Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Thanks
RE: Window switch locations, although it looks like they are a bit low/forward on the door, I much prefer having them -anywhere- on the door to having them on the center console. Putting them on the center console isn't intuitive, and it's like the manufacturer is saying, "We wanted to save 10 cents per car, so we put the window switches in the middle and didn't give the passenger his/her own switch." (Sorry if that sounds harsh.)
RE: Transmission choices (or lack thereof), MB probably thinks that Americans will only accept either a true manual or automatic -- anything else would be "too weird" for us. I agree with you tho jrct, I'd love to try the sequential shift, or even a CVT (Audi is offering one in the new A4 and A6). We're ready for high-tech transmissions, especially if gas prices start going back up!
17" wheels (pics are at www.mbworld.org discussion forum if you keep digging - they're very nice-looking) with "performance tires"
body-colored door handles
different steering wheel with "raised thumbgrips" - dealer didn't have a pic
leather shift knob
aluminum/rubber pedals
stainless steel exhaust tip
Very good deal for $750, especially considering it's Mercedes.
Funny about auto trannies - the new Mini will be available everywhere except here with a cvt, but they have programmed it specially for US so that it operates similarly to regular autos. We are silly, silly people here. I think it'll be a while until we are willing to accept these new trannies.
As far as window switches, I much preferred my 1983 Saab's clunky switches right on the bottom of the center console. They were very nice, and right below the stereo, so that I could turn the key, put on some tunes, and open the windows all in one circular motion. The c230's switches didn't annoy me as much on my second test drive last night. Especially with the auto-up, auto-down feature, it'll only be a slight annoyance, if any.
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards
I dug around and found the URL for a pic of the 17" wheels if anyone's curious:
http://www.t-gerber.de/slk/felgen/7spb.jpg
(This is assuming we get the same wheels as the Germans).
As a side note (billy, tommy, anyone else who's been on mbworld.org), the discussions here are so much more grown-up than the ones on there.. thank god! (The "A Mercedes is not a Ricermobile" thread had me falling out of my chair laughing!)
TysAlpha.
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/cl203/evolution.htm
And pictures here:
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/cl203/aussen7.htm
I agree that they look fantastic, on not only the C coupe, but also the S-class!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The car had the upgraded Bose stereo and it was EXTREMELY disappointing. Might as well just get the standard stereo, I don't see how it could be much worse or have any less bass. If you just upgrade the standard stereo's speakers and add an aftermarket amp and/or subwoofer, it would probably sound better than the factory Bose system or just leave the standard stereo as is if you don't care much about stereo sound.
The engine power was very adequate and the automatic transmission was very smooth. It was difficult to backup because of large blind spots and ridiculously distorted lower rear glass. I wonder if they will replace the plexiglass in future models?
The car is very compact inside. The seats were set very low when I first sat down and I fell into the seats and felt like I was sitting in a sunken bathtub. When I raised the seat to a more commanding position, my head was hitting the ceiling, so I had to lower it again. I think this very low seating position is supposed to be considered "sporty."
There was just enough room in back for 2 adults up to 6 ft tall or a little shorter if they don't want to have their heads graze the headliner.
If you skip the panarama moonroof, I'm sure that would increase headroom both front and rear, but the moonroof is one of the best features of the car, so skipping that unique item would make no sense.
To get it the way I wanted, it would cost $28885.
$24950
645 destination charge
1300 automatic
995 panarama roof
995 6 disc dealer-installed cd changer
0 light grey cloth interior
0 white paint
0 1 year free Tele-Aid
$28885 total
$1000 deposit and 3 month wait for the order.
For $29995, I could get a 2002 Acura TL with navigation after discounting.
I may test drive the C230K once more to decide if I really want to give up so much content to pay for the Mercedes name.
Is it DVD based and what level of detail comes with it? Does it have as many features as the Lexus or Acura navigation systems?
From the photos I saw of the navigation system, it looks like a CD player will replace the standard cassette of you get the navigation. Is this a fact?
If that is true, and if I were going to buy a C230, then I would substitute the $995 dealer installed CD changer for the $2080 factory-installed COMAND system since I kind of want a navigation system in my next car anyway.
In that case I could price it like this:
$24950 C230
645 destination charge
$ 1300 automatic transmission
$ 995 panarama roof
$ 2080 COMAND System (includes CD player?)
$ 0 cloth seats
$ 0 plain paint
$ 0 1 year free Tele-Aid
$29970 TOTAL + Tax and Lic
Is the Tele Aid like ONStar? Does it track your car and offer remote door unlocking, and LoJack-type theft recovery etc.?
COMAND is basically a navigation system. However, you can get Telematics as well, I think, which can display your custom headlines, weather, stock tickers, etc. It's CD-based (Acura's DVD doesn't have very good coverage in some areas anyway, so it's not the be all and end all solution) but the in-dash CD-ROM can play audio CDs as well. It has similar features to the Acura and Lexus systems, with points of interests, etc. COMAND is a factory only option and cannot (well, not for a large amount of money) be practically added at the dealer. You can have COMAND + the CD changer.
The leather shortage is apparently due to all of the recently slaughtering/incenerating of the cows due to foot and mouth disease. Early models would've been upholstered with ex-stock.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Because of the warranty issues and fiberoptic wiring, I decided that I can deal with that stereo for the length of the warranty. I wanted a cassette deck anyway.
Everyone should consider the C7 wheel package as well. For $750, it's a bargain.
I placed my order on Thursday, under the assumption that it would be a 3-month wait. Talked to the rep about transferring my deposit with their Mini dealership, which we did, on Friday. He had looked at the production schedule Thursday night, and said that my car will be produced in late August, and will be delivered to the dealership in late Sept. So, I think that they say there's a 3-month wait to be conservative; it might be less.
Don't forget that you can get a cd changer from autoclass or clairparts for about $400 (not including installation). When I negotiated, the rep threw in the cd changer for a little less than invoice, just to seal the deal.
However, I have time... I will have to get my new car in April 2002, but I would like to tinker with C's options anyway. Thanks.
What it's missing: premium package is $2700; teleaid by itself is $750 (free for initial cars); and the all-important $750 c7 wheel pkg.
It's missing the pricing for the cell phone/cd changer combos, but those are pretty silly combos that no self-respecting person should get, especially considering the pricing of these options on the c240/320. The phone is really not worth it.
Just checked, and Kelly Blue Book has no pricing; neither does Edmunds (what are they waiting for?).
But, don't be afraid to go into a dealership and talk to someone - they have the best info on pricing and options.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
It is very crude.
If you want to play CD music and use the navigation at the same time, you still need the $995 CD changer.
Also billytt, how did you get leather in yours and when did you place your order??
thanks
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Of course, aftermarket leather will run you a little more than $1100, but you'll have many more options available to you.
Or, ask your dealer to look for a car already in a dealership that has leather already. There are some, and you might get lucky. Or try calling other dealers yourself and see if they have any.
Rockribbed, don't forget that a cd changer would be covered under the warranty, so it might be worth the money in the long run (should run you about $500 with installation if you buy unit from autoclass or clairparts, or you could try to negotiate it with the salesperson).
Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html
s852 - $995 for a CD changer! Good grief - I thought MB UK were ripping me off at £330 inc. tax. (around $500).
I've asked on the Usenet and someone who has an 'E' Class with COMAND says there are RCA jacks in the glovebox so if the system is the same, there are neater ways to hook sound up (rather than use a crappy cassette adapter). C'mon guys, we're talking about a 30K car here, is it REALLY worth saving a few hundred bucks for something that'll look aweful?
Regards, John
--Geoff
I chose the six-speed simply because it was a lot more fun for me to drive. I find the shifting very smooth. The clutch does have a short throw, but I got used to it very quickly. Also, the acceleration seemed a hell of alot faster with the manual.
LEATHER INTERIOR-They cannot even enter the order until the first week of October. They are saying middle of December for pick-up, but I accept the fact that it may be longer.
FYI, the dealer found two silver six-speeds with charcoal leather and no roof in production right now and available in 1st week of October. I will not get out of my lease until end of November so took a pass on them, especially since every other freakin Mercedes down here is silver and these did not have the wheel package. I am willing to wait 3-4 months for leather-that is how ugly I find the cloth interior!
POINT OF INTEREST-Of the 6 or so coupes I've seen at my local dealer, all of them have been left on the lot over the weekends with their back hatchs(err, I mean partial glass trunks)open. This means that on any given Sunday, everybody and their brother is trying to open these cars by crawling in the trunk to take a peak. Is there something wrong with the trunk locking mechanism or do these Mercedes salesmen simply not know how to lock the thing? It is the funniest sight to drive up to the dealer on a Sunday to check for any new colors, etc. and see 4 cars with their hatches open and entire families poking their heads in!
Anyway, let me know if you need any information as I have driven the car several times and have seen 5-6 others. I have seen the cars with every option except the wheel option.
Jeff
Two complaints (no car is perfect after all):
The seats (I managed to get leather before the embargo) seem to "bottom out" sometimes if you go over a bump or hit a pothole. There is definitely some shock absorption going on with the seats, but it feels like there needs to be a little more bolstering between the bottom of the seat cushion and the seat frame (at least for big people like me over 200lbs.). I've seen Boxster owners complain about something similar in the seatback and one person even went so far as to pull the front cushion of the seat back off and place a folded towel behind it -- not necessarily a solution I want to entertain.
Rearward visibility is limited -- I didn't realize how big those C pillars are! The mirrors are good, but could be a bit more aspherical (even on driver's side) to help with blind spots. But, there's nothing wrong with craning your neck around for a quick "check six" when changing lanes.
Overall, I'm ecstatic. Everybody at work seems to think I won the lottery or something. When I tell them the car only cost about $4k more than a Jetta GLX, they can't believe it. Hopefully, these won't be littering my neighborhood in 6 mos. the way the A4 Golf & Jetta do, but I wouldn't be surprised. As far as I'm concerned, Mercedes hit a home run. Cars like this will definitely help with their Buick-like customer attrition rate (read: death .
Cheers,
--Geoff
Driver's side aspherical mirrors are apparently illegal in the US, but Europeans have been enjoying it as standard equipment for eons.
There is a lumbar support discussion topic in the Aftermarket & Accessories message board. Perhaps you would be interested in checking it out; Obusforme makes some great ones. Here is the link to the topic:
/direct/view/.ef020d4
Hope to see you in our weekly MB Tuesday chats at 6-7pm Pacific.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Since this is not what I wanted in my first new MB, I called every dealer in Mass. I found a black with black leather, auto and sunroof that a dealer would sell. I am having the CD added and picking it up on Cape Cod tomorrow. (1 1/2 hour drive). The only price concession I got was $100 on the CD. Oh well, if I like it as much as others on this site, the price issue will fade. Just had the same experience two months ago on an Acura MDX, so I am getting used to it.
I will post my thoughts after I have had it awhile.
I drove home in an intermittent rainstorm and really like the rain sensor that comes with the C2 package. It seems to work just right. I just discovered the sun glasses holder in the glove box and it was a nice surprise. We found there is wind buffeting at about 40 MPH with the sunroof completely open. Closing it to the first position stops the racket yet it is still quite nice. I can't make the remote garage opener work with my garage units. My Acura MDX unit works fine so I would appreciate any advice on what to do. I am using a trunk storage pack I had in my old Volvo to store all the things there doesn't seem to be room for. i.e. road atlas, owners manual, etc. The car seems fast (not quick), quiet, smooth and taunt. I notice a little random noise over very rough roads, but not much else. The controls in the dash are complex and not very intuitive IMHO. The tach is out of the line-of-site and not very useful. I can shift by sound, but would trade the tach and speedo positions if I could. I got the optional $920 CD player for $800 and found it uses the same cartridges as the one I saved from my 97 Volvo. That's the good news, the bad news is: no single play unit, it takes ups a lot of the glove box and is the same unit I paid $700 for with a Volvo emblem four years ago. I think it is a $350 Apline changer? The storage shelf for the two extra cartridges is a nice touch.
Other than these comments I agree with the few other owners' posts about the negative and positive aspects of the car. My wife and I are thrilled with it. It looks good in black as it blends with the sunroof and other black trim. I had read in the C series sedan forum that some C class cars are being built in Brazil or Argentina? I was glad to see ours was made in Germany. The fit and finish seem up to Teutonic standards. The only quality flaw I have found is that the storage lid in the lower console binds on the bottom of the facia. I am sure this must be unique to my car. On the other hand, the black paint is flawless! Much better than my equally black Acura MDX.
In summary, We love getting the sport package options in an entry level car. We can't believe We are driving a MB for $30,100! It seats four, stores 39 cubic feet, feels like and convertible, looks great and you get the same service and goodies as if we had bought a $90,000 S class. How can you lose?
http://www.domestech.net/c230/
Interior looks a little bluish in these pics for some reason, it's truly a dark gray -- not black (charcoal is an excellent description, actually). Paint is basic (non-metallic) black.
Cheers,
--Geoff
p.s. crvols, I have the same problem with the lower console compartment. It seems to get stuck on the way out more often than not.
I think Mercedes has hit a home run with this car. Numerous critics mentioned that the BMW 318ti never did well and with good reason. The car was UGLY and the interior was cheap!! This baby Benz is built to the exacting standards of other Benz products and it feels JUST as good as my C320. One more word... I test drove an RSX 5 speed last week. Granted the car is cheaper (but is considered a competitor). The RSX felt like a TOY compared to the C230 Coupe. NO ESP, NO TRACTION CONTROL, NO SIDE AIR CURTAIN etc!! Take a test drive and you'll agree.
Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!
http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/mercedeschat.html
When you've had some seat time, make sure to come back and post your first impressions. What'd you get on your car?
Black Leather
Premium Package and Heated Seats
Had I know back in April that I could order from the other C Class Packages like C7, I would have. I also struggled with the idea of the power seats but could not justify the $1250 cost. I just hope the manual seats have the same degree and range of adjustment and that I did not short change myself.
Does any one know of a siingle play cd player that will fit, adapt to the C230? What about putting it under the radio in that cubby?
Some of the early posts here have references to the CL type S. I own a type S, but the M-B 6 speed is definitely the more sporty of two cars. And it feels better made and more luxurious inside, even with cloth seats.
I don't like the little tach, and the visibility out the back will require some adjustment.
Availability is not for another 3 or 4 months, I will have plenty of time to decide on the color and options.
So, I do think that there's a little premium to be paid, but not as much as I expected.
I looked at the tl a little when I was checking off the rxs-s from my list, and the dash is just too American car-looking to me, with a big separation between driver and passenger. Nice car, though, and I'm sure the Type S will be better when the manny is introduced.