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Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)
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2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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
Thanks
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.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
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.
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
- 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?
If you buy (sounds like a great car), be sure and post your price paid there to help others.
Good luck!
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.
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!
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.
Monty
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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....
Tires are too wide to be effective in any kind of slippery condition. I traded mine on a Lexus RX AWD.
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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:
Life of the tires has very little to do with the car unless there is an alignment problem.
JR
if it is offically true ,
when last coupe is orderable? 2006 or 2007 ?
Know anything?
Scot