Has anyone used Microfibers on their cars? If one is to believe the write-up, they are miracle towels. However, I do not think they are cotton and am concerned about scratching the paint. Microfiber material, when relating to clothing, is a blend of very fine synthetic fabrics.
1 and 2. YES, you have 1 year after the date of purchase to buy a ext. warranty from MB. If you plan to sell the car within the 4 year(50k miles) period, the I'd skip it. BUT if you plan to keep the car a while, then I'd strongly consider it. I am less concerned with engine, drive train and transmission issues, but the new C320/240s are loaded with electronics and future, out of warranty, problems could add up and cover the cost of an ext. warranty in no time! 3. There are 2 levels of plans from MB: standard and premium. Th premium is, IMHO, the only way to go, again, because of the extent of the coverage more than anything else. 4. I would definitely buy a MB extended warranty, not some other company's offer, primarily becuase it will be seamless to you in the event you need it. If you use a non-MB warranty, it is a more complex transaction when filing a claim. 5. Don't feel compelled to buy the warranty from your dealer. The premium version of the 48 month 50K mile Extended Warranty has a list price of $2,500. If you pay more than $1,800 to $2,000 for it, you are getting hosed by the dealer. My recommendation is to contact a participant of this board, sshowitt (email: modntractr@aol.com.) , and ask for the name and number of a couple of dealers who will seriously discount the warranties. (SSHOWITT has posted his offer of assistance many times on this Board so I am not out of place mentioning his offer now). I did this and I SAVED HUNDREDS of DOLLARS! Don't wave this in front of yoru dealer's face, just see if they are willing to negotiate. If not, then call the dealers who will. (P.S. Like you, I live in California and had not problem getting the warranty. I did it over the phone with a credit card. The paperwork is 100% MB). Good luck and happy driving.
Thank you for the information, answers and guidance to my questions. It is a big help.
Actually, I did send an E-mail on 3/22 to SShowitt. I saw his message #2131 to jamrock in which he offerred discount info. I have not recd a reply yet.
I appreciate your taking the time to write such a comprehensive post.
Well, just got back on Wednesday after picking up my Capri Blue, C1/2/4 240 6-speed in Sindelfingen on the 14th. What a great car! We put about 1300 miles on it, mostly on the German and Swiss Autobahns. No problems whatsoever.
So, NOW I have the car payment, the car keys, the car operator's manual but....no car. Dropped it off in Munich on Monday at the hotel. EH Harms, MB's inland freight forwarder, told me that there is typically one boat per week headed to the U.S. Hope mine got up to Bremerhaven in time to make it here before the first payment is due!
Did everyone get the hardbound 370-page 'C-Class Operator's Manual' with the number '203' on the spine? I've read quite a few complaints here about the quality of the owner's manuals; however, I have found the one I got at the factory to be quite helpful. A degree in engineering would help as well....even the MB guy who explained my car to me at the plant got confused a couple of times. He was able to dig up an English manual for me on the spot - typically, they don't put them in the cars until they hit the U.S. I made sure that he showed me everything, including the memory seats. The one thing I noticed on Monday before I dropped it off was that the 'easy exit' feature for one of the keys was only moving the steering wheel when the key was removed. I'll have to check it out more thoroughly once my car arrives home (I'm fixing up a nice comfy part of the garage for the new baby...).
Tarik: We'll have to call it a draw on the question a few weeks back about the work schedule on the C-Class line. The answer is:
5 days per week on the final assembly line (2 shifts) 7 days per week on the stamping line (2 shifts)
This came straight from the dude giving the factory tour (very cool tour, by the way).
HI. I just got off the phone with customer service and learned that there is a fix to the malfunctioning key. I was informed that new replacement keys are being issued. I did call my service department yesterday and spoke to a service tech however they were unaware of the fix. I have to wait till monday and talk to the service manager about getting some working keys.
I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your trip, even though the weather in deutschland wasn't very inviting the last couple of weeks, I hear.
As to the work schedules, the lazyness of those Germans impresses me over and again ;->
When I left there 6 1/2 years ago, they were greedy and working hard. Appears that the latter is no longer part of the equation...
How did you get along driving in and around Germany? What impression did drivers make on you in terms of friendlyness, agressiveness (is this a proper English term?), and being alert? Did you even look at anything else but your baby's cockpit, LOL?
Iperakis, I couldn't have said it better. Sorry Miki, up in Maine at LL Bean, snowing there yesterday, back in RI today. I e-mailed you the information today. Anyone else, feel free to contact me and I will forward it to you.
I noticed several C-Class Coupes on the factory tour. Saw one on the street as well. Not sure if I liked it though (too reminisant of the little sawed-off Bimmers).
A friend of mine met us at the train station in Stuttgart and drove us down to the Sindelfingen delivery center. I mentioned the stuff I have read about the new C's squealing brakes, and he said right away that alot of German cars have that same issue unless you hit the brakes hard every now and then, which of course happens several times each trip on the Autobahn.
Judging from what I saw at the MB Delivery Center, I would say that Desert Silver is THE color of choice these days. They said that about 500 cars per day are delivered through the center, with about 40 on the floor when I was there. It was a real sea of silver that day.
The guy at the MB factory told me to keep it under 4000 RPM for the first 1500km, which I did until the last day (I figured 1300km was close enough, and hey, when was I going get another chance, right?). Got it up to 115mph at around 4400 RPM. You haven't lived until you've dropped it into 6th gear at 80mph as you blow by the Polizei.....
Tarik: I found a good Web site on driving in Germany, and got along pretty well (and even used 'eine Umleitung' off the A5). I found the Germans a bit crazy, although for the most part fairly safe - I did see a few deliberate right-hand passes.
>The one thing I noticed on Monday before I >dropped it off was that the easy exit' feature >for one of the keys was only moving the steering >wheel when the key was removed.
I have found the seat memory often has its own agenda. When your car is in its new home, you will know better what is happening. You might have moved a seat position for an adjustment after you started and did not lock it in by pressing both memory buttons. If exit enabled is important to you, be sure to check out if the memory holds three different positions on each key with exit enabled. Or, the program/convenience features might have been set differently or changed when using the functions from the steering wheel.
It must have been difficult leaving your car in someone else's hands after you bonded. I hope it has a safe journey across the C to you.
I am not sure if I am posting in the right forum but I am shopping for cars in the 20-25k range and stumbled upon starmark CPO MB C classes in my budget. Was wondering how good are these CPO previously loved benzes? Do MBUSA do a thorough check through mechanically and cosmetically? Do they sell extended warranties on the CPOs?
I feel that a properly maintained benz doesn't show its age or mileage and have experience with my dad's w-126, one of the most beautiful benz sedans made, I think. What are the most common trouble spots for the 1996-1999 C-Class (both C280 and C230)?
Also, if anybody could indulge me with typical annual running costs of their C230 or C280 wrt to routine maintenace at the dealer and insurance costs, that would be fantastic :-)
I'd be pretty confident to say that used Starmark Benz's pretty much follow the same rules as those in Canada where they're called Signature Class. I've the brochure right here in front of me. They must have been maintainted to MB standards from and uauthorized dealer to qualify for the Extended Limited Warranty. Before these vehicles can be certified, however, they must first pass a rigorous inspection of up to 150 points depending on the model, and then a comprehensive road test. On a vehicle which has new car warranty remaining, the Signature Class - Extended Limited Warranty will start after the 48 month/ 80,000 kilometre (50,000 mile) new vehicle warranty has expired.
Can only speak for myself.. my 99 230k has been flawless from day one and i've put about 40,000 miles on it now. Goes like a bat out of h*ll, it's just so hard not to because you don't realize how fast you're going till you look at the speedo. The scheduled maintenance A & B services are a bit pricey, but quite comprehensive. My dealers service rates are $80 Cdn ($50 US) per hour..and to my surprise thats $10 bucks cheaper than the Ford dealer across the street who charges $90, albeit he's the most expensive Ford dealer service dept. in town to quote them.
I would like some opinions on the MB C320 vs the Lexus ES300 (2001). This will be the first MB for me but I'm reading about some problems, it seems the major one is the key problem. Has MB solved that problem yet? Also, how is service, Lexus is known for its outstanding service.
Im not happy with the body style of the Lexus ES300 vs the MB C 320.
About the problem of my windshield. I went to 2 more auto glass shops. They all had the same answer that either I change the whole windshield or just leave it there. So I talked to my insurance company. They told me my insurance will cover it. I just need to pay $100. They even found a auto glass shop which is gonna pay that $100 for me due to high competition in my area. Now I have one more question. My car has rain sensor on the windshield. Will it still work if I decide to replace the windshield?
I ordered all-season floor mats on 3/1 but I haven't got them yet. My sales told me the demand of all-season floor mats is too high so maybe I have to wait one or two more weeks!!! I waited for my C for 3 months. It seems like the demand of floor mats isn't any lower than the car. But I do get 20% off for the mats. Ha!
If I am not mistaken, I believe the windshield is different for the cars with the rain sensor (MORE expensive). On my 2000 C, they had the rain sensor option but I did not have that feature. I had to fix my windshield and the price for the non-rain sensing windshield was $155. The price for the rain sensing one was quite a bit more (over $400??).
See if any MB dealers do the replacement themselves using MB OEM glass. I don't trust 3rd party shops. I had a few bad experiences (glass w/ distortion, covers for screw slots missing, rust around the edges, etc.) w/ my old Integra. Also, if you have to use a 3rd party service, drive it to them. Don't do the "we'll fix it at your place" roving ones. The adhesive sets better inside the shops...
Remember, once you have the windshield replaced, leave a crack open on your door's window so that when you shut your door the first day after replacement you do not blow out the seal around the windshield. It really needs 24hrs to cure correctly.
I agree with the other posters, you need to contact a Mercedes service department and talk to them about your windshield. You may have issues with the rain sensor and may need an MB windshield. Just call the 1-800 MB number on your visor or hit your wrench button of Tele-aid I'm sure they can get you the answers you need. Our situation with our Nissan Crewcab was a bit similar in that the truck was all new and had to have a Nissan windshield, the glass shops didn't have the glass yet. I'm glad to hear your insurance will cover it, if I were you I'd just take it to my dealer and have them do it with MB OEM glass, you'll have to pay the $100 but you won't have any other worries. You'll know the glass is right, and will be warrantied by MB to work with your rain sensor, and you'll know they'll install it right and not damage your car in the process! GOOD LUCK!
We test drove a manual C240 and a automatic Saab 9-5 (the dealer had no manual cars). I like the C240, but my wife is concerned about the handling in the snow with rear wheel drive. The sales guy claims the traction control has really helped the snow drivability of thee C240. What did anyone that has experience driving the in the snow this winter think? Any other opinions on the C240 compared with the Saab 9-5?
My other option is to wait and see what the new Jaguar X-type is like. It will have all wheel drive and in theory should be a best winter car.
The MB is a better car than the 9-5 with that respect since it has ESP in addition to traction control. I don't believe the Saab has a stability system but I can be mistaken. With good tires and the aformentioned systems, you should have no problem. I really am NOT a fan of FWD since I hate torque steer! Besides... the 9-5 is pretty bland looking too!!
I had the C switched to Mobil 1 synthetic yesterday at 3,800 miles. I brought my own oil, 15/50, saving about $35. All went well, and I won't worry about that original oil and filter from the break-in period still being in the car. We bought the car, and that's why I did this outside of the free service. If we had leased I wouldn't have bothered. I also, finally, used the touch paint I ordered to fix a couple of chips. The paint is a perfect match! The chips are still visible along the edges, but only to me, and I really have to look closely to find them now! They were all along the front spoiler, and quite low, so they're fixed as far as I'm concerned. If any of you have similar chips get the touch up paint, I paid $12, and fix them. It's well worth the time!
Can't compare the C240 manual vs the 9-5 automatic, but I tried very hard to rationalize getting the C240 but found the acceleration totally lacking as compared to the 9-5. I drove three different C240's so it was not the particular car. I got the 9-5 two weeks ago and can't stop driving it. It's really fun to drive since the torque comes in a 1850 rpm. I previously drove an Audi A-6 and there's no comparision with that either. ESP isn't available on the Saab and it's the reason I never even considered it. I passed a Saab dealer as I was hearing one of their "people who test drive a Saab usually buy a Saab so I stopped in. Incidentally, I did drive on some packed snow in a circle during a test drive in the C240 and it did stay within its track for what that's worth. You can't go wrong with either one.
My wife was telling me that several people have asked her about the passenger front airbag in our C. Where does it deploy from? There are no noticable seams in the dash where it would pop out from, does it actually break through the dash? I'm curious if anyone knows, you out there Drew?
I don't like the combination of snow and mountain for the C240. Can you spring for an E 320 4Matic? If not, how about the Audi A4 Quattro or BMW 325X.
I have read a number of posts from Canadians stating that the E320 with the ESP,but without 4-wheel drive is not sufficient for daily driving in their conditions.
Wondering if anybody installed the cd changer themhelves. Need help on which route to take for the cd changer. By the way i have the c240 with 6spd. Anybody have cluthc problems? i have had a couple of times when the cluth would sick halflway on the release.
Are all of you out there paying sticker for the Merc C?? The dealer told me that Merc has moved to accept only sticker for all of their cars like Saturn's one price policy. Is this true? Is there a way to deal on the price????? Please help before I spent my money....
I too am looking at both of those cars, although I am leaning heavily towards the I because I already have a Saab 900 and want something different. Anyway, the 9-5 manual I have says the following:
"to help ensure this power is properly and optimally harnessed - especially in compromised conditions - a traction control system (TCS) is standard on all Saab 9-5 models. Constantly monitoring signals from the anti - lock braking system sensors, tcs is designed to detect wheelspin and step in by applying the brakes, and if necessary, reducing engine power, to restore traction. An obvious benefit in slippery conditions, TCS is also utilized when cornering, reducing the risk of wheel spin and helping promote reliable stability and control." Sounds like they've got it covered, too.
Are all of you out there paying sticker for the Merc C?? The dealer told me that Merc has moved to accept only sticker for all of their cars like Saturn's one price policy. Is this true? Is there a way to deal on the price????? Please help before I spent my money....
Mind telling us what that experience was like? Was it a lot of fun and were the accomodations and restaurants MB provides pretty nice? I'm toying with the idea of doing it (although I think it's bogus that they don't cut the price down like BMW and Saab do for European delivery). Thanks for the insight.
I believe the quote from the Saab manual is a perfect description of ASC, or Acceleration Slip Control, in Mercedes-Benz terminology. That is, an electronic control system for limiting wheelspin upon acceleration.
Do not confuse this with ESP, which is wholly more sophisticated. For example, it senses yaw and steering input and prevents the loss of vehicle control in most situations (such as oversteer or understeer), which is definitely not a feature of ASC alone.
Mercedes goes to great pains to mention that ESP includes ASC. ESP and ASC are not the same thing.
About the debate over vehicle handling in snow, having driven FWD cars in snowy Canada (when I lived in the Interior of BC) for a long time and also having driven many RWD cars in winter, I fail to find many arguments in favour of FWD. It is generally true that FWD will give better traction on acceleration. But unless the FWD car is inherently oversteering in nature (such as my Peugeot 405), terminal understeer will be on the cards, which makes rapid, calm and safe progress in snow very unlikely. Most FWD cars are terrible "understeerers".
I would consider a RWD car with 4 snow tires and ASC/ESP to be more than a match for nearly every FWD car available. Few FWD cars have Limited Slip Differentials (or the electronic replacement for LSD, ASC) because of the unfortunate steering side-effects that they can induce. When added to torque steer, FWD cars can be a real handful in snow or the wet. Especially very powerful (say > 150 HP) ones.
The tires are the key - anyone into serious winter driving (FWD or RWD) needs four high-quality snow tires.
All season tires are crap, being fully competent in neither dry nor slippery conditions. Plus they are the reason why BMW and Mercedes-Benz put speed limiters on their North American cars -lousy HR tires. Grrr.
I was at a Mercedes dealer in the LA area over the weekend and counted six C240's and C320's on their showroom floor plus one that was being delivered to a proud couple. According to our sales person, all of them were extra cars. Not long ago, there were a few postings here about cancelled orders. It then occurred to me that if this trend is continuing, it could be part of the reason they have so many C's. They usually don't have any and when they do, they are sold awaiting delivery. Needless-to-say, my sales guy tried to lure us into changing our minds to take the brilliant silver C320, C2+C6 home instead of waiting for our Obsidian Black. This came with a free CD changer and floor mats offer. Could this be end of month sales strategy? It sounded tempting but my wife is set on the Obsidian Black.
On another note, has any one used the remote vehicle unlock service yet?
...allegedly. My B. Silver/Ash C240, C1-4, k2a, auto, Bose is supposed to be on a truck somewhere as I type. Ordered 11-10.
Please please please God give me a functioning key, trunk, and no brake squeal. At least.
Haggling about rim upgrades...the dealer doesn't want to budge. Considering the "Twin 5-Spoke" as I'm not too fond of the stock rims, and I would just put good snow tires on those.
Curious about the "Premium Extended Warranty," as I will probably have the car beyond 5 years. How much does it cost?
Can't wait...15 years in two Nissan Sentras...I've paid my dues. :-)
Here is a new item I haven't seen yet. We got our C240 in late November. Recently the warning message on low windshield wiper fluid came on. I figured maybe it wasn't full in the delivery, so I filled it up. Within two weeks it came on again. I filled it up again, and the next day there was a puddle in the garage. Taking in next week to see what this is, but I thought it was a new problem I haven't read about.
I ordered my C240 on 1-10-01. It was built at at the dock 2-7. It was in Baltimore on 2-26 and then the wait began. My dealership is only 240 miles from Baltimore but it was not delivered until 3-16. The explanation was there was a new replacement module for the Tele Aid ability to unlock the car via remote, and it was installed in Baltimore. Love the car. Yes, the brake squeal appeared after 185 miles, not lound, but is there. My distinct problem is Climate Control. It heat and heats and heats. It won't cut off. We're going to see the dealer this afternoon.
6 or 7 cars? Hell, I was at a Lincoln dealer this weekend, they must have had 40 LS sedans on the lot. Now's that inventory. 6 or 7 unsold Cs isn't going to move the ball much as far as dealing on price. Until you see 20 or more unsold C's on a dealer lot, I don't see much budge.
Can someone give me some examples of what they paid and if extras were included in the deal such as floor mats or cd changer?? If so, how did you ask for it? Also, is there anyone out there can confirm Merc's one price policy? I am willing to pay sticker if this is indeed the Merc company policy....
Well, I will get my Brilliant Silver C320 tomorrow - will try to join Chat Room. I think I paid list - very embarrassed by this. I bought (leased)in Paramus,NJ - they are picking up their $220 Motor Vehicle fee and supposedly I am getting a set of $80 mats - big deal. Paying for DC etc. Visited one other dealer and called another. All seemed to be list but this place is closer plus about $12 cheaper on a 36 month lease. I hope you all did not get yours real cheap = really wanted the car and am happy now. Hope key works, paint doesn't chip and brakes do not squeal!!!
Good luck with your C320. I hope you love yours as much as I love my Brilliant Silver C320 with C2,3,4 and 6. It is truly wonderful. I got mine from Globe in Fairfield. I don't know if I paid list - I only know my lease payment.
Good luck.
P.S. - I have had none of the problems which some of the posters have had.
The MB dealers tried to stick to MSRP, but there was too much cheating. I think by now you can get a deal on the new C's. At least try to get $1000 off. If there is more than 1 dealer around try to work them off each other. Or see if they give deals to Costco or AAA members.
If they say no deal for new C's screw them. Try another dealer, or call back and try to get another salesperson. You can always get a deal.
Oops, it appears I am flying the flag. Just picked Glacier white/ash interior C240 with C2 and C3 last thursday evening at C'ville, VA. Paid numbers quoted at Edmunds and Autoweb. The ride is great and looking forward to chatting with you all.
The old supply and demand trick! The MB dealers would love for us to think that everything is at list price. Its actually hard to negotiate for something that they don't have! But when your serious about purchaseing just ask. I bet you can $1000 off, if you order. I ended up with a $995.00 CD player. I could not of accomplished the savings with out the support of this group! What are you planning on purchasing? Options? Let us know what you work out.
All you need to do is to click on "My Profile" above. Select the country of your choice. It does take awile for your choice to kick in! I'm still raising the flag for Ireland. With March being the month of St. Pattys Day. Not sure what I'm going to raise for April. Everyone will know when I get my c240, then it will be Germany!
Comments
Dennett -- Thank you for putting me in my proper place
Enjoy your family over the weekend and drive safe.
Miki
1. Is the new-car four-year warranty O.K. for now?
2. Am I correct in that I have to buy an extended warranty before a year from date of purchase or delivery?
3. Are there several warranty plans and if so, which is considered the best choice?
4. I see info that they can be purchased at discount or elsewhere other than Mercedes? Is it better to purchase direct from Mercedes?
I visited Beverly Hills Motor Accessories today and saw all the beautiful AMG wheels Dennett mentioned -- works of art methinks.
Miki
1 and 2. YES, you have 1 year after the date of purchase to buy a ext. warranty from MB. If you plan to sell the car within the 4 year(50k miles) period, the I'd skip it. BUT if you plan to keep the car a while, then I'd strongly consider it. I am less concerned with engine, drive train and transmission issues, but the new C320/240s are loaded with electronics and future, out of warranty, problems could add up and cover the cost of an ext. warranty in no time!
3. There are 2 levels of plans from MB: standard and premium. Th premium is, IMHO, the only way to go, again, because of the extent of the coverage more than anything else.
4. I would definitely buy a MB extended warranty, not some other company's offer, primarily becuase it will be seamless to you in the event you need it. If you use a non-MB warranty, it is a more complex transaction when filing a claim.
5. Don't feel compelled to buy the warranty from your dealer. The premium version of the 48 month 50K mile Extended Warranty has a list price of $2,500. If you pay more than $1,800 to $2,000 for it, you are getting hosed by the dealer. My recommendation is to contact a participant of this board, sshowitt (email: modntractr@aol.com.) , and ask for the name and number of a couple of dealers who will seriously discount the warranties. (SSHOWITT has posted his offer of assistance many times on this Board so I am not out of place mentioning his offer now). I did this and I SAVED HUNDREDS of DOLLARS! Don't wave this in front of yoru dealer's face, just see if they are willing to negotiate. If not, then call the dealers who will. (P.S. Like you, I live in California and had not problem getting the warranty. I did it over the phone with a credit card. The paperwork is 100% MB).
Good luck and happy driving.
Thank you for the information, answers and guidance to my questions. It is a big help.
Actually, I did send an E-mail on 3/22 to SShowitt. I saw his message #2131 to jamrock in which he offerred discount info. I have not recd a reply yet.
I appreciate your taking the time to write such a
comprehensive post.
Miki
So, NOW I have the car payment, the car keys, the car operator's manual but....no car. Dropped it off in Munich on Monday at the hotel. EH Harms, MB's inland freight forwarder, told me that there is typically one boat per week headed to the U.S. Hope mine got up to Bremerhaven in time to make it here before the first payment is due!
Did everyone get the hardbound 370-page 'C-Class Operator's Manual' with the number '203' on the spine? I've read quite a few complaints here about the quality of the owner's manuals; however, I have found the one I got at the factory to be quite helpful. A degree in engineering would help as well....even the MB guy who explained my car to me at the plant got confused a couple of times. He was able to dig up an English manual for me on the spot - typically, they don't put them in the cars until they hit the U.S. I made sure that he showed me everything, including the memory seats. The one thing I noticed on Monday before I dropped it off was that the 'easy exit' feature for one of the keys was only moving the steering wheel when the key was removed. I'll have to check it out more thoroughly once my car arrives home (I'm fixing up a nice comfy part of the garage for the new baby...).
Tarik: We'll have to call it a draw on the question a few weeks back about the work schedule on the C-Class line. The answer is:
5 days per week on the final assembly line (2 shifts)
7 days per week on the stamping line (2 shifts)
This came straight from the dude giving the factory tour (very cool tour, by the way).
Miki
I'm happy to hear you enjoyed your trip, even though the weather in deutschland wasn't very inviting the last couple of weeks, I hear.
As to the work schedules, the lazyness of those Germans impresses me over and again ;->
When I left there 6 1/2 years ago, they were greedy and working hard. Appears that the latter is no longer part of the equation...
How did you get along driving in and around Germany? What impression did drivers make on you in terms of friendlyness, agressiveness (is this a proper English term?), and being alert? Did you even look at anything else but your baby's cockpit, LOL?
Tarik
Thank you -- I did receive your E-mail. It contained lots of good information for me and was well worth waiting a day, or two or more
Miki
A friend of mine met us at the train station in Stuttgart and drove us down to the Sindelfingen delivery center. I mentioned the stuff I have read about the new C's squealing brakes, and he said right away that alot of German cars have that same issue unless you hit the brakes hard every now and then, which of course happens several times each trip on the Autobahn.
Judging from what I saw at the MB Delivery Center, I would say that Desert Silver is THE color of choice these days. They said that about 500 cars per day are delivered through the center, with about 40 on the floor when I was there. It was a real sea of silver that day.
The guy at the MB factory told me to keep it under 4000 RPM for the first 1500km, which I did until the last day (I figured 1300km was close enough, and hey, when was I going get another chance, right?). Got it up to 115mph at around 4400 RPM. You haven't lived until you've dropped it into 6th gear at 80mph as you blow by the Polizei.....
Tarik: I found a good Web site on driving in Germany, and got along pretty well (and even used 'eine Umleitung' off the A5). I found the Germans a bit crazy, although for the most part fairly safe - I did see a few deliberate right-hand passes.
I have found the seat memory often has its own agenda. When your car is in its new home, you will know better what is happening. You might have moved a seat position for an adjustment after you started and did not lock it in by pressing both memory buttons. If exit enabled is important to you, be sure to check out if the memory holds three different positions on each key with exit enabled. Or, the program/convenience features might have been set differently or changed when using the functions from the steering wheel.
It must have been difficult leaving your car in someone else's hands after you bonded. I hope it has a safe journey across the C to you.
Miki
I feel that a properly maintained benz doesn't show its age or mileage and have experience with my dad's w-126, one of the most beautiful benz sedans made, I think. What are the most common trouble spots for the 1996-1999 C-Class (both C280 and C230)?
Also, if anybody could indulge me with typical annual running costs of their C230 or C280 wrt to routine maintenace at the dealer and insurance costs, that would be fantastic :-)
Thank you in advance.
Can only speak for myself.. my 99 230k has been flawless from day one and i've put about 40,000 miles on it now. Goes like a bat out of h*ll, it's just so hard not to because you don't realize how fast you're going till you look at the speedo. The scheduled maintenance A & B services are a bit pricey, but quite comprehensive. My dealers service rates are $80 Cdn ($50 US) per hour..and to my surprise thats $10 bucks cheaper than the Ford dealer across the street who charges $90, albeit he's the most expensive Ford dealer service dept. in town to quote them.
Im not happy with the body style of the Lexus ES300 vs the MB C 320.
I'd appreciate any help and/or opinions.
Thank you
Now I have one more question. My car has rain sensor on the windshield. Will it still work if I decide to replace the windshield?
I waited for my C for 3 months. It seems like the demand of floor mats isn't any lower than the car. But I do get 20% off for the mats. Ha!
My other option is to wait and see what the new Jaguar X-type is like. It will have all wheel drive and in theory should be a best winter car.
David, who lives on a small mountain in Maryland
I also, finally, used the touch paint I ordered to fix a couple of chips. The paint is a perfect match! The chips are still visible along the edges, but only to me, and I really have to look closely to find them now! They were all along the front spoiler, and quite low, so they're fixed as far as I'm concerned. If any of you have similar chips get the touch up paint, I paid $12, and fix them. It's well worth the time!
I have read a number of posts from Canadians stating that the E320 with the ESP,but without 4-wheel drive is not sufficient for daily driving in their conditions.
The dealer told me that Merc has moved to accept only
sticker for all of their cars like Saturn's one price policy.
Is this true? Is there a way to deal on the price?????
Please help before I spent my money....
"to help ensure this power is properly and optimally harnessed - especially in compromised conditions - a traction control system (TCS) is standard on all Saab 9-5 models. Constantly monitoring signals from the anti - lock braking system sensors, tcs is designed to detect wheelspin and step in by applying the brakes, and if necessary, reducing engine power, to restore traction. An obvious benefit in slippery conditions, TCS is also utilized when cornering, reducing the risk of wheel spin and helping promote reliable stability and control."
Sounds like they've got it covered, too.
The dealer told me that Merc has moved to accept only
sticker for all of their cars like Saturn's one price policy.
Is this true? Is there a way to deal on the price?????
Please help before I spent my money....
Anthony
I believe the quote from the Saab manual is a perfect description of ASC, or Acceleration Slip Control, in Mercedes-Benz terminology. That is, an electronic control system for limiting wheelspin upon acceleration.
Do not confuse this with ESP, which is wholly more sophisticated. For example, it senses yaw and steering input and prevents the loss of vehicle control in most situations (such as oversteer or understeer), which is definitely not a feature of ASC alone.
Mercedes goes to great pains to mention that ESP includes ASC. ESP and ASC are not the same thing.
About the debate over vehicle handling in snow, having driven FWD cars in snowy Canada (when I lived in the Interior of BC) for a long time and also having driven many RWD cars in winter, I fail to find many arguments in favour of FWD. It is generally true that FWD will give better traction on acceleration. But unless the FWD car is inherently oversteering in nature (such as my Peugeot 405), terminal understeer will be on the cards, which makes rapid, calm and safe progress in snow very unlikely. Most FWD cars are terrible "understeerers".
I would consider a RWD car with 4 snow tires and ASC/ESP to be more than a match for nearly every FWD car available. Few FWD cars have Limited Slip Differentials (or the electronic replacement for LSD, ASC) because of the unfortunate steering side-effects that they can induce. When added to torque steer, FWD cars can be a real handful in snow or the wet. Especially very powerful (say > 150 HP) ones.
The tires are the key - anyone into serious winter driving (FWD or RWD) needs four high-quality snow tires.
All season tires are crap, being fully competent in neither dry nor slippery conditions. Plus they are the reason why BMW and Mercedes-Benz put speed limiters on their North American cars -lousy HR tires. Grrr.
Mike
Dennett -- I am glad the procedure was a success and the car survived.
Miki
On another note, has any one used the remote vehicle unlock service yet?
Please please please God give me a functioning key, trunk, and no brake squeal. At least.
Haggling about rim upgrades...the dealer doesn't want to budge. Considering the "Twin 5-Spoke" as I'm not too fond of the stock rims, and I would just put good snow tires on those.
Curious about the "Premium Extended Warranty," as I will probably have the car beyond 5 years. How much does it cost?
Can't wait...15 years in two Nissan Sentras...I've paid my dues. :-)
Love the car. Yes, the brake squeal appeared after 185 miles, not lound, but is there. My distinct problem is Climate Control. It heat and heats and heats. It won't cut off. We're going to see the dealer this afternoon.
included in the deal such as floor mats or cd changer?? If so, how did you ask for it?
Also, is there anyone out there can confirm Merc's one price policy?
I am willing to pay sticker if this is indeed the Merc company policy....
Any experiences with a tire like this and 17 inch rims?
This is for a non sport C320.
James South Florida!
Good luck.
P.S. - I have had none of the problems which some of the posters have had.
If they say no deal for new C's screw them. Try another dealer, or call back and try to get another salesperson. You can always get a deal.
What are you planning on purchasing? Options?
Let us know what you work out.
greg@thedailydonut.com
greg@thedailydonut.com