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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans
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Comments
When the sunshade thing happened, I was ticked for a moment, then I realized that he was simply teaching me how to properly behave when piloting an MB... ...won't ever forgive him, though...
I took the picture on an "almost empty" Autobahn under sunny skies at -3.0 degrees Celsius (27F). The car felt as it was glued to the cold and sticky tarmac, no intent to act up at all. Brakes are more than adequate, too. Like I described before, upon my returen to ATL, the only available car at the airport was a Buick Regal, talk about shock!!!
Tarik
FYI, your C-class doesn't have painted or clearcoated wheels, but I think you figured that out by now.
Your dealer still denies the 4-matic option? That's funny considering that MB Canada already formally acknowledges that the C240 4-matic sedan, as well as the C320 4-matic sedan and wagon will make their way to Canada in late fall of 2002 (I really hope they made a mistake and mean 2001, but who knows).
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
The dealer also stated that they "have heard about isolated issues" concerning brake squeal, not quite the truth, I'm afraid.
Auto, Motor und Sport reports the following re 4-matic:
- C-Class models to be had with AWD in 2002 (in Germany)
- S-Class will not only get 4-matic with the new release in 2006, but already in late 2002 for the 2003 facelift, requiring a completely new front axle
- all upcoming new MB models will be available with optional 4-matic
It sounds like the dealer is hedging...
Tarik
The S-class is getting a facelift for '03? That's news to me! Do you know why or what will be done? I do recall them saying that the new 4-matic system is revised from the current one for better efficiency, modular construction, and lighter weight.
BTW, I just found out recently that one of the optional pay channels in my area (Deutsche TV; cable TV) airs "Auto Motor und Sport TV" several times a week. I don't have that channel, and in order to get it, I'll have to get new hardware for the digital cable. Grrr...I'll settle for MotorVision :-) Which reminds me, if you didn't catch it this weekend, definitely catch it on Wed at 4pm Pacific. Lots of interesting things, as usual!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
Don't get me started on the RX, I never wanted it to begin with. Why would both of your recommendations be MBs, hmm, let me think ;->
The S-class facelift was a new one for me, too, but no further info was available. And yes, the newly revised 4-matic system will be based on ETS, making it somewhat similar to the ML's system, I guess (?).
"Auto Motor und Sport TV" seems to be an interesting show, but I did not get to watch it so far. MotorVision airs at very inconvenient times for me, may be I should finally read the instructions of the VCR after all...
Bye now,
Tarik
1. First time MB owner and the car is performing wonderfully.
2. Its bright silver with ash interior. It has 3 coats of Zaino and, boy, does it look good!
3. Voice control for phone, radio and CD is tremendous...and SAFE. Seemed frivolous at the time but the more I use it, the more I feel it should be standard equipment. The phone is not worth the 2 grand but the safety in using it along with the other components by voice command makes it definitely a worthwhile investment. I NEVER have to take my eyes off the road.
4. Fit and finish is what I expected from MB.
5. Smooth acceleration off the start, no lag or pause. Excellent performance, especially when I shift thru the gears with the automatic transmission!
6. No squealing breaks
7. I like the contoured driver's seat and have NO problems with the springs etc.
8. Tele-aid works as advertised. My VIN# in is the 64000's.
9. Xenon lights are incredible. Can't wait until both low and high beams are approved for use in the USA.
Issues:
1. I wished there was an option to have the contoured seat for the passenger as well as the driver's seat. This is an option in other models.
2. Should have saved the $$ and not gotten full leather. Not really worth it.
3. Have not found any occassion to use the split rear seat. I would not order this option again.
4. I wish the gas tank were 18 or 20 gallons instead of 16+.
5. After seeing the photos of the C32(AMG) and the performance numbers on that version of C class car due in the USA in the fall, all I can say is ....I want a C32! I can not imagine 349 horsepower in this car. And at a base price of $56K (est)!
Anyways, the speedometer picture is for real, and what fun it was! May be I should tape the digicam to a headrest and run it in video mode next time around...
Higher-power MBs are governed at 155 mph, the 240 is not, I believe. Mine read 155 at 6000 rpm, but on a downhill stretch only. That's why it only has a rev limiter and is not governed by top speed. Those speedometer readings are a bit on the high side, I even did close to 170 mph on the speedo in a 500 SL years ago, although it is supposedly governed.
Why don't we do Euro-delivery together and clock a few (quick and fun) miles? Almost every car you can imagine is for rent in Germany, with the only limitation being your wallet (outch!). Porsches are very popular at airport locations, and if you choose a Carrera 4, you don't even need to be afraid of any unforced "trips into the weeds". It is a very forgiving and car without a limiter and a high fun factor!
Tarik
Jack
I share your concern. Although modern car's engines do not really need any break-in time (according to R&D engineers I know), nowadays it would break my heart to see the tach pass 4000 or 4500 rpm before the first 1000 mls and an oil change.
However, I my younger years (!), I bought a brand new FIAT TIPO with a 1.6l/90hp engine and broke it in at my usual Autobahn speeds. The engine ran extremely well without any measurable oil consumption, and died only after mechanics had misaligned the valves at the 100,000 km service (exhaust valve broke, fell in combustion chamber, caused UGLY chain reaction, made me mad at dealer, he paid half of new engine, me happy)
As I pointed out in my missing post (grrr), do Euro delivery, have a little fun with your new baby, drop her off (the car...) to ship to the US, then get a rental and enjoy the fun while it lasts. This is a very elegant way to get around the temptation and still have a good time.
However, women usually do not even remotely enjoy high(er) speeds as much as men, don't forget that! My wife takes all the fun out of wheeeeeeeeee, as she constantly makes me stay below 130 mph . Pah, what does she know about male rituals...
Tarik
http://www.wardsauto.com/be2001/
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/cartalk022001.html?id=hphall2.cartalk2
What exactly is the countour seat and what additional adjustments does it provide over the "normal" 10 way power seat? Is it just an adjustable lumbar support?
Jack
THEREFORE, teleaid is NOT equal to Lojack.
Other Irritants: The light switch has mold flash right where your fingers touch it, There was wind whistle at 50mph and above, The door pull looked like they forgot to give it soft feel and texture. Maybe my quality expectations are too high for M-B?
Yes, it is not on all the time. However, thieves have figured out what to do w/ Lojack. Here in MA (as told to me by an alarm guy who does work for our state police when I was trying to figure out if it was worth putting Lojack on my ML), the thieves do one of these things:
1) leave it in an area to see if it has Lojack
2) they figure they have at least an hour, so they rip out as much stuff as possible, then do (1)
3) drive down to RI or up to NH (can't remember the states, but the borders are roughly an hour away)
You get the idea. Lojack is not everywhere and they are switching to GPS w/ their next version because their triangulation method is not accurate enough. He also said that the MB immobilizer key is enough to not warrant putting additional alarm systems on.
TeleAid, even in its current form, will qualify you for the "Lojack discount" at most insurance companies if you explain how it works.
You post more frequently in this topic than in the RX topic, so I assume you're a MB enthusiast ;-) I suggested the C32 since you drive a muscle car, and seem to like the horsepower. Besides, you're already familiar with the C and its high speed capabilities :-) I forgot to ask, how was the noise level in the car at that speed? Does it live up to its wind cheating drag co-efficient numbers?
Yes, learn how to use the VCR pronto! :-)
Do you guys know if this price is negotiable, if so how low can they go? or is the hype still to high to get any discount?
If it is negotiable, which dealer around New England area offers good discount?
Also for all those who are driving a C240 now: How is it running? Any problems?
Does it have adequate power?
Thank you all very much for all you feedback and inputs
As I mentioned before, the first 12 years of my life I spent in Stuttgart, therefore I have always been exposed to MBs on the road and in my parent's garage. The RX topic has been boring until recently, but TC seems to have brought a little life back.
Cars cannot have enough power (yeah!), thus I would spring for pretty much any AMG model. The M5 was always impressive, but the latest version's exterior is "too much in your face" for me. Its predecessor is still a heck of a ride (I did many miles in it), and a '92 Alpina B10 (3.5l I-6 with twin turbos/360hp) I got to drive years ago wasn't bad (!) either.
But ultimately, the subtle appearance and unrivaled combination of sport and luxury of a C32/E55 and the likes has always been my cup of tea. I guess I should just accept my fate and dump the precision-made (and NOT trouble-free) but boring RX and start to get a real life!
Concerning your question re noise level, I must say that even at higher speeds the C is a marvel. The engine emits just enough db to be noticeable, wind noise is more than adequate, IMHO.
Congratulations to all C-Class owners (and all those who are awaiting delivery), your decision was definitely a winner!
Do I sound like a lost son who just found his way back home...?
Anyways, good night
Tarik
(I think my friend leased this from the Prestige dealer in NJ. Don't ask me about the leasing details because I didn't ask him about it. Why? I was having too much fun with it). What a difference money can make!!!
I gotta admit that it's the driving machine. Maybe I should test-drive some of competitive models, but after tonight I know this much that my 2000 C 230 K riding experience is never going to be the same again. However, am I unhappy that I have C instead of S AMG??? Heck, NO!! I still LOVE my C. I know everyone here shares the same feeling with me….
BUT I WANT THAT AMG, TOO!!! (a little boy inside of me shouting out of jealousy)
Look up Jerry Pillari at Clair Motors and tell him I sent you. He's an honest salesman (yep, believe it or not). He's their Autobytel dealer. They used to offer free Lojacks to the Autobytel customers but there may be something else now that TeleAid makes Lojack a little redundant.
benz747:
You should also be aware of what the holdbacks/margins are if you want to negotiate. Holdback is supposed to be 3%. Margin is only 7% (used to be 14% in pre-2000 model years). There isn't that much profit any more. The salesfolks got their income cut in half.
BTW, has aanyone heard when the new C class 4matic wagon will arrive in the US for sale. Will they offer this option in a sedan?
Go to the Clair Motors web site, they quote prices up-front on in stock vehicles. If you're lucky then Bingo, exact match, otherwise it's a good starting point.
http://www.clair.com/clair.html
I did some homework last night on C240. I found out that C240 with C1,2,3, automatic, command system, and metallic paint comes to $34939 invoice and $37520 msrp. MB also has a 3% holdback on the MSRP, which comes to 1125.60 holdback.
Therefore, the cost will be $33813.40 (without calculating any dealer incentive that they get- because I couldn't find information about it)
So what do you guys think is a good price?
Paul
Yikes.
Mine should be built next week. It had better work OK, pretty much across the board.
As in, "You (MB) should damn WELL have known about these problems! Everyone else in the world (who cared) did!"
Jeez!
Has anyone purchasing a new C have any thoughts on comparisons with their old C vis a vis performance?
I would specifically like to know objective differences, if any, between a 99 C280 and a 2001 C320 in terms of:
- 0-60 time
- 1/4 mile elapsed time and speed
- braking distance 70-0
- skidpad G
- slalom course
Anyone know of reliable mag reviews (magazine/year/month) for C280 and C320 that might have the above data?
Also, subjectively, seat of the pants reviews from owners of both cars as to throttle response, manumatic gearbox shifting, and handling/roadholding comparisons...
Thoughts anyone?
thanks...richard
Awfully quiet around here! Where is everybody?
Or if it is easier to view via this Link:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1508702&a=11393668&p=41624815
The dealer is letting members of the M-class mailing list have a discount off the warrantee (their service manager is on our list and he's the one who actually got it for us because we help keep him up to date on problems/solutions w/ the ML and vice-versa). I'm not sure if it applies to other MB models. If you do get it from them, please don't broadcast it to all the dealers. Someone did that to their dealer ("hey, I can get the warrantee for xx from yy") and that dealer went on a weird vendetta to piss off the discounting dealer (called regional rep, threatened to take away all their business, harrassing calls, etc.).
Links may be easier to view & print:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1508702&a=11393668&p=41702364
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1508702&a=11393668&p=41703438
Ditto to what kenyee said. That is why I did not post it. Go to my profile and E-mail me and I will pass along the information.
Also, for any of you that do not have HID and would like an improvement in their night vision, www.fosmo.com, in the UK, has Philips H-7 Visionplus low beam bulbs and H-1 highbeam bulbs available, less than $50 USD delivered. These have been rated the best via an independant comparison test.
please correct your database, I don't have MB yet, secondly the CAR I am looking is not C320 but C 240 with C2 and Automatic Transmission
thanks in advance
benz