Did you ever order the bulbs from Fosmo? Also, did you go with an extended warranty? I didn't originally, but after looking into the discounts sshowit has always talked about, I took the plunge. I paid $1680 for the added 4years and 100k miles, that's a bargain compared to the $2550 MSRP.
It's not a question of whether the power seat option is worth $1200, that's up to the purchaser. But if it was included on the 320, and now it isn't, and the price is the same, that's an issue. There is already a $7000 spread between the 240 and 320, and if the power seat has been de-contented now, you are paying something like $4200 for the 3.2L engine alone. I hope they start manufacturing more 240s in 2002, they are going to need them. I was leaning towards the 320, but now I'm leaning to the 240 with the power seats.
Hi I remember reading posts regarding wheel alignment being off a few minutes. Was this a common problem. Anyone who had this problem did you get it corrected by the dealer.Thanks!
Yesterday our salesman called to let us know our Silver C320 was on the water!! We should pick it up by end of month. I hope they left any "bugs" back in Germany.
When the "img src" tags are used to try to display a picture in your post AND the picture is not available for whatever reason (host site down, link incorrect, etc.), you will experience this problem.
All you have to do is hit your Stop button and your browser will stop trying to load the image (at least this is true of Netscape). The rest of the page will display normally, and you will see a "broken link" symbol in the post containing the image that couldn't be found.
If you see that "broken link" in your post, just delete it - that will solve the problem for you and other discussion participants.
While I'm on the subject, if you are attaching images to your post, keep in mind that you must OWN the picture according to the copyright issues of your Terms of Use. If you want folks to view images that do not belong to you, instead of using the "img src" tags, post a link to the picture's location (providing you are not violating any TOU at the host site).
Also, please keep in mind that images are slower to load than text. As a courtesy to your fellow Town Hall members, please do not post very large pictures, and please do not post a lot of images in a short series of posts. Four or five posts in a row with several pictures each will make the page very slow to download, depending on the speed of connection. Again, you can always post a link to a picture's location instead.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I'm back after being unable to access the board for 2 days now...must've been that krazy picture I posted (that's why it showed up three times - I posted the first one, then couldn't log back in to delete it despite 'stopping' after 10 minutes and re-loading).
I think you made a tiny error in the HTML tag preceeding your picture. That's why it tried loading repetitively looking for the picture. I've actually done this myself once in the past, but never again. May I suggest that you try posting your pictures in the MB C-class owner's club photo gallery topic in the future so that in case you do mess up something, you won't be restricted from this main discussion topic area.
FYI, you cannot link pictures that are in your password protected private Photopoint albums. They have to be in the publically accessible gallery. Since I can't seem to find your pictures in the main galleries, I assume that this is what you did?
Good luck Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
What you should be doing is subscribing to this message board, and not using your browser bookmarks. Click on the subscribe button, next to the read subscriptions button near the bottom of the page, just above the text box. This will add your subscribe topic(s) to your message centre, and from there you will be able to see if there are any new messages posted in your subscribed topics.
From then on, you simply have to bookmark the main Town Hall page (townhall.edmunds.com), not the individual discussion topics, and then click on the "message centre" link on the left hand column.
Hope this helps! Drew Host Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I am getting my new C320 tinted tomorrow. Is 25% darkness too dark to drive at night since mirrors are auto dimming now? Did anyone try to put 18" wheel with 225/40/18 tires? Please share your experiences if possible. Thx!
I have had that problem with our C240. We have had it in the shop three times for it. The first they aligned it, second they replaced some bolts, and the third they said that MB tracked the road more than other cars, and the guy actually drove the car, and said that was the way it was supposed to drive. I still don't think so, as it pulls more than any other car I have owned.
There are plenty of reviews of the C240 with standard shift. Has anyone read reviews of the C240 with automatic. So far the reviews I read state that C240's do 0 - 60 in 8.2s(one review said 9.2s). My main concern is whether performance with the automatic is substantially slower than standard shift. I currently drive a stick shift but due to heavy traffic in my area the automatic option seems to be more practical.
today i was down by giants stadium in nj.. biiiig truck movin so slow..only one fast chance to zip around him and move on.. or sit behind him indefinately.. 2 quick taps to the shift knob.. WHAM!. i was around that truck in a second...! im less concerned about whether the car is one second faster or slower from a dead stop..as they test them on a track...more concerned how the car will react when i need the extra torque for passing.. either using the select shift(which i preferr)or flooring the pedal. if i was that fixated on the 1-60 number... id be shopping another class of car completely.
I mainly purchased the 320 for the engine and everything else I got was gravy. I myself would NOT want the 240 because I felt the 320 had so much more available torque. Please keep in mind that this is coming from a guy that is VERY hard to please. I actually drove a 247 hp (I think that's the rating) S60 2.3 high pressure turbo and THAT thing felt slow. The 320 is a joy when you tap that shifter to 3rd and manuever around slower moving traffic. The 240 for my driving style is just not adequate. I've read numerous reports on the 240 and nearly every critic mentioned that the car has no ooomph when going up hills or passing. They also attributed it to the newness of the engine. At any rate, they're both FANTASTIC cars, I just prefer my 320 and would NOT settle for a 240. DRIVE BOTH!!! PLEASE!!
I'm not questioning the usability of the power difference. I'm waiting for someone to post the MSRP #s for the 2002s, this $1200 "bump" on the power seats, if it holds true, could push me over the edge regardling affordability. I figure you can get 175HP on the 2.6 with a K&N air filter, 40 HP for $4000 is a tough sell....
If you are considering this on the C, I'd do more research on the air intake and whether it's really limited by the filter first. The negative is that it allows more junk in compared to regular filters; there's an article by someone at a construction company that tested them and wiped out engines after a few years. FYI, for the ML, all models use the same air filtering system as the ML55. I.e., there is plenty of air for the ML320/ML430, so putting in a K&N filter won't make a difference...
I agree that is quite a bit of money for the additional giddyup. There are other niceties that makeup that price difference though. I really find it hard to believe that they have decontented the power seats! That is a DAMN ripoff!!! I'll believe it when I see it. If it's true.... people really ought to voice their displeasure with MB. WAY too much Chrysler influence if you ask me!!
I have been using K&N filters for years and they do improve performance. I had also read that letter from the "construction company" which is circulating around the web. I sent a copy to K&N and here is what they wrote back to me:
Dear customer, It is a fake. Note the date, 1995 and still going around. How do I know you ask? We DO NOT make filters for mining or construction equipment. If he used a small Honda filter on a turbo charged V12, no wonder he had problems!!! Here is the truth to it. Our filters are tested by an outside, independent laboratory. They have been proven to stop at least 99% of particles on a SAE dust test. This test uses particles in the 0 - 5 micron range and goes up to 20 microns. For comparison, a paper filter also stops 99% on the same test and the OEM minimum standard is 96%. Foam is generally the worst media with a typical efficiency rating of 75 - 85%. To get higher ratings, the foam must be more dense and therefore way more restrictive. The "tack" characteristic of a K&N allows for increase filtration without loss of flow as well. The testing procedure used is SAE J-726 using ISO Coarse Test Dust. This test is the standard of the air filter industry. The test procedure consists of flowing air through the filter at a constant rate (airflow rate is determined by the application) while feeding test dust into the air stream at a rate of 1 gram per cubic meter of air. As the filter loads with dust the pressure drop across the filter is increased to maintain the prescribed airflow rate. The test is continued until the pressure drop increases 10" H2O above the initial restriction of the clean element (in this case .78" to 10.78" H2O). At this point the test is terminated. The dirty filter element is then weighed. This weight is compared to the clean element weight to determine the total Dust Capacity. The amount of dust retained by the filter is divided by the total amount of dust fed during the test to determine the Cumulative Efficiency.
The K&N filter achieved the following results:
Dust Capacity: 305 grams
Cumulative Efficiency: 99.05 %
We got started over 30 years ago making filters for motorcycles and off road racers. The filters did so well that these guys wanted them for their cars and trucks. We started making filters for these applications and here we are today. If they did not work, we would not still be here and growing every year. We now make filters for Chrysler/Mopar, Ford Motorsports, Edelbrock, Rotax Engines, and Harley Davidson. We come as original equipment on the 2000 Ford Mustang Cobra-R. We even made the filters used in the Apache helicopters used in Desert Storm and the US Marine Corps new Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft. If they work in these conditions they will work for you. This leads me to the Ford post. The dealership may not void the warranty per Federal laws. The Moss-Magnuson Warranty Act of the Fair Trade Commission states that if a part is not covered under warranty, the consumer may use any brand they choose to. Air filters are not covered under the warranty so you are free to use any brand you choose. The real clincher is the fact that Ford carries and sells a line of our filters at the dealerships. We make the filters for Ford Motorsports and they even took out a 1 page "ad" in our catalog. In fact, we are original equipment on the 2000 Mustang Cobra-R. I find it highly unlikely Ford would endorse a product that causes problems with their vehicles. In fact, Honda and Toyota only recommend K&N filters when using aftermarket high flow filters as K&N is the only brand of filter the oil does NOT come off of. You may post any or all of this if you like, in fact, it would be appreciated. I would be interested in seeing the responses. Bottom line, the internet is opinions not facts. Don't take all you read as accurate. Thanks for writing, Rick
I've never seen that reply. That's interesting. Very weird that someone would go to the extent of making up so much detail in that construction story. I still doubt a K&N would make a difference on the ML, but I have no idea if it would on the C; you folks should check the part# on the C32's air filter/assembly to see if it's the same to get the answer.
Today I got a call from my sales person while at work, he said...."Right now I'm watching your car roll off the transport truck!". I get chills still thinking about it.
Anyway, I'm picking it up tomorrow. Working half day and spending the rest with my new toy.
I'll take some pictures and comment on delivery.
Since I've only read comments about replacement bulbs similar to Xenons, I'll let you know if the Xenon option was worth the extra $800.
I really can imagine how you'll be feeling tomorrow, it's going to be awesome! Where in MN are you located? I lived in a little town near Brainard for a few years as a teen, Staples. I have very fond memories of the area. You're going to have a great weekend! Keep us posted on how it all goes, and refresh our memories as to exactly what C you've gotten, colors and options.
Methinks I need a driving lesson. My sales person explained very little about my 320 when I picked it up. I read the manual re tapping the shift knob and asked some questions at the dealer. I was given a pat on the head and told I did not have to know about that. I am a fast driver and everyone knows how fast this car responds to a tap on the pedal when wanting passing power. I drive the Grapevine (the route from Southern CA to parts north) regularly in Drive. With just a mere touch to the pedal, I zoom up the inclines at 110.
Since I have always driven an automatic, I am clueless. I came from an older BMW 5 series where the passing speed was implemented by putting the pedal to the floor.
Am I damaging the MB engine by not using the tap-the-shift feature? And do I have to tap the shift to return back to Drive?
Small world, I take weekend trips to the cabin in Brainard during the summer months for Golfing, Boating, Hiking and relaxing. Nice area.... Last year a young women from Brainard won $47Million in the State's Powerball lottery. Didn't know her, but most town folk did.
Well it's been 4 months waiting for my C320 and in that time I have only spotted 3 on the road: 1 in Woburn, MA; 1 in Chelmsford MA and just the other day, one around Salem, NH. I live in the Salem area and I was wondering if the driver of that C reads this message board.
My C320 is on the boat and expected to reach port on the 13th! Hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month. Thw waiting has been taxing (a little April humor), but will soon be over :-)
WOW... hard to believe your salesman didn't tell you how to tap it! Did you see anything in your manual about it? You're NOT causing your engine any harm by accelerating the conventional way (automatic kickdown). I just prefer to give it a couple of love taps (seems to shift faster) and then I can MAINTAIN that gear for however long I desire. You do need to tap the opposite way to get it back into drive.
as jason said(no matter which c one has) by tapping thr shif knob to the left.. it down shifts from5..to 4...3..etc.. tap to the right... you move back to 5th.in fact you dontr have to tap it back to 5th/ if you just hold it to the right it will move all the way back by it self.as jason said.. you can hold it in 3rd gear as long as u need it to pass(AND I DOOOO MEAN PASSSSS!!)In fact,other than highway driving.. you might find using 4th gear more to you driving style. gives more available torqu and passing power at all times.play with it this weekend You'll like it! ps.what you mb dealer did,by saying you wont need it, was kinda patronizing~
Congrats Erich !! You were hoping you would have it before Easter right ?!! You are going to love the Concert Hall Bose - goto AUD press EXT and set it to "AMBIENTE". Hope today & the weekend are sunny for you. I'm on my first 7 hour road trip North - Jersey to Ottawa after work today, really looking forward to it !!
As usual I can count on you guys to provide good feedback on my questions. Zmeenow is content with the passing power. Djasonw strongly suggests testing both the 320 and 240. I will take your advice but like others on this panel I find paying $40,000 for the C class is a bit steep. Correct me if I am wrong but to add insult to injury I believe I may also have to pay a luxury tax.
My other option appears to be adding the K&N filters. Nyca estimates that will increase horsepower to 175. I will discuss that option with my local mechanic. Thanks again for the input.
previous to this car i had the acura 3.2tl(2000) it was much more powerful than the 240... 220 hp i think... now i WONT tell you that the 240 has the same kind of power.. but.... as you get to know the shifting pattern of the 240.. and use the select shift .. it really is deceptively quick!!!available torque for passing 55mph+ is quite good.. where it lacks,if at all.. is from a red light 0-60.. when you are test driving.. keep in mind that these cars have a "drver adaptive transmission" that makes subtle changes to go with your driving style.. so you wont get the MOST accurate feeling for what either car can do.. but at least,some basis for comparison
I am in the market for either a C class or BMW 3 series. Few questions you experts may answer: 1. I am a bit concerned with current MBZ quality for 2 reasons: First, regardless of the American built M class, MBZ has poorer review compared with BMW, Lexus, and Infinite in recent years. Not to offend anybody. Myself is a MBZ owner though a late 80s model. Second, C class is in its first new design year, which history shows being immature is prone to be problematic, such as 96 and 97 E class compared with later model years. 2. No experience on C class. Compared with BMW 3 series, how reliable and costly to repair C class are? 3. C320 vs. C240. Obviously C320 has better review than C240 performance-wise. But I would not push the gas paddle of my own car as hard as a rental car. So besides that, are 320s so much superior than 240s? 4. Any recommendations on MBZ dealerships in the Southern CA area would be greatly appreciated. Where to go, where not to go, sales person to see/avoid, etc. 5. Pricing. Is it possible to get a similar deal on C class like $1500 over dealer cost as for BMW 3 series?
Yes, indeed, z, it was patronizing. I think back on Dec 7, the dealer knew less than I did about the C320.
Thank you both for your help and instructions. I did read about it in the manual, but sometimes the manual makes more sense after the application or when I want to checkout a function. Actually in the beginning, after a few muddled days, I found the manual to be excellent and written in English
Any recommendations on MB dealerships in the Southern CA area would be greatly appreciated. Where to go, where not to go, sales person to see/avoid, etc.>>>>>
We ordered our C320 from Penske in West Covina. The experience was very pleasant and not over bearing with great follow up from our sales person. Ask for Sarah Yang, she is great. I really wish we had met her first. I have also heard good things from friends about Caliber Motors in Anaheim Hills and Rusnak in Pasadena. We initially visited Fletcher Jones in New Port Beach. It is a large dealership, highly advertised, and supposed to be the highest volume MD dealer in N. America. I didn't care for their service.
The rest of your questions I am sure will be answered by the folks who have first-hand experiences with C's.
I ordered my C240, Brilliant Silver/Charcoal/ Auto/C1/C2/C3/C4 the end of January. Cleared the production line on 7 March. Took delivery on 30 March at R&H Motors, Reisterstown Road, Baltimore.
Jay Belkowitz was an extremely helpful salesman. Kept me informed throughout. Quite a challenge to continue daily commute to work in my clunker pickup with the C240 in the garage! Think I'll put my video camera on it so I can admire it from the den!
1.Try E-mailing different dealers in So. Cal, as of a few months ago, if you asked for internet sales South Bay Mercedes was willing to discount 500 off c240's in stock. I didn't take the offer bacause I had already ordered a car. 2. In terms of reliability, I don't think its going to be a major problem. If you review the posts, Nobody has a major mechanical or electrical problem with the car and a lot of the glitches have been worked out. Remember the major complaints seem to be paint chips, cost of CD player, and dust on the wheels. 3. In terms of power I have a c240, The car is nimble there's plenty of power for passing and normal driving, but it accelerates like nice passenger car, not like a sports car. If you want that I think you'll need to upgrade or try a different car.
i got mine in october!i had been studying the manuals every tinme i went in to sit in a c that was in the floor... id just sit in the demo and read it!!when i got the car... i knew more about it than my salesman too.... he barely knew anything!!!! good thing i researched!
...on the 31st, under considerable pressure to take it by month end. The dealer is 90 miles away from home, and they offered to come pick me up at 7:30 AM to get there when they opened. LOL. Instead, my buddy the ex-car-finance-guy, and current E-Class owner, was nice enough to drive me out there and make sure there were no shenanigans.
But of course, there were anyway. At the last second (two days before delivery) I told them to put the "Twin 5-spoke" wheels on, and after all the math was done 3.5+ hours into the day (had to wait for a PeopleFirst cashier's check to arrive Fed Ex---PeopleFirst was great, btw) I figured out on the way home that the finance guy had "forgotten" to include the $400 off I got from sticker when he recalculated the price post-rims. Had to call them back, send another check, and hope they voided the first one. Thankfully, they did.
The rims look GREAT with my Brill. Silver metallic; no brake squeal, all keys/locks/computer chips apparently in order; the only flaw I've noted so far is the wheel at 12:04 or so, despite my telling the dealer when they got the car to check it because THAT would "drive me nuts." *sigh* It's close enough to NOT drive me nuts, and I can wait until I do my superstitious oil change around 2000, after it's broken-in.
The car is fabulous. C240 (I didn't need the power...preferred the economy, myself) with C1-4, K2 (not voice activated)...Ash interior, which is a "richer" color than I expected, and sets off the wood nicely.
Remarkably quiet, I'm pleased with the Bose system, and as I said, so far completely functional. *knocking vigorously on wood*
Here's a link to some fresh pics of my new C240. I'll post first impressions and additional photos later this weekend. I'm taking a short trip up north. I want to see what the car drives like before my long Easter weekend trip.
One quick comment, I called Tel-Aid to test the unlock feature....However, they told me all 2001 S and C class cars don't have this option. Hmmmmm.....Oh well, will research next week.
I believe the wheel position when driving straight may sometimes be off by a few minutes in either direction. This depends on the crown of the road, your tires etc. Mine seems to be off by a few minutes but it is NOT too bothersome to bring it in only for that. Also, make sure your tire pressures are correct. When I got my vehicle delivered it was off by a very high margin. I don't recall what the pressures are, but on my model (320 sport) the pressures are different front and rear.
We checked it last Sunday and it automatically rolled back an hour. FWTW, we have noticed the clock with an incorrect time occasionally, but within a couple of minutes of running the car, it was back to the correct time. I suspect it is getting the time via satellite.
>I am in the market for either a I class or BOW 3 >series. Few questions you experts may answer: >1. I am a bit concerned with current MB quality >for 2 reasons: First, regardless of the American >built I class, MB has purer review compared >with BOW, Lexus, and Infinite in recent years.
Excellent choice in cars. I recently ordered a c240 for myself and a BOW 325ci for my sister-in-law. I don't believe you will see any flaws in the MB quality. True MB stuff here. As far as the BOW goes will what and see. One thing that I didn't like is that BOW 3 series are manufactured in South Africa. I would have to wonder about that.
> Not to offend anybody. Myself is a MB owner >though a late 80s model. Second, I class is in >its first new design year, which history shows >being immature is prone to be problematic, such >as 96 and 97 I class compared with later model >years.
I thought the same thing at first. But after following and being involved in this forum, I was wrong. Besides from a few alignment adjustments this car is good. Believe me when something isn't right you will hear about it, right here!
>2. No experience on I class. Compared with BOW 3 >series, how reliable and costly to repair I >class are?
I don't have numbers on this yet but plan on tracking this. I can tell you that my personal mechanic has always told me that BOW are much more expensive to repair s. MB. My mechanic has much experience in all of these autos. He is German born and was trained at the Audio facility in Germany.
>3. C320 s. C240. Obviously C320 has better >review than C240 performance-wise. But I would >not push the gas paddle of my own car as hard as >a rental car. So besides that, are 320s so much >superior than 240s?
They are very simialier vehicles it all depends on what you want to spend and drive. You are going to have to perform the same comparison with BOW 325 and 330. If your interested in the BOW coupe, MB will offer their cc-lass coupe in 2002. Might want to check this out.
>4. Any recommendations on MB dealerships in the >Southern CA area would be greatly appreciated. >Where to go, where not to go, sales person to >see/avoid, etc.
Can't help you with this but I'm sure someone else will. The group has a lot of members from this area.
>5. Pricing. Is it possible to get a similar deal >on I class like $1500 over dealer cost as for >BOW 3 series?
I have found that the BOW dealers are "dealing" more then MB. They are feeling the heat from the competition, like MB. I was able to get $1000 off MSRP on the MB and $1300 off the BOW. The going rate for BOW is $1000 - $1500 off. MB is very difficult to deal. The car is too "hot" and in my opinion is worth every penny. I do believe you get more for your money with the MB. The BOW does come with an alarm or tracking device plus the safety features that are built in. Good Luck!
Sometime in the next week or two, the name of this discussion will be changed dropping the "Part 6" designation.
Now that we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have a requirement to stop and restart discussions after a certain number of posts have occurred. Therefore, this discussion can be regarded as the permanent home for C-Class conversation. The "part number" designations on all of our discussions will probably eventually confuse new members, so we will be gradually dropping them from the titles.
We'll also be altering original discussions in the Archives to differentiate between the first and the current.
I just wanted to give you a heads up - and by the way, if you are subscribed to this discussion, a name change will not affect your subscription.
Thanks.
Pat Host Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
I would like to share my personal thoughts re the BMW 330i and MB C320. Back in November when I began to look for a new car, the final choice was between the 330i and the C320. I tested each and still found it to be a difficult decision. At that time, the only disadvantages for me of the 330 were a 6-CD player would need to be in the trunk; the alarm system was not factory built; the trunk was a lot smaller; no Tele Aid; rear-view visibility not as good as C320. The BMW dealer offered me a very large discount because I had been their customer for 14 years. I decided to get the 320 based only on the reasoning I already had a BMW and it was time to try something new.
Going forward in time, after driving my 320 about 2 months, there was a possibility of my buying another car. With great aniticipation, I went back to the BMW dealer and took the 330i for a drive. I could not believe I had considered it and was happy I chose the 320.
Let's not start bashing BMW here, I own an E36 M3, it's a damn good car.
Regarding build quality, it's the intangible stuff that's the killer. You can judge for yourself regarding fit and finish of exterior body panels, either you think it's good or you don't. Same goes with the quality of interior material: seats, dashboard, headliners, etc. Ever check out the interior of a C5 Corvette? It's GM plastic everywhere, the cupholder felt like it was going to snap off in my hand. The tactile feedback of control switches is important too. If you have experience in the computer/electronics industry, you can "feel" a cheap switch right away (like the feeling a cheap PC keyboard gives you).
But some things you just have to take on faith: the reliability of engine and transmission, electrical systems, HVAC, etc. You can't tell if those are quality, just by visual inspection. Long term reviews in magazines and owner reports are useful for that.
I think alot of negative "hype" has been generated about MB quality since the Chrysler merger.
Comments
a common problem. Anyone who had this problem did you get it corrected by the dealer.Thanks!
When the "img src" tags are used to try to display a picture in your post AND the picture is not available for whatever reason (host site down, link incorrect, etc.), you will experience this problem.
All you have to do is hit your Stop button and your browser will stop trying to load the image (at least this is true of Netscape). The rest of the page will display normally, and you will see a "broken link" symbol in the post containing the image that couldn't be found.
If you see that "broken link" in your post, just delete it - that will solve the problem for you and other discussion participants.
While I'm on the subject, if you are attaching images to your post, keep in mind that you must OWN the picture according to the copyright issues of your Terms of Use. If you want folks to view images that do not belong to you, instead of using the "img src" tags, post a link to the picture's location (providing you are not violating any TOU at the host site).
Also, please keep in mind that images are slower to load than text. As a courtesy to your fellow Town Hall members, please do not post very large pictures, and please do not post a lot of images in a short series of posts. Four or five posts in a row with several pictures each will make the page very slow to download, depending on the speed of connection. Again, you can always post a link to a picture's location instead.
Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any questions.
Pat
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Sedans and Women's Auto Center Message Boards
From now on, just links for me.
FYI, you cannot link pictures that are in your password protected private Photopoint albums. They have to be in the publically accessible gallery. Since I can't seem to find your pictures in the main galleries, I assume that this is what you did?
Good luck
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
From then on, you simply have to bookmark the main Town Hall page (townhall.edmunds.com), not the individual discussion topics, and then click on the "message centre" link on the left hand column.
Hope this helps!
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
WHAM!. i was around that truck in a second...!
im less concerned about whether the car is one second faster or slower from a dead stop..as they test them on a track...more concerned how the car will react when i need the extra torque for passing.. either using the select shift(which i preferr)or flooring the pedal.
if i was that fixated on the 1-60 number... id be shopping another class of car completely.
See my photos of Euro Delivery at PhotoPoint
Ignore the doofus on the left....
FYI, for the ML, all models use the same air filtering system as the ML55. I.e., there is plenty of air for the ML320/ML430, so putting in a K&N filter won't make a difference...
Dear customer,
It is a fake. Note the date, 1995 and still going around. How do I
know you ask? We DO NOT make filters for mining or construction equipment.
If he used a small Honda filter on a turbo charged V12, no wonder he had
problems!!! Here is the truth to it.
Our filters are tested by an outside, independent laboratory. They
have been proven to stop at least 99% of particles on a SAE dust test. This
test uses particles in the 0 - 5 micron range and goes up to 20 microns.
For comparison, a paper filter also stops 99% on the same test and the OEM
minimum standard is 96%. Foam is generally the worst media with a typical
efficiency rating of 75 - 85%. To get higher ratings, the foam must be more
dense and therefore way more restrictive. The "tack" characteristic of a K&N
allows for increase filtration without loss of flow as well.
The testing procedure used is SAE J-726 using ISO Coarse Test Dust.
This test is the standard of the air filter industry. The test procedure
consists of flowing air through the filter at a constant rate (airflow rate
is determined by the application) while feeding test dust into the air
stream at a rate of 1 gram per cubic meter of air.
As the filter loads with dust the pressure drop across the filter is
increased to maintain the prescribed airflow rate. The test is continued
until the pressure drop increases 10" H2O above the initial restriction of
the clean element (in this case .78" to 10.78" H2O). At this point the test
is terminated. The dirty filter element is then weighed. This weight is
compared to the clean element weight to determine the total Dust Capacity.
The amount of dust retained by the filter is divided by the total amount of
dust fed during the test to determine the Cumulative Efficiency.
The K&N filter achieved the following results:
Dust Capacity: 305 grams
Cumulative Efficiency: 99.05 %
We got started over 30 years ago making filters for motorcycles and off
road racers. The filters did so well that these guys wanted them for their
cars and trucks. We started making filters for these applications and here
we are today. If they did not work, we would not still be here and growing
every year.
We now make filters for Chrysler/Mopar, Ford Motorsports, Edelbrock,
Rotax Engines, and Harley Davidson. We come as original equipment on the
2000 Ford Mustang Cobra-R. We even made the filters used in the Apache
helicopters used in Desert Storm and the US Marine Corps new Osprey
tilt-rotor aircraft. If they work in these conditions they will work for
you. This leads me to the Ford post. The dealership may not void the
warranty per Federal laws. The Moss-Magnuson Warranty Act of the Fair Trade
Commission states that if a part is not covered under warranty, the consumer
may use any brand they choose to. Air filters are not covered under the
warranty so you are free to use any brand you choose. The real clincher is
the fact that Ford carries and sells a line of our filters at the
dealerships. We make the filters for Ford Motorsports and they even took
out a 1 page "ad" in our catalog. In fact, we are original equipment on the
2000 Mustang Cobra-R. I find it highly unlikely Ford would endorse a
product that causes problems with their vehicles. In fact, Honda and Toyota
only recommend K&N filters when using aftermarket high flow filters as K&N
is the only brand of filter the oil does NOT come off of.
You may post any or all of this if you like, in fact, it would be
appreciated. I would be interested in seeing the responses. Bottom line,
the internet is opinions not facts. Don't take all you read as accurate.
Thanks for writing, Rick
I still doubt a K&N would make a difference on the ML, but I have no idea if it would on the C; you folks should check the part# on the C32's air filter/assembly to see if it's the same to get the answer.
Anyway, I'm picking it up tomorrow. Working half day and spending the rest with my new toy.
I'll take some pictures and comment on delivery.
Since I've only read comments about replacement bulbs similar to Xenons, I'll let you know if the Xenon option was worth the extra $800.
-Erich
Thanks Edmunds!
Methinks I need a driving lesson. My sales person explained very little about my 320 when I picked it up. I read the manual re tapping the shift knob and asked some questions at the dealer. I was given a pat on the head and told I did not have to know about that. I am a fast driver and everyone knows how fast this car responds to a tap on the pedal when wanting passing power. I drive the Grapevine (the route from Southern CA to parts north) regularly in Drive. With just a mere touch to the pedal, I zoom up the inclines at 110.
Since I have always driven an automatic, I am clueless. I came from an older BMW 5 series where the passing speed was implemented by putting the pedal to the floor.
Am I damaging the MB engine by not using the tap-the-shift feature? And do I have to tap the shift to return back to Drive?
Miki
I live in Eagan, a suburb south of St. Paul.
Small world, I take weekend trips to the cabin in Brainard during the summer months for Golfing, Boating, Hiking and relaxing. Nice area.... Last year a young women from Brainard won $47Million in the State's Powerball lottery. Didn't know her, but most town folk did.
My C320 is on the boat and expected to reach port on the 13th! Hopefully I'll have it by the end of the month. Thw waiting has been taxing (a little April humor), but will soon be over :-)
ps.what you mb dealer did,by saying you wont need it, was kinda patronizing~
My other option appears to be adding the K&N filters. Nyca estimates that will increase horsepower to 175. I will discuss that option with my local mechanic. Thanks again for the input.
when you are test driving.. keep in mind that these cars have a "drver adaptive transmission" that makes subtle changes to go with your driving style.. so you wont get the MOST accurate feeling for what either car can do.. but at least,some basis for comparison
have fun!! good luck!!
1. I am a bit concerned with current MBZ quality for 2 reasons: First, regardless of the American built M class, MBZ has poorer review compared with BMW, Lexus, and Infinite in recent years. Not to offend anybody. Myself is a MBZ owner though a late 80s model. Second, C class is in its first new design year, which history shows being immature is prone to be problematic, such as 96 and 97 E class compared with later model years.
2. No experience on C class. Compared with BMW 3 series, how reliable and costly to repair C class are?
3. C320 vs. C240. Obviously C320 has better review than C240 performance-wise. But I would not push the gas paddle of my own car as hard as a rental car. So besides that, are 320s so much superior than 240s?
4. Any recommendations on MBZ dealerships in the Southern CA area would be greatly appreciated. Where to go, where not to go, sales person to see/avoid, etc.
5. Pricing. Is it possible to get a similar deal on C class like $1500 over dealer cost as for BMW 3 series?
Thanks in advance.
Thank you both for your help and instructions. I did read about it in the manual, but sometimes the manual makes more sense after the application or when I want to checkout a function. Actually in the beginning, after a few muddled days, I found the manual to be excellent and written in English
Miki
greatly appreciated. Where to go, where not to go, sales person to see/avoid, etc.>>>>>
We ordered our C320 from Penske in West Covina. The experience was very pleasant and not over bearing with great follow up from our sales person. Ask for Sarah Yang, she is great. I really wish we had met her first. I have also heard good things from friends about Caliber Motors in Anaheim Hills and Rusnak in Pasadena. We initially visited Fletcher Jones in New Port Beach. It is a large dealership, highly advertised, and supposed to be the highest volume MD dealer in N. America. I didn't care for their service.
The rest of your questions I am sure will be answered by the folks who have first-hand experiences with C's.
Good Luck!!
Jay Belkowitz was an extremely helpful salesman. Kept me informed throughout. Quite a challenge to continue daily commute to work in my clunker pickup with the C240 in the garage! Think I'll put my video camera on it so I can admire it from the den!
2. In terms of reliability, I don't think its going to be a major problem. If you review the posts, Nobody has a major mechanical or electrical problem with the car and a lot of the glitches have been worked out. Remember the major complaints seem to be paint chips, cost of CD player, and dust on the wheels.
3. In terms of power I have a c240, The car is nimble there's plenty of power for passing and normal driving, but it accelerates like nice passenger car, not like a sports car. If you want that I think you'll need to upgrade or try a different car.
But of course, there were anyway. At the last second (two days before delivery) I told them to put the "Twin 5-spoke" wheels on, and after all the math was done 3.5+ hours into the day (had to wait for a PeopleFirst cashier's check to arrive Fed Ex---PeopleFirst was great, btw) I figured out on the way home that the finance guy had "forgotten" to include the $400 off I got from sticker when he recalculated the price post-rims. Had to call them back, send another check, and hope they voided the first one. Thankfully, they did.
The rims look GREAT with my Brill. Silver metallic; no brake squeal, all keys/locks/computer chips apparently in order; the only flaw I've noted so far is the wheel at 12:04 or so, despite my telling the dealer when they got the car to check it because THAT would "drive me nuts." *sigh* It's close enough to NOT drive me nuts, and I can wait until I do my superstitious oil change around 2000, after it's broken-in.
The car is fabulous. C240 (I didn't need the power...preferred the economy, myself) with C1-4, K2 (not voice activated)...Ash interior, which is a "richer" color than I expected, and sets off the wood nicely.
Remarkably quiet, I'm pleased with the Bose system, and as I said, so far completely functional. *knocking vigorously on wood*
Sign me,
One Happy Camper
Here's a link to some fresh pics of my new C240. I'll post first impressions and additional photos later this weekend. I'm taking a short trip up north. I want to see what the car drives like before my long Easter weekend trip.
See my photos of Mercedes Benz - C240 at PhotoPoint
One quick comment, I called Tel-Aid to test the unlock feature....However, they told me all 2001 S and C class cars don't have this option. Hmmmmm.....Oh well, will research next week.
Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
>1. I am a bit concerned with current MB quality >for 2 reasons: First, regardless of the American >built I class, MB has purer review compared >with BOW, Lexus, and Infinite in recent years.
Excellent choice in cars. I recently ordered a c240 for myself and a BOW 325ci for my sister-in-law. I don't believe you will see any flaws in the MB quality. True MB stuff here. As far as the BOW goes will what and see. One thing that I didn't like is that BOW 3 series are manufactured in South Africa. I would have to wonder about that.
> Not to offend anybody. Myself is a MB owner >though a late 80s model. Second, I class is in >its first new design year, which history shows >being immature is prone to be problematic, such >as 96 and 97 I class compared with later model >years.
I thought the same thing at first. But after following and being involved in this forum, I was wrong. Besides from a few alignment adjustments this car is good. Believe me when something isn't right you will hear about it, right here!
>2. No experience on I class. Compared with BOW 3 >series, how reliable and costly to repair I >class are?
I don't have numbers on this yet but plan on tracking this. I can tell you that my personal mechanic has always told me that BOW are much more expensive to repair s. MB. My mechanic has much experience in all of these autos. He is German born and was trained at the Audio facility in Germany.
>3. C320 s. C240. Obviously C320 has better >review than C240 performance-wise. But I would >not push the gas paddle of my own car as hard as >a rental car. So besides that, are 320s so much >superior than 240s?
They are very simialier vehicles it all depends on what you want to spend and drive. You are going to have to perform the same comparison with BOW 325 and 330. If your interested in the BOW coupe, MB will offer their cc-lass coupe in 2002. Might want to check this out.
>4. Any recommendations on MB dealerships in the >Southern CA area would be greatly appreciated. >Where to go, where not to go, sales person to >see/avoid, etc.
Can't help you with this but I'm sure someone else will. The group has a lot of members from this area.
>5. Pricing. Is it possible to get a similar deal >on I class like $1500 over dealer cost as for >BOW 3 series?
I have found that the BOW dealers are "dealing" more then MB. They are feeling the heat from the competition, like MB. I was able to get $1000 off MSRP on the MB and $1300 off the BOW. The going rate for BOW is $1000 - $1500 off. MB is very difficult to deal. The car is too "hot" and in my opinion is worth every penny. I do believe you get more for your money with the MB. The BOW does come with an alarm or tracking device
plus the safety features that are built in.
Good Luck!
Greg@thedailydonut.com
Sometime in the next week or two, the name of this discussion will be changed dropping the "Part 6" designation.
Now that we have moved to our new platform, we no longer have a requirement to stop and restart discussions after a certain number of posts have occurred. Therefore, this discussion can be regarded as the permanent home for C-Class conversation. The "part number" designations on all of our discussions will probably eventually confuse new members, so we will be gradually dropping them from the titles.
We'll also be altering original discussions in the Archives to differentiate between the first and the current.
I just wanted to give you a heads up - and by the way, if you are subscribed to this discussion, a name change will not affect your subscription.
Thanks.
Pat
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Going forward in time, after driving my 320 about 2 months, there was a possibility of my buying another car. With great aniticipation, I went back to the BMW dealer and took the 330i for a drive. I could not believe I had considered it and was happy I chose the 320.
Miki
Regarding build quality, it's the intangible stuff that's the killer. You can judge for yourself regarding fit and finish of exterior body panels, either you think it's good or you don't. Same goes with the quality of interior material: seats, dashboard, headliners, etc. Ever check out the interior of a C5 Corvette? It's GM plastic everywhere, the cupholder felt like it was going to snap off in my hand. The tactile feedback of control switches is important too. If you have experience in the computer/electronics industry, you can "feel" a cheap switch right away (like the feeling a cheap PC keyboard gives you).
But some things you just have to take on faith: the reliability of engine and transmission, electrical systems, HVAC, etc. You can't tell if those are quality, just by visual inspection. Long term reviews in magazines and owner reports are useful for that.
I think alot of negative "hype" has been generated about MB quality since the Chrysler merger.