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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans
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Comments
From this board, people have noted many concerns and problems with the new C-class. Frankly, the 3-series board is much more positive.
I would appreciate input from anyone who closely compared the "C" with the "3" in terms of build quality and overall reliability. I already know the performance pluses and minuses and the other attributes. I would also be interested in hearing from any C32 owners who also considered the M3, but since there aren't that many out there, I would like hearing from C240 and C320 owners as well.
I had always considered Mercedes the luxury/quality choice and BMW the performance choice, but I certainly don't want to dish out $53k for a C32 and be dissapointed in the quality.
Thanks in advance.
>>>>
I had the purge valve modification kit installed yesterday and, from all indications, the ticking noise has been significantly dampened if not eliminated. I believe my sharp ears hear it very very faintly but will have to spend a little more time with the car to be certain. It could just be normal belt and pulley noise I am hearing now. Nonetheless, the engine is definitely more silent now than it used to be.
>>>fuzzo -- does anyone have the part no. for the newly designed valve that will stop the ticking?
I have that information on the service order at home and will get it to you either today or tomorrow.
Would the M3 be a stick? If so,I'd take it over the C32.
If you're going automatic,I'd rather have an E320.
If you are rather discerning about quality(I know I'm pretty picky),I wonder if putting your extra money into finish(E320)rather than performance(C32)would make you happier.
As for the performance side, it is INCREDIBLE. People always talk about the speed of the C32, but the brakes on this thing is phenomenal! The suspension is definitely came from a sport car, not a sport sedan. 100MPH in this car feel like 40MPH, can't help but turn ESP off and do some doughnuts in the middle of the street. I need to get a Valentine1 radar before I get into trouble with the cop.
Now I'm a true believer of AMG philosophy of handling ability, braking, acceleration,
sport-oriented luxury, and exclusivity.
I decided to switch to the C because i liked the body style and the interior seemed somewhat bigger and better looking that in the 3 series... i am quite satisfied except for the little bugs that have come out which I am hoping to get taken care of.... (I have had the car for 3 weeks today)
If I had the choice of picking between the C and the 3 series, i think i would pick the C.. but between the c32 and M3.... i would definitely pick the M3...(i am biased towards having manual tranny) .
....this opinion may change on how many times i have to take the car back to the dealer
That's why I'd rather an E320.
Thanks in advance
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
1. One month after my purchase, the automatic seat adjustment in passenger side failed. Repair work ordered and done.
2. After my CD changer was installed, I began to experience audio failure and a very noisy ticking sound sometimes after I started the engine. When this happened, I had to restart the engine to let the system back to normal. This problem didn't occur every time I started the engine so it took twice of service works for the technician to find out. According to the report, a new CD changer was installed to my car.
3. A couple of months later, the indicator stated the windshield fluid is low. I replenished a bottle of water into the fluid reservoir. The warning signal was off for one day and then came up again. After that, no matter how much water was replenished in the morning, the signal came up again in the afternoon. I brought the car in for repair. The technician found that the windshield fluid reservoir cracked. They found a deal in LA had this part and overnighted it to complete the repair work. When the order arrived, they found it was cracked as well. They ended up ordering the part directly from Germany. The problem was later repaired.
4. All of the sudden, the remote key I had been using since day one didn't work any more. I reported the problem when I sent my car in for Service A maintenance (the first 10K miles maintenance). They could not get it repaired so they've ordered a new key for me.
5. Just last week, after Service A maintenance, the indicator signals a problem in left brake light. I have called the service rep and, hopefully, I can get this fixed soon.
I also experienced the ticking noise from the valve that a few members are currently discussing but it doesn't bother me that much compared to the above. Would my car be considered a lemon with all of the above problems? I still like my C320 though. It runs smoothly at a high speed.
Kinda funny how petty they are. There was a single charge of $80 on the purchase contract and another $80 on the finance contract with Chase.
PURCHASE CONTRACT
$80.00 registration (legitimate)
$39.00 registration service (rip-off)
$29.00 state inspection (legitimate)
------
$148.00
And on top of that, there's a mysterious $119 on top of the $148.
Since most of the #s are not aligned in the appropriate boxes, I missed the $119. They are bastards!
After scanning the contract numerous times, I cannot categorize which box the $119 fee should go to.
And they finally put a $5 for title preparation. These ppl never fail to disappoint me.
If you live in the Boston area and decide to shop at Chambers Motocars at
269 McGrath Highway
Sommerville MA 02145
617-666-4100
Please bear this message in mind at purchase decision.
I have my C240 Sport 6 Spd on order. Orion blue, C2, C3, C4, C6 and Bose. The dealer has given me a quote of $795 INSTALLED for the 6 CD changer in the glove box. I notice the MSRP for the changer is $775 plus installation and installation kit. I'm paying $1k over invoice for the car, but don't know if it's a good price for the CD changer.
Any comments?
Thanks,
John W.
Afterall, I eyewitness the bombing in WTC in person. It was very horrible and sad and was toally different when viewing in TV which looked like an action movie. It was so scare and everyone would wipe with emotion. They were not a twin building to us. They were part of us. Now they were gone...very sad and our family lost a very close friend...:(....
Thanks, again.
John W.
I'm picking up my ccoupe on Saturday, and had some questions about various silly stuff. I'd post this on the ccoupe discussion, but that has no traffic on it.
AFMBGUY: I must have missed this. Are there no mudguards on c class models?
Thanks for any info.
If anyone needs a link, see the top of this page. Enjoy!
Pat
Host
Sedans Message Board
Automatic,Bose,silver metallic,packages C2 & C3
list price $35,550 paid $33,750 dealer includes yearly car detailing as long as you own the car.
How did I do on the price?
John from New Jersey
that's a great price if u can afford it in this recession-like (if not already) economy...
Congratulations
John W.
Did you get any discounts when you bought your C240?
e-mail parkj@mbusa.com
Leon
1. A new C 240.
2. A 2-3 year old C 280 with 20,000 to 30,000 miles.
3 A 4-5 year old E 320 with 40,000 to 50,000 miles.
I generally like to drive my cars in to the ground, so i'd like to buy a car that I can get 8 to 10 years use.
Which would you buy, and why?
Thanks for the input. I find this group extremely helpful.
1) has your Lexus actually been driven "into the ground" at 150,000 miles? My car is going strong at 155,000 miles (touch wood).
2) I do not own a Mercedes-Benz at the moment, although I would like to get a C 240 6 speed when circumstances allow it.
Anyway, I would certainly be most tempted with buying the new car. If you were to get the extended warranty at the same time, you could look forward to at least 6 years of more or less trouble-free driving with the new C 240.
The older C-Class is also a nice car, but I don't see how a 2 or 3 year old C 280 could realistically be compared to a new C 240. First of all, they're not as safe. Secondly, because it is out of production, you may have some difficulty obtaining parts if you keep it, say, 10 years. Or at least more trouble than you'd have with a current model C Class, which is likely to stay in production until 2007. Maybe Mercedes is different in this regard; certainly this sort of orphanage situation is common with the French cars that I still drive (and how!). Thirdly, the previous generation C Class is a little more cramped inside than the quite roomy W 203 C Class. Fourthly, there is something about buying a new car that is superior to buying ANY used car. Sort of a virginity bonus, I don't know... Plus you could pick it up in Europe if you want (which has the side effect of guaranteeing that you get a German-made one, if that matters to you).
As for the E-Class, many of the issues mentioned above would apply. It is, however, a more roomy car, and probably one of the best examples of the traditional Benz. The newly-introduced models (C and S Class, not to mention M) have been criticised for a slippage in quality and I expect the new E-Class to be subject to this phenomenon as well. But I'd still opt for the new C 240...
Another consideration is timing. I'd expect many of the first-generation bugs to be exorcised from the new C-Class by now, as it's been in production for about 18 months. On the other hand, it is pretty clear that Mercedes-Benz is on the cusp of introducing direct injection gasoline engines, probably starting with next year's new E Class. I would prefer to wait until this technology is introduced on the C Class, due to the higher specific power, the lower fuel consumption and lower emission levels. The latter could be important in the long-term if the USA and Canada ever get around to taxing cars by their emission levels, something that already is de rigeur in Europe. Besides, lower emissions are a good thing, whether you are rewarded financially for it or not.
These are my rambling commentaries, for what they're worth.
Mike
has anyone else had this problem? Please let me know so I can address it when I take it to the dealer tomorrow...
I was wondering, however, where you are from. I live in the DC area and there are a lot of used Mercedes being sold privately. Considerably better deals are out there on excellent condition used cars, if you are willing to shop around in my area. A friend just picked up a good condition 1998 E430 with 45k miles for $30,000 (quick deal w/ diplomat leaving area). In my area, I would expect that you could get a 2-3 year old C280 for $26-$30k and a 1997-98 E320 for a similar amount, assuming you are willing to shop around a bit.
I myself am a new car guy and am probably going the BMW route this fall, but wish you good luck.
As for needing the room, I have two kids, and have one of them in the car most of the time on the weekends. My car, however, is used mostly for commuting. Therefore, I don't "need" more room, but it is always nice to have.
As for my Lexus being "driven into the ground" at 150,000 miles, I think I could get 50,000 more miles out of it fairly easily. But the car is paid off and it's time for a new one. Alright . . .I admit ...it's time for a new toy.
Personally, I am partial to the used E320. I think it's the best looking car out there. However, I'm worried that it will have greater repair costs over a 10 year period because you are not gettoing the first 4 years of use. Stated differently, my heart says get the E320, but my head says, get the C240
Again, thanks for your replies.
I'm in the process of downsizing my garage. The wife keeps her mini-van. Why she loves it, I'll never know. But you can't beat if for size while throwing the kids and gear into for the ride up to Lake Tahoe!
I will replace my 1991 Porsche 928 GT w/31K miles and my 1987 MB 300D (6 cylinder turbo diesel)with 230k miles. I shuttle the kids around town, so I need a four door. The decision was either a used 320/420 or a new C240. Their price was comparable. I opted for the new C240. I took the hit on space to get a new car with a 6 speed. They're building it next week and it's due in next month.
I hope I made the right decision. I'll know about a day after I take delivery.
Good Luck!!
John W.
At any rate, the E class wasn't too small to be uncomfortable for the four of us (wife + 13 year old daughter + 10 year old son)on the trip with all our luggage. And there was a ton of luggage. So, I figured for everyday use, me plus 1 or 2 kids, that the C would suffice. Plus, I NEEDED that 6 speed.
I had to order my C240, since there wasn't one they could find with the options and color I wanted: Orion Blue, C2, C3, C4, Bose and sport package.
I ordered the car before the events of last week. I mention that, because apparently, there are now good deals to be had. I live in the SF bay area. The dealers I talked to in the extended area (about 6) were all unwilling to deal on an ordered car. I reminded them how their cost of sale on this car would be effectively zero, but they wouldn't budge. I knew the environment was more buyer friendly down in Los Angeles. So I went through a car broker up here who has a relationship with an L.A. MB dealer. They charged me $1k over invoice, which seemed like a good deal at the time. But like I said, things maybe different now.
Hope that helps (sorry for the rambling length)
Good Luck,
John W.
Posts are all over the place of random problems...most with Keys randomly not working and not having successful repairs. Not to mention Sunroof repairs, cars going dead all of the sudden.. Are these cars really Mercedes-Benzes? I view other posts, looking at the VW Passat, and dont see a fraction of the problems there or most other cars online here at TownHall? What is going on? If I paid 35k for a MB & I had those problems, I would have no faith in my car & the whole new car experience would be lost on me...& that should not be the case with a Benz?
What are your thoughts on this??
None of these guys builds them like the Japanese, and none of them are building them to the level that I used to expect...but no VW would tempt me to skip an MB based on the expectation of superior reliability. Not likely...
was somewhat concerned with these posts because my Lexus has never had any problem with anything breaking other than the air conditioner needing $1,000 in repairs after it went out (at 145,000 miles). In fact, I know numerous Lexus owners, and I have never heard of any of them having any problem with their car before 1000,000 miles.
However, I also know numerous Mercedes owners. All of them tell me a similar story: If you maintain this car, you will get at least 200,000 miles out of it. However, what attracts me to the Mercedes is that the cars look great when they have lots of miles on them. In fact, they look better than a Lexus when they have high miles. I have had numerous occassions when I now pull up to a read light and a 10 to 15 year old Mercedes piulls up next to me, and I''ll think to myself, "That's a damn good looking car." My next door neighbors have a circa 1990 MBZ 420 SEL and a circa 1985 MBZ 190. Both cars look great.
At bottom, while I expect that a Mercedes will cost more to maintain than a Lexus, I'm willing to sacrafice it for styling.