Most cars look like this when they open their hoods.

The C300 Sport can look like this...

The C300 has hood struts that allow you to open the hood up to a near-vertical placement, as well as a few areas in between. Doesn't it look like the hinges broke, and the hood has flown up like it did to David Spade's car in Tommy Boy?

I'm honestly not sure how many cars feature hoods like this, but it's certainly nifty and actually prevents injuries. Before I discovered this feature, one of our editors knocked his head against the rather sizeable latch at the base of the C300's hood when it was in the lowest, rather normal position. The wide-open setting could've prevented that head bonk and any related brain damage it may have incurred (he later began to speak in a cockney British accent and described the Rondo as "sexy"). Quite the useful innovation.

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That is pretty cool.

This is by no way an innovation, but an historical features of Mercedes-Benz. I think it is only on MBs. And I think the ML I did not have it.

However, I know for sure the W124 and all E-Class, the W201 and all C-Classes, and W126 and all S-Class have this feature. Maybe sooner, I don't know.

On the G-Class, the hood can be put on the windshield!! So it has an even wider opening!!

It is because the big grille can be dangerous, and it also allows a much better access to the motor. And because MB always has special features like that.

My W123 had that feature, it must have been an option back then.

Yep these are the details that make a Mercedes so special IMO. When dealing with a Benz in any way you always feel like they've engineered everything for a specific purpose even if it isn't immediately apparent what the purpose/reason is.

M

Correct.

On our old W126 300SE, you can open the hood like that too. Not sure about my dad's R129 500SL though, need to check in the summer.

lol yeah my 78 300D has this..
so its far from anything new for MB

2008 Mercedes-Benz C300: Still Waiting for Parts



Just over a month ago, Mercedes-Benz of Long Beach special ordered a part for the C300's rear sunroof shade. It arrived from Germany as forecasted, three weeks later. So we made an appointment to install it last week.

Our service advisor called a few hours after we dropped off the vehicle. He explained, "We lowered the headliner to install the part and realized that we need more parts to complete the repair." He followed with a humble apology and admission that they should have caught it the first time.

We were surprised by the straightforward apology, but not by what it meant: Another 7-10 business days for parts to arrive. We're waiting again.

Mike Schmidt, Vehicle Testing Coordinator @ 5,286 miles


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M

2008 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport: Let Go Already!

First off, let me say that I enjoyed the C300 and though I like ripping acceleration as much as any other car buff, I don't know why anyone would spend the extra $5,300 for the C350. This 3-liter, 228-hp V6 has plenty of gusto for driving in the real world, provided you put the transmission in Sport mode where it holds lower gears longer and provides quicker downshifts.

The performance is usable too. At one point I was on a road that went from two lanes to one, and had the right of way when some idiot in an older Camry decided to come up along side me (rather than blending in behind) and stay there as the road started its lane reduction. I wasn't sure what this guy was thinking (well, evidently, he wasn't) so a quick jab to the gas quickly jetted the C300 ahead of the dolt without breaking a sweat or making a lot of racket.

My only complaint thus far concerns the ignition operation. Like every other Benz I've driven with this funky key, it's like the car doesn't want to let go of the key after you turn it off and attempt to pull it out. It's not a defect as they've all done this and it takes the same little tug to pull the key out. I'm flattered that the Benz likes me and wants to stay out and run around some more, but sheesh, just let go, will ya?

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Oh god what the hell is he talking about? Turn key, engine shuts off, remove key. Jesus Christ.

M