SEPTEMBER 1997
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This week, I'm test driving the popular Mercedes-Benz C280 Sport Package
which was introduced last year. It combines leather upholstery, firmer suspension,
wider wheels and tires, Recaro Sport seats and unique trim for only $790.
I drove Interstate 5 south from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay Area to North
Hollywood in Southern California in less than 6 hours. What a delightful
ride. I stopped for gas at a hal a tank and buying the best it was only
$12 to fill up. Upon my arrival there was over a half a tank left. The CD
player provided me with the sound system I needed to make the trip enjoyable.
The color was red and the ride was smooth. Handling is enhanced by faster-ratio
steering (15.4:1 vs15.85:1 in the standard model), heavy-duty upper control
arms in front, shock absorbers that are 35 percent firmer, and solid stabilizer
bars in place of hollow ones. The engine is a thin-wall cast-iron block
aluminum head which gives the C280 great horsepower/rom.
All Mercedes-Benz models come with a four year/50,000 mile warranty, which
includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period.
In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of age, are covered by the 24
hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program. This peace of mind can include
a free jump start, mounting of a spare tire, or a few gallons of fuel, even
for decades-old models.
The C280 is rated perfect!
---Nikki Johnson
SBC Consumer Advocate
