So, is this the 3.0 or 3.5?
Bought a unicorn today.
- Thread starter atikovi
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C300 = 3.0
Yesterday, Carguru's showed around 53 or 54 listed within the U.S. filtered as manual trans within a year or so either way of 2008. I just happened to see it pop up as I was looking up some other info.
They normally show the asking or list price and sometimes, a symbol showing it as good, great or not so good deal based on miles or other things. It's a green arrow I think.
I had a 6MT in a G35 as rwd that was a fun car to jet around in - basically Infiniti's version of the 350Z.
I think a manual Merc is enough of a specialist call that the right buyer will come along and appreciated it. Market and condition / detailing, extras or whatever will always play in favor.
They normally show the asking or list price and sometimes, a symbol showing it as good, great or not so good deal based on miles or other things. It's a green arrow I think.
I had a 6MT in a G35 as rwd that was a fun car to jet around in - basically Infiniti's version of the 350Z.
I think a manual Merc is enough of a specialist call that the right buyer will come along and appreciated it. Market and condition / detailing, extras or whatever will always play in favor.
Originally Posted by bachman
Yesterday, Carguru's showed around 53 or 54 listed within the U.S. filtered as manual trans within a year or so either way of 2008. I just happened to see it pop up as I was looking up some other info.
They normally show the asking or list price and sometimes, a symbol showing it as good, great or not so good deal based on miles or other things. It's a green arrow I think.
I had a 6MT in a G35 as rwd that was a fun car to jet around in - basically Infiniti's version of the 350Z.
I think a manual Merc is enough of a specialist call that the right buyer will come along and appreciated it. Market and condition / detailing, extras or whatever will always play in favor.
It's a little murky. I did the same thing, but actually look at the pictures of the car, most of them are automatics, they just forgot to check the box. The automatic was an option. Looks like most of them out there are automatics.
Probably going to have to wait for someone who really wants it and has the cash. If they need financing, it probably won't get approved unless they have a big down payment. Considering how much Mercedes repairs are in general, I'd hate to think what a clutch would cost. Typically with the 7 speed transmission, when you have problems, it's either the conductor plate or the transmission is toast and you need a new transmission. Usually it's just the conductor plate.
The automatics seem to be in the 8-10k range in terms of asking price. I'm just not sure a manual would command a 2-4k premium over an automatic although the mileage is much lower than those 8-10k cars.
My 2008 E-350 which has a lot more options only has a book value of 8k but I'm at 110k for mileage.
Yesterday, Carguru's showed around 53 or 54 listed within the U.S. filtered as manual trans within a year or so either way of 2008. I just happened to see it pop up as I was looking up some other info.
They normally show the asking or list price and sometimes, a symbol showing it as good, great or not so good deal based on miles or other things. It's a green arrow I think.
I had a 6MT in a G35 as rwd that was a fun car to jet around in - basically Infiniti's version of the 350Z.
I think a manual Merc is enough of a specialist call that the right buyer will come along and appreciated it. Market and condition / detailing, extras or whatever will always play in favor.
It's a little murky. I did the same thing, but actually look at the pictures of the car, most of them are automatics, they just forgot to check the box. The automatic was an option. Looks like most of them out there are automatics.
Probably going to have to wait for someone who really wants it and has the cash. If they need financing, it probably won't get approved unless they have a big down payment. Considering how much Mercedes repairs are in general, I'd hate to think what a clutch would cost. Typically with the 7 speed transmission, when you have problems, it's either the conductor plate or the transmission is toast and you need a new transmission. Usually it's just the conductor plate.
The automatics seem to be in the 8-10k range in terms of asking price. I'm just not sure a manual would command a 2-4k premium over an automatic although the mileage is much lower than those 8-10k cars.
My 2008 E-350 which has a lot more options only has a book value of 8k but I'm at 110k for mileage.
Not a unicorn to me
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...but yes, I do agree they are rare since they stopped making them a while back.
Mine is a 2009 RWD Sport with Premium package (bought it CPO in late 2011). One of my buddies also has a black C300 manual (one year newer than mine), bought from the same dealer.
...but yes, I do agree they are rare since they stopped making them a while back.
Mine is a 2009 RWD Sport with Premium package (bought it CPO in late 2011). One of my buddies also has a black C300 manual (one year newer than mine), bought from the same dealer.
Dealers ARE the problem, coming from a family in the dealer business since there were cars. Every salesman knows he cannot sell a manual to an automatic -only driver, but every salesman THINKS he can sell an automatic to a stick shift driver.
Originally Posted by HangFire
Dealers ARE the problem, coming from a family in the dealer business since there were cars. Every salesman knows he cannot sell a manual to an automatic -only driver, but every salesman THINKS he can sell an automatic to a stick shift driver.
Why is that a problem? If people really wanted them, they could always custom order one. If it's no big deal then they'll just get a car with an automatic. Some people make it out to be a much bigger deal than it really is. I drove one for 5 years, don't miss a manual at all. Actually come to think of it, I'm glad I don't drive a stick now, got a light left ankle sprain, couldn't even drive a stick now, but no problem in an automatic.
Dealers ARE the problem, coming from a family in the dealer business since there were cars. Every salesman knows he cannot sell a manual to an automatic -only driver, but every salesman THINKS he can sell an automatic to a stick shift driver.
Why is that a problem? If people really wanted them, they could always custom order one. If it's no big deal then they'll just get a car with an automatic. Some people make it out to be a much bigger deal than it really is. I drove one for 5 years, don't miss a manual at all. Actually come to think of it, I'm glad I don't drive a stick now, got a light left ankle sprain, couldn't even drive a stick now, but no problem in an automatic.
It's only a problem if you want to buy a manual off the lot... assuming it even exists ant more.
Originally Posted by HangFire
It's only a problem if you want to buy a manual off the lot... assuming it even exists ant more.
It's just supply and demand. No demand, no supply.
I'm still rolling my eyes at people too cheap to get a smartphone and just want a basic phone.
It's only a problem if you want to buy a manual off the lot... assuming it even exists ant more.
It's just supply and demand. No demand, no supply.
I'm still rolling my eyes at people too cheap to get a smartphone and just want a basic phone.
Originally Posted by ArrestMeRedZ
My wife is hard on cars. We had a RAV4 that held up to absolute abuse. I wanted its replacement (it was totalled by a hit and run driver while parked) to be a Camry because of this.
I would have had better luck convincing her to let me take on a couple more wives than to make her accept a car with an automatic.
I don't have a problem with the first gear with the '17 Mazda 6, but the ratio between the gears is too tight, especially between 5th and 6th. Not much difference at all between those two gears. I would prefer a taller 6th.
Totally agree re the 3-to-4-5-6 gear ratio spread. 'Way too tight. On a downgradient I will often start in 2nd, go to 4th, then go to 6th. 5th / 6th spread is doubly 'way too tight. I also find 1st to 2nd a sometimes hard-to-make-smooth transition. There is a fairly big gap ratio-wise between 1st and 2nd.
What I like least of all, in my Mazda6 6MT, is a pretty weak-kneed engine torque in the 2000 rpm to 2800 rpm range. It would be a lot nicer with more bottom-end torque.
My wife is hard on cars. We had a RAV4 that held up to absolute abuse. I wanted its replacement (it was totalled by a hit and run driver while parked) to be a Camry because of this.
I would have had better luck convincing her to let me take on a couple more wives than to make her accept a car with an automatic.
I don't have a problem with the first gear with the '17 Mazda 6, but the ratio between the gears is too tight, especially between 5th and 6th. Not much difference at all between those two gears. I would prefer a taller 6th.
Totally agree re the 3-to-4-5-6 gear ratio spread. 'Way too tight. On a downgradient I will often start in 2nd, go to 4th, then go to 6th. 5th / 6th spread is doubly 'way too tight. I also find 1st to 2nd a sometimes hard-to-make-smooth transition. There is a fairly big gap ratio-wise between 1st and 2nd.
What I like least of all, in my Mazda6 6MT, is a pretty weak-kneed engine torque in the 2000 rpm to 2800 rpm range. It would be a lot nicer with more bottom-end torque.
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Congrats on the "new" ride. I had a 2008 C300 just like it several years ago. Mine was the bright red though, with the Sport package. Bought it with 28K miles on the clock and served me well for about 3 years.
Couple notes of caution: make sure the electronic steering column lock issue has been taken care of, or that you're capable of repairing yourself. When (not if) it goes, the steering column is locked, stuck, you're unable to even start the car and will have to get it towed to the MB dealer where they'll take about 2 grand from you to fix it.
One other thing is the manual transmission (at least on mine) is quite notchy, not what I would call a smooth shifting job. You have to really be careful and time the rowing just right since you're pushing quite a bit of heft around from gear to gear. Crunching may result.
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
Couple notes of caution: make sure the electronic steering column lock issue has been taken care of, or that you're capable of repairing yourself. When (not if) it goes, the steering column is locked, stuck, you're unable to even start the car and will have to get it towed to the MB dealer where they'll take about 2 grand from you to fix it.
One other thing is the manual transmission (at least on mine) is quite notchy, not what I would call a smooth shifting job. You have to really be careful and time the rowing just right since you're pushing quite a bit of heft around from gear to gear. Crunching may result.
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
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Originally Posted by andreigbs
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
Mobil 1 0w40 or Castrol 0w40 is pretty popular in those cars and they both have MB 229.5.
He won't enjoy it, he's going to sell it. I can't see him getting 12k for that, my 2008 E-350 with the pano, real leather, power trunk closer, bixenons, keyless go, navigation, parktronic etc is probably only worth 8-10k although my mileage is higher. Then again all it takes is one crazy buyer who wants a stick.
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
Mobil 1 0w40 or Castrol 0w40 is pretty popular in those cars and they both have MB 229.5.
He won't enjoy it, he's going to sell it. I can't see him getting 12k for that, my 2008 E-350 with the pano, real leather, power trunk closer, bixenons, keyless go, navigation, parktronic etc is probably only worth 8-10k although my mileage is higher. Then again all it takes is one crazy buyer who wants a stick.
Originally Posted by Wolf359
He won't enjoy it, he's going to sell it. I can't see him getting 12k for that, my 2008 E-350 with the pano, real leather, power trunk closer, bixenons, keyless go, navigation, parktronic etc is probably only worth 8-10k although my mileage is higher. Then again all it takes is one crazy buyer who wants a stick.
The unicorn title is a hint. Specific car / specific customer.
There is the Save the Manuals contingent, a crowd of driving enthusiasts that search stick shift cars or trucks and its the only thing they want. VW had a slew of sales just based on the option one could order a new car spec'd as 6mt. Station wagons (Sportwagens) mind you !!
I don't think the group is so small that owners get stuck with sticks they can't sell. I do think it's somewhat regional as per popularity or demand and I'd guess certain up-brand nameplates get attention or a following. With any luck, we can get an update later on as to the interest in that car and how long it takes to move, asking versus sell etc....
Is there Zillow for cars ?
He won't enjoy it, he's going to sell it. I can't see him getting 12k for that, my 2008 E-350 with the pano, real leather, power trunk closer, bixenons, keyless go, navigation, parktronic etc is probably only worth 8-10k although my mileage is higher. Then again all it takes is one crazy buyer who wants a stick.
The unicorn title is a hint. Specific car / specific customer.
There is the Save the Manuals contingent, a crowd of driving enthusiasts that search stick shift cars or trucks and its the only thing they want. VW had a slew of sales just based on the option one could order a new car spec'd as 6mt. Station wagons (Sportwagens) mind you !!
I don't think the group is so small that owners get stuck with sticks they can't sell. I do think it's somewhat regional as per popularity or demand and I'd guess certain up-brand nameplates get attention or a following. With any luck, we can get an update later on as to the interest in that car and how long it takes to move, asking versus sell etc....
Is there Zillow for cars ?
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Originally Posted by andreigbs
Congrats on the "new" ride. I had a 2008 C300 just like it several years ago. Mine was the bright red though, with the Sport package. Bought it with 28K miles on the clock and served me well for about 3 years.
Couple notes of caution: make sure the electronic steering column lock issue has been taken care of, or that you're capable of repairing yourself. When (not if) it goes, the steering column is locked, stuck, you're unable to even start the car and will have to get it towed to the MB dealer where they'll take about 2 grand from you to fix it.
One other thing is the manual transmission (at least on mine) is quite notchy, not what I would call a smooth shifting job. You have to really be careful and time the rowing just right since you're pushing quite a bit of heft around from gear to gear. Crunching may result.
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
^All of this
Steering lock is a PITA and comes up with ZERO warning and leaves you 100% stranded. Mine. ('09 C300) ultimately ended up needing a steering lock, ignition switch and a new key to get back to running status. Going through extended warranty it ended up taking almost a month to fix because the MB indy I had it at had to fix one part at a time to see if that would fix it before getting authorization to fix next component. I understand MB dealership just replace all 3 pieces at once and won't just replace one part at a time. Yes a very expensive problem - after what extended warranty paid for all 3 I think I was still out of pocket ~$600-700.
Mine also had the dreaded startup rod bearing knock, never tried to have it addressed as I know extended warranty company would have not paid a dime for it. Still kind of embarrassing to have a Mercedes knocking away for 3-5 seconds on starts. Mercedes passed it off as normal unless owners complained loud enough - it affected both the 3.0 and 3.5. It sounds horrific when it happens.
One other thing to note is I believe some of the earlier '08's still had the improperly forged (soft) balance shaft gears that will throw off the timing and ultimately allow the timing chain to jump teeth. My '09 was fortunately out of the affected range so never really followed if MB ever agreed to repairs but there were multiple class action lawsuits on the issue.
Congrats on the "new" ride. I had a 2008 C300 just like it several years ago. Mine was the bright red though, with the Sport package. Bought it with 28K miles on the clock and served me well for about 3 years.
Couple notes of caution: make sure the electronic steering column lock issue has been taken care of, or that you're capable of repairing yourself. When (not if) it goes, the steering column is locked, stuck, you're unable to even start the car and will have to get it towed to the MB dealer where they'll take about 2 grand from you to fix it.
One other thing is the manual transmission (at least on mine) is quite notchy, not what I would call a smooth shifting job. You have to really be careful and time the rowing just right since you're pushing quite a bit of heft around from gear to gear. Crunching may result.
The last item is to be wary of a known issue with what sounds like bearing knock on a cold start, for only a couple seconds. The M272 engine needed slightly thicker bearings and some owners had theirs replaced under warranty. That engine calls for MB 229.5 oil, I believe.
In my 50k mile ownership experience it was reliable and trouble-free EXCEPT for the ESL issue. I replaced spark plugs, filters, did all my oil changes and replaced one set of tires and the rear brakes.
I'm positive you'll enjoy it.
^All of this
Steering lock is a PITA and comes up with ZERO warning and leaves you 100% stranded. Mine. ('09 C300) ultimately ended up needing a steering lock, ignition switch and a new key to get back to running status. Going through extended warranty it ended up taking almost a month to fix because the MB indy I had it at had to fix one part at a time to see if that would fix it before getting authorization to fix next component. I understand MB dealership just replace all 3 pieces at once and won't just replace one part at a time. Yes a very expensive problem - after what extended warranty paid for all 3 I think I was still out of pocket ~$600-700.
Mine also had the dreaded startup rod bearing knock, never tried to have it addressed as I know extended warranty company would have not paid a dime for it. Still kind of embarrassing to have a Mercedes knocking away for 3-5 seconds on starts. Mercedes passed it off as normal unless owners complained loud enough - it affected both the 3.0 and 3.5. It sounds horrific when it happens.
One other thing to note is I believe some of the earlier '08's still had the improperly forged (soft) balance shaft gears that will throw off the timing and ultimately allow the timing chain to jump teeth. My '09 was fortunately out of the affected range so never really followed if MB ever agreed to repairs but there were multiple class action lawsuits on the issue.
Originally Posted by atikovi
2008 C300. First person that guesses why it's a unicorn, really knows Mercedes.
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2008 C300. First person that guesses why it's a unicorn, really knows Mercedes.
Originally Posted by pezzy669
Steering lock is a PITA and comes up with ZERO warning and leaves you 100% stranded. Mine. ('09 C300) ultimately ended up needing a steering lock, ignition switch and a new key to get back to running status. Going through extended warranty it ended up taking almost a month to fix because the MB indy I had it at had to fix one part at a time to see if that would fix it before getting authorization to fix next component. I understand MB dealership just replace all 3 pieces at once and won't just replace one part at a time. Yes a very expensive problem - after what extended warranty paid for all 3 I think I was still out of pocket ~$600-700.
Mine also had the dreaded startup rod bearing knock, never tried to have it addressed as I know extended warranty company would have not paid a dime for it. Still kind of embarrassing to have a Mercedes knocking away for 3-5 seconds on starts. Mercedes passed it off as normal unless owners complained loud enough - it affected both the 3.0 and 3.5. It sounds horrific when it happens.
One other thing to note is I believe some of the earlier '08's still had the improperly forged (soft) balance shaft gears that will throw off the timing and ultimately allow the timing chain to jump teeth. My '09 was fortunately out of the affected range so never really followed if MB ever agreed to repairs but there were multiple class action lawsuits on the issue.
The steering lock issue wasn't that common on the E-350, basically the cheaper models tended to have more problems. Rod bearing knock wasn't common on the 3.5 either, at least on the E-350. Balance shaft affected all 2006 models and some early 2007 models. You'd have to check the serial number of the engine once you decode the vin. All the E-350's I ever looked at, the engine number for the balance shaft was after 9/2006 so only the first few months on 2007 had the bad ones. The lawsuits were limited, there was only a limited time to apply and I believe they're all expired by now. No additional coverage for it. People still pop by the Mercedes forum asking about those tell tale CEL numbers and their mileage can be at 100-160k. The M272 also has intake manifold problems, the flaps that control the intake runners from long/short runners get gummed up and either get stuck or break off eventually causing engine damage. That typically happens in the 100-140k range so this unicorn is probably fine from that problem for a while.
Originally Posted by bachman
The unicorn title is a hint. Specific car / specific customer.
There is the Save the Manuals contingent, a crowd of driving enthusiasts that search stick shift cars or trucks and its the only thing they want. VW had a slew of sales just based on the option one could order a new car spec'd as 6mt. Station wagons (Sportwagens) mind you !!
I don't think the group is so small that owners get stuck with sticks they can't sell. I do think it's somewhat regional as per popularity or demand and I'd guess certain up-brand nameplates get attention or a following. With any luck, we can get an update later on as to the interest in that car and how long it takes to move, asking versus sell etc....
Is there Zillow for cars ?
All I'm saying is that the book value of a car with the automatic which stickers for more as it as an additional cost option was in the 8-10k range. A stick did sell for 12k on eBay but if you apply the greater fool theory, eventually you run out of fools. But maybe there's one out there that's willing to pay several thousand over what a used automatic would go for. All it takes is one.
Steering lock is a PITA and comes up with ZERO warning and leaves you 100% stranded. Mine. ('09 C300) ultimately ended up needing a steering lock, ignition switch and a new key to get back to running status. Going through extended warranty it ended up taking almost a month to fix because the MB indy I had it at had to fix one part at a time to see if that would fix it before getting authorization to fix next component. I understand MB dealership just replace all 3 pieces at once and won't just replace one part at a time. Yes a very expensive problem - after what extended warranty paid for all 3 I think I was still out of pocket ~$600-700.
Mine also had the dreaded startup rod bearing knock, never tried to have it addressed as I know extended warranty company would have not paid a dime for it. Still kind of embarrassing to have a Mercedes knocking away for 3-5 seconds on starts. Mercedes passed it off as normal unless owners complained loud enough - it affected both the 3.0 and 3.5. It sounds horrific when it happens.
One other thing to note is I believe some of the earlier '08's still had the improperly forged (soft) balance shaft gears that will throw off the timing and ultimately allow the timing chain to jump teeth. My '09 was fortunately out of the affected range so never really followed if MB ever agreed to repairs but there were multiple class action lawsuits on the issue.
The steering lock issue wasn't that common on the E-350, basically the cheaper models tended to have more problems. Rod bearing knock wasn't common on the 3.5 either, at least on the E-350. Balance shaft affected all 2006 models and some early 2007 models. You'd have to check the serial number of the engine once you decode the vin. All the E-350's I ever looked at, the engine number for the balance shaft was after 9/2006 so only the first few months on 2007 had the bad ones. The lawsuits were limited, there was only a limited time to apply and I believe they're all expired by now. No additional coverage for it. People still pop by the Mercedes forum asking about those tell tale CEL numbers and their mileage can be at 100-160k. The M272 also has intake manifold problems, the flaps that control the intake runners from long/short runners get gummed up and either get stuck or break off eventually causing engine damage. That typically happens in the 100-140k range so this unicorn is probably fine from that problem for a while.
Originally Posted by bachman
The unicorn title is a hint. Specific car / specific customer.
There is the Save the Manuals contingent, a crowd of driving enthusiasts that search stick shift cars or trucks and its the only thing they want. VW had a slew of sales just based on the option one could order a new car spec'd as 6mt. Station wagons (Sportwagens) mind you !!
I don't think the group is so small that owners get stuck with sticks they can't sell. I do think it's somewhat regional as per popularity or demand and I'd guess certain up-brand nameplates get attention or a following. With any luck, we can get an update later on as to the interest in that car and how long it takes to move, asking versus sell etc....
Is there Zillow for cars ?
All I'm saying is that the book value of a car with the automatic which stickers for more as it as an additional cost option was in the 8-10k range. A stick did sell for 12k on eBay but if you apply the greater fool theory, eventually you run out of fools. But maybe there's one out there that's willing to pay several thousand over what a used automatic would go for. All it takes is one.
A family member of mine had a 2008 C300. The steering lock issue and I think one squeaking pulley were the only issues she had in like 8 years and 60k miles. That car was also massively unlucky with pothole hits and other impacts, and we were in total disbelief at how well it held up. Amazing for a first-model-year German car.
If we needed another car, a 6MT W204 would be near the top of the list. Not a lot else I'd consider, TBH.
If we needed another car, a 6MT W204 would be near the top of the list. Not a lot else I'd consider, TBH.
Brought it home today. The only mechanical problem I saw was the radio not working. What's the issue with the steering lock and ignition switch mentioned? Does it apply to stick models as well? As someone else mentioned, the shifter feels a bit rubbery, not as precise as you would expect on a rear drive where it's just about attached to the transmission. My Jetta with 8 times the miles feels better to shift. The only thing so far I would change is the sound. Engine is way too quiet for a manual where you shift by the sound of the revs as much as with the tach. I was in some traffic at 30 mph and it took me a minute to notice the engine was at 3000 rpm and I should have upshifted way before.
Originally Posted by Wolf359
Originally Posted by HangFire
Dealers ARE the problem, coming from a family in the dealer business since there were cars. Every salesman knows he cannot sell a manual to an automatic -only driver, but every salesman THINKS he can sell an automatic to a stick shift driver.
Why is that a problem? If people really wanted them, they could always custom order one. If it's no big deal then they'll just get a car with an automatic. Some people make it out to be a much bigger deal than it really is. I drove one for 5 years, don't miss a manual at all. Actually come to think of it, I'm glad I don't drive a stick now, got a light left ankle sprain, couldn't even drive a stick now, but no problem in an automatic.
In certain situations I think a manual is fun, like with my Jeep Wrangler on weekend drives in the summer, but for an every day commuter it gets annoying after a while. Our biggest problem is our infrastructure is not really ideal for driving manual when you have to sit in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour to drive 10 miles. It takes the fun out of driving. I love driving manual on curvy mountain roads, but couldn't image trying to live with it every day in NYC or LA traffic.
Originally Posted by HangFire
Dealers ARE the problem, coming from a family in the dealer business since there were cars. Every salesman knows he cannot sell a manual to an automatic -only driver, but every salesman THINKS he can sell an automatic to a stick shift driver.
Why is that a problem? If people really wanted them, they could always custom order one. If it's no big deal then they'll just get a car with an automatic. Some people make it out to be a much bigger deal than it really is. I drove one for 5 years, don't miss a manual at all. Actually come to think of it, I'm glad I don't drive a stick now, got a light left ankle sprain, couldn't even drive a stick now, but no problem in an automatic.
In certain situations I think a manual is fun, like with my Jeep Wrangler on weekend drives in the summer, but for an every day commuter it gets annoying after a while. Our biggest problem is our infrastructure is not really ideal for driving manual when you have to sit in bumper to bumper traffic for an hour to drive 10 miles. It takes the fun out of driving. I love driving manual on curvy mountain roads, but couldn't image trying to live with it every day in NYC or LA traffic.
The radio may be either a fuse or perhaps if a battery was replaced and locked out the radio. This was sometimes the case on older Mercs. There may be a radio code with the books (if it came with them).
The issue is the electronic steering lock fails, that's it. Yes, it affects manual as well as auto transmissions. It is expensive. Chances are, if you have the records (or CarFax) it may have already been done once so you may be OK. Trust but verify.
The shifting will not feel any better with time, you'll just get used to it but you'll still have to be careful with every shift. These are not cars you want to be commuting in during rush hour; did that several years, no fun.
I also came from a MK4 Jetta manual at the time and was surprised how stiff and imprecise the shifting turned out to be. I would check to see if the clutch has ever been replaced, and if the transmission fluid has been replaced. Those two things technically should make the shifting smoother. If you do them, do the rear diff as well.
The engine is plenty loud when you get on it. Otherwise it's supposed to be quiet and smooth; it IS a Mercedes. Shifting at 3K rpms is perfectly fine, but I'd only do it when the engine is up to temp.
You should plan on doing a fuel filter change if you don't have records of it being done, along with getting caught up with all other maintenance. Mercs are not forgiving to owners who slack off on preventive maintenance; find the schedule and follow it.
The issue is the electronic steering lock fails, that's it. Yes, it affects manual as well as auto transmissions. It is expensive. Chances are, if you have the records (or CarFax) it may have already been done once so you may be OK. Trust but verify.
The shifting will not feel any better with time, you'll just get used to it but you'll still have to be careful with every shift. These are not cars you want to be commuting in during rush hour; did that several years, no fun.
I also came from a MK4 Jetta manual at the time and was surprised how stiff and imprecise the shifting turned out to be. I would check to see if the clutch has ever been replaced, and if the transmission fluid has been replaced. Those two things technically should make the shifting smoother. If you do them, do the rear diff as well.
The engine is plenty loud when you get on it. Otherwise it's supposed to be quiet and smooth; it IS a Mercedes. Shifting at 3K rpms is perfectly fine, but I'd only do it when the engine is up to temp.
You should plan on doing a fuel filter change if you don't have records of it being done, along with getting caught up with all other maintenance. Mercs are not forgiving to owners who slack off on preventive maintenance; find the schedule and follow it.
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