new model ML350 CDI too C class 350cdi amg sport plus???

[ctm]

i am considering changing my new model M Class, to a C class cdi amg sport plus. (anything for a quiet life)!!!
does anyone here have any experience of the latest c class model?
some reviews mention the 220 models very uncomfortable and poor build quality???
economy not really an issue although it will be more efficient, but ride quality, handling & refinment i wonder how it compares to say a BM new 3.0dsport,3 series or current 5 series diesel
any knowledge shared would be much appreciated...

[edstrom76]

I acquired a C250 CDI Estate Sport Plus towards the end of last year, coming from a BMW 120d M-Sport and am very impressed with the car. Build quality is excellent, they went through a facelift in 2011 which addressed some low-rent aspects of the interior (pop-up screen being one of them) and materials used are much improved. If driving dynamics is high up on your wish list then there is no denying a 3-series would suit you better. That said, in AMG guise they corner very well, whilst retaining much of the supple suspension - to some people it might actually be too stiff, but coming from a 1-series it was always going to be an improvement

The engine is very impressive too and pulls strongly through the gears - I opted for an automatic which a lot of folk say is a must have as it suits the character of the car but this is obviously down to personal preference. The deals on the Sport Plus are very attractive at the moment and you get a lot of car for your money. They come with adaptive Xenons in this trim which is a treat - they are very very good. I purposely didn't opt for COMAND as you can retro fit a Becker sat nav unit, these can be had off eBay for around £200.

They don't come with leather (not sure if the C350 CDI is any different) and I'm not sure whether you can specify this option, however the Artico stuff is super and it looks really good. Comfortable too and it keeps your bum from slipping and sliding in the corners Fuel economy wise I was a little bit disappointed for a start as I could only achieve low 40's however now the engine has loosened up and outside temperatures are a bit higher I've no trouble hitting 52/53mpg. For a car of this size and the fact that it has an 'auto box I find that really impressive. It is quite nippy too with something like 204bhp and obviously even more so if you go for the six pot.

[st4]

I run a 2009 C220cdi sport and its driving characteristics are very good. A drive of a BMW 320d does reveal in M sport trim the C doesn't quite feel as tight to drive, but outright road holding is pretty comparible but the 3 feels more sporting, the C class better laid out

Good looking cars too



_DSC0403 by [e-mail], on Flickr