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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

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Comments

  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    If you insist, you can go to Daimler-Benz's worldwide website, and see what they say.

    Here's what I know :

    -Cs for the American market [both North and South American] are made in Germany [principally Rastatt and Bremen, but some in Sindelfingen] and Brazil. There are no Mexican plants assembling passenger cars for Mercedes.

    -The Brazilian plant assembles so-called knock-down kits, which means that most of the parts and assemblies are not manufactured on site, but come from overseas sources - again principally Germany, but also South Africa.

    -RHD Cs are currently made for all right-hand-drive markets [UK, Japan, Australia, etc] in South Africa.

    For all practical purposes, the US market is served almost exclusively by the German plants; the Brazilian cars are out there, but they make up a very small proportion of cars on US dealer lots.

    I have no idea where the assertion that these cars are made in Mexico came from - another urban legend, I suppose...or confusion because VW, Honda, Nissan, and many others have plants in Mexico. DCX [the big parent] has Mexican factories, but no MB cars are produced there - examples do include the PT Cruiser and some models of heavy-duty Class 8 trucks.
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    These days, I wonder if problems in the German economy and society aren't affecting the workers dedication to build quality. I can see less and less MBs being made in Germany as time goes on.

    What MB should do is have some kind of lifetime subscription to teleaid, $1000 for life, transferable to every new MB you own. That would be a fair deal, and help with followup buyers who had the subscription and had an incentive to buy another MB to continue using it.
  • mac320mac320 Member Posts: 147
    German workers cost about 50% more and are less productive than their US counterparts, according to a recent WSJ article, so US production of MB's SUVs, for instance, made sense. Now that the US plant makes all it can produce, mostly for export, MB's ML has been a success story for US workers.

    As for German workers, they made out in our case because we were impressed with our ML so much, we opted for MB's C-Class when it came time to replace the Honda.

    As for where our C-Class was made, this issue came up recently in an earlier post, which you may be interested to read, as follows:

    #6045 of 6276 Heard of Brazilian-assembled "C"s?
    by mac320 Nov 09, 2002 (1:40 pm)
     
    It was news to me. A German car enthusiast told me you cannot tell except for the VIN number: if your "C" was assembled in Germany, there will be a letter "A" or "F" followed by six more numbers at the very end of the VIN number, whereas the Brazilian-assembled "C"s will have one of three different letters

    Apparently, even though some "C"s are assembled in So. America, they're considered 100% "Made in Germany" because every part comes from Germany (I don't know where the Brazilian "C"s are painted). By comparison, in the production facility in Alabama where MLs are assembled, only the most expensive elements for the ML come from Germany, like the engine, drive train, electronics, &etc., whereas the body parts are made in the U.S.

    I read recently that German workers cost 50% more and are less productive compared to U.S. workers. Using Brazilian labor probably offers an even greater economic value than US workers.

    Once "C" body parts are made in Brazil instead of just being assembled like a Heathkit radio, MB will have a competitive product to offer West Coast buyers, i.e., a better made "C" at a lower price. I hear the Brazilian-assembled "C"s are actually better than from Germany.
  • michhalamichhala Member Posts: 375
    Jeeesh! I hope I am in the right place! Lotsa changes in just a few weeks to the forum.

    Some will recall that my car was keyed and required painting of the entire passenger side. It was in the shop for ten days (this included a weekend), and methinks it looks good. There are a few places (inside frame of door, near small window, on bumper) where there are slight overruns of paint. It can only be seen in certain lights and I am taking the car to the shop tomorrow for them to rectify. I brought the car to Lasky Coachworks in West Los Angeles. They are extremely nice and the owner, who is a car collector and car enthusiast -- IOW a car nut :) -- is on the premises at all times.

    Miki
  • acco20acco20 Member Posts: 211
    and how things were going with the paint job. Glad it seems to be working out.
  • tomotomotomotomo Member Posts: 57
    In late 2001 I purchased a 2002 C320 for my wife and the car was assembled in Brazil. We have had it for about 16 months and have had no problems to date.
  • mleskovarmleskovar Member Posts: 171
    Good to hear your car is finished Miki...I was wondering how it turned out. I hope they complete it to your satisfaction
  • ciracira Member Posts: 37
    Anyone have an opinion on this situation.

    I purchased by C230 on April 3, 2002. For the first few weeks the car was wonderful. Then the trouble began. In the course of the next 10 months, the following defects occurred:

    1) The rear seat cushion was defective and had a large bump in it. This was replaced.
    2) The parking brake stopped working and had to be tightened.
    3) The car pulled to the right. Three alignments were done to no avail. The dealer now blames the problem on the snow tires (even though the problem existed before the snows were installed, and despite the fact that Mercedes expressly advises customers to install snow tires).
    4) The headlights did a fine job of illuminating the house numbers along the right side of the road but did little to light the road. They had to be aligned twice.
    5) The rear shock bolts came loose (not in connection with any driving hazard) and had to be replaced.
    6) The stick shift and pedals vibrated so much that the dealer changed the engine mounts. Problem is no much better.
    7) Floating mirror problem that others have had. Dealer changed the controller and the problem was corrected.
    8) The bumper fascia behind the left rear wheel came loose and had to be reattached.
    9) Endless creaks, pops, rattles and squeaks. The sunshades on the panoramic roof had to be replaced because they were rattling around like loose bolts. The trunk lid has been “lubricated” several times to stop it from creaking like an old door hinge when driving. The dash and the glove box had to be tightened down as they were giving off loud “pops” when driving. Felt tape has been installed on the combar (I don’t know what that is but it’s what they said was the problem) to stop a rear rattle, and around the rear seat trim to stop squeaking. The tail gate panel trim had to be adjusted to stop a rattle and the tailgate shocks had to be replaced for the same reason.

    All of this has not stopped the problems. The alignment still pulls to the right. When I close the center blue air vent the air diffuser lets out a loud high pitched whistle. The dealer says this is normal but not a single loaner car I was given made this noise. The trim on the “B” pillar has come loose and constantly makes a cracking and popping sound. The tail rattle still comes and goes (sounds like a loose tailpipe). Lastly, the driver’s headrest intermittently fails to lower when the seat is pulled up in the entry/exit position. When this happens I have to remove the headrest and reinstall it to reset it.

    In 10 months of ownership the car has been in the shop for 44 working days.

    Have others had these kinds of problems? Is this a lemon or do I do as others and sell it and cut my loses. I actually love the C230 but I hate this car. Every week it’s a new problem. Any suggestions?
  • michhalamichhala Member Posts: 375
    Thank you for your good thoughts.

    Miki
  • mbusermbuser Member Posts: 1
    Anyone know what the lowest price for a C240 in the DC area? Seems like the dealers around the area are pretty stuffy and salesman generally unfriendly. Any recommendations before I venture out to buy my new MB?
  • husky11husky11 Member Posts: 53
    After reading your post in # 6282 I am planning to go down to the morgue tomorrow morning to cheer up. The string of the problems thatyou discuss in your message are truely amazing.

    Here is a site that you might look at. It covers the lemon laws in all states in the U.S.:
        www.123car.com/lemon/lemonby state.html
    This may be of some help to you.

    Good luck, hope all works well in your search
    for correct solutions for all of these things.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    One suggestion, that applies in just about any market:

    Go to CarsDirect.com and configure the car the way you want it. Then you have a good firm idea of the price the region is currently supporting. In our area, 3000 miles away from you in CA, CD is always within a couple of hundred dollars of the floor that is there in the marketplace; they are not always the low bidder, but always close.

    And, if all else fails, you can let them go get the car for you - which is after all, why they are in business; at worst, you've got a place to start.
  • fedssocrfedssocr Member Posts: 90
    I have heard that HBL is pretty good. I would try them or maybe EuroMotorcars. I bought my C at ASC in Arlington, but would not buy from them again.
  • eddiemaceddiemac Member Posts: 141
    I just helped a good friend purchase a c240 on Jan. 31. She purchased a bordeaux red c240 4matic. The sticker price was $38,225, and she purchased it for $36,500. The car has memory seats heated seats, sunroof, headlight washers, and a cd changer. She bought is at ASC in Arlington, after about a 2.5 week search. Another place to try would be Select Auto Imports in Alexandria. They sell pre-owned cars,BUT they also sell NEW Mercedes at a discount! We went there but they had sold the car she was interested in the night before. For comparison, they had a c240 with 10 miles on it, sticker price $35,300(the original sticker from the Benz dealer). Their starting price for the car was $34,950, which dropped to $33,950 without any real negotiation. They offered her a c240 with 300 miles for $32,900 and was willing to go lower, but she did not want the car. Their website is www.selectautoimports.net. If you need to know any specifics, e-mail me directly.
  • rc928rc928 Member Posts: 1
    My C240 4Matic drivers great in winter, except for the wipers. The dealer had replaced the blades 3 weeks after I took possession of the car, but they are still not cleaning very well. Will appreciate on any suggestions for after market M-B qualified winter wiper ?
  • mtroymtroy Member Posts: 45
    My 2001 C320 has 33k miles and needed new tires. I got the Michelin MXV4plus, and all appears well. $609 out the door. I figure I'll get an alignment at the next FSS service. After reading the past few month's posts here, I'm going to go back to tire place and question their lug nut tightening practices. (Never would have thought of that one.) Tires guys told me that getting 33K on the original Conti's was great. Hm, thoughts? I would have liked 45K. Tire guy told me I need new front brake pads and front rotors and rear pads. I figure 33K is about right for that. First MB dealer price: $619 YIKES! Second MB Dealer price: $711 DOUBLE YIKES! Tire guy (Big O Tires) says he can get the parts from the MB dealer and do the whole job for $337. But he's not a MB specialist, so I called two indep. MB repair places and they can do it for about $375. Now I expected the dealers to be more but DOUBLE the price is outrageous.
  • mac320mac320 Member Posts: 147
    We have a another 20K to go on the original Conti tires then, but when the time comes for new tires, I've wondered about replacing the stock 205\55\16s with a wider 225\50\16 size. The two sizes have the same overall tire diameter and apparently fit on 7" rims, although 7.5" rims came on the sport model with that size. Has anyone put the wider tire on the standard rims yet?
  • nankynanky Member Posts: 75
    Just had my front rotors and pads replaced at Penske for about $450. Where in CA are you? Has anyone had to replace a rain sensing windshield with one that's non MB yet supposed to have been built to MB specs?

    Have been gone for a while. Hope most of you are enjoying your cars.
  • mleskovarmleskovar Member Posts: 171
    My Contis have 42K miles and are about 2/3 worn. I like them because they are quiet. Not many people like the 'handling' of Contis but they suite me fine and can go around a corner faster than I am willing to take them. The standard rotors and pads wear too quickly and are too dirty for my liking. Why not turn your rotors? Or even buy after market rotors...slotted or drilled go for about $100 each. After market pads are cheaper and cleaner as well. Nothing is as smooth as the MB rotor and pad combination but the aftermarket offerings sometimes stop better and usually last longer (and cleaner). I have Porterfield pads on the front and the only difference I notice is the first couple of stops before the pads warm up are not as smooth as with the stock pads...no concern, just noticeable. My wife doesn't notice any difference at all.
  • valonvalon Member Posts: 22
    hi,
    after almost 3weeks of shopping and making a decision betwen c class and bmw325i I made my decision for the c class 230 sport sedan with cd changer and options c2 and c4, my question is did anyone bought the car and how is the driving also how much they pay for it mine total cost was $31500
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Just a reminder that MB specifies that OEM rotors should not be "turned" or cut for reuse. They only authorize new parts as replacements when rotors are diagnosed as worn or warped.
  • mleskovarmleskovar Member Posts: 171
    MB recommending not to turn rotors is a myth. Even their tech bulletins remind the dealers to first turn rotors before replacement in warranty situations. That being said....every dealer I've heard of replaces the rotors instead of turning them. There's minimal labor cost and wasted repair bay space when you don't remove/turn/wait/reinstall rotors. Also...they get the parts mark up $. The only factors limiting the turning of rotors are rotor thickness and condition (cracks).
  • xpunk79xpunk79 Member Posts: 2
    Anyone know any good MB service dealers around Los Angeles.I been to Penske and Rusnak, the service is not so good. They always tell me that i need to change my brakes every 6 months. Anyone have similar problems? Brakes don't go out that fast, i think. Anyone been to Calstar?
  • richjenkinsrichjenkins Member Posts: 55
    Hi all - Board been pretty quiet lately. Has anyone got any info on C230K Sport Sedan with manual transmission?

    In particular I'm wondering what 0-60 time is for comparison; for reference C320 I've seen as 6.9s. The MB USA site lists C230K manual as TBD...Also, am looking for any good pictures of this particular model; might save me a drive down to the dealer for a bit of snooping...

    Also, (John?) where does this four cylinder K engine come from? I though MB had eliminated the 4 banger with the W201? Or is this one of the "new" 4 cyl engines I heard about available in Europe (i.e. does it have 4 valve heads or unobtanium alloy passages) or what?

    Most recent W202 C experience I had was when I rented a C200 Classic in the UK, week before last, with the new C autobox; interesting drive, never did use the autobox though. I read the manual in the hotel and decided it was basically the same mechanism as in my W201 C, albeit via software vs. a mechanical lever.

    This particular model (from Avis -- threw myself on the mercy of the counter man for an upgrade) had 12K miles on it and still felt pretty tight. Good throttle response (much better than W201) and tracked pretty flat through the corners. Good steering, light but direct. I felt the build quality for this right hand drive model was not the same as the one I'd test driven in Orlando last fall. Perhaps its due to the different trim lines in the UK (Is it still Classic, Avant Garde, Elegance?) vs the States. Seemed a bit noiser too. Certainly the "feel" of the shift lever was different -- more floppy and less direct than the state-side version - but this is small cheese.

    Drove it from Bristol airport to Worcestershire then down the M40 to Gatwick, so had a pretty good haul in it. Felt very stable at 70+ (ahem) in the intermittent rain/mist. It was nice to drive in the UK again where they will move over out of lane 3 on the Motorway for you vs. here in the States where folks seem not to know much about efficient passing on interstates.(!)

    Thanks all...stay warm...Rich in Orlando where with the wind chill it was 79F today...:)
  • paul_ppaul_p Member Posts: 271
    My personal preference is I would not want to cut or turn an OEM rotor when new ones are available.

    Years ago when I was more cost-conscious, it seemed like most of the time the warped, scored rotors were too worn overall to turn anyway - and bringing them to a shop to have them turned was usually just a waste of my time. Out of about a dozen brake jobs I did on various autos over the years, I think I was only able to have the rotors turned once.

    I would pay the extra $ for safety, anyway. There are too many dollars, not to mention my life and other peoples', dependent on the performance of the brakes.

    Just my 2cents...

      - Paul
  • mbnut1mbnut1 Member Posts: 403
    I never turned them. They would never warp before the just plain wore out. They were good for about two sets of pads. And pretty cheap too about $35 from a west coast Mercedes dealer who sold them wholesale.
  • gutentagusgutentagus Member Posts: 2
    My 2001 C240 has 20k of mostly highway miles on it. The front of the car seems to be very sensitive to "stone chipping". It must have at least a hundred little paint chips anywhere from 1/32 to about 1/8 inch large. I noticed that the actual top coat of paint (desert silver in my case) is extremely thin. I wonder if that's why.
    I'd like to know whether anybody else has a similar problem and/or had any success convincing the dealer / Daimler USA to properly repaint the front (bumper and the hood)under warranty. The Service Manager of my dealer basically refused to even discuss the issue. My next step is to contact the regional rep.
  • cruzin1cruzin1 Member Posts: 1
    Hello all, I am looking at a 2001 C240 with 9k on it. Consumer reports rates that car below average in reliability, can some of you all tell me about your experiences with the car? Thanks
  • mleskovarmleskovar Member Posts: 171
    Welcome to eco friendly water based car paint. Say goodbye to the legendary Mercedes paint that lasted forever and didn't chip down to the undercoat every time it was hit. Same with the other German autos. Supposedly all car manufacturers will be going to this type of paint going forward. You'll be wasting your time trying to convince the dealer to repaint.
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    The 4 cyl in the W203 Cs all derive from a new design that is indeed all-aluminum [no more iron block]. At the moment, there are multiple derivatives of one basic design, all 1.8 liters in displacement. They are sold as the 180K, 200K, or 230K, with one version that is direct injection [not available in the US yet]. The various designations refer to the state of tuning, not to any difference in displacement [marketing again - no, I have no idea what they think this accomplishes]. Thus there are three different hp and torque ratings from the supercharged engines, plus one that is direct injection.

    We get the highest-rated engine for the US market's W203 Cs. Go here for a complete explanation:

    http://mbspy.bacosys.be/M271.htm
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    Yes, the water-based paints chip more easily. No, it is not a German car phenomenon. Yes, every web discussion site is filled with complaints on this topic. Each owner group [Honda, Toyota, Mazda, MB, BMW, Audi, etc. ad nauseum] is convinced that their particular make is unique in the respect, and a sure sign that Fill-In-The-Blank's quality has gone downhill since the good old days, etc.

    Oil-based enamel and acrylics WERE great paints; they are gone forever from the factories of mass-market manufacturers. Might as well accept this...air quality standards cannot be met with these kinds of paints, and that is that, until the technology evolves some more, as it no doubt will.
  • richjenkinsrichjenkins Member Posts: 55
    John - Appreciate the info and the link to the mbspy pages -- your posts are always appreciated. I've bookmarked this site for a while but was unaware of the engine info. Sounds like a winner, V-6 power and inline 4 fuel economy.

    Checked Sunday and local dealer here in Central Fl has 2x6 speed sport C230K 1 in Pewter, 1 in Black with C2 package and in dash CD player...which is darn close to the spec I would select. Noticed torque seems to be produced lower down (192 ft pnd at 3500 RPM), which usually gives me the impression (and it may not, indeed, be just an impression) of a more responsive and fun to drive car. I must say the wheel and tyre combination did not thrill me; I suppose they are targeting a younger (ahem) market with these, which is fair enough. They did seem a little on the "over the top" side to me, but they certainly fill the wheel wells with a purpose. Methinks may have to book a test drive...

    One passing observation on the seeming surfeit of model choices, one rather suspects a "freshening" of the C class styling in '04 is in the works as it would make sense in the middle of the product cycle (01 to 07). I seem to recall someone in another forum (germancarfans.com?) saying that the C would also get the in dash CD player in '04 that many have complained about (I've gotten used to the trunk mounted CD in mine -- and I use the cassette tape player for pre-recorded comedy tapes -- but call me a philistine:)

    rj
  • jettaglxvr6jettaglxvr6 Member Posts: 64
    Rich,
    In reference to your comment on the wheel/tire combo, you are right, if it wasn't for the look of those rims, I would never have given the C-class another look. I'm 28 years old and I always loved the body style, but thought the wheels in 16inch guise were a little too wimpy. Plus, I needed to have the manual and thought the 6spd C240 was still too sluggish. But, I loved the C230's throttle response and placed my order down for one back on 1/29/03.

    But to back up your comment, I do believe this look was targeted towards people like me and it worked like a charm!!
    Tony
  • jrct9454jrct9454 Member Posts: 2,363
    The usual tinkering with details - fascia, trims, bumpers, maybe new wheel designs...and my bet is yes, the indash single CD will finally become standard, with the glovebox changer continuing as optional.

    For a model of how this is usually handled, look to the difference between the '97 and '98 W202s, or the similar tweaking for the W210 E at midlife. IMO, these kinds of fiddlings can go either way - I liked the latter version of the W202 C, but preferred the earlier version of the W210 E...not that DB sought my opinion, of course.
  • ahostahost Member Posts: 36
    I recently noticed that my 2003 C320 (auto) does not roll backwards when I stop, e.g., for red on my way uphill, even if I let go of the brake (with the car in D). This is true even on very steep slopes. This is clearly a nice feature, but I wonder if it is in fact a feature. My 2001 C320 did not have this feature, and in my memory my 2003 C320 did not work like that in the begining (but I just might not have noticed it). So, is it a feature, do other C-class cars also work that way? Or did something happen to my transmission?
  • richjenkinsrichjenkins Member Posts: 55
    Tony...anyone with the acronym "vr6" in their moniker must be an enthusiast.

    I like the combination of engineering and styling that DB uses on the C class (and all the models to be fair) and believe its the runaway "best" combination for me. Sure, there will be a few mechanical problems, and it will cost a little more, but, to drive the car, makes up for it...

    Agree with you re: the younger market, I succumbed to having the Laurel wood trim and autobox on my "old" '99 C Class. The thing drives like a tank (I should know - my group at work designs tank simulators) but unfortunately also stops and corners like one:( I guess I was being sensible -- after all anyone who bought a "sports" model that I owned would naturally assume it had been thrashed.

    I almost leapt off my seat when I read that the C320 was going to be offered in '03 with a 6 speed. Cool, said I, this might be the car I can finally convince The Boss that I can buy...
    of course the other problem was separating me from 40 large in order to buy one...plus as you say there were the cuddly 16" rims.

    Now, I next discovered a C could be had attached to a Kompressor 1.8L DOHC engine with 16V heads, I thought, Ach du Lieber.

    So here is what I am hoping to find on a test drive of a C230K (all are comparisons with my car:)

    o Stiffer ride
    o Snappier throttle reponse
    o Faster 0-60 time
    o Ability to downshift into the gear *I* want, and mash the throttle when *I* want, and hold the gear *I* want through a corner
    o Revvier, looser engine (hard to describe but I guess I attribute this expectation to years of reading Road and Track about Italian DOHC engines...

    Of course, as the man said, "there is no substitute for cubic inches", but he didn't have to pay for it (who said that anyway?) and I suppose you could just get a C320 and just mash the throttle, but I'm now thinking there is a big dip of just plain driving enjoyment with the smaller K engine, and the challenge of hand, eye, foot, and general mechanical coordination required to
    drive smoothly. Not fast mind you, that's for the race track, just smoothly...

    Oh, I need to admit somewhere in here that I turned 44 this month, but in my defense I *do* own a vintage '67 Cooper S that I drive for fun...

    Take care...rich
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    on another board, someone commented that the E class in-dash 6 CD unit would not fit in the C. Can't comment for sure on this, it would be a bummer to not see that, since Audi and Lexus have it, you can even get that on "non luxury" cars now. Also, I haven't read any "fresh rumors" on the issue about a 2004 C350 replacing the 320, the engine from the current ML and I imagine the 2004 E also. Its so hard to get reliable leaked information!
  • jettaglxvr6jettaglxvr6 Member Posts: 64
    I, too, was pretty stoked to find out that all of the C Class models would have a 6spd manual (except the 349hp C32. . .GO FIGURE!!??). And I was thinking the C320 sport sedan with the manual was going to be the way to go, BUT I didn't want to drop 40 large on my next vehicle either.

    Sooo, I figured I'd test out the C230 Sport Sedan and look for a lot of the same qualities you were looking for. Here are my findings:

    Stiffer Ride--ABSOLUTELY!! The sport tuned suspension in conjunction with the Z-rated tires provide an extremely entertaining ride. Forget what you know about the plain jane, plush C320 or C240 ride, this one rocks. Cornering is spirited and grip is awesome. Keep in mind that you get a little more road noise and are well aware of any potholes or road imperfections, but it is definitely tuned the way I like it.

    As I said in my previous post, the throttle response is excellent. There is a tad bit of turbo lag in first gear (due to the MB supercharger), but with the proper amount of rpm, you can eliminate this all together. Second and third gear are a BLAST!

    0-60 Time--7.6 seconds. The C320 Sport Sedan is supposed to be 6.9. . .soooo, I don't know about you, but .7 seconds is not worth $9000! I would imagine the C320 would be a little more quiet on its way to 60, but I enjoy a little engine note when I'm revving it up!

    The ability to downshift is of course always there with the manual tranny. That is the only transmission that I have ever owned and have always loved feeling as one with the car and having the car do what I want, when I want.

    Now in the "revvier, looser engine" category, I did find that I was hitting the red line a little quickly in first and second gear. I kinda wish it had a little more play. I had to shift a little earlier than I normally would, but I would imagine this is attributed to the close gear ratios of the 6spd. I'm not sure if this is what you meant, but that was my take anyway.

    I found the car easy to drive smoothly in stop and go traffic, but I found it to be a lot more fun on those interstate on ramps!!

    Let me know how your test drive went.
  • jdisanjdisan Member Posts: 28
    Just got a quote of $31,800 for a c230 sedan optioned with an MSRP or $32,733. Ordered car. Anyone doing better? Worse?
  • jettaglxvr6jettaglxvr6 Member Posts: 64
    I ordered one at the end of January; MSRP $31,985, my cost, $31,000. I have not heard of anyone getting more than about $1000 offer MSRP.
    Congrats on your order.
  • mac320mac320 Member Posts: 147
    Assuming things haven't changed much since '00, you can make a deal on a $40K C320 and that will put the difference between the two models much closer than $9K. It may not be worth the extra money to everyone, but . . . it's nice to have the same engine that drives an E320 which is very close to the same weight as the C-Class.

    Even if the 0-60 time is just 0.7 sec slower than a 320 (more than 10% slower), the higher torque of the 320, even at low rpms, provides great mid-range performance in the kind of driving that you can appreciate in many normal driving situations, and it quietly loafs up very steep hills without having to peck around for the right gear. I'm not knocking the 4-cyl, but if you're looking for some excuses to spend more money, the 320 is a great engine.
  • saabbersaabber Member Posts: 84
    I just picked up my C320 on Saturday. I will have to get rid of my "post" name, Saabber, now that I finally got rid of my Saab 9-5SE. The MSRP on the C320 was $39,190 which is basically the base model with the C2 luxury package and CD player. I paid $300 over invoice because the dealer (which is in south florida) had five models in stock in the same interior and exterior color. (I also got a free 20" stereo TV from a dealer special). It is very strange to hear all of the stories about the backordered C230 Komps, because the dealers in S. Florida have many of the 230 sport models in stock (my dealer had about 10 in stock). I even saw a couple of 320 komps as well, but I did not know if they were for sale. The 230 Komps. are all selling at near MSRP.
      
    The real difference between the 230 Komp and the 320 is more like $5,000 (if you take into account that you can actually buy the C320 for near invoice). I am not sure whether I overpaid to get the C320, but I test drove the 230 Kompressor, and I was not impressed by the cheap looking interior and the hesitation on acceleration. Also the bigger tires also substantially increased the road noise. The look of the sport model is much nicer, but I bought the C320 because I wanted a better overall driving comfort experience (inside) rather than the mere prestige of impressing people because I have a car that has an impressive outside appearance. I really do think that the 230 Kompressor is a good deal, but the 230/240 and the 320 are really in different classes for performance and interior comfort. Just my opinion, of course.
  • jettaglxvr6jettaglxvr6 Member Posts: 64
    In reference to your Sedan Comparison & 320 vs 240/230 comparison posts, let me clear some things up. First of all, I was letting richjenkins, post #6311, know what my impressions were after test driving (and thus ordering) the new c230 Sport Sedan. Let it not be misunderstood, I DO LOVE the 320 engine. In fact, before the new sport sedan hit the market, I was going to talk myself into buying a used '01 c320, but just couldn't pull the trigger on an automatic & I just wasn't a big fan of the 16inch wheels. My point with the 0-60 time was whether or not I could justify wanting to spring the extra dough for the C320 sport sedan for only a .7 second difference. Trust me, I do realize that including in the mix the extra amenities (standard Bose system, 10 way power seats, etc.) and the bigger, faster engine, the price could easily be justified. And you are right, a comparable equipped '03 C320 sport sedan would run $38570 (which you could not buy for close to invoice), while my C230 MSRP is $31985; leaving a difference of $6585, not $9K, my bad!

    And lastly, in reference to saabber's comments on the interior of the c230, I love the textured aluminum. You called this interior "cheap looking", well this is the same interior (different AMG leather aside) that MB uses in the C32 AMG for over $51K. The aluminum look is supposed to look sporty, and I really dig it. In response to the driving experience, you and I were definitely looking for two different types of ride comfort. The c230 is more harsh and does have more road noise (but I like the sporty ride), but I find the c320 to be a little too plush and lacking of feedback.

    But lastly, I love the c320. I think it is an awesome car, and in sport sedan/6spd guise, definitely a vehicle I would drool over. I just couldn't justify the extra $6500.

    Happy motoring!
  • jdisanjdisan Member Posts: 28
    As an update, I have the dealer at $31,500 on a $32,733 MSRP c230 Komp Sedan. I checked with other dealers (actually had them competing against one another) so really doubt I can do better.

    I must say - $31.5k for a car as good as this with the prestige (and service) of MB is pretty impressive. They will sell a lot of these I think to those looking in this "sports sedan" category who really want the type of ride that goes with that genre, as I do.

    I may order in the am!
  • richjenkinsrichjenkins Member Posts: 55
    Hi all - Interesting debate.

    I saw a couple comments from drivers of C230K who talked of hesitation -- I must say I'm a bit surprised. I thought the point of a supercharged engine was that the forced induction was mechanically driven i.e. the increase in air pressure above ambient was ALWAYS taking place hence there "should" be no lag associated with pressure build-up vis a vis a turbocharger, correct?

    Not being a mech E, could someone else comment about this? It might stand to reason that the supercharger would pump more air at progressively higher RPM, but wouldn't it be tuned to provide the required boost at XX RPM and the excess be vented to a waste gate of some kind?

    This is a bit of a pet peeve of mine on my current '99 C class; you basically have to decide to accelerate about 2 seconds before you *really* need to in order to time the engine/transmission finally giving you enough power to get you going.

    As the interior, I see Tony's point that the textured alum trim would appeal to the younger folk; yet I find it strangely gratifying to polish the wood trim in my Silver car...I guess its some kind of wierd imagined personal connection with the brand heritage of Mercedes Benz; I mean, Stirling Moss' 300SLR was silver and had wood trim, right?

    All the best...

    rj
  • jettaglxvr6jettaglxvr6 Member Posts: 64
    You bring up a good point. I just figured this was due to the supercharger; however, I do want to point out that this slight lag only occurred in first gear from a dead stop. Now, I am not sure if this is only true in the car I test drove; but, like I said, it could be eliminated all together with the proper heel/toe action. While in motion though, just mash the gas and the C230 responded without a hint of hesitation. You will not have to plan your acceleration, just lower your right foot and GO!

    RJ, I am still waiting to hear your impressions after test driving the car, now get off your butt and head down to your local dealer and drive the thing!!:)
  • richjenkinsrichjenkins Member Posts: 55
    Noted! Will get down to the MB dealer within a week or two...rj
  • lasereyelasereye Member Posts: 1
    I called around all over Florida and there are dealers willing to sell the C230 sedan $600 to $1000 over invoice and others very adamant about holding the line( ST. Pete--all white cars and a ripoff and catering to the over 80 crowd, Gainsville--even worse, Tampa--the pits with stale coffee, Chevy mentality and dirty furniture). Remember they still get 3% of MSRP holdback from MBNA and if they can move a car off the lot quicker it helps. Also there seem to be many C230 Sport Sedans especially with Manual in Black (not the best color for Florida's hot sun) in South Florida. Anyway I ordered from the internet manager at MB of Orlando (Jimmy Adams) a C230 with C2, C4 and got it for about $600 over invoice.

    I heard some better deals are available in Miami but that is further from me.

    After all,it is just a car, it will depreciate, and there are many more just like it if you look for it.
  • newhampshirenewhampshire Member Posts: 7
    Bad luck today. Somebody backed into my 2002 C-240 in a parking lot. The hit blew out the entire right rear lens assembly. Because honor is dead, the person who hit me did not leave a note or wait around to admit fault. So now I must figure a way to repair the car.

    Does anyone know of a good online resource for Mercedes parts? Tail light bulbs, tail light housings, body panels... etc. I would like to get a clue of what the cost to repair is going to look like before I take it to a local shop or a Mercedes dealer.

    Also, any thoughts on whether to have it fixed at Mercedes or a local shop would be good as well.

    Thanks for the help.
  • mleskovarmleskovar Member Posts: 171
    http://www.importecparts.com/
    http://www.gprparts.com/
    http://www.adsitco.com/

    Here's a start...there are many more if you search. I had a dent in the roof that the MB dealer wanted $1200 to fix and I had it repaired as new for $350. Also try salvage yards for parts. Panels for a new C class will be hard to find new.
This discussion has been closed.