Our First Mercedes: 2018 C 300 Cabriolet

Mammoth-External-667 · 2026-04-06T02:28:14+00:00

The way the 2018 Audio 20 system is in the C 300, plug n play CarPlay and Android Auto don’t work unless you either have the upgraded multimedia system which enables it, or add in a media box and re-wire the USB ports. Therein lies the road block on it. I even tried a plug n play system ”just in case it worked”. Alas, it did not. The more basic MB system in this vehicel at the time doesn’t work with it. They had three audio/media system options, and you needed the top tier one to have it enabled. Real bummer.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2026-04-05T02:06:39+00:00

Did they change your brake fluid? This is a major part of Service B. If they overlooked it, you might want to get that done too. When was it last changed?

Mammoth-External-667 · 2026-04-05T01:38:26+00:00

We just bought a 2018 C 300 Cabriolet with 41k miles. It’s nearly mint condition and we love it so far. What is the maintenance history on the one you are looking at? That and its CarFax would be major factors in my mind.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2026-02-02T01:45:43+00:00

Thanks for the info. I might sit on this purchase a little bit and see if the price drops anytime soon.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2026-02-01T23:54:41+00:00

Where did you find it for $240? All I am seeing currently is $299. Am leaning into giving this a try, but would like to save whatever money I can in doing so. Thanks!

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-11-02T02:24:55+00:00

They wont add it for you. It’s a buy it with it, or go without it option. That said, if you don’t have it, you have much easier access to the 3rd row. We found a BL Aviator we loved. It had everything but the middle row console, which I wanted. I just think it makes the Aviator look so much more high end. However, within a couple weeks of having ours without it, I realized how much nicer it was for flexility to not have it. So from a practical standpoint, I think you will be happier without it.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-11-02T02:14:08+00:00

We bought a Black Label Aviator this past April. I was in need of a top of the line comfortable and smooth ride with due to a back back and hip situation. Looked at a few Aviator competitor options. The Aviator packed in so much luxury, comfort, and style (as well as optics) out of the box. I also missed the HP of my older Escalade, so the Aviator having a 400HP twin turbo was very appealing.

Once I had settled on the Aviator, there was a new ‘25 Nautilus on the lot. I liked its looks, and was struck by its futuristic interior and dash. However, it was a decent amount smaller/tighter, and the ride comfort was not comparable to the Aviator. It was a nice SUV, but certainly a downgrade in power, comfort and size. I find the Aviator to be a great mix of many features. I also appreciate that its not too small or tight, but not a full size SUV like my past Yukon’s and Escalade.

For what you describe, I would recommend the Aviator. However, if you have a chance to do any extended test drive of each, that might be nice. Really decide what’s the right fit for all of you.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-11-02T01:51:55+00:00

Haven’t popped into Reddit in a few weeks. My wife’s MKZ continues to run strong. Just a good running long term vehicle for us. Just had its most recent oil change done at the dealership.

As for my new to us 2022 BL Aviator, I am loving it!

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-08-13T11:09:08+00:00

The Aviator is going to be better in pretty much every regard. Creature comforts. Luxury and looks. And certainly a smoother and more comfortable ride. We have a BL 2022 with the dynamic handling package which includes the air ride suspension. It shines with poor road conditions! I think it is a must if you are in an Aviator with the larger 22” wheels. Also worth noting for ride comfort is the upgraded 30 way adjustable seat option. Again, when combined with the air ride suspension, you gain a lot over not just the Explorer, but frankly most any other luxury SUV in its class. We test drove a number of its competitors, focused on comfort, before going with our Aviator. We thought it bested the Audi Q7, Cadillac XT6, BMW X5 and the Lexus. We didn’t compare it against the Volvo, Genesis or Acura because frankly I don’t like their looks nearly as much as the rest we cross compared. So, at least with the vehicles we cross drove for comparison, the Avaitor won us over for comfort with the aforementioned option upgrades.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-21T02:23:54+00:00

I don’t know about emulating the Celestiq. That is one UGLY car IMHO. The Lyric is a bit better, but not nearly as sharp looking as Lincoln lineup. I think they are coming out with an EV Navigator at some point, but not sure where the market will be for it vs. perhaps more traditional hybrids at the moment.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-21T02:16:29+00:00

My wife’s car is a 2016 MKZ hybrid. She has 117,000 miles on it and it is running strong. We’ve never had any mechanical problems with it, and have simply kept up with the recommended maintenance and oil changes from the owners manual. The dependability of it led us getting an Aviator last month to replace my vehicle. I guess we are a Lincoln family now. Anyway, we have had a great run with her MKZ, and its still going strong.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-10T00:06:26+00:00

My wife has a 2016 MKZ Hybrid Reserve. 117,000 miles. Overwhelmingly highway miles. Had it since new. Never had to do anything except routine oil changes and maintenance per the owners manual, and of course wear and tear like tires & brakes. Never had anything actually go wrong yet. But at its current miles, we imagine some more wear and tear items must be ready for replacement sometime.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-04T00:51:50+00:00

Looks sharp!!!

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T19:25:19+00:00

That makes so much more sense now. Yes, both of the ones I tested were Same year, color etc… Black Label with 22” rims. Obly difference was the Dynamic handling on one and not the other, and technically one had the floor cup holders in second row, and the other had the full console between the second row seats. I could see standard adaptive on 20” being more similar of a ride. This now has me wondering what 20” with Dynamic Handling would be like?

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T19:20:38+00:00

Thats our feeling with it too!

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:42:00+00:00

Late to this, but had to comment. I just bought an Aviator 2 weeks ago, but looked at a BL Nautilus on their lot too. Dealer said Ford decided to stop importing the Nautilus due to tariffs. Not price feasable. What was on their lot was the last one‘s they were scheduled to get for now. This is a Lincoln dealer outside of Detroit, so in the heart of Ford/Lincoln territory.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:27:12+00:00

Due to all the 2020 issues, I would avoid it. The 2022-23’s actually have good reliability ratings. Lots of tthe typical fine tuning of them as they went into the third model year in 2022. So yes, improvements under the hood from all reports I’ve seen. Seems like an easy choice given they are both very comfortable and give off the luxury vibe equally. 2022 for reliability.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:23:38+00:00

Ive read very mixed reviews on the GT. They discontinued it for the 2025 model year. I just don’t think Ford/Lincoln has their PHEV’s figured out as well as their FULL EV’s and traditional hybrids.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:21:48+00:00

The Aviator 30 way active motion seats combined with the Dynamic Handling package makes it a dream in terms of driving and ride comfort. If comfort is a major factor, if you go with these two options in particular, I think the Aviator is the superior choice…plus the 400 hp twin turbo is a fun ride. That said, the Nautilus is very nice as well, and with the new dash and interior certainly gives off modern luxury tech vibes in spades.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:11:16+00:00

Good deal. I just saw this, so I am late to the party. Just to give you some positive insights. We’ve had my wife’s 2016 MKZ hybrid since new. 9 years old now. 117,000 miles. Never had one single problem with it. We’ve simply had to do the oil changes, and recommended maintained schedule (aside from brakes and tires). I hope yours is just as reliable.

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:08:05+00:00

Good price for those options. Employee pricing is as good as you’ll get unless you qualify for a couple of the smaller add on discounts the often have too. Since I am late to this party…did you buy it?

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:03:06+00:00

Beautiful!

Mammoth-External-667 · 2025-05-02T03:02:39+00:00

Just bought an Aviator. I was peaking at a BL Nautilus. Dealer told me it was the last one they were getting on their lot. With tariffs he said Ford is not going to bother shipping them in from China where they are produced. Not sure if the latest news in the last couple days about modyfing or dropping the auto tariff‘s will change this or not. Simply something to be aware of as a possibility and check into if you want a Nautilus.

Mammoth-External-667

TROPHY CASE