Petrol Cap

[watsonofearnock]

The ignition key, which is similar to the Mercedes key in that it has now metal probe to move tumblers but is electronic, contains a metal key secured within the head of the ignition key by a small clip. You slide the clip over and the metal key which operates the fuel cap pops out. The 300C can be a contradiction in terms when viewed as a luxury car. It has a great many super features which are very costly options on cars by other manufacturers - but often you find odd small details (like either a self locking cap or flap or even a tether) are missing. Just one of its endearing features.
Cheers John

[lambournkoi]

Hi John,

You didn't answer my question, do you just have the ignition key on your ring and use the key within for the fuel cap or use the separate metal key supplied with the car for the cap and have two keys on the fob?

[Chill]

I just have the one key on the fob. I much prefer the more compact dimensions of the facelift key, and I'd lose the benefit if I also carried the spare, just for the petrol cap. Another benefit of being able to remove the metal key while the rest of the key is in the ignition is that I can unlock the glovebox without having to shut off the engine. I believe that most insurance policies require anything lockable to be locked (and the luggage cover pulled closed) - I know these are almost useless security features, but if you don't apply them then the insurers will do their best to wiggle out of a claim. With the two-part key I am now able to leave the glovebox locked and not worry about unlocking it before I start the car.

[watsonofearnock]

Hi Simon,
I just have the one key on the ring but instead of a fob I have a mini-Swiss Army knife with file, scissors, toothpick and tweezers on a clip catch so that it is accessible. Saves me reaching for my full sized Swiss Army knife worn on my hip with all the appropriate goodies there-on. The one thing I don't like about the facelift model is that the ignition keyhole is on the left hand side of the steering wheel as against the right. Being right handed it is not "natural" to me.
Cheers John

[lambournkoi]

I am use to the ignition on the left now but my other half always puts the key in and tries turning it anti-clockwise (doh).

[2008uk300c]

I too found it a bit odd to start with, but now I am used to it, sometimes when I have a courtesy car it is a sebring, which also has a key slot on the left of the steering wheel, but it uses a normal key, the right hand side of the steering column is always very scratched where people don't realise it's on the other side.

How are you finding the darker leather John ? I much prefer it, probably looks cleaner for longer aswell

[keat]

The demo vehicle I had must have been the facelift.. it had the touch screen audio and the keyless key fob.
One thing I didn't like was the retractable (petrol cap) key in the top.
I remember remarking how the thing will wear loose in time.

[watsonofearnock]

The black upholstery is very nice on the seats and it does look nice on the door trims although I find that the door trims tend to get little marks on them - really just dust though which comes off with a wipe with a duster. Overall the upgraded trim is very satisfactory and a vast improvement over the original pale grey. The door trims are a different shape though and I think the door pockets slightly bigger. The SatNav/stereo/phone is a tremendous improvement on the original - they have made a good car into a better car - and I don't even notice the wee aerial on the roof.
Cheers John

[yamabob]

Don't mean to hijack-Great to see ya here John

[watsonofearnock]

Just playing low key Bob. My interest in the forum has been pretty badly dented.
Cheers John