350 cabriolet last November w/31k miles on it. I drove it for 18 mos (got it w/21k on it). It went in for "A" service at a MB 'specialist' (not dealer) for a $125 LOF using Mobil 1. After I got home, the TPMS sensor goes off....low batt on sensor and $200...says the service advisor. The new tech there comes over and asks me to open the trunk. He proceeds to empty out a few things I had in there and airs up the spare. No more TPMS light! Service writer was pissed! Then the serpentine belt and idler pulley decide to liberate themselves from the front of the engine...fortunately in my garage.
Yes, plan on spending $1k-2k per visit to the dealer. Having owned several 3 & 5 series BMW's in years past, I now understand the old adage 'never buy a German car out of warranty'.

Yes, the MB was well built, performed great, but you 'gotta pay if you wanna play'.

I also own an '05 Infiniti G35 sedan. Had it since '09 and it has been one of the best cars I've owned!

It is a 4 door sports car, if there is such a thing!

My wife has a '12 Altima. I can tell you there is no comparison between the G35 and Altima. Apples and oranges. The G35 is RWD, the Altima is FWD. On my 2 post lift, you can see no similarities under these cars.

Bottom line, IMHO, the Infiniti has more seat-of-the-pants performance, lower cost of ownership, and higher reliability than my MB.

OTOH, the valet's would run w/a big smile when I rolled up in the MB...:cool:

Not sure where you are in Canada, but I've noticed that most of the Bentley's in my neighborhood have Alberta tags on them...

HTH,
Will

[ehansen007]

All I can say is that having owned a BMW and Mercedes, and an Infiniti, I wish Infiniti made better looking cars. It was a better car to own, and when it needed service (rarely) it was quick and easy. I have friends who make a ton of money as Mercedes and BMW service reps. More than the sales guys. Not so much with Infiniti. :) I think that says a lot..