Used 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedan Consumer Reviews

Happy every time I drive it

A perfect balance — favors luxury / comfort, but handles well. I keep discovering touches that are just done right, additional conveniences. "Exceeds expectations" as HR would say. My last car was a Lexus GS430. This is almost as quick but much better mileage, more luxurious inside and of course more modern gadgets. Of course I always want faster acceleration *and* better mileage; the C300 is a great balance and competitive with other modern cars. I got the Airmatic and love the controlled but compliant ride — the adjustment from comfort to sport is noticeable but not huge; can't say how it compares to the steel suspension. Distronic is fabulous — would never again buy a car without this feature. Lane Keeping Assist is a far cry from "auto steer" (it's called "assist" for a reason). But in stop-and-go traffic these two systems work together and follow the car in front almost perfectly, hugely reducing the stress level of those situations. I wanted something smaller than the GS but with the same room for me (6'5", 175 lbs), and the C300 delivers. The seats and driving positions are great (no sunroof — didn't want to give up that extra inch of headroom). I test drove against current GS, BMW 3 and 4, and Infiniti Q50. The C300 was the hands-down winner for me, and I have no complaints. Buying was also painless — I configured a build here at Edmunds, emailed the result and "True Market Value" to MB San Jose (now part of Auto Nation), and they ordered it for me. No hassles, everything done as promised. My biggest reservations were based on having owned an SLK 250 — which was a super fun top-down cruiser but had a lot of drawbacks as daily transportation — seat comfort for long trips, highway noise, turbo lag + low seat / long hood / quick steering made it hard to drive on narrow roads with confidence. The C300 has none of these problems: more predictable handling, better seating position for both winding roads and interstate cruising, almost no turbo lag (which together with the excellent transmission programming means I never miss the traditional shift lever or need the shift paddles — they're a nice toy). And more refined COMAND. I keep finding details: the fact that the trunk hinges have their own pockets so they don't crush cargo. And the folding box that stows under the trunk floor. Etc. I love this car. I've owned Audi, Volvo, Ford SHO, MB, and Lexus and was pretty happy with all of them, but this is by far my favorite car.

Hard to find fault in a Mercedes!

I haven't been happier in anything I have purchased prior to the C300. It's exactly what you would expect out of a luxury car, making the driving experience effortless aided by Rain Sensing Wipers, a quiet and comfortable ride, and brisk acceleration. The front seats are the best I've ever sat in and the I get compliments on the Burmester sound system whenever anybody rides with me. Blind Spot Assist is a must have and I will never have another car without it or the standard Collision Prevention Assist Plus. Navigation system is very reliable and works well. The controls take a few weeks to master but prove simple with the shortcut buttons, though I never use the touchpad. I have zero reservations with this vehicle and am 100% satisfied in my purchase.

Think twice before buying a 2015 or 2016 C-class

I totally loved my 2016 Mercedes C300. I kept it in pristine condition inside and out. It had 43,000 miles but was over the 4 year warranty by one year. I didn't get an extended warranty which costs 5K for 2 years. I figured it would take a few issues before getting up to that 5K level, so I took my chances. Overall a great car and I was thinking about trading it in for a new 2021 C300. Then the bottom feel out of that idea when the car engine light came on and the power was reduced to less than half. To make a long story short, Mercedes said I needed a new engine. Apparently, the piston rod let loose and crashed into the top of the manifold crushing the sparkplug. I got quotes of 15K to 17K to replace the engine by Mercedes service. After speaking with 2 different Mercedes service managers, they each said that the 2015 & 2016 C-300s had a defect in the engine and was affecting many cars. This is totally a defect where the piston rod attaches to the camshaft. After some research, I think the problem is the cuff joint. I spoke to Mercedes corporate and got nowhere. No extended warranty - no help from them. I just feel that a Mercedes engine should last more than 43K miles. SO BE AWARE before buying a 2015 or 2016 Mercedes. If you want to deal with a company that doesn't feel they owe you anything when a major failure happens to their car with such low mileage (regardless of the lack of warranty) be my guest. I have a 10 year old Toyota Prius that hasn't had a problem or work done on it other than routine oil changes and a new utility battery (not the hybrid). I refuse to buy another Mercedes product and wound up buying a new BMW 330i which is a fantastic car. Luckily the used car prices went way up in the summer of 2021 and I was able to get $7500 as a trade-in toward the Bimmer. The value of the car, which was loaded with almost every option was worth about 26K. If it had happened earlier, before the used car prices went up, the C300 would have been worth less than the cost of replacing the engine at which point I would have just given the keys and title over to the Mercedes dealer with nothing but memories and my empty wallet. SHAME ON MERCEDES FOR SELLING CARS WITH KNOWN INFERIOR ENGINES. I'll never buy a Mercedes again!

2016 C300; First Impression - - WOW!

I have had the auto less than a week so my first impression I hope will be my lasting impression. I had a 2015 SLK250 and was not happy because it turned out to be just what it was suppose to be without the "Mercedes" feel and comfort. Then I test drove a 2016 C300 and it sure felt like I was driving a "sporty" sedan but this time it has the comfort and feel of what I wanted and expected in a Mercedes. The vehicle was made to order in Alabama and took about 4 weeks from day of order to day of delivery. Bottom line is the C300 I'm driving is truly one of the best, if now the best driving car I've owned, very smooth and quiet and handles like a dream. The "driver" adjustments for comfort are outstanding. Best choice in new cars for 2016 I could have made.

Mercedes Benz C300 Sedan - Eco Start / Stop

I have only had the car for 3 days, and while I love the car - it looks and drives like a dream. My only complaint on this car is the ECO start / stop. I don't like that when you are braking or place the car on "hold", after about 30-60 seconds the car jolts from zero RPM to 0.5. This is fine as the car is trying to keep the a/c up (I live in Florida), but the jolt is unpleasant - everyone thinks there's something wrong with the car. I would be okay if the transition were smoother. I know I can turn it off, but then I would sacrifice better fuel efficiency. On all other aspects of the car - it is simply amazing, the suspension is wonderfully comfortable, the sound system is crisp and surrounds you. The seats are smart and well designed. My commute to work on the highway is something special every day.

Maybe my favorite car so far.

This car is described as a mini S class. That's accurate. It's fun to drive, very comfortable and feels like a luxury sedan should. My third Mercedes, it's by far the best one yet. The other two were an '12 300C and a '14 glk 350. I respected the first one and like the second one. The new C is way ahead. I got the car during a February snow storm in Maine. It's excellent in the snow. Details: 1. Ride and handling are outstanding. We've taken it on two, long road trips. At the end of the day we were never tired. 2. The interior is elegant. The Burmeister sound system is terrific--very close to a live event. The front seats are very comfortable. 3. The interior is design and materials are beautiful. MB really got this right. 4. The engine/transmission combination are a fine match. The turbo 4 has more than enough grunt to move the car very quickly. Switch from standard "C"omfort setting "S"port setting, and the car is even quicker. 5. It's very economical--not that it's a reason to buy a Benz. In 8,000 miles, I have averaged 29 mpg. It's not without its shortcomings. The back seat is still tight, but that comes with smaller cars. The BIGGEST DRAWBACK for me is the infotainment system controls. The system on the previous generation was reasonably intuitive. This new track pad is a redundant nuisance. I brush it, and the radio station changes. I constantly referring to owner's manual to do things. I find that the satellite radio cuts out more often in this car than in previous models. It's probably because the antenna is embedded in the rear glass and not on the roof anymore. Suggested option packages: A. Blind spot monitoring; B. Premium package which gives you the Burmeister stereo; C. Command package which includes voice activated control of your phone, radio, and navigation.

Loved my first one had to buy another 2025 update.

Make sure to do your research before buying. I had written a review around 2 years ago about my 2014 Mercedes C class 4 matic sport and I loved the car (see best used car I ever owned). I found a flawless 2016 Mercedes C class 4 matic luxury model and it was a buy. I was concerned going from a 6 cylinder to a 4 turbo, well have no fear this car has no problem moving right along. Owned the car for 6 months so far and not one problem so far. It is important to read reviews (expert and owners) on web sites like edmunds to get as much info as possible before “pulling the trigger”. Love the car so far and would recommend a 2016 MB C class to anyone. Now it’s a year later and have owned the car for 14 months. Still no issues (aside from one recall). Car is still rock solid, no rattles, squeaks, etc. Ran it through our first NY winter and this car is a tank in the snow. We did have a mild winter this year in the Hudson Valley but no trouble at all. It’s now 2025 and we have had this car now for over 7 years. Still rock solid, no squeaks, or rattles. Only have had one problem that took a little while to diagnose a check engine light that said we had a problem with our back up battery. Thanks to you tube fixed it myself for $150.00 and an hour of my time. Other than that just regular maintenance that we use the local shop for. We avoid the dealership unless it’s an emergency which thankfully we have had none.

16000 miles of fun

Had mine built from the factory on May 2015. With 16000 miles on it I have 70% tread life and 80% brake pad life. Not one issue since new. Been on some of the roughest roads in PA and NY and it tracks like an arrow. Not one software glitch. I've read some very negative reviews and either they got a used car or wasn't taking proper care. These cars will last a lifetime if properly taken care of. To keep a comfortable ride I stayed with the 17" wheels knowing I would be using run flats. Many hours of fun ahead.

great car

My first Mercedes and I am hooked....dealership was amazing etc etc....cannot complain....I see what they mean about in Economy Drive mode it may be considered a bit more sluggish BUT I am not a sports car driver so I don't need that to be better for any real good reason...love the interior...love........ I have the Sports Package and love it............ NOTE: I replaced the "run-flat" tires after almost a year....I do put mileage on the car higher than typical...but one tire was wearing thinh aleady and form the start the ride was rougher and noisier than I wanted...the new tires that are regular but good quality mad a HUGE difference in the comfort and noise level of the car.....I won't buy a car with the run flats ever again...I will negotiate that out of the deal if need be...........

Best Luxury Car YET!

I have owned almost every luxury car that comes to mind.. Lincoln, Lexus,Cadillac, all except BMW (test drove multiple times) the Merc just has got it going on! I am a fast paced Realtor and I drive ALOT, if you want a car that is comfortable, reliable, looks great and is soooo very user friendly then this is the car for you!! Luxury, Sporty, so comfortable and so fun to drive, voice Navigation is a life saver :)

Best Mercedes since the 2007 E-320 Blue Tec

I thought the 2007 E-320 Blue Tec I purchased nine years ago would never be topped but the new 2016 C-300 has changed my mind. We have had it almost two years and it is a true winner. It has everything you could ask for with economy, style, comfort, and the technology is great. The Distronic plus drives the car on the highway by itself, the LED lighting with corner tuning works well and the other high tech systems including the navagation, are really something although it requires some study of the manual. This one looks like a keeper.

It certainly is not your Father's MB anymore...

UPDATED from 1/1/207--For the record, I owned a 2014 C300 4Matic Sport (and probably a doz or so older MB over the last 20 yrs.) and now own the 2016 C300 4Matic Sport, which short of getting an older Benz, will be the last new MB I purchase--where to start? First let's start with things that should be on a $45,000+ compact luxury car 1) Real Tailpipes--that's right the tailpipes on this vehicle look like they are very nice chrome flat-tipped tailpipes--they are fakes, not even connected to the exhaust system--just stuck in the plastic bumper--really?--did I buy Dodge Dart?; 2) MB Tex upholstery, they should put leather in their cars...period. At this price point---not even the E Class has it standard, it is still an option--ridiculous; 3) They got rid of all the dials for the climate control for 2016 and replaced them with these horrible 'climate bar' toggle switches, which take 3x as long just to more the temperature gauge--why?, the old dials worked quickly and efficiently, why move to a completely ineffective control that is 'blind'...that is you have to look at the Nav screen to see what temperature you are at--nuts; 4) Voice Control (Nav and Blue-tooth Phone) is so bad as to not be believed--my 10 yr. old original iphone had a more sophisticated voice interface than this car--don't believe me, ask anyone who drives one--it is so bad, it is unusable--Call "Schneider", did you say "Spider", no...did you say 'Slider?"...it is maddening!; 5) Navigation has traffic alerts and traffic conditions built into it, other than that, it sucks, my old 2006 TL was way better...the 2014 was worse still, so marginal progress has been made, but you still can't do the most basic functions with this nav, and as stated, voice control is completely useless.; 6) Ride is significantly worse than the 2014, it feels tinny and cheap now--you can now feel bumps and ridges, that you would have glided over in the 2014 and the interior noise is much worse as well, a lot louder inside--part of that is the crappy sounding 4 cylinder engine (as opposed to the velvety and quiet V-6 in the 2014) but it was probably done to reach those fuel economy figures moving to the future; 7) The turbo 4 cylinder engine does have excellent throttle response off the line as compared to the V-6, but after 40mph, the V-6 is way better, so negotiating around the slugs on the road is a bit easier at slower speeds with the 2016 (so long as you are in Sport or Sport+ mode that is) but it loses its torque pretty quickly after 45mph and fuel economy is marginally better, maybe 2-3 MPG--gimme' back the V-6; 8) Interior is better looking in the 2016 overall, so long as you don't mind the Nav screen sticking up like an after thought...OK, let's remodel the interior, and then decide where to put that pesky nav screen later?--it's a shame as the interior overall is really pretty nice; 9) I am convinced the auto-stop 'Collision Prevention Assist 'function although alerting you that you are getting close to something, will not stop. I am convinced it will not work after many 'tests'...if you are right behind a car you should NOT be able to floor the accelerator--you can here, so don't pay for the option if it doesn't have it-- I question if it will really work. told the dealership, and they said it is operating fine, I said OK drive toward that wall and let's see it it will stop--they smiled and wouldn't do it--they know it doesn't work either--sure to be a future lawsuit there. I have tested it many times and had to stop on my own every time, inches from walls, cars, you name it I have tried it on everything; 10) The headlights are the worst headlights I have ever seen in a car-ever; especially one costing $45,000+---I had a 1985 VW beetle in college that had better lights--why? They use H7 halogens--yes, 1980's technology in a $45,000+ 2016 car--if you get one, and I don't know why you would, definitely pay the $2,500 or whatever it is for the 'steering activated HID headlight option, I had it on my 2014, this does not--it is essential--horrible visibility without it---I mean come on, Mazdas, Toyotas and even Hyundais have HID standard for Christ-sake. OK, I could go on for awhile...suffice to say, if you want a decent MB with good build quality you have to go S or E class with all the options or an AMG. And BTW if you think the E Class is much better---it's not--I drove an E class over the weekend and I gotta' tell you, not much better, same cramped backseats, etc. No better really at all, so I figured why spend the extra $25,000?. I have driven MB since the 1970's, but no more...time to make a move, so sad. I would still buy a 2010-2011 E63 AMG or similar--at least you get the decent build quality and a real engine and amenities. Say Mercedes, want to buy this one back?

Great Car

Requires 91 octane but gets great MPG.

Very Poor Value

First, I will say this car looks pretty nice, and handles well, but that's about it. The seats are hard as rocks, and extremely uncomfortable on a long trips, regardless of the adjustments. The floorboard appears to go down at an angle, so I couldn't even get my feet in a comfortable driving position. Access is very poor, with the seating very low, and with trying to wedge between the steering wheel and the B-Pillar. The controls are horrible. Instead of knobs, there are very small levers for everything, and they are all the same size. Why would a "sync" button be the same size as the blower control?! I set my favorite radio stations, but haven't figured out how to get back to my list of favorites for the last 6 months. When I try to change stations, it seems to jump back and forth between satellite radio and FM. The "advanced electronics" try to tell me to rest when I am not tired, and beep at me when there is nothing in the road. At 6,000 miles, I was left stranded when my serpentine belt jumped off, and the car overheated. I found out that run-flat tires can't be repaired, so a nail cost me $420 for a new tire at the dealership. I had a 2014.5 Toyota Camry prior to this, for 38,000 miles before my wife totalled it, and would gladly take another. It was inexpensive, comfortable, easy to operate, and it NEVER needed repairs. Not to mention it was much roomier. I will be very happy to end my lease of this C-Class.

Wish it had more practical options.

The overall interior experience is great, for the two people in the front seats. The people in the rear are left with nothing better than the backseat of a Toyota carolla. I really wish that for the extra money you pay for a Mercedes compared to other German auto makers, you could get better optional features for the rear seats, such as heated rear seats or maybe even three zone climate control. The Bmw 3 series offers the option of heated rear seats, and Audi A4 offers both heated rear seats and three zone climate control. I don't know what's taking Mercedes so long to get with the program. The other crazy thing is, all of these options are available on the c class in Europe! I think that it would be beneficial for Mercedes to add these options to the c class AS WELL AS THE E CLASS. The e class has this same exact issue. It would be nice if Mercedes added these, especially for people who live in places where it gets cold.

Best in Class

Best in class comfort and quality. 0-60 is adequate, but the C450 has you covered if you need more. Roomy backseat good for 2 car seats. Very comfortable/adjustable driver's seats. Panorama roof is gorgeous but expensive. Black Ash wood is the way to go. Distronic Plus is great, second only to Tesla's Autopilot. Automatic Emergency braking is standard, unseen in this segment. Got 15% off the sticker price but it required a good deal of effort and communicating with 4 dealerships.

Best car ever

Love driving this car, feels like being in a spaceship..

Still Love It!!

This car is fun to drive, plenty pep, gives me an average of 27 mpg in mixed driving. The ride is good on smooth surfaces, gets choppy on rough surfaces. Bottom line, I'm very pleased with my decision to purchase the C300 sedan

Bought as a used car

NO TOUCHLESS CAR WASHES! That's in the manual believe it or not. Also when shopping look for one that has the air suspension if you are picking the sport model, a backup cam (not standard equipment), and the upgraded sound, trust me on that one! How do you tell a sport model? Because the emblem is flush on the hood. Also make sure yours has the ability to work with the Mercedes app for remote start. They don't have it built into the key and aftermarket shops won't touch them! If you can't find one it's not a deal breaker, the heated seats and wheel make up for it. Now I have driven a lot of cars/trucks in the snow and this one is probably the most sure footed (Won't do a donut in snow btw). For those who grew up learning to drive on RWD cars you will appreciate that it's bias and doesn't understeer like FWDs. You can hear the air dam plowing snow over 6 inches though. Mine doesn't have the air suspension and you can tell when it's cold! The interior is fantastic, the wheel to navigate takes some getting used to but it does well once you do. The sunroof does let in a lot of light but I haven't been able to test the wind noise. After all it's Jan in Nebraska. What it does do is take some of the headroom away in the back seat. Safety wise, the collision warning comes on at weird times. For example don't change lanes to get one closer to a semi, it will beep. Narrow neighborhood streets, beep. Turning left at a stop sign with someone else turning right...you guessed it, beep. I have only felt it try to brake on me one time though. The car does feel solid and well built and you feel like you are driving a 50k car not like some of the competitors where it's just.....ZZZZZ. On dry pavement rolling the drive mode to sport+ is fun to horse around but remember it's a German car so 60 MPH in town and 80+ on the highway is no sweat even for that 4 cyl. It's pretty quiet inside so don't expect road noise to give it away and it will get you in trouble. Advice here especially if you are prone to do that, buy silver, it's pretty low profile! In snow again I can't say enough about it as it leaps from a stop even driving normal. In town driving normally I have averaged 24.5 on my first 500 miles which is not bad since it's about 80% city driving. The 200 mile road trip returned about 28.5 but that was at 80+ lol. Overall impressions, it's an amazing car especially for someone entering the luxury class where you still have to drive yourself. There are things I wished it had on it but that's a reason for next time. No rattles, quiet cabin, and decent MPG for such a heavy car for a sub 300 HP 4 banger. Would I recommend it, absolutely. Especially if your friends drive Beemers.

Best small premium sport sedan !

Great car ! Best car I ever owned.

Great car: 5 year update

By far the best car I have ever owned. What a joy to drive and look at. 6 year update: Still beautiful. Highly recommend.

Outstanding

The 2016 C-Class is one of the best cars ever! It drives fantastic, is very fast for a 4 cylinder, and gets great gas mileage! Very comfortable for long road trips! It’s very reliable. I highly recommend this vehicle for everyone!

Not satisfied

Purchased the car 3 weeks and it’s already having pump issues and I have to pay out of pocket to fix it.

Shake rattle and clunk

What should be a Rock solid piece of German engineering is a rattle trap of odd noises and clunks from the drivetrain. Kia, Hyundai, Ford and GM do it better for much less money.

C450 AMG

Climate control is crap, set it at 60 and hot air is blowing. AC needs to be always ON. Transmission is poor, jerks a lot! I mean A LOT! Interior started cracking within 2 days / 100 miles! Can't believe it! C'mon! My Genesis Coupe lasted on NYC roads for almost a year / 10k miles before i started hearing creaks! Hyundai Sonata 2015 is still silent after 2 years of ownership! Command Entertainment system is not touch, just completely garbage. Trunk is smaller than in my previous Genesis Coupe. OEM wheels are joke, easily get cracks. Its a great car but not for 65k MSPR. I would price it at 45-50k max. Would never purchase a mercedes again.

Glad I witched.

This is a much different C300 than previous years. Total luxury!

Fun safe car

Little difficulty getting in or out, but overall a wonderful experience.

C300 - 4me

My Grandfather's Car with Gadgets

First the exterior and ride is beautiful; it rides like my 2012 E-Class and its only a C. Hats off to MB they did that right. However, the interior layout is very disappointing. First, the gear shift is now on the column like my grandfather's 55 Chevy. The gear shifter is flimsy and clumsy to use. I much prefer the floor gear shift which makes the car feel sporty. Next the E-Brace M System is clumsy and cumbersome to use. Everything, I mean everything is in the E-Brace from climate control, to maps, to the radio is in there. The screen is about 2x the size of 2012 E Class. It mounted on the dash as if some one mounted in a big screen TV in their basement wall. The center console looks barren, and with the E-Brace mounted between the seats and the TV set just hanging out there, the elegance of a luxury car is gone. In my opinion, its not attractive at all. I have owned 4 Mercedes, and its does not look like I will be buying my 5th. I was planning on looking at a CLS but most likely I will hang on to my E-Class until I figure out what to buy.

C300 zoom