Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

zmeenow · February 2001

sorry to hear u got a lemon!.. its hard to inagine that there are THAT many problems in one car! brakes mirror windows.. dash!.. sure you didnt buy my old 75 fiat 124 sports coup?
but seriously.. though several of us have had intermittant problems... nobody has had them like you
MB really should make good... and treat you.. and your car with a hell of a lot more care!

dennett · February 2001

Darn!!!! I was hoping the next time we heard from you, you'd be telling us that everything was taken care of and you couldn't be happier! I agree with Gary here, Mercedes ought to be doing more to get your car straightened out. How did they finally get your brakes to quit squealing? What exactly is wrong with your dash, windows and mirrors? Please keep us posted. I'll keep looking for your I couldn't be happier now message!!! Good luck!!!

lxgmb · February 2001

I am in the market for the C320. A lot guys talk
about paying MSRP. But I got a free quote from a
web site which is 0% over invoice price. So, I
wonder do you guys check this kind of web. I bought a TOYOTA at the invoice price last year
from this web site. Actually it refers you to a
dealership who give you the price.

louie57 · February 2001

My Desert Silver/Java interior C240 with leather seats and CD player is scheduled to arrive in early March. Since my dealer kenw I was having 2nd thoughts on the colour he called me and offered 2 alternatives. 1.Silver/Ash new car. or 2.His demo, Silver/Charcoal with extra options of Sunroof and heated seats, 4000 kilometers (2400 miles) on the vehicle, in-service date is October 2000. I plan to go and see the colour combo's on Saturday, I think I like the Silver/Charcoal, but my delemma is whether it is wise to buy a demo. I do not know who drove it or how hard it was driven. Does the car when new need to broken in. If it is not broken in properly what kind of problems or damage can occur. Your advise and experience would be appreciated. I understood he could discount the demo approx $2000, no freight or PDI charge. The deal I'd negotiated was for MSRD, no charge for freight and pdi ($1200 value) and discounted CD player at $600. I live in Canada.

nyca · February 2001

Can I ask how you know that 60-70% of all new Cs are 320s? I would think that since the cars are almost build to order right now, that they would produce what people want. If people want 240s, build 240s. Why build 320s and discount them, and starve 240s and sell for MSRP?

I can understand why the 320 sales are weaker, it's a great engine, but the price gap is too much versus the 240. That's why I think alot of people go for the 240. From what I can see, subtracting the standard options on the 320, the engine costs $3900 (less the digital climate control, which you can't option up on the 240 it appears). For the budget conscious buyer, that's steep. Knock $2K off a 320 compared to an MSRP 240 however, and now we're talking.

Some questions for current owners: Does anyone have a car without a sunroof? What's a better value for the 240, full leather or the full power seats?

mbarbee · February 2001

I just bought a used 2000 c280 that came with the optional STARTAC cell phone. My carrier is AT&T and says that the supplied phone will not work with their service. Has anyone found a way to resolve this issue? the phone is TDMA if that helps. Thanks.

kenyee · February 2001

No Internet car purchase web site I know of does this any more. Most that did this (paying buyers several K to sell them a car) went through all their VC money and croaked. CarOrder.com is an example of this.

zmeenow · February 2001

FULL POWER SEATS... THE TEX SEATS ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE REAL THING... CANT TELL THE DIFFERENCE.. BUT IF ITS VERY IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE REAL LEATHER.. GO FOR IT
I TOO FEEL THAT THE VALUE IN THE CAR IS IN THE 240 CONFIGURATION.TO MY WAY OF THINKING,, SPENDING NEARLY 40 GRAND ON THE C PUTS IT INTO THE NEXT LEVEL UP.. SO... WHY NOT AN E? OR ANOTHER CAR THAT FOR 40+ GRAND IS OF EQUAL OR BETTER VALUE(JAG?)... BUT.. THATS JUST MY WAY OF THINKING.... NOT QUITE DIMINISHING RETURNS.. BUT SOMETHING AKIN... ON THE OTHER HAND... A C WITH EVERY BELL AND WHISTLE DOES SOUND LIKE FUN!

lxgmb · February 2001

That web site actually only refer you to a certain dealership,
not sell you the car directly. You have to deal with the dealer
at the dealership.

I just got the quote couple of weeks ago. Since the dealership
is located in Brooklyn, NYC and I live in NJ, i did not go to check it out yet.

Anyone who knows which dealership is good ( attitude, price, service, etc.) around NJ? Thanks in advance.

mga3 · February 2001

I highly recommend Prestige off RT 17 in NJ. I live in NYC and they gave me the best deal in the tri-state area. I dealt with their internet specialist Doug Tucker. dtucker@prestigemb.com

I found him to be very respectful,polite,attentive and straightforward in his dealings. Prestige has a very good reputation in service and sales. Good luck.

ny74 · February 2001

This sounds fun!!!

Can I come? I own 2000 C230K. If yes, count me in. I am up for beers and hot dogs. I live in NYC. By the way, where are we going to park all our babies in NYC? ^_^

Oh, whenever I travel to NJ, I saw a lot of MB's from Prestige Dealership. Maybe they offer better deals to customers. I bought mine in MD. The sales person is a friend of mine.

Aside from the NY/NJ Ralley, if I need a service for my car, not that I need one now, can I go any MB dealerships to have service done or do I have to go the dealer where I purchased it originally.

Hope it won't snow any more.

cclass117 · February 2001

My interior is ASH. It's full leather.
I love it.

cclass117 · February 2001

I saw the White 2001 C-Class today for the first time..
It looked nice.
But, I won't buy a white car.. Too hard to keep clean. I am a silver fan.

Oh and my car's in the shop right now. They are trying to fix the vibration(rough idle) that happens sometimes after I come to a stop. I wanted 1999 MB C230 Kompressor rental car...(that's what they gave me last time) but they gave me a VOLVO S70(BAD, BAD Accel.) Well, at least they gave me something to drive to places.

Do your dealers give MB rental when your car's in the shop?

dennett · February 2001

They've got 80 of them!

I discovered a big scrape on my front bumper this evening!! It's right on the front corner just below the chrome trim, about 2 inches long. The paint is scraped off. There's no other paint or scuff marks looks like it could be shopping cart type damage. I'm pretty bummed!!

oscarsba · February 2001

I have been monitoring this site for three months now while my wife and I considered the C320 Sport. We appreciate the consumer comments others have placed here and, in turn, will offer our experience thus far.

We visited the nearest dealer first and learned the hard way that the sales departments are sticking to the list price. We had to walk away, but did not consider this a loss because this particular dealer is just too exclusive and we hated their take it or leave it attitude.
Our second choice MB dealer was only 20 minutes away and they were more than happy for a chance at this deal. The demo C320 Sport was washed and ready and the rep met us at the door, handed us the keys and said, I'm working with another client so take all the time you want. We did, and then we ordered the car from him: a C320 in brilliant silver with the C2 (sunroof) and C6 (Sport). The dealer is installing the glove box mounted CD changer for free, which amounts to an $800 discount (and a MB teddy bear for my wife). The discount is a slap in the face when you think about it, but that is the price of a car in high demand. The car is built and ready for shipping; the delivery date is on or before March 15.

Our mistake was not ordering the CD/voice activated phone as the factory K2a package. We took the CD as the discount ($800) and now, after the car was built, we decided on the phone after all. Clearly, the dealer is gonna get his money back and then some, if we buy the phone at their price ($1800). Can anyone cite for me a reliable source for dealer cost of the voice-activated phone?

In terms of lease financing, we will probably go with MBCC. The interest rate is 2-3 points higher than other commercial lenders, but the banks do not offer the residuals that MBCC does (65 percent in January versus ALG at 50 percent). The dealer said to shop around and we have. So far, after consulting with my bank, and 2 e-loan companies representing 5 major lending institutions, no one has come within $25 of the MBCC monthly lease. In addition, MBCC appears to be more lenient in their definition of excess wear and tear. MB says, If you can cover the blemish (inside or outside) with a credit card, you do not pay for it. Period. This means a lot since Chase and other lease companies are using disposition fees and questionable wear and tear charges as a way to keep the security deposit and send an inflated repair bill for the difference.

We were committed to the Saab 9-5 until MB introduced the redesigned C class. With the Saab, there were no options to consider . . . it comes with everything but a bicycle rack. And with their subvented leases, the pricing is attractive. With the C320 and all its toys and safety features, MB forgot the basics; $37 large and the salesmen get to say, Oh? you want a sunroof, and CD player;let me show you our options packages. But we drove them both the same day and there was no comparison. The MB ride, feel, prestige . . . it is all there. So, in the end, the dealer makes 6-7 percent up front, 3 percent on the (hold) back, and MBCC loans the money at 2 points over prime. I guess it is good to be king.

santillan · February 2001

Try Mercedes Benz of Morristown. They're off Rt. 287 in Morristown. Salesman was Armando Flores. Great guy and straight up. I'm getting a brand new soon to arrive to the dealer, a C320 brilliant silver/charcoal interior w/ C2 pack and CD changer for ~38K

Initially, MB had allocated to make more 320's than 240's in anticipation that they would sell more. Obviously their forecast was wrong. I assume that the rest of this year, that the production rate of the 240's will increase substantially since the 320's are being discounted more than the 240's. My dealer was offering $500 off of the 240 and $1500 off of the 320. I would have to wait for the 240 where as the 320 was ready in a week. As I said before, I was pretty lucky to have the car soon and that the salesman was willing to give me a discount. I'm expecting the car either tomorrow or Monday. Wish me luck.

bubba3007 · February 2001

When I was shopping, I drove both of these jewels and just could not justify the cost difference. BTW, I traded an Acura GSR Integra so I have been driving a relatively high performance car. The higher torque and flat torque curve in the MB made up for a lot.

Bubba

drew_ · February 2001

Try http://www.clairparts.com for MB accessories. They're a MB dealership in Boston MA and give (often significant) Internet price discounts on MB parts/accessories. If what you want is not on their website, phone them up and they should be able to find it for you. Your service department can then install it for you; not a problem, BTW, many people have done this before. I think they've dealt with many Townhall folks before, so if you mention that and this topic, you'll be taken care of.

Hope this helps!

Drew
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drew_ · February 2001

Funny, most C-class's around my area are C240s. I agree that the C320 commands a fairly hefty premium over the C240. When I drove both of them, I found the 2.6L V6 more than adequate for my use. The wide torque curve provides plenty of power at most around town and highway speeds, and the well calibrated torque converter doesn't sap up excessive power. The 3.2L V6 C320 just adds the extra bit of fun to the driving experience (same reason why people buy the E430 over the E320). However, add Xenon headlamps, the Bose audio and a few other desirable options and the price sky rockets to CDN$60K.

If I had to choose though, I'd probably go for the latter since I climb quite a bit of hills and the extra oomph on the steeper grades would be nice. You mileage may vary...From what I've seen here though, I'm absolutely sure all C240 owners here are very happy with their vehicles.

With the upcoming 4-matic AWD option though, the C320 would probably be my choice without question. With the extra 150+ lbs of the AWD, the smaller 2.6L V6 engine would be a little more leisurely in carrying out tasks. But again, add the 4-matic and several other options, and one comes within $5-6K of an E320 4-matic (albeit not a fully loaded one).

dennett · February 2001

You going to be able to make it to Friday freeway?

drew_ · February 2001

I'm not sure. I'll try though.

Drew
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lxgmb · February 2001

Your price is almost lower than the invoice price with a CD changer! Really a great deal. I will check it out this weekend. I want the same options as you did except ash leather. Thank you.

diwc240 · February 2001

Looks like Edmunds does count the posts in a 24 hr. window. Feb. 8th: Posts 1023 to 1064 so 41 new posts + or - a couple puts MB 2nd behind BMW.
Now the quick link from TownHall is accessible.

Friday Freeway:
Hopefully less Trivia tonight and more discussion and maybe a status on whether a dedicated MB Monday Chat is in the works - Launch Date ?

NY/NJ Rallye: I'm in favor of all MB owners:
C, E, S & ML whoever posts in the TH and by word of mouth, TriState even pompano73 in South Florida, come on up on a Road Trip to escape that summer heat...

zmeenow · February 2001

turnin into a frikkin' mercedestock '01..open the floodgates! from now on... its a free rallye!
we're gonna close the NJ turnpike!(wouldnt that be nice?!)
lol

benz747 · February 2001

does anybody know internet site URL where you can find dealers willing to negotiate on C 240? - THANKS IN ADVANCE

mga3 · February 2001

Go to mbusa.com That's Mercedes offical North American web site. Go to the MB dealer directory. Find the closest dealer to you. Follow the links to that dealer web site. Submit a price request on a 240 w/th what options you want and their internet specialist will get back to you. Thats what I did.
I sent a figure I wanted to pay to twenty-five various dealers throughout NY,NJ,CT and as faraway as VT. Twelve responed with a figure that was near or exactly what I wanted. Then I just picked the one that matched my price. In the end, it was Prestige Motors in NJ that I went with.
You can also try autobytle.com There, you select the car, and they will give you a price quote and provide you wth dealer choices. Good luck.

anthonyv1 · February 2001

Mga3,

good info regarding the internet specialists. Don't mean to be anal and correct you, but the 2nd website you referred to is www.autobytel.com. Looks like you transposed a couple of letters in your post.

benz747 · February 2001

thanks for the information FOLKS, I am glad that I came across this Virtual Meeting Place and whole lot of proud owners/ to be owners of the best car in the WORLD !!!

benz747 · February 2001

please let me know what you have C 320 or C 240?

mga3 · February 2001

I am leasing a Black 320 w/th Java interior. C2,C3 pkgs. and full leather. With CD changer,car cover and all season weather mats thrown in by the dealer.

The build date is Feb.20th. With a delivery of mid-March. I am really looking forward to it. As this will be my first MB.

benz747 · February 2001

wow, enjoy your CAR, this will be my first MB too, I almost closed deal for 1999 Kompressor (26 K miles) - and received information just in time about MBs new shipment which will make some CARS available on dealers LOT by next week - hopefully they should have one for me

about the web site info, thanks I promptly been to mbusa.com and autobytel.com and have placed an information - lets see what happens - I am looking for a Black C 240 with a minimum add-on as Automatic Transmission - dealers says I have to take sun roof option - with this and taxes the out of door price comes to close to $ 35 K (adding all MSRP) what in your view I should ask to make it as a real DEAL - I would appreciate your views

louie57 · February 2001

I called the MB quality control technician I got to know at the MB dealership where I have my car serviced and asked him this question. He first told me how wonderful he thought the C240 was and went on to say I should have no reservation in buying a demo. He did not think the car would be damaged by customers test driving it. He said I should not worry since any problems would be covered in the 4 years of warranty anyway. Do you have any experience with a demo or any wisdom to impart? As you may have read in a previous posting, I ordered a new C240 in Desert Silver/Java with delivery expect in early March. Due to second thoughts on colour.... I am worried the Java colour will show more dirt on leather seats and on carpeted area in winter, ...my dealer is offering me his demo now that he has received its replacement. The demo was put on the road in October 2000, its Brilliant Silver/charcoal interior, leather seats, heated seats, sunroof and CD It has 4000 kilometers (2400miles). I will be going to see it again tomorrow to decide and talk price. My impression is that he will discount it between $2000 to $2800 of MSRP. What advice would you give me? (live in Canada)

thomas4 · February 2001

In answer to your inquiry about loaners...

My dealer provided me with a Grand Am--and a lecture about my responsibilities if I failed to buy the rental company's insurance. Once, after multiple efforts to fix a problem, they sent someone to my home to pick up my car. He left an Audi in the street--but told me not to drive it! My previous car was an Infiniti and I was always given an equivalent or better Infiniti loaner at no cost, so this is disappointing.

My C320's silver, too, with charcoal. Every time I approach it in a parking lot, I'm thrilled all over again.

mga3 · February 2001

The C2pkg,which is the sunroof,rain sensor wipers and rear powered sunshade is a goodone. It will definitely add resale value. As for price that is a tough call. It would be best if you asked other 240 owners,who probably did alot of research before buying. As for me,I was always set on the 320. My four months of research and negotiating for the right price,took in only info for the 320. My only thoughts on the matter: Is that I notice most folks who bought a 240,would order the C1 pkg. and the Bose audio option. And then what ever other option they needed. Driving the price up to 320 level. At that point, you might as well get the 320. Have a more powerfull engine,an engine that is a workhorse for Mercedes. And a few other niceties that come with the 320, like the digital autoclimate control and what is considerd to be the best manumatic in the world. The Mercedes Autoshift transmission.

4murphy · February 2001

The following is from the last repair order regarding my brakes:
Brake pads-front and rear replace.
Cut a groove in the new brake discs.
Brake discs, front -left and right,R&R/replace.
Brake discs front reface.
Brake discs rear reface.
The brakes have not squealed since this service.

Tonight I picked up my car from the dealer and the following is from that repair order:

Intermittent fault in the mirror portion of the control module.
fault codes(dtc) read and delete as required.
Exterior lamp switch/switch module, replaced.

Intermittent fault in the instrument cluster with the warning chime: Instrument cluster-complete, replaced.

Intermittent fault in the door control module, inner door panel on one front door: door control module removed, replaced.

On the way home every thing seemed to work fine. I hope that all the problems are fixed this time.

diplomat · February 2001

Can Anyone out there tell me how to get information on the much talked about Zaino product I see posted in this forum. Thanks in advance for info.

lperakis · February 2001

http://www.zainobros.com/

dennett · February 2001

I've got my fingers crossed for you!! And I'll be looking forward to the I couldn't be happier now post!!!!!! Hopefully they've finally got it all straightened out for you now.

lfdiaz · February 2001

A 240 equiped with the same options as the 320 comes to $33,695 MSRP, and the base price for a 320 is $37,595. I don't think that a $4k difference is "Driving the price up to 320 level" but that's just me. BTW, I keep reading that people got the CD changer for a "reduced" amount $800 but the list price is $522, is this for a different CD changer or something?

mga3 · February 2001

The correct base price of the 320 is $36,950.
I should know. As I am having one delivered in mid March and I am looking at the dealer's "retail client order" as I type this.

lfdiaz · February 2001

A 240 equiped with the same options as the 320 comes to $33,695 MSRP, and the base price for a 320 is $37,595. I don't think that a $4k difference is "Driving the price up to 320 level" but that's just me. BTW, I keep reading that people got the CD changer for a "reduced" amount $800 but the list price is $522, is this for a different CD changer or something?

drew_ · February 2001

FYI everyone, Clair parts is selling the '01 C-class's CD changer for only US$390. The mounting kit is another US$50, and the D2B (fibre optic) cable for non-Bose or Bose audio systems is US$17.50. These prices are a bargain compared to the $800 that dealerships are charging!

http://www.clairparts.com/shop/accessories.cfm?do=list&&cat_id=198

Drew
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Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards

newmbfan · February 2001

My dealer told me the phone was installed at the VPC and I could have added it up to1 week before it arrived at the VPC and still get it for the $1800.00 price. I think he quoted me $22-2300.00 if they installed it at the dealership.

Man, I took 3 days away from my PC and had almost 100 messages to read. This is great. I took 1 night to wax up my 10 year old Miata with the Zaino Z5. After just one coat it looks great. That was the test drive. The 240 gets the works this weekend.

benz747 · February 2001

Mag 3 - thanks for the information, I know it is a tough call, NE way appricaited your time - ANY C 240 OWNERS reading this message ? here is the question for you
how much I should offer for a Black C 240 with Auto TX and Sunroof package - dealer MSRP with taxes in Ohio state is $ 35 K ???????????

thanks in advance folks

zmeenow · February 2001

i paid 35 with tax for same package(do u have c2?)but thst was when there was no inventory at all..
id try for 32 before tax and title..i think msrp on that would be about 33

dennett · February 2001

TH has done it to us again! I count 28 posts from yesterday and again we don't make the top ten list. I think 28 would have put us in third.

benz747 · February 2001

thanks - Yes to your question about C2 - so bottom line is if CAR is sitting on LOT then
Base Price 29,950
dest charges 645
C2 package 1,350
Auto TX 1,300
-------
Total MSRP 33,245 + tax an title
and we could ask this configuration for $32 K

sorry guys if if boring you with my post buy questions - the dealers are so adamant about MSRP

does anybody successfully negotiated for this configuration? if yes then please give me dealer name

zmeenow · February 2001

yes id try for that...or...in lieu of that.. have then throw in mats/cd..or one of the two.. they will try to charge you around 800 for the cd alone.. so if u can get that..and maybe mats,, it may be a deal too..as an alternative.. and if they refuse... try mentioning that the survey..see if you can get some leverage using that..seems to have worked for others

waylou · February 2001

I picked up my C320 on Wednesday, and I love it! I got Glacier White w/ ash interior. Wanted tan before I saw it in a black demo, it looked "yellow" compared to the camel leather in our Disco II. I got the voice activated phone system, and the split rear seats too. Haven't quite figured the phone out, but we are working on it. I am worried about the comments of paint chips. Called the dealer and he said that MB doesn't have a bra for the C class available. Does anyone know where I can order one?

pk6 · February 2001

How many people have the notion that white cars are difficult to keep clean? I certainly did prior to buying my 99, however nothing could be further from the truth. Excepting for slushy roads I'm amazed at how clean and shiny my car looks for days, even after not being garaged overnight all the time. I also have a late model black Ranger p/u.. what a mistake, color-wise I mean. I can barely get home from the car wash and it needs dusting off. Everyday pulling into the parking lot at work I glance at all the other cars and for sure the white cars always seem to look cleaner and shinier.Course mine looks the best. haha. People have commented on it and I don't spend/expend a lot of time/energy keeping it that way. A thorough wash once in a while supplemented by a 50 cent wand/wash, no drying every few days.
Personally I don't like white larger cars though.. I saw a white Eclass 4matic in the showroom the other day along with that beautiful wedgewood one.. The white just didn't cut it on that model.. imho.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

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