Last of the MB Manuals: Mercedes-Benz C300 6-speed
For November 24, 2023, our used car find is this well-kept 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 sedan with a rare six-speed manual transmission. This example is offered by a private seller on Craigslist in Orange County, California, for $10,950 or best offer.
Here’s what makes this one special.
Introduction
Mercedes-Benz pretty much gave up on manual transmissions in the U.S. decades ago. But a few stray have exceptions trickled in here and there over the years. One of the last came in the form of the fourth-generation Baby Benz, also known as the W204 generation. Sold from 2008 through 2014, this evolution of the C-Class has proved to be one of the best, offering an agile chassis, robust powertrains, and a general lack of complicated gizmos to go wrong.
Reading through forums and owner reviews, it’s quickly evident that the C300 variant of the W204 is the one to get if you’re looking for a reliable all-rounder. It employs a 3.0-liter version of MB’s tried-and-true M272 V6, making 228 horsepower and 221 lb-ft of torque. That’s far less than its sportier C350 sibling and just a fraction of the mighty C63’s power. But it’s plenty of get-up-and-go for most applications. More importantly, it’s the only mill that could also be paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
With its 2012 model refresh, the W204 got a new set of engines, including the now-ubiquitous turbo four-cylinder in the base C250. The M272 V6 soldiered on in the C300 4Matic but only in automatic guise. Alas, the available stick shift was dropped, making 2011 the final year you could get a four-door Benz in the U.S. with a clutch pedal.
The Listing
This particular example is one of the cleanest C300s we’ve seen in a long time. With barely 100,000 miles, just two SoCal owners, a long dealer service history, and even a new set of Michelins, it checks almost every box on our used car wishlist. Plus, it’s got the super-rare manual gearbox, which had a take rate of just 5%.
In the seller’s own words:
Not too many like this one around and in this condition. Stick Mercedes sedan with room for 5 passengers in perfect mechanical and immaculate interior condition. I have owned since 2019 and always garaged and serviced ahead of schedule. All original with both factory keys, window sticker, owners manual, floor mats and First Aid kit. Michelins are new, recent service, and detailed this past month. If you are looking for the cleanest manual transmission driver’s sedan this is it. No trades sorry, thinning my herd of my rare German Automobiles and yes I have the service history available from Fletcher Jones.
If there’s anything to find fault with, it could be the $10,950 asking price. That’s on the high side for an aging C-Class. But considering this one’s condition, history, and unicorn-level spec, we think it’s worth it.
Find it on Craiglist HERE while you still can.
Details & Specs
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz C300 Sport (W204)
- 101,912 miles
- 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine (M272)
- 228 horsepower
- 221 lb-ft of torque
- six-speed manual transmission
- rear-wheel drive
- 3,527 pounds
- Steel Grey exterior paint
- black MB-tex upholstery
- WDDGF5EB9AR121617
Additional Photos
