Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

tarik

Drew,

I still suffer from the belly ache which I got after reading all those hog-posts...

The corpus delicti is most likely the latest option package C-48, referring to the length in inches of what seems to be a good size wild boar - a "Wildschwein" in my native tongue.

Bill,

BTW, I agree to your assessment re the sport version's interior ambiente, it looks cheap. What is being touted as "Engraved aluminum interior trim" feels more like a foil applied to the regular interior panels. The wheels are design highlighs, though.

Let me add one story concerning the rear sunshade:

In my younger years, I used to be VERY impatient when it came to waiting for someone on the Autobahn to clear the lane for me. One day, I was riding along in an SL (R129), following an E-Class (W124) which didn't want to move. So when I closed up a little to make myself noticed, this guy has the nerve to simply RAISE HIS POWER SUNSHADE ON ME! Talk about embarassment/insult! Taught me a lesson though - never again a car without it!!!

Back to normal Tarik

kenyee

ok. I have to ask. Why not just make the Canadian bumpers standard on the C everywhere?
I can't believe having more parts is cheaper than just one part.

drew_

You guys get TeleAid standard in the US, we get better (5mph) bumpers and TeleAid optional in Canada ;-)


Drew
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nil88

anybody have delivery dates for cars they have ordered in december? My dealer in Ga. is not very helpful or doesn't want to give me the news that it will be another 2-3 months before I get my car.

cclass117

First of all, Drew,

Thanks for the warm welcome back message.

I've been very busy with projects at work..

I don't know if you remember I had vibration problems when I come to a stop.. It's still not fixed. Whole car shakes for 5-6 sec AFTER it comes to a complete stop (sometimes). Right before it stops shaking, RPM goes up about 500RPM and it actually pushes the car forward.

I think something with fuel injection system & related computer is messed up....

I brought my car in about a month ago, they said they couldn't find the problem so, they(Smythe European in San Jose, CA) said...

1. "Bring it back when it happens again."

   (This is a such a bull***t. By the time when I bring it again, it might not do that again. Basically, they are saying they don't want to fix it.)

2. "You can leave your car here so someone in Service can drive it like their daily car and find out the problem."

   (Can't believe it? Well, believe it because that's exactly what my service advisor said. HELL NO I WON'T LET SOMEONE I DON'T KNOW TAKE MY BRAND SPANKIN' NEW C TO HOME/GROCERY STORE/OR THEIR DAUGHTER'S SOCCER GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

 So, I got upset, but I had no choice. Got the car back. It happened 3 times at that day after I got the car back.

Today, I called that dealer again, and made an appointment. (She was being a brat again.) Said they don't have any rental until next month.(Yeah right. whatever.) So I threatened her a bit.

"Well, this is getting kind of serious because like I said, when RPM goes up, my car goes forward, unless I step on the brake real hard or put the gear in neutral in time. If I get an accident because of this, who's responsible?"

She said, "Yeah. Um...oh.. we have a rental this Thursday. When can you come in?"

I do not call this a great service.

Am I just being a jerk????

AHHHHH!!!!!!! I am getting annoyed with my first MB!!!!! I never had a SINGLE problem with my Hyundai and now odo.'s reading 50K.

Check out my MB...at

http://community.webshots.com/user/tibbie1217

cclass117

I remember someone was talking about this issue about two months ago in this forum. I never took it seriously...(Well..sorry..)

BUT!! I noticed two days ago...
I have three, not one, not two...THREE huge rock chip on my hood & right side fender.
What a shame.. messed up my beautiful C.

I looked closely and found out that the paint & clear coat were very.. I mean VERY thin. I recall somebody was saying that it's MB's environment friendly water based paint thing.
Well, I am one of a environmental guy, so it's cool with me. but I think it should be little more thicker. I have 3K miles/2mo. on my C and 3 rock chips already. then... in 3 years.. I'll have 54 rock chips on my hood!!!! I don't believe this.

Well, just wanted to let you all know that it's very thin, so avoid trucks, and don't let it happen do your beautiful C.

drew_

Perhaps you should try another dealership in your area? If the service advisor treats you the same way again, threaten to give them a bad mark in the service department survey. You can also try phoning MBUSA via the 1-800# and complaining to customer service. Ken, I seem to recall Smythe being one of the not very good ones, right?

WRT the rock chips, perhaps you should consider getting one of those 3M invisible bras fitted to your C-class. They're not cheap, but can protect the leading edge of your hood from damage. www.xpel.com is one of the places that sells these kits. Have it professionally done for the best results though. Be sure to touch up the existing paint chips first and stay away from gravel trucks! Here are Ken's Autobahnd invisible bra installation pictures (for the ML).
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=137486&a=9902159

Please keep us updated as to your problems. Hopefully it will be resolved soon!

Drew
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mga3

Nil88,
I ordered my C320 on Dec.9th,2000 from the Prestige dealer in NJ. The build date will be Feb. 20th,2001. With a delivery sometime around mid March. That's about three months waiting time. Which apparently is the norm now. The factories have caught up, and MB, is really starting to crank them out now, due to demand.

Love all those pictures that everyone is posting. All the cars look beautiful. Great to see all the different exterior and interior colors. Really pumps you up to see what one is about to enjoy. Keep them coming.
Wish my iMac had firewire and I had a digital camera. So when my black beauty arrives, I would be able to post images of her.

ktan

Got my C320, brilliant silver with C2, full leather and CD changer for $1500 under MSRP. Was told it will take 6 weeks but they found my car in less than 1 wk. Very surprised that it's taking 3 months in the East Coast. Here in Southern California, you can practically drive any C320 out of 5-10 on the lot.

404c

Yeah, I noticed Lucien's error regarding the speed in the bumper test. I think he also blew the TV show ID - isn't it "NBC" Dateline, not "ABC" Dateline? Notwithstanding that, I do find M-B Canada's assurances of bumper reinforcements to be comforting. You folks in the USA have to get on MBUSA's case to fit CDN bumpers to your cars.

Drew, I actually wrote my "letter" in e-mail, which is why I got a response relatively quickly. I guess I sent the message off last Wed. and got a response on Monday. Not bad, considering I'm not even a Mercedes customer yet.

As for where I live, close, but no cigar, Drew. Vancouver Island, in the Canadian banana belt. Snow, what snow? Car bodies last 50 years here!

mga3

What is up with the ticking noise? Can you explain to all us new and about to become new MB owners,what causes this ticking noise and why?
How annoying is it really? Very loud or not?

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

drew_

I seem to recall that the ticking noise is caused by the hydraulic lifters. It's perfectly normal though, and usually only happens after a cold startup. The noise should be imperceptible or subtle from inside the cabin, and should disipate when the engine has warmed up. In my case, it is a noticable ticking (like a metronome) from outside the vehicle, but not inside; it only happens occasionally and after being left overnight in the garage. As mentioned, the ticking disappears after the engine has warmed up.

I've been told that if it happens even when the engine is sufficiently warmed, it could be indicative that an oil change may be in order. Sure enough, I only had 700 kms left to my first Service A. Even at this point it could only be heard with the radio off and if one listened for it. Being the car nut that I am - with fairly sensitive hearing, I noticed it immediately when driving with the radio off. I sometimes like to do that just to listen to the sweet sounds that the engine makes. :-)

kenyee

cclass117 and Drew:
If I remember right, Stead had sucky salesmen and Smythe had sucky service.
There's another dealer in that area that is relatively good, but the name escapes me.
BTW, I still got 3 small chips above my invisible bra. Two that are 1-3" above it (so if you get the Stongard/Xpel kit it should be ok since they cover higher) and one near the top of the hood. These were all from damn overzealous sand trucks. I'm sure it would be worse if I didn't have it.

dennett

Our C has a bunch of very small chips, I'd say 10 of them. I went to the dealer last weekend and saw very similar chips on an E55 and CLK55 that both had less than 3k miles, so it's obviously a problem across the board for MB. I've heard the same complaint leveled on the new bimmers, so the claims that it's the new paints must be true, but it still sucks!! We decided to just not worry about it, there's not much that can be done at this point, we'll just buy a bra to hide them when they get really noticable, and or get the hood repainted in a few years.

anthonyv1

What dealership did you go to to get
such a good price on your car. I'm also in Southern California (west L.A.
area) and don't mind driving to save a buck. Unfortunately, I'm interested
in the 6 speed and that's not too well in stock anywhere! Hope you enjoy your car and thanks for the info!

By the way, Ian. How is that practice on hills going???

Anthony

404c

Yeah, I hang out at Three Point Motors in Victoria and Nanaimo from time to time, trying to keep the kids out of the $160,000 S and CL classes in the showroom (!). So far I've been just drinking their expensive coffee but I hope to make an order for a C240 Classic in about 1.5 years.

I like occasional snow, too - in fact I lived in Rossland in the W Kootenays for 9 years. It gets more than occasional snow - 500 cm per year. I never needed more than my FWD Peugeot with 4 snowies to get around up there.

diwc240

Anthony, C 240 6MT is due to arrive in Baltimore tomorrow 02/07. Hope it will be at the Dealer's in NJ by mid next week. So no Hill Training yet.

Jersey received between 5" and 18" (further north) of snow yesterday. Left the office at 6:30 pm once the traffic had let up considerably.
Blew by a BMW 325 on a side/back road in the Subaru Outback, going to miss the Outback (end of Lease). Hopefully Jersey won't see too much more snow in Feb./March. Ian

djasonw

Was that you in the Outback? Don't you remember me passing you with my 325xi sedan ? You looked kinda frightened!!

ENJOY YOUR C!!!!!!!

ktan

Got my C320 from South Bay Mercedes Benz. You might want to try House of Imports in Buena Park, they have alot more cars than anyone here in Southern California.

mga3

Drew,
Thanks for the quick reply.-Miguel

chris179

I'm taking delivery of a C240 from Autobahn Motors in Belmont in a few weeks. Do you know if they have a good service dept? Which dealerships would you recommend (in the San Francisco Bay Area)? Thanks.

acco20

cclass117 Enjoyed seeing the pictures... Thank you... The interior looks beautiful. What color is it.

anthonyv1

found a dealership to test drive the 6 speed finally. I was impressed with the power of the V6 168 hp engine. Seems like it's got enough pickup to get in and around traffic. I have a Saab 1990 Turbo 900 - the C240 felt close to what I'm driving now in terms of pickup (my Saab generates 188 ft. lbs of torque at 3000rpm's so it has a little more power than the C), although not quite so roomy in the cabin as the Saab. I've got to do something soon, though. Transmission and master brake cylinder is almost gone in the old 900. That's 4 grand right there to fix for a car that's worth less than 2!!!! You never hear those Saab dealers talking about Saab loyalty when you have to spend that much to fix their damn car!!!

mattson

It looks like C240s are in such tight supply that ordering is the only way to get one equipped as you wish. I don't begrudge the 3 month wait, but has anyone had any luck getting a dealer to throw in a CD player??? Otherwise I'm tempted to get the car delivered in Germany, and at least save a few hundred on a rental car for a trip. There must be some way to get SOMETHING for making a $35000 purchase..... And has anyone got any words of advice if I DO get a european delivery?

fedssocr

My salesman took $100 off the price of the CD changer. Not much, but better than nothing. He's also going to give me the cargo nets for the trunk.

mga3

My Prestige dealer here in NJ,threw in the CD changer,gave me a car cover,all season weather mats and waived the registration fees. Meaning he is going to pay the registration fees. All based on my request for those items as an incentive for me to come out to his dealership from NYC an lease a car from him.
So there are deals to be made. Granted, this is for a Blk 320 wth Java interior and C2,C3 pkgs.,and full leather. Which they are making more of. MB is not making as many 240's.

If you stick to your guns, and ask for certain accessories and don't get them,then find a dealer who will. That's what I did. I got the price I wanted and all the accessories I needed.

Though the gentleman who got $1500 of the MSRP as stated in a previous post got the best deal I have read yet.

dennett

Wish we had gotten some, we got zilch! But we did get the car the 1st of Nov. At that point I don't think anybody was getting anything off MSRP or any free items, although I'm sure some frequent MB buyers got deals or freebies for their repeat business and I'd say they'd deserve it more than a first timer like us. I'll get my deal next time, unless I'm trying to buy an all new model Benz the first month it's out again! Our next Benz will most likely be an ML, although I'd love a CLK Cab or any AMG model.

newmbfan

The best I could do was $200.00 off on the CD changer. I am in sales so I am a terrible negotiator. I just like to watch the sales guy work!

404c

You may be aware that the WTO (not my favourite organisation BTW) has ruled that the Canada-US Auto Pact is contrary to international trade law, and it will be suspended as of February 19th. Among other things, the Auto Pact gave the CDN gov't the right to levy a duty on cars imported from countries other than the USA.

So, with the demise of the Auto Pact, will Canada begin levying a 6.1% duty on ALL cars, or drop the duty entirely?

If the 6.1% duty is dropped, we could reasonably expect to see European car prices in Canada drop accordingly (e.g. Mercedes-Benz).

Have you heard of this, and does anyone know the answer? I wrote to the CDN Minister of Trade last week about this, but he hasn't replied yet. A reduction of the C-Class MSRP by over $2000 would be something worth celebrating, for poor folk like me, at least. If the duty is dropped, we'll have to lean on M-B Canada to ensure they follow suit.

newmbfan

I picked up my "C" last week. Our dealer in Raleigh hosts a Tech seminar the second Thursday of every month. They have the service techs available to answer any questions. Free Hor'dourves (Sp?) and wine even!

I plan to go on 2/8 so let me know if you folks have any questions for these guys. I already plan on asking about the TICK,TICK deal. Either post here or email to mythosmx5@aol.com.

I will report back Thursday night!

dennett

Will you confirm the use of Mobil 1 synthetic oil in all MBs. My dealer said that as of 2/14 all dealers had to switch and that they were busy trying to use up all the petrol based stuff before then. Also on the oil changes, I was planning to get mine in for a change at my expense after the 14th, how much is the change going to go up with the Mobil 1? Most here said they paid $40-45 and I'm wondering what it'll be now with Mobil 1. Sounds like you've got a great dealer!

dennett

Will you ask when the MB LATCH babyseats will be available, and if they have any idea on prices. Our 8 month old will outgrow his current seat in the next couple of months and we'd like to get the seat designed to just click into those cool mounts that click out between the rear seatbacks and bottums. If you haven't looked at them check them out!

mbrownell

I managed to get the dealership to throw in the C1 package for $0 cost. I just purchased an Audi A4 Avant from the same dealership 8 months ago. It took some real haggling, initially they did not want to budge on the price.

mbrownell

I still have a few days left to decide on the color of my C240. I am torn between the Silver w/ charcoal interior or the black with java or light grey interior. Any suggestions.

fedssocr

My salesman suggested that I come in for the first change at 3000-4000 miles (or for me who drives very little around 6 months) and have the oil replaced with regular oil (not synthetic) and that after that first change I should request that they use Mobil 1. He claims that the regular oil is necessary to make sure that all of the seals and things in the motor are well lubricated and that if I were to use the synthetic right away it could cause damage to those seals. I don't know how much he knows what he is talking about, but I don't see any harm to doing it the way he suggested. He says they won't use Mobil 1 unless I specifically request it. Maybe he just doesn't know what the service department's directives are since this new Mobil 1 only policy is just going into effect.

drew_

Bill, I can confirm it. See my posts in the E-class topic beginning from the one below:
drew_ "Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Part 7)" Feb 6, 2001 10:46am

Mike, good question about the levy. To tell you the truth, I have no idea! I feel that MB Canada's prices are competitive with the US prices, but I'm certainly not going to complain about a price reduction. Knowing our greedy government though, I'm not sure what could happen. A suggestion...how about you contact Lucien and ask him what MB Canada's position is on this (if they have a position). I wouldn't expect an answer right away from any branch of the government ;-)

Gary, AMG-tuned engines have Mobil 1 0W40 synthetic oil filled right from the factory. I figured if it's good enough for the AMG engineers, it's good enough for me! I changed it at about 3500 kms (break-in is 1500 kms), so I was confident that the seals and rings would be properly seated. However, now that MBUSA recommends only synthetic oil, I would have no qualms about switching to synthetic after break-in. I was also met with a lot of resistance from the service advisor when I told him that I wanted to switch to synthetic at that low kms.


Drew
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dennett

Do you have a guess as to what the costs of an oil change are going to jump to because of this switch?
My dealer said they just got a big shipment of 55gallon drums of Mobil 1 and I'd imagine they'd get a good deal on the bulk and quantity of their purchases. I was told by my service guy last month that a change would cost me $41 or $42, I'm wondering what it will now be. Better not be $80!, $65 sounds more like it, what do you think?

drew_

The cost to you should be a big fat ZERO! It should be covered under the 4 years of scheduled maintenance (unless you do an unscheduled oil change). After all, it's not as if you're given a choice. MB only approves and recommends synthetic oil from that date onwards. If you are doing an unscheduled change, it may be worth it for you to visit Walmart and pick up a couple of bottles 4.5Q bottles of Mobil 1 15W50. Remember to drain out the extra 0.5Q and keep it though, since some dealerships have a tendency to overfill the vehicle if you give them the entire 9Q.

dennett

Now that the dealers are seemingly switching to Mobil 1 themselves, do you think they'll still be willing to let you bring your own, and do you still think it would be cheaper if they'll still do it? I realize it'll be free for the recommended services, but I want the oil changed in our car soon, it's at about 2700 miles now, then I'll just go with the free service after the break-in period

drew_

FYI, the dealerships will only perform the free scheduled service when the FSS indicates that it is almost time for Service A or B. Changing the oil after break-in is considered an unscheduled service and you will have to pay for that yourself. Phone up your service department and ask them how much an oil change to Mobil 1 will cost. It may or may not be cheaper. In my case, the service advisor actually recommended that I purchase the oil outside because they said that it would be expensive if I bought it from them.


Drew
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dennett

When you say almost time according to the FSS, what do you mean? Is there an exact number? I've heard so long as it's 999miles before or after it'll be covered. I knew I'd have to pay for this first service, and I wanted Mobil 1 anyways, I'm just wondering what the dealer will want for it. I guess the easiest thing for me would be to call the dealer instead of bugging people here! LOL! I'll post how much my dealer wants for it when I find out.

drew_

Yes, that's what I meant. 1000 miles or less on the FSS counter to your next service. :-)

diwc240

Mike, while I was back in Ottawa over Christmas, I dropped into Carling Motors MB Dealer, (also Volvo and my Mazda center 3 in 1). The salesman was explaining Classic, Elegance & ? to me etc... and he mentioned the Feb. 19th change. I was shocked to hear him say that the duty / tax would be going up on imported cars (6 %?). The Grab & Squeeze Tax GST and Provincial sales tax already tack on 15 % in Ontario, (another reason I moved South). I hope he was wrong, and they won't add another 6 % Duty. PM JC get a Life - wake up!!

diwc240

Mike, I use www.google.com as search engine on

Canadian Auto Pact.

This link has good info:

http://www.caw.ca/tariffs/endauto.html

This article is much more detailed:

http://www.hssfc.ca/PolicyIssues/Breakfasts/MolotEng.html

Maureen Appel Molot, Carleton U, Ottawa.

"....What are the options on the tariff? If Canada appeals and the panel decision is upheld in its entirety or if it does not appeal, what is likely to be done on the tariff? There are essentially three options: This first is to impose the 6.1 percent import tariff on finished vehicles imported by non Auto Pact members all importers, including Daimler/Chrysler, Ford and GM; this will mean that all Mercedes, Jaguar, Volvo, Saab and Isuzu cars imported into Canada will be dutiable. The second is to lower the current 6.1 percent import tariff to some other figure and again, impose it on all importing assemblers. The third is to remove the tariff on imported vehicles completed for all assemblers. Of these alternatives, the first is the most likely. This is because countries do not unilaterally reduce or remove tariffs on finished goods without getting something in return. In other words, Canada might down the road reduce its tariff on imported vehicles, but only in the context of a multilateral negotiation in which an acceptable quid pro quo had been received."

Lobby your MP for Option 3 !!!

dennett

Aren't you! I am too, but I've got to go to work, some of us have to!! LOL!! I'll check back this afternoon to see who got the honor! I see we've been the #1 forum for the past 4 days, not that it matters, but it really is nice to to have such a good group of people to rap with. Enjoy the cars today, ours is staying in the garage, it's nasty out there and the baby's clean!!

benz747

I am regular reader of this message board and have come across few messages claiming that they successfully negotiated on this premier car, please give me insights and tips of negotiations so I could carry out the same this weekend - FYI I was almost bought used 199 C230 Kompressor and my friend advised me to think again, he just said when you drive and park your Kompressor next to C240 you will regret your decision and that made me to change my decision and to stand in waiting list for this beautiful piece of art yes you are right C 240 !!

diwc240

Email from MB Dealer 02/06:
"Your vehicle is approaching the port today, they have telexed for customs clearance so it looks good for getting into the port this week. I will keep you posted as we get closer to the weekend." Wonder how many C's are onboard ?
Maybe they will make a Video ??? LOL

w2p2

I am getting the cd for $800.00. As far as I have seen that's the only thing. I will post if I get any thing thrown in. I'd like something, even a key chain!

thomas4

Been out of town, so just went through about 100 messages. One of the enjoyable things about this chat-room is hearing the various dealer excuses for obvious problems. I particularly enjoyed someone's dealer saying the brake squeal would stop after a couple of hundred miles. (In other words: Go away now.) My brake squeal STARTED at 5000 miles.

It's obvious to me that my dealership isn't ready to service the new C. It took multiple trips for them to get my TeleAid going; it seemed to be a real learning curve for them. The service manager claims to have never heard about squealing brakes. I don't know there's much point in even trying to get them to fix my wandering side-view mirror.

The bottom line for me is: I love my 320 and am glad I purchased it. I knew I'd be a "beta-tester" when I bought it; I expected it to have bugs. But I've been extremely disappointed with the only MB dealer near enough to be a practical choice. I expected much, much, much more from MB. My experiences have been like the "wrong way" scenario of how to treat a customer in a training film--from the tacky rental cars they use as loaners to their lackadaisical approach to problem-solving.

Excuse me for venting. This is all particularly galling to me because customer service is one of my professional specialties--and I personally devote a lot of energy to exceeding my clients' expectations. I also think MB corporate is doing a lousy job of handling obvious design or manufacturing problems as they become apparent. The perfect way to erode a valuable brand name.

Excuse me for venting. Now I''ll go back to focusing on how much I like looking at and driving my car.

kenyee

thomas4:
WRT TeleAid, it's not just the C. I had problems getting my ML's activated as well. It turned out the dealer gave the TeleAid folks the wrong two numbers. Spent a while w/ the TeleAid folks as they mucked w/ their servers trying to reset my info, blamed a rainstorm for taking out the Boston TeleAid network, etc. They finally gave up and told me to go to a dealer and get a Star Diagnostic done so they could compare the two numbers. Once I had them, I was up in a few hours.
As for dealers, the quality varies a lot from one to another. If you tell us where you're from, maybe we can make a recommendation besides "don't go to the one you're using now"...