Mercedes C280 4MATIC 2008 Customer Review
When I faced a question of choice vehicle, the choice fell first on the Audi A4. Since the main criterion when choosing a car was the presence of all-wheel drive and a world authority in this matter the company Audi (with its all wheel drive system Torsen) I was well known. Yes, and model Audi A4 (B8 body) was quite fresh at the market. But, unfortunately, at that time only gasoline engines combined with a manual transmission, and one of the conditions was the availability of automatic transmission. A three-liter diesel, which is just combined with the automatic transmission, on its cost was beyond my budget. And the driving experience to test-drive mode, I was not impressed. Got it – not me.
The next car, which I began to look closely – BMW 325Xi. Respectable brand and its all-wheel drive X-Drive. Following the test drive, I was impressed with the quick machine (especially in the “sport”), a sense of speed and incomparable sound of the inline six. I bought a car and enjoyed it for a month until the winter came. Operation in winter conditions, showed that four-wheel drive in certain conditions does not work. In the motion at any speed, X-Drive gives unlimited confidence on snowy or slippery roads. But in the mode of maneuvering in a parking lot – it turns off! And our snow-covered courtyards have become a trap for the BMW. After a short while owning a car, unfortunately, had to sell.
And after this ordeal, I finally turned his attention to the Mercedes C-Class. On the test drive was won over his comfort and serenity to the quality of the pavement. Starting the engine, which combined four-wheel drive, was three-liter V-shaped six. I think this engine is optimally sufficient for this model.
So began my history of ownership Mercedes S280 4Matic. Operation was conducted in completely different conditions and weather, and traffic. And that’s what this experience has shown.
The main course, the fact that I am absolutely happy with my car! It gives an inexplicable sense of security and confidence. It gives peace of mind! It does not matter whether you’re going on the highway at a speed of 180 km / h (forgive me, traffic police), or standing in traffic – you are calm. And this whole world with all its bustle and uncertainty about the future, is somewhere out there.
Special thanks mention all-wheel drive Mercedes. Permanent full with torque distribution between front and rear axles in a ratio of 45: 55 respectively and, where appropriate, able to move 100% of the time on one wheel. Off-road all-wheel drive setup I think is very successful. With a parallel in the property Touareg locking differential interwheel and reduction gear, and comparing them to the same conditions – have every right to such a claim. This snowy winter has been a lot of reasons to test the all-wheel drive and make sure its technical perfection. Loose fresh snow, which I drove the car up to his belly and independently chosen from it. Wet snow melted (most probably a complex type of coverage), or rolled the ice – not hinder me to parallel parking with arrival of the two side wheels on the curb. Loose sand on the coast of the Azov Sea, dirt, tiered seating, winding into the field and forest dirt road leading to the Seliger. Diagonal display, which I coped by turning off the ESP and Automatic transfer to manual mode (limited first transfer). At the same time, the Tuareg had to use it for all its off-road capability. The only thing that limited the cross-Mercedes – a small clearance.
Suspension settings, I think the best compromise between handling and comfort. Rather the emphasis is shifted slightly in favor of control, but it specifically in my complete “Vanguard”. With the “Classic” and “Elegance” suspension a bit softer. Therefore, I believe that the wheels of the 16th range of comfort is preserved, not at the expense of handling and appearance. The car holds the road well, and completely ignores the rut. Steering wheel is completely isolated from road irregularities. But it happens in a turn that bumps the car a little interchanges. Settings of electronic security systems in the winter on snowy roads can take a turn with a slight skid, fan. Completely disable the electronic assistant – have not tried it.
Sound standard radio with CD-MP3 Changer, I think quite worthy. Interior ergonomics at 5 +. And when I read in magazines about the periodic motor overloaded stalk switch, is ridiculous – this is the most natural version of the landing: left hand holds the steering wheel, and lies on the door armrest, and his right hand rests on the arm and holds the lever gearbox. Keeping his hands on the wheel, turn the porter – that’s natural.
The habit of keeping his right hand on the lever of the box was left with more experience in car ownership “mechanics.” But here, no, no, yes and vospolzueshsya the habit: the shift lever to the left “takes off” one gear in automatic transmissions, more traffic – more transmission. And while the engine is enough for all modes of movement, automatic transmission is configured to smooth shifting. And sometimes it is necessary to accelerate more rapidly, and then comes to the aid sequential mode transmission. In addition, the restriction of automatic transmissions, such as a third gear in the winter season allows for more efficient engine braking. Box adaptive, easy to “switch” to an aggressive driving style, keeps the transmission, and later transferred to a higher, but is to slow down the engine and gearbox goes into its normal mode – the mode smooth gear changes. But in general, while driving a Mercedes, a desire to drive fast passing away, and not because he is not able to do it, but because it has a quiet style of riding.
As for the interior, it would be more containers for small things. For example, in a journey nowhere even attach a small bottle of 330 ml. Do not add back the couch – too negative. Although a fairly large trunk (with a trip to the Crimea with his wife and daughter all the belongings they fit, but thought I have to buy a roof rack). But there are two cigarette lighters, and that I appreciated in the same trip by connecting the trap warning at the same time and navigator.
With regard to fuel consumption, despite the 3-liter engine capacity 231 hp / s and four-wheel drive, the consumption is 11.7 liters per 100 km in combined cycle. And it’s not good news.
On the odometer for 40 thousand miles, and it continues to delight me every day, and not only comfort and handling, but its dependability. And my confidence in the car turns into knowledge – I know that my little Mercedes will not let me in any way.
About Mercedes C280 4MATIC 2008
Black 4 bits. Sedan, Automatic, 3 yrs., 231 hp
gasoline, driving on the left, drive full