Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

cbrown32

I have been following this board for several months now. I've ordered a 2002 C320 which I am scheduled to take delivery of in mid October. I was wondering if there has been any word on whether the many problems with the 2001's were addressed/fixed with the 2002 models. I know its early and that there are not many 2002's on the road yet but I'm interested in any thoughts that people have.

afmbguy

In MB term, its called Splash Guard. The price is very reasonable in MB term. Each pair cost around $40 from MB dealer parts. I have installed them in my C320. Both front and rear. It took me an hour and 30 min. It was not that difficult if you have the right tools: a drill and a small or special screw driver which is in a S shape. I got mine in HomeDepot. The dealer charge about $150 to $180 for installation. It works pretty well when it rains, especially during winter snow. The size and shape it curves, it prevent most of the dirt or snow from the car. It is only in black color. You won't notice it in general. Sorry I could not afford a digital camera to post it after paying the whole car in cash. I am going to have my CD-changer install this Friday. The dealer promise me to have a MB loaner for a day. I am hoping it may be a S or SLK or CL or ...(Just a dream!!!).

blackc240

Hello everyone,
I have been lurking in the background for a while now, waiting for my car to come in and reading all of the very informative posts on this board. I have finally received my car, black C240 w/ C1, C2, C3, C4, and Bose, I love it!!

I do have a question about the K2 package that I did not get. I have a Color Timeport, better than the one the MB offers, and was wondering if there was any way to integrate the phone into the car like the one from the factory.

Thank you for any input you can offer.

afmbguy

I forget to mention that I did not even have to remove all tires or jack the car up. The car was on the ground for the whole installation job..

cbrown32

I have been following this board for several months now. I've ordered a 2002 C320 which I am scheduled to take delivery of in mid October. I was wondering if there has been any word on whether the many problems with the 2001's were addressed/fixed with the 2002 models. I know its early and that there are not many 2002's on the road yet but I'm interested in any thoughts that people have.

habitat1

Yes, it was HBL in Tysons and yes I did see and check out the C32 in person. Test drive not possible, since the one they had was pre-sold. I'm on the wait list. As a pure performance car, the BMW M3 would be my choice, but the C32 really looks sharp.

fuzzo

How long is the wait for the c32?

habitat1

When I got on the list on July 30, I was #8. They expect to get about 2 allocations per month and the production/delivery time from notivce of allocation is 2+/- months. That would work out to about 6 months to get the car. Not sure what how long the current wait list is, or whether they are still predicting 2 per month.

edarte

Thanks to those who answered my query on how long to wait for a C320. Just to clarify. When I first started looking it was a 2001 Model Year(MY) I was after but nobody had what I wanted; thus the order and wait but it was for a 2002 MY.

As to why leather: My present car (Lexus ES300) has leather and, despite all the negative points about leather, I have come to really appreciate the look and feel. The standard leather in the C320 was Ok but I preferred the full leather look.

sshowitt

Hello everyone, longtime no chat.
My salesperson called me today to tempt me with a c32 that is available at her dealership. It is desert silver with charcoal interior. If anyone is interested, you can call marsha @ 800-544-5580

weberamg

Hi All-

I've been told that Mercedes-Benz dealers always sell at MSRP except for dealer/factory sponsored sales.

What have owners paid for their cars? MSRP? Less?

Thanks,

JW

dogcow

What do you guys/gals think about putting grill badges on a C class? The grille is sorta small and the car may be too sporty looking for a thing, but I'd like to get other opinnions.

jrct9454

The US franchise system for MB does not have enforceable provisions about selling prices. Dealers are free to do whatever the market requires, and in fact in most urban markets [Southern Calif is a particularly competitive example], discounting is common but mostly unspoken.

But the size of discounted deals is now limited by the simple fact that dealer margins have been cut way, way down. An MB dealer has less room to move on a C-class [7% plus holdback] than a Honda dealer has on a loaded Accord. So negotiate away, but be aware that local market conditions always prevail...ALWAYS. Where there is competition and a willingness to move the metal, then prices follow. When discounting is not necessary to keep inventories in check, it won't happen. The only "rule" that applies is the oldest one in the Economics 101 textbook...

ahost

My C320 shifts rather roughly from 1st to 2nd. It feels like a bad shift with a manual transmission. Only if I accelerate very, very softly can it be avoided. The shifts from 2nd and upwards are smooth. I wonder if it's normal, and if others have experienced the same? Maybe MB prioritized fast acceleration to smooth shifting?

habitat1

I've been trying to call "Marsha" to find out more about the C32; however, I must be calling after hours. What is the name of the dealership and where are they located (sounds like "VD" Mercedes Benz from recording, but I find no listing on the internet).

Thanks very much.

mleskovar

I wouldn't call my shift from 1st to 2nd 'rough' at all. Even when I really stomp on it. Sounds like you have a problem. I'm especially critical when it comes to rough shifting automatics and wouldn't have bought the car if I felt it were.

rowlandj

I must have picked up a rock somewhere and my fog-light lens is shattered. Anyway, is this a "change it yourself" item or is there a lot of parts to remove to change the fog light assembly?

If anyone can shed any light on this (no pun intended) it would be appreciated.

Thanks to all,

JR

ahost

Thanks, I will take it up with the service department when I anyway go there on Monday.

mleskovar

Let us know how it comes out.

merckx

Are you referring to milage badges? I think they are great-they have been a Mercedes tradition for many decades.In fact,although this has probably not been true for some time,they were free,as a reward for proving the car's longevity. the 300,000 km badge is the one to shoot for.By all means,display them.

fuzzo

I just picked up my alabaster white C240 on friday and am having a great time learning all the toys in it. I wish there were a cliff notes edition of the manual

1st question I have is about gear shifting. I couldn't find in the manual the MB recommended speeds/RPM's to change gears. I am not having much luck getting it to change smoothly (I'm sure it's me) I am used to driving my acura and have no problems with it. Does anyone know the recommended gear change speeds etc?

2nd question is about the stereo. The manual talks about settings of volumes according to driving noise etc. It's the EXT button when you press AUD for audio settings. I don't seem to have the EXT option? is this only available in the bose upgrade?

Thanks in advance

spndx

Interesting thing about the cracked lens, as I had the same thing happen in June - a crack right down the middle, with no signs of any external damage (the lens was in two pieces). $85 to have it fixed at the dealer. If you like R&R'ing body trim, have at it!

rowlandj

Thanks, spndx. I think at that price I'll go with the dealer - it is pretty obvious it was a rock that got mine and not just a random crack. In fact the black plastic to the side of the fog light is showing signs of the same abuse and this is on both sides of the car. I guess I am lucky that only one of the lenses got shattered. This kind of stuff drives me nuts as there is no good way to avoid the construction rigs and thier trails of debris.

I had a quick look under the bumper and there is no sign of any "quick fix" so that ended that.

Thanks again,

JR

jrct9454

MB doesn't "recommend gear change speeds"; the presumption is that if you ordered a manual transmission car, you can be trusted to make those decisions based on all of the variables that enter the equation from one minute to the next on the road.

Personally, after driving a 6-spd C240 a week ago, I found that short shifting at about 2500 rpm got excellent, smooth results around town, as long as you don't need really snappy performance. The gears are spaced nicely, so there is approx a 500 rpm drop pretty uniformly in the first 5 gears. If you need to go faster, you know what to do...

diwc240

Fuzzo, it was recommended (by many) to keep the tach under 4000 rpm until you reach 1000 miles. I sometimes see I am shifting into 3rd at 30 MPH;
4th at 40 mph; 5th at 45 to 50 mph, (if I want to be conservative). Lately I have been dropping it into 6th at 50/55 mph if I can stay at the speed for more than 10 mins, and I really notice a huge improvement in fuel economy. I was told that an MB engine is not really broken in until 10,000 miles, considering some engines make it to 300,000.
I'm pretty sure it is just the Bose upgrade in the 240 that has the AUD - EXT - AMBIENCE features etc...
If the stereo volume is up, I watch my tach for shifting....LOL
I'm at 6225 miles (6 months), absolutley beautiful!!! What a ride ! ENJOY !!!

mleskovar

You can buy precut headlight/foglamp clear plastic membranes that are made for rock protection. $60?

rowlandj

Where can you find these protectors for the fog lights? I would like to protect from this type of damage in the future.

Thanks,

JR

sanchai

I just got a new C 320 for my daughter, I look at the stereo system of this car the sound is not good as the Bose system as my ML and the S class, I start look and count all the speakers, I founded 7 of them, two at the bottom front door with two tweedters at the top, two at the rear doors and one at above rear seat, this C 320 should have 10 speakers but I cannot find the other three. Any one have idea where are the rest of these speakers are? You can sent E-Mail to sam@comhut.com or post the answer back.

fuzzo

for the info.. i am finding as well changing gears at about 2500-3K keeps it smooth. I just need to get used to it i guess....thanks again

drew_

Try http://www.stoneguard.com or http://www.xpel.com . The Stonguard film is thicker but also a bit more expensive. You can also purchase the same 3M film for the headlamps.

Hope this helps!

Drew
Host
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diwc240

--------------------------------------------------
Credit to jjsani:
Post #596 of 4130 Speakers by jjsani Jan 12, 2001 (12:15 pm)
For those of you who wanted to know where and what type of speakers you have in the C320. This comes directly from Bose:

The Bose Music System in the Mercedes C320 has the following system
content:
2" dash mounted center fill speaker
1.5" tweeter in each front door
6.5" wide range speaker in each front door
6.5" wide range speaker in coaxial configuration with 2" tweeter in
each rear door
9" low profile Nd MT Woofer in rear package shelf (this speaker delivers high fidelity sound quality from a remarkably small space)
Digital amplifier with 6 channels of customized equalization and Audiopilot TM noise compensation technology.

rowlandj

Went to Stoneguard and have the covers on order. I will take care of the three good lenses now and the other when the fix is complete. Given the abuse the front end takes I see the Stoneguard as relatively cheap insurance against future damage.

Regards,

JR

mattybo

I will be picking up my black C320 in the next several days and the dealer is trying to sell me the invisible bra manufactured by 3M for $595. I'm curious if anyone believes this product is worth the money? I must admit that having surfed this board I've noticed that a number of people have acknowledged that their cars tend to pick up a lot of paint damage from stones, etc.

mleskovar

Two complaints that I have heard about and have seen on cars with them are 1. You can see the edge where the bra ends from several angles 2. This same edge slowly builds up dirt beneath it that is difficult to remove. 'They' say #2 could be caused by improper installation but I believe it is the nature of the process....applying plastic over paint semi permanently...that is the cause. IMHO, I'm no expert.

kenyee

Depends on what you'd rather live with: a few lines where the edges are, or paint chips. Given the winter weather in the northeast and our plows putting down an inch of sand for each inch of snow, it's much better than the black bras ever were...
BTW, I wouldn't recommend carnauba wax w/ the invisible bra...the wax caught on the edge will turn white and enhance the edge effect. A bad install of the material is also more obvious on black cars.

rs64

I would recommend it but $595 seems steep. I bought mine from www.xpel.com but then could not find a local installer, so I did it myself. I only did the hood, front fenders (around the headlights) and the mirrors. Cost was about $130 + my labor. The kit that includes the bumper protection is more $. It was not easy to install though. Also, my car is silver.

kenyee

http://savvy.omnistep.com/mbusa/index.php#Boston

I'll be at the early dinner this coming Saturday. Hope to drive a C wagon and another w/ manual tranny. :-)

drew_

Just a reminder that the MB chat is on tonight (6-7pm Pacific/9-10 pm Eastern). Hope to see you there!

http://www.edmunds.com/townhall/chat/mercedeschat.html

jjpeter

Has anyone test driven/bought the new C class coupe? We are looking into all the details and would like to get some impressions. Anyone?
Thanks!

rs64

Check out the Edmunds town hall under : Hatchbacks Mercedes-Benz C230 (2002)

A lot of good info/reviews there.

jrct9454

I drove both back-to-back a couple of Sundays ago, but have not had the time to post my impressions. Suffice to say I was pleasantly surprised by the Coupe, but it was not perfect [noises around the hatch at slower speeds]. I'll see if I can sit down and do a proper writeup sometime in the next day or two...

jjpeter

Thanks, I'll check out Hatchbacks Mercedes-Benz C230 (2002)
Jay

2ndmb

I've been thinking about a new C320 with C2, C4 and C6 Sport Package. Does anyone out there have this set up and if so, how to you like the ride and handling. Thanks for the input

dansa

Try the 330i before you test this 320. If you want sporty the 330i is the benchmark. I believe the the standard 320 owns the "refined" niche. A comfortable ride, quiet cabin with enough verve to make it interesting.

sspector

I'm interested in getting an extended warranty for my C320. Anybody got a good source for discounting the $2550 being asked locally?

jrct9454

Those of you who are old-timers on this board know that I am a [ahem...] Mercedes veteran. I had ordered a C240 in July of 2000, but later cancelled the order in favor of saving about $10k [which we needed for more important endeavors] and bought a Honda Accord [2001] EX V6. Last weekend, a friend and I visited our MB dealer to test both the C sedan and C coupe [his current ride is a 2001 Passat turbo 4cyl]. Keeping in mind I've owned most recently both a W202 [C220] and a W210 [E320}, here are my impressions:

General: We were duly impressed with the relative room of the coupe vs the sedan, given the former's shorter length and lower roofline. Fore-aft room in both front and back were comparable, but headroom in the coupe is seriously compromised in back. My friend, who stands about 5'9", but is long in the torso, was bumping his head on the roof of the coupe. Ok if you don't normally carry any adults back there for any length of time...not Ok otherwise. With the seat folded, the promise of the hatch is certainly on display for anyone to see - a truly large cargo area. I find it appealing and interesting...some will be put off by the design, and the need for the back doors. Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised.

Driving position: We drove an automatic coupe with the standard seats, and a manual C240 with the standard seats. Both were just fine. The coupe's manual height adjustment [via a VW-style rachet handle] got me up where I like to be just as well as the power in the sedan. The lower roofline is noticeable, but not a big deal. Our coupe had the pano roof, which is fine for what it is, but I would never pay extra for this or any other sunroof. Because the roof opens on the outside, it doesn't seem to matter much in headroom in the coupe whether or not the sunroof is present.

Our coupe had a noticeable squeek coming from the hatch area on low-speed, around-town road conditions. Went away as noise built up at speed. Sitting in the back, my friend was not sure if it came from the hatch opening, or the interior plastic trim on the hatch itself. No other noticeable defects.

Continued....

jrct9454

Ride: The coupe has the suspension pieces from the Sedan Sport Package, but the tires from the standard sedan [205/55x16 Michelins, in this case]. I could barely detect any ride quality differences between the base suspension sedan and the coupe, so this seems to work well. The coupe lets in a bit more exhaust noise, and a noticeable amount of road noise, but not to an objectionable degree. I would say the coupe is still a tad quieter at speed on a concrete surface than our Accord, which is not famous for filtering out this kind or racket. Edge here definitely to the sedan for quiet, but the coupe is really good enough for 99% of its audience, including me. Suffice to say that ride is quite good in both cars.

Handling: Slight edge to the coupe, because of the firmer suspension and slightly less weight. No big differences here, and I didn't expect any.

Performance: Advantage, coupe...by a real and noticeable amount. Our coupe with the automatic easily walked away from our 6-spd sedan, and would have done so right up to their respective top speeds. And the torque advantage of the supercharger is apparent from idle right up to any engine speed you can name. A pleasant surprise was that the fixes promised on the supercharged 4 [new drive pulleys, many detail changes] to quell the racket for which this engine was infamous, seemed to work quite well. It's still a bit growly at idle, but nowhere near as industrial-sounding as the older version of the same engine. Now you can just put your foot in it and hang on, and without the earplugs.

Continued...

jrct9454

Pricing: If you restrain yourself on the options, which would be no trouble for me, the coupe has a $5000 price advantage on the sedan for a car the way I would want it: just automatic and metallic paint, and nothing else. I must say I am surprising myself as I write this, but for that difference, I would take the coupe and save the money. It is not as refined as the sedan, both because of the inevitable road noise that the hatch lets in, and because the 4 can never be as smooth and quiet as the V6s. I also realize that I am one of the few on the planet for whom the other differences between the cars [extra doors, better room in the back seat, higher style of the sedan, more standard equipment, more "prestige", all favoring the sedan] are of no real importance. Most other people are likely to be polarized by the coupe's different styling and its much different packaging. MB is OK with that, since they are actually targeting a demographic that is 20-30 years younger than I am...that I like it is something of a marketing bonus, I suppose.

Summation: OK, I know this is going to get me into some real controversy, but besides comparing the two W203 siblings to each other, I have to compare them also to the BMW 3er and the Japanese competition, including the car I am currently driving. In that context, I must say that I think the current E46 BMW 3er probably has a slight edge over either MB-C, at least in the things that would matter most to me. The ride-handling compromise, always the big selling point for German cars, still very slightly favors the 3er. It is seriously space-challenged in the back seat and trunk, however, so for a lot of people, this comparison would go the other way. A moderately equipped 2002 325 automatic, with minimal options [just metallic paint for me] would neatly bisect the difference in price between the C-coupe and sedan, and for 2002 will finally get an in-dash CD player as standard equipment, as well as cruise control [an option up to now, if you can believe it]. I think that serious shoppers in this segment owe it to themselves to try all three cars, the 325 sedan, C-Coupe, and C240. Dealer availablity and competence of course play a big part in this - I have had bad experiences at BMW dealers in the past, though our locals in my new venue have decent reputations.

And the final observation: I would take any of these over the IS300 or A4, though the new A4 has promise that the current car does not for me. The IS is too compromised in ride to achieve its sharp handling, but the rest of what it has going for it is substantial, including the top-notch dealer group. But here's the final kicker: after all this running around in rear-drive German cars that I feel so at home with, jumping back into our '01 Accord EX V6 reminded me what a roaring value it is: ride comparable to either MB [but not the BMW], comfort and room probably better than all of them, features included [like the in-dash 6 CD changer/cassette, leather, roof, folding seats, etc, etc] at no optional cost, straight-line performance to burn, and ownership costs that are trivial. No prestige, of course, and you see yourself coming and going at least 50 times a day, but I must say the day's testing made me feel a lot better about our decision. Doesn't mean I won't be back in the market for my rear-drive German car soon, but it's a real tribute to where the whole industry sits right now in history - a fabulous time to be a car nut. It's hard to go wrong...

skobola

It is unbelievable how similar opinions we have. I have tested a MB C and currently own a 99 BMW 323i. I consider the MB C Coupe only because of money, if the recession will continue its ugly progress. However, if it does not, than I will still be in a Bimmer-land. Yet, when I test-drove the C Coupe, I was pleasantly surprised with its firmness and handling.
The only thing that we do not agree is the comparison with Japanese competitors - I find them so inferior, that to me they do not fall into same class (i.e., I should be in a serious trouble to go for an Accord, actually, I would probably select a Jetta/Golf instead). I believe that German-made cars are have much better driving and handling characteristics, that they have no competition...

bobbyrab

Has anyone noticed that in the updated MB website there no longer is the C6 sports package option indicated. I've got to believe that this is an oversight....