Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)

nyccarguy · September 2003

Well, considering we had a terrible winter here in the Northeast this year (I live in NYC), the next bad winter isn't due for another 4 or 5 years:) I'd suspect that on the other say 355 days a year that it doesn't snow, you'd enjoy the C230K Sedan w/ a 6 speed MUCH more than an M Class. I would advise getting a good set of winter tires and wheels to get you through the winter. Winter tires along with MB's electronic nannies will make the C230K more than capable in the nasty white stuff. Winter driving has much more to do with tires than it does the actual drivterrain setup. The AWD in the M class will make it easier to get going, but what about the M Class' massive weight penalty over the C230K? That extra weight will hurt your braking and handling in the snow (as well as dry weather).

normanj · September 2003

The stock 16" wheels with 205-55-16 tires, and the Sports setup with the 17" wheels and 225-45-17s are about the same size. They can be interchanged.

revka · October 2003

Previously called "2002-2004 Mercedes-Benz C230", we're expanding the subject title to "Mercedes-Benz C-Class (Coupes & Hatchbacks)". Members can now discuss all C-Class coupes and hatchback models here.

For that that access this discussion via our main category message boards, you may notice this discussion is also linked between our Coupes and Hatchbacks Message Boards. Hope this is helpful.

And thanks for your participation! ;-)

Revka

1foureyes · November 2003

Hi Everybody I'm new to owning a Mercedes. I have a 1995 c280 with 135k on it. When I test drove it and brought it home it ran fine. Now I have a miss at idle and when i take off it seems too clear up after about 2500 rpm. I replaced the spark plug and its still there. Any idea's

Thanks

khice · December 2003

We're close to concluding a deal on a 2002 E230 Kompressor, automatic, sport package w/17" wheels. Does anyone have an opinion on snow tires for this car? I have Blizzaks on my E320 wagon but, find them very noisy. The Kompressor will be my wife's car so I want good snow / ice performance without too much noise. Dunlop M4 Winter Sports had good reviews at Tirerack. Is there a town forum reader who has tried Hakkapeliitta's? We live north of Chicago.

nyccarguy · December 2003

I just bought a set of Michelin Pilot Alpins for my Prelude. I can't comment on their snow drivability because they arrived the day after our bad snow storm. They are quiet on the highway and redeen some decent handling qualities.

I had Blizzaks for a long time. They are noisy on the highway, don't handle well in the rain, are very tempermental (should try and take 'em off when the temp is above 50 degrees). The snow/ice/slushy mess grip of the blizzaks was nothing short of astonishing though.

crvols · December 2003

I have one of the first coupes to arrive in New England since July '01. I have the 16" stock wheels and bought a set of rims with Artic Alpins from Tire Rack for the winter. Through one winter in New England and one winter in North Carolina they have done fine. With traction control, Winter mode on the automatic, plus the tires, most situations are not a problem. The Alpins are smooth and very quiet for such good "bad weather" tires. It does not go in bad weather as well as my MDX, but gets along fine and it is a joy the other days of the year. I just switch wheels and tires in October and then back to the summer tires in April. My biggest problem with winter driving is they don't clean the roads here in NC!

nealsidhwaney · January 2004

Hello, I just bought a 2004 black opal C230 coupe w/manual transmission, premium package(includes autodimming mirrors, rain sensors, panoramic sunroof, premium sound, and oyster leather) on Tuesday. Impressions so far are excellent; I really really really love this car. Price was $25,111, which seems like a very good deal; the invoice prices for options aren't available on edmunds but its much lower than what other people paid.

Gripes: The preimium sound system is totally unbelievably not worth it. We pretty much had no choice because we wanted a manual and the only other manuals we found had no sunroof(actaully one local dealer was letting one of these go for $24k because I guess the sunroof is such a popular option). So when we found this one we jumped on it. But the bass sucks - its basically geared towards hip hop or its nonexistent, so listening to any other kind of music can be an annoying experience. The fact that we've paid for the premium sound system makes me hesitant to go with aftermarket now, though. The stereo in general is pretty unimpressive.

Ride is pretty smooth, but not like other Mercedes I've ridden in. Coming from a Ford escort though, it is quite nice :-)

I love the panoramic sunroof. One slightly annoying thing is the bar across the back windshield; it is kind of in the way when looking through my rearview mirror.

Anyways I am quite happy with my purchase and would recommend this car to anyone looking for something that is a nice balance between sportiness and being practical.

palermo22 · January 2004

My car wouldn't exactly fall in this group; however, since I just got my it last week I thought I would comment on the sound system. It was much better than expected and delivers a rich sound - which can be booming if you choose -it's a Bose and I would give it a 9 out of 10. I would also give the car a 9 as well (since I don't believe nothing is perfect). All-in-all, a great and rewarding experience. I would recommend this car to anyone looking to spend $50K +!

huntzinger · January 2004

I have a 2002 C230K, with the standard system. I'm old enough and have enough hearing loss that it is satisfactory for my needs.

My gripe was with the 6CD changer being an outrageously expensive $800 option, because they used a proprietary (Becker) digital fiber optics connection.

I've heard that the current models have skipped the Becker and are less expensive, but I've not heard if anyone's found any nice alternatives for the models with the Becker's...I'm currently debating getting an Apple iPod with an FM modulator.

-hh

spicy320 · May 2004

With:
- Premium Pkg (Panorama Roof, Bose, Blk Leather)
- Metallic Paint
- 6CD Changer
- Auto Trans
- and of course the 17" rims, etc. that come standard (wish I got the Bi-Xenon as well though)

$32,000 out-the-door

Good deal you think?

Sylvia · May 2004

Have you looked at the discussion Mercedes Benz C-Class: Prices Paid & Buying Experiences? You can read what others are reporting as paid and compare.

If you buy (sounds like a great car), be sure and post your price paid there to help others.

Good luck!

peterfromme · May 2004

Hi Everyone,

I'm currently in the market for a MB C230 coupe.

I REALLY like the car, but hesitant due to the fact that it's rear-wheel drive. I live in New York state, and sometimes subject to snow. sleet, etc.

If anyone has experience driving this car in snow/sleet/rain please let me know how it performs. Does it slip a lot? Do you need to put weight in the back?

If not the MB, I may consider an Audi A4...

Your input would be greatly appreciated!!!

Thanks,

Peter F.

khice · May 2004

We live north of chicago & my wife drives a 2002 C230 coupe (42 mile RT daily). I recommend getting a set of 16" rims and a good set of snow tires. You don't need weight in the rear. We bought Pirelli Winter 210 Snowsports & had absolutely no problem in slush, deep snow, packed snow, rain, etc. They are also fairly quiet on dry pavement (for a snow tire) and handled well (considering that one should drive more cautiously in inclement weather!). They do not perform as well on dry pavement as a good 17" high-performance tire will but, that's the trade-off. Our first choice were Dunlop Winter Sport M3's (quieter, superior handling in snow) but , both our dealer & Tire Rack were out of them.
Blizzaks generally get the best rating but the MZ01's on my E320 Wagon are so noisy I can't wait for them to wear out & replace them!

scscars · May 2004

Peter:

We also live near Chicago (NW suburbs) and have a 2002 C230K Coupe. While the standard-issue Michelin Energy MXV tires were OK during the first winter, we opted to go with a set of 16" Nokian tires this past winter as the Michelins were exhibiting some moderate fishtailing on slick pavement after 27000 miles.

Several commenters on the Mercedes C-Class Town Hall boards have spoken highly of Nokian tires in the past and their compliments were right on the money. The Nokians proved to be excellent this winter, even in snow. We did not need to add weight to the rear after we installed the Nokians. We had set a large bag of cat litter in the hatch when the Michelins started to get cranky. Ironically, the Nokians weren't our first choice. We initially considered Michelin Pilots as winter tires, but the tire dealers by us were sold out early. Apparently they are popular, and expensive--over $700 for a set of 4. The Nokians were on sale and came out to slightly over $600, including mounting and balancing.

The Coupe itself handles very well in all kinds of weather conditions. The ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and Brake Assist really make the Coupe feel as if its riding on rails. Virtually no body roll and very little understeer. In-traffic handling is quick and responsive. I can only imagine how well it handles with 17" wheels. However, I also know that the A4 handles quite well, particularly with Quattro AWD.

An A4 or a C230K is a nice decision to have. Good luck with your choice and your new ride.

monty2222 · June 2004

I am signing a lease agreement tomorrow. It is black, has the leather, command, CD changer, sunroof. I am getting it for about $31K, which makes a lease payment just under $500/mo for 39mo. I think it said the residual value would be about $17K or 51%, thought it would be higher. Anyway, anything sound way off about this? Anything I should make sure of before signing? Thanks.
Monty

jrct9454 · June 2004

...the residual may be a bit optimistic. Coupe resale has been awful. Can't comment on the rest of the financials - the cost of money [APR equivalent] is the only other thing besides the selling price and residual that matters. Only you know if that was competitive.

eyesurgeon · July 2004

My daughter bought a 2004 C230 coupe in March 2004. After 2400 miles the transmission failed and the car was flat bedded to Sovereign Mercedes-Benz in Brooklyn, NY. As the car was not purchased there, the original dealer authorized a rental car. After 2 days, the vehicle was returned to her and promptly broke down again after just 6 miles!. It was returned to Sovereign who has now had the car for over 2 weeks. According to their mechanic, they overlooked a faulty radiator the first time around and now have to replace the entire transmission as well as the radiator. The parts are on order. In the meantime, Sovereign refuses to provide a loaner vehicle or to authorize a rental and White Plains Mercedes-Benz, the selling dealer, says that it's Sovereign's problem now as the initial repair was mishandled. Mercedes-Benz USA refuses to intervene claiming that it is up to each dealership to determine their own policy regarding loaners and lamely declaring that they have no leverage to force a settlement. My daughter, who needs a vehicle for work, is now out over $700 in rental charges, and counting. This is my daughter's first car and definitely her last Mercedes! If Mercedes-Benz is seeking to alienate the next generation of car buyers they are off to a flying start, which is more than I can say for their cars!

jrct9454 · July 2004

...this is the problem with the dealer franchise system in the US, which gives the manufacturer very little control over what individual dealers choose to do.

When you start from scratch, the way Lexus, Infiniti, and Acura did, it's easier to draw up rules in the initial franchise agreement that make it clear how customers will be treated, period. As it is, in most states, it is easier to make gold from lead than it is to punish a car dealer for misbehavior, let alone pull a franchise.

MB gets the blame, of course...that's the irony of all situations like your daughter's. A crappy dealer kills relationships faster than the proverbial speeding bullet.

307web · July 2004

It's sad that if there is a problem with a dealer, all MBUSA can do is say "We can't do anything about it. **YOU** deal with it."

fsmmcsi · July 2004

Does anyone know the transmission gear ratios and final drive ratio for our 2002 C230K with the five speed automatic?

It is unfortunate that the states do not allow the manufacturers to revise their franchise agreements to require good custemer service, but there are good dealers. The bad dealers are at a big disadvantage, since all dealers sell the exact same cars. The internet certainly makes it easier to tell other people know about the bad ones.

artiste9 · August 2004

I am purchasing a C230Kompressor this week and I am working between 2 dealers. I can get a 04 brilliant silver ext. with charcoal leather, 6cd changer,panoramic sun roof and auto trans. for 26,900 possible 26,500 with 1.9 apr. or a black ext. with ash leather at the other dealer for about 2k more.

I have had a black cars for 10+ years and swore I would not buy one again. My car is parked in a high school parking lot from 7am to 3 or 4pm in hot Louisiana sun. Do you find the black w/ash leather hot when you get in?
I also go back and forth with the manual vs. auto thing- I adore driving w/ a stick shift but drive an auto for now- and do so 50mi r/t each day...the a.m. is great as I can virtually "fly " to school but the p.m. is bumper to bumper traffic and takes 2x as long as the am. MY family thinks I should do auto for that reason as well as for resale value.
Then I can always wait for the 2005 and order just the options I want but won't necessarily get the 1.9 apr or the 4 year maintenance.

I welcome opinions this is my first entry and I will let you all know what I decide by the end of the week. Thanks.

skm · August 2004

I bought a new MB C230 Coupe in 2002. This has been the worst car buying experience ever.

I have now had this car in the dealership for 12 different problems. Problems such as the sunroof not working, the cruise control going out, various malfunction error messages, several electrical problems, and even rusty lug nuts. Can anyone explain how every lug nut on each wheel gets rusted on a 2 year old car when you live in the South?

The resale on this car is terrible. I attempted to trade it in. However, after several dealers offered less than half the original sticker price- although the car was deemed to be in excellent condition- I decided to try selling it on my own.

MB offered no assistance at all. They apparently do not stand behind their product. It would be a gross understatement to say that I am frustrated at this point in time.

The car handles very well, and looks great. However, that doesn't do me a lot of good since it doesn't run worth a darn.

I'm going back to what I know works- a Toyota.

alfonso_h · August 2004

I got a new 2004 MB C320 for my 19th birthday at Stead Motors in Walnut Creek , and I absolutely love it. The C320 has so much power and so many great luxury features, and I just love the panorama sunroof. My C320 has Black leather, sunroof package, 5-Speed Auto., and the 6 disc cd-changer in the glove compartment.

agra · September 2004

I had a horrible experience with the C-230 Coupe. In one year it has been with dealership for approximately a month. There are several problems. The sign "check engine" turns on, there are several "phantom" warning signals some of them are to be taken seriously indicating malfunctioning brakes etc. I am taking it back to dealership again tomorrow. It had the supercharger changed once besides several other services. Many times the speakers do not work and the radio goes mute. I would think twice before buying another mercedes vehicle especially the C class.

66roadster · October 2004

Hey all -

I posted here some time ago when looking at the C320 coupe and G35 coupe. I started to really like the C320 after driving it more. Ordered it - waited a month - then found on the boat coming to B'ham with the same options I ordered - color and all.

Now I have some issues with it at 13,000 miles. The engine does not respond to the throttle. After a releasing the throttle it takes a full second - sometimes two - for the engine to respond. It also has develped a "surge" at constant throttle (2000 RPMish). The dealer admitted to the problem two times and the first time replaced the computer. Now they say it is normal and I don't know how to drive. I called MBUSA and they have a tech specialist calling the dealer to resolve this issue. Anyone had surging problems??

Overall I love this car and just want it to run right.

jrct9454 · October 2004

...my list of C-Class TSBs is in the car, which is several floors away in the condo garage, but I'm pretty sure there are a number of possible "hits" for your problem. Sounds like software in the drivetrain computer, to me...

alfonso_h · November 2004

I'm getting installed the COMAND system and the hands-free communication system. I was wondering if anyone has the items in their car and if they like it. They are quite pricey options, and want to make sure they are worth the money.

jrct9454 · November 2004

I wouldn't go near the COMAND system, ever. It has been a reliability disaster for MB. They have modified it multiple times, and recently changed suppliers, in the hope of finally getting something that works consistently. Like all such problems, many owners have no difficulties and swear by it, but many others have mostly sworn at it. Beware.

The phone system has been less problematic, but my objections here are philosophical, rather than practical: I don't think any driver should be talking on the phone while the car is moving. A recent study has it that there is no significant difference between the distraction levels created by using a hands-free system versus holding the phone. That may be counter-intuitive, but I was almost run over yesterday crossing the street in front of our house by a woman whose mouth was busily moving [no one else in the car] while she tried to drive right over me in the crosswalk.

You asked....

bj9000 · March 2005

Had a 02 C230 Cpe. Wonderful car on wet or dry pavement. On snow - park it and get something else.
Tires are too wide to be effective in any kind of slippery condition. I traded mine on a Lexus RX AWD.

ikramerica · April 2005

Let me get this straight: you weren't willing to get a set of snow tires for your C-Coupe as recommended by the manufacturer, but you were willing to get a whole new SUV to solve the problem? Hopefully, there were other reasons besides "too wide tires."

jcat707 · April 2005

Why did they discontinue the C230 and C320 sports coupes? I had one for a loaner for about a week and I thought it was an awesome little car. I saw lots of them on the streets. They were a great way to get a Mercedes without paying alot of money.

merc1 · April 2005

Yep they're outta here.

Well the reason why is two-fold. Mercedes was going to import the B-Class as a replacement, but the current dollar/euro relationship made that too expensive and the C hatch never sold as well as Mercedes wanted it too. I'm not sure how many they wanted or intended to sell, but I guess it wasn't worthwile anymore. Funny thing is I saw them on the road all the time.

M

kravchenko · May 2005

My C230K with only 24,000 miles has developed a strange problem.... when cold (meaning "in the morning" no matter how warm it is outside), it just cranks without starting; the second attempt to start makes it run rough at first, then eventually it levels off. After this, drives okay till next morning. No fault has been detected by dealership... any idea what it can be? Many thanks!

sup3model · May 2005

Urgent, i'm getting ready to sell my 2001 integra for the C230 coupe tomorrow, from all these negative postings on the website...i'm not so sure..please help anyone!!!! should i go for it?

stroudman · May 2005

Hope you did go for it. it's a fantastic car. I've been in one for 2 1/2 years now and haven't had a days trouble out of it. It's fast, smooth, and gets great gas mileage. Hope you found one with the panoramic roof, (few came without it) since it really makes the car. I always wanted a VW scirocco when I was younger, and this is kind of a hopped-up, grown up version of it. :-)

jcat707 · May 2005

I love the c230 coupe. I was close to getting a 2004 coupe but I ended up with the 2005 c230 sedan. My friend has a 2002 coupe and I have had the chance to drive it a few times and i think it's nice. I wouldn't mind getting a low-mileage used one in the future. The only thing i didn't like about the car was the sound of the 2.3 liter engine. It sounds horrible, like a lawnmower, but luckily that was fixed with the 1.8 liter engine in the 2003 model. I have no idea why they discontinued it.

mihink · June 2005

Hey everyone,
I am new to teh forum...I love my 2002 C230 coupe, just found out the Michelin Pilot Sport A/S tires I bought a year ago and have only put on 17,000 miles are showing their wear indicators...

Any suggestions on replacements that would last 40-50K??? Otherwise, the car is stellar..only the resale value sucks.
By the way...when I use the cruise control, there is no light that indicates that's it's on...is that common or is something malfunctioning? It's been like that since the day I bought it new.

Dr. mihink
2002 C230 AT, black, C7, premium, 6cd changer, 60K miles

huntzinger · June 2005

The very general rule of thumb is that tire life is inversely proportional to traction, so if you want tires that will last "a long time", then you'll have to sacrifice grip.

You can start by reading the treadwear rating that's on the sidewall of your existing tires... looking yours up on the web, it appears to have a rating of 400, which is pretty good for a high performance summer tire.

-hh

PS: I don't think that the cruise control has an indicator light.

beepbeepyeah · July 2005

Am in the market for a German convertible - BMW, CLK or Audi. Test drove first two and LOVED the CLK.

Why Buy- what a car! Loved the cockpit. Loved the feel. Loved everything. The BMW M3 feels sporty and powerful, the CLK is smooth and sexy - I prefer the former slightly but the interiors are not comparable. MB is way ahead.

Why not Buy: Keep hearing (on this site and "street rumors")about MB quality being poor and service being awful. The cars that were once famed for staying trouble-free for 500 K miles now struggle to get past 100 K etc. MB does not pressure its dealers to give fair service (I have a Honda Odyssey and the dealer service is amazing). I'll kill someone if I pay $ 55 K and can't get top-notch owning experience - rare problems, loaners, quick service, etc. Is this pie in the sky? I've been pretty lucky so far with all my cars - maybe I'm spoilt.

3 questions - Does the CLK come with a hard-top option for winter use? Are winter tires sufficient to operate through NJ winters?

And if not the CLK, what else is fun and marginally pragmatic vfor winters?

And thanks for keeping this site going - if I do buy, will let you know how it goes.

Sylvia · July 2005

Welcome! Love the username!

charlton · July 2005

Hello all,
I'm looking to buy a car in near future (4wks). i'd like to hav a sporty coupe. naturally mb c230 and bmw 3-series come to mind. i would like to hav ur opinion on what should i go for (other options definitely welcome). my budget is under $20k so definitely used cars i guess. i would like to know if c230 is worth it and what would b its monthly running costs? i hear c-class has a poor reputation when it comes to reliability and maintenance. also with most of the 2002 kompressor models running outta warranty soon, how would the maintenance charges work out after that?

also i hear mb is no longer producing c230 coupes? should i go 4 soon 2 b extinct model?

Thanks in advance.

PS: also X-posted in c-class care n maintenance forum.

jcat707 · July 2005

If I were in the market for a C230 coupe, I would definitely look for 2003 and up because the 2002 models had a 2.3 liter engine that sounded horrible. My friend has one and it sounds like a lawnmower. But it does have plenty of power. I like the new 1.8 liter. It's more refined and has feels about the same powerwise.

frisconick · July 2005

Great username, I agree.

Stay on topic Sylvia. :P

falconone · July 2005

The 2002 engine does sound agricultural at startup. Almost diesel like! My partner has had one for four years and loves it. There were a few warranty issues regarding some rear suspension parts. Other than that, the car has been fine. He has the extended warranty through Geico, so he's not worried. I've driven the car on numerous ocassions and really like it. I do agree the 1.8 engine is MUCH smoother. It almost feels just as quick.

moi1 · July 2005

Just found out I needed new tires w/only18,000 miles. Why don't they tell purchasers when purchasing? Enjoy car, but disappointed w/tires. Yes, they are for ultra performance, but... Wrote to MB. No concrete answers to my questions.
Now, I think I should have gone w/something else. Anyone else having tire dilemma?
Info not listed in owner's manual. MB says its listed in brochure. Never received a brochure. Isn't life grand?!? :confuse:

rowlandj · July 2005

What size tires you you have? If 17's or bigger then you likely received 'performance tires' from the factory. Just look for all-season tires in your size with a high treadwear number, like around 350 or better, and they will last longer. You will give up some of the performance factor, but if longevity is more important then the compromise may be worth it.

Life of the tires has very little to do with the car unless there is an alignment problem.

JR

jcat707 · July 2005

I didn't know they still sold the C-class coupe in Canada. Why did they keep it there but discontinue it here?

ismeto · July 2005

after release new C classe-in 2007- Mercedes will never product C Sportcoupe because of low sales of C Sportcoupe internationally.so they canceled new design program Spring 2008 new C-class Sportcoupé/Sportcabrio(CL204/CLA204)

if it is offically true ,

when last coupe is orderable? 2006 or 2007 ?

Know anything?

tiny1 · September 2005

Just bought a 2002 CLK55 AMG and am looking for an active discussion. This car is certified thru Jan 2007, but just received an offer for $2.5k that would provide an exclusionary warranty for 5 years/100k miles. Has anyone had dealings with 5 Star Warranty??

Scot

Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)

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