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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

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Comments

  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    remember what I said about not waving this in your dealer's face ;-)
  • robtroxelrobtroxel Member Posts: 103
    Michhala,

    Thanks for your post on the drivers seat. My 320 delivered on 12/21/00 has had problems with the drivers seat bottom cushion moving over bumps and around corners since day one. While this is not what you spoke to, it got me to thinking; that my drivers seat has never moved in the exit mode(Yes it was enabled or programed in) It too will only hold memory if this exit mode is disabled. I am meeting with the zone rep for the first issue but now realize it may be part of a pattern about this and many other early serial number issues (such as the unabled tele-unlocking, squealing brakes, and the like ( I have two to three trips in to MB service on all these issues). I'm optimistic that this can be sorted out but I have had way too many issues for a car of this caliber. (Less than 2000 miles on the clock) Would you share the details with me at robtroxel@earthlink.net so I may proceed in a more effective way with my zone rep.

    Regards to all

    Rob Troxel
  • lxgmblxgmb Member Posts: 41
    The dealer asks $800 for it.
    But I find it is only $522 at www.mbusa.com.
    Anybody have any experience about CD changer?
    Thanks.
  • sleakesleake Member Posts: 47
    Great photos. Tell you wife the magma red looks super. As I recall, she's the one who wanted it. ;-)

    Sherrill
  • diwc240diwc240 Member Posts: 172
    Bill - Wow, Looks very sharp!! It must draw alot of attention !! (no State Troopers so far...LOL)
    I bet there are less than a dozen in the USA right now and I'm pretty sure you are the only one
    in this Forum (and on my database) with M.R.
    The gym I goto, there are now two of us with C's.
    He has a black C 320 and today was the first time he saw my Desert Silver. After sitting in Hal's Black 320, I made the decision to upgrade to Bose in my 240. I told him to check that his Bose was set in "AMBIENTE" at EXT mode.
    Looking fwd to March 6th - a week this Tuesday.
    Ian
  • tariktarik Member Posts: 344
    To stay hip, you gotta go there and click the pic...


    http://www.mercedes-benz.com/d/cars/coupes.htm


    Bill, this color choice is magnificent, congratulations!


    Tarik

  • pookey1pookey1 Member Posts: 1
    I have been reading these posts for months now and its all been a great help. I decided to get the c240: Brilliant Silver, Ash inserts, C1, C2, automatic, bose sound system, and CD changer. I am leasing: $1125 down and $550 a month (including tax). Lease is for 48 months with 15K per year. I think I got a good deal because my friend is paying the same thing without the bose system ($695, or $14 more per month). Just got in on Thursday (02/22), there was a cancel at a dealership I was working with. I had the same care without the bose system that was going to be ready March 6, 2001. Couldn't wait.

    I test drove the car once, for 5 minutes and fell in love. I am coming from driving a Ford Expedition for close to 3 years, tired of the truck feel. I have logged on everyday on this board too see what's happening and have felt bless on the abundance of information and opinions out there. I have only one complaint in which I read a few weeks ago happen to another c240 buyer, the trunk will NOT open, its stuck. When I received the car, I open the trunk fine (once) showing a co-worker the remote. Tried it yesterday and it would not open, just hear the clicking of it trying to open. The key nor the manual button inside the car worked ??? Sale rep told me to bring it in, bring it in, I just bought a MBZ, I want service NOW. Oh well.

    Outside of this situation, the car is great, my wife loves it and she was a strong critic in not wanting me to buy this car, but to by a Honda Accord and save the extra cash (work car).

    Any ideas on the trunk being stuck? I think it has to do with the seals being stuck?? Can someone let me know what post# this situation was addressed? Couldn't find the #.

    Thanks for the ear,
    -Jonathan-
  • dennettdennett Member Posts: 332
    I had the same problem one time, but it took a week to get an appointment. If you haven't already tried it, use the key and see if it works. Put the key in and try it manually, next try the key in the lock in every position while trying to open with the remote, handle, and interior button. None of this worked for me, but maybe it will for you. When you take in, get the service guy to try it. We didn't, and when we picked it up they tried to tell us we had put it in valet mode and it opened as soon as they turned the key. Later I could see where they'd taped off the lock and handle area to protect the finish when they dissembled the lock! Oh well, we've never had the problem again and that was over 3 months ago. Good luck and let me know what happens with it!
  • dawindawin Member Posts: 15
    How hard it is to install the C-class cd changer?
    The dealer is asking for $900. Can I purchase it somewhere else and install it myself?
    Thanks
  • diwc240diwc240 Member Posts: 172
    J. Put your mechanical/valet key in the slot at the trunk. Three positions: 12 o'clock; 2 o'clock and 3 o'clock. Turn the key to either 2 or 3 o'clock and at the same time squeeze the black plastic handle, that should open the trunk.
    It happened to me once also. Seems to be affected by temp. ? They can adjust the rubber stops (loosen?) so there is less pressure on them.
  • diwc240diwc240 Member Posts: 172
    Tarik, great Link, but we need you to translate...

    And here is the "Sport Wagon":

    image
  • ctk1ctk1 Member Posts: 79
    To Lxgmb & Dawn

    You can order a CD-Changer from Clair Mercedes. From the website, go to accessories... model of the car and electronic.
    It cost $390.00 for the CD changer and the mouting kit is $50.00. Since the CD cable is prewire, It take about an hour to put the unit in your car.
    To be safe, disconnect the - battery terminal before to start connection.
    Why pay $800 to $900 to the dealer !!!
    Here is the website: www.clairparts.com

    Good luck
  • kimj1kimj1 Member Posts: 32
    As you all know I ordered a C240 with C1,C2,C3, Auto and Comand on Nov. 11. at the dealer in Austin, TX. As of this past friday I still did not have a build date. Well come to find out my order had not even gone into the system yet. Appartently this dealer only enters a few orders a month into the computer. Unfortunately I can't wait much longer for a car. My current car is giving me problems and I don't want to sink a bunch a money into it. Well, my family and I were in San Antonio this weekend so we decided to contact the dealer there. We met with wonderful saleman and he showed us his computer printout of all of the cars that they have coming in. (We were never shown this list in Austin.) He did not have any C240's that were available, but he did have 2 - C320's coming in within the next month that were still unclaimed. So, we have cancelled our order in Austin and are going with a C320 in San Antonio. We were told we should be able to take delivery either the last week of March or the first week in April. I'm so excited. At the rate I was going with the Austin dealer it was looking like end of May or so before I would receive my car. Our new salesman in San Antonio told us that he is receiving cars from order placed in December, so I should have already received mine since it was placed in November. He doesn't understand why the Austin dealer is doing things the way they are.

    The C320 I will be getting is Brilliant Silver with Ash and C2 and CD changer. The Comand system is something that my husband wanted because he thought it would really be a fun toy. We were told that we could add the Comand at a later date if we choose to. I told my husband that I had read on this board that he could buy a hand held NAV. system much cheaper and it could go from car to car, so I think he may do that instead.

    So for anyone out there that ordered their car "way back when" and still don't have a build date, I highly encourage you to at least contact another dealer and see if they have anything coming in sooner. You might be amazed at the difference between dealers. I was. I just wish I had done this sooner. Oh well, live and learn.

    Thanks for letting me share my story.

    Kim
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    Hey folks! I can't believe what I did this weekend. It still has not sunk in. On Saturday morning my friend and I were driving down to our summer places on the Delaware shore and we always make it a habit to stop at I.G. Burton in Milford, DE. They are a very large dealership that sells MB/BMW. I believe that they are only one of the two dealers in the state. They have quite a few C320's for sale and I test drove one without the sport package. As soon as I entered the vehicle the seat would not adjust for the driver. I thought perhaps that I was doing something wrong but since my friend and I are familiar with the car, we felt that it was an electrical problem as it worked momentarily when he was in the seat. Anyway.. I drove the car with the seat a little further back than I usually do and I really liked the car until the transmission started shifting erratically. Then it would NOT shift out of second gear no matter how much I tried. We pulled over and restarted the engine and it ran fine for a few minutes then began doing the same thing again. I was actually thinking of trading my 2000 C280 for this car as I really liked it. I brought it back to the dealer (they let you go for test drives without the sales person). I told Donna (sales person) about the problem. Please bear in mind that this woman has worked here for one month and has NEVER sold cars and knows NOTHING about the vehicles. Lovely lady though!! You MUST understand that this dealership is NOTHING like any dealership in large metro areas. I mean.. across the street and the surrounding areas is ALL farmland. Anyway... they lead me over to a Amethyst C320 fully loaded except no Xenons and no command. Two options I would never order anyway. Since the color is NOT one most people would buy they asked me if I'd consider the car and would give me $2,300 off the list price. They also would through in a CD changer for $400.00. I drove the car and immediately fell in love with it. This car is a major improvement over the old C in many ways and after driving it for around 30 minutes I debated on trading my Silver C280 MY2000 for a car which I loved but the color was a little too strong for my tastes. I ended up doing it because the color sorta grows on you. I mean let's face it.. I'd say over 50% of C class cars being sold seem to be silver! How many amethyst C's are you going to see? The car does look better in silver BUT... I have a great car and you simply can't beat the discount I got. I live in the Long Island area so I ended up putting around 300 miles on the car over the weekend. So far no problems... I'll keep everyone posted.
  • kimj1kimj1 Member Posts: 32
    I think it was on this board that I read about the hand held units, but my eyes were getting tired of searching for the posts. Can anyone recommend a good hand held system? My husband was doing some looking on the internet last night and found 2 brands - Magellan and Garin (sorry if misspelled). Is one better than the other? Is there something better out there? If anyone can help with this, I would greatly appreciate it.

    Thanks a bunch
    Kim
  • kenyeekenyee Member Posts: 738
    djasonw:
    It sounds like the tranny was in this mode; the computer has detected something wrong w/ the drive train. You're supposed to bring it back to the dealer immediately if you encounter it. :-)
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    This may sound like an oxymoron but can anyone tell me how good the Conti Sport Contacts handle in a light dusting of snow? I realize that I have traction control and ESP but how bad/good will it really be?

    RE: Hand Held Navigation... kimj1... I just bought a portable Garmin unit, streetmap in color. Fantastic unit!!! It won't plot a direct course for you but it's great otherwise. I understand they're coming out with a unit that will have voice read outs and course plotting and it should cost arounf $1,000. You also should purchase the metroguide CD's which have greater street detail and can be downloaded to the unit providing you have a memory card installed.
  • sandiegotomsandiegotom Member Posts: 50
    kimj1:

    I have a Garmin StreetPilot ColorMap satellite navigation unit. It is very portable, sitting on the dashboard of any car on its optional beanbag mount, and plugged into the cigarette lighter. It will tell you more than you want to know about where you are, where you've been, and where you're going! By the time you get all the desired accessories, including extra memory and map software, you're talking about $750 or so. For more info, go into the archives on this board to "Mercedes-Benz C-Class Part 5" and look at my posts #458 and #467. Both were posted on November 7, 2000. One of the posts contains the address of a very useful web site for information, evaluation, and comparison of many portable nav systems.

    Hope this helps,

    Tom
  • kimj1kimj1 Member Posts: 32
    Thanks for the navigation information. My husband will really appreciate it.

    Tom - thank you for listing the post numbers. I told my husband I would search for them, but with the archived boards I knew I would have a lot to sort through. You just made my life easier.

    Kim
  • lperakislperakis Member Posts: 49
    BTW, the pictures take a long time to load....but they are great!
  • merc1merc1 Member Posts: 6,081
    You did it again!!!! Where do you get this stuff from? Hellified pics!!!

    M
  • lperakislperakis Member Posts: 49
    BTW, the pictures take a long time to load....but they are great!
  • sleakesleake Member Posts: 47
    I just saw a new E55 AMG sitting in the indoor lot where I park for work. Quite beautiful. I'd never seen one before.
  • fredtwdfredtwd Member Posts: 25
    Another alternative to a dedicated GPS system

    would be a PocketPC PDA running Pocket CoPilot or Pharos Pocket PC Navigator. Unlike hand units these calculate directions and also give verbal directions. Hey you can also use your PocketPC device to play games, listen to MP3s and track your calendar and tasks. Below are some links to check out. Total cost should be 800-1000.


        http://www.pocketpc.com

        http://www.pocketcopilot.com/

        http://www.pharosgps.com/Product/product.html

  • diwc240diwc240 Member Posts: 172
    Nabzy spectacular photos !! Thanks.

    (especially viewed in 1280 x 1024 res.)


    O.K. if I put this one in here ?

    The CL55 F1 safety car. just about to be shipped off to Australia for the upcoming F1:

    image


    The Australian F1 Grand Prix is this Sunday, March 4th.


    Here is the 2001 F1 schedule:

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/motorsports/formula/schedules/2000/sked.formsked.html

  • mongo11mongo11 Member Posts: 14
    For CTK1,

    Did you install your CD Changer yourself? If so, what did you need to do? (Steps etc) Was it [plug and play? I'm ready to buy from Clair but my dealer wants 3 hours labor charge to do this (Knauz in Lake Forest, IL) Thanks for the info post
  • dawindawin Member Posts: 15
    I am in the same situation.
    Called a couple of dealer. My dealer will not install it unless I buy it from them but they quote me the labour for $175. The service rep refered me to a local car audio store for installation. Another dealer want $160 and I do not have to buy it from their parts department.
  • hoppyenghoppyeng Member Posts: 25
    I have my local Mercedes dealer installed the changer that I bought from Clair Parts. They charged me $120 for hour and half of labor. $160 for labor is an overkill and ripoff.
  • nabzynabzy Member Posts: 29
    The pics were taken by a fellow CLK member who was lucky enough to go on an AMG tour, by the way if you want to see some really sweet pics of a CL 55 F1 edition go here:


    http://www.williamloughran.co.uk/mercedesmenu.html

  • rainersrainers Member Posts: 50
    I have been following postings on CD Changer installations. Some say that the cable is pre-installed and others say that the cable must be purchased.


      I have also read that it takes about an hour at the dealer and they need to use a computer to sync the radio up with the Cd changer.



    Does anyone know what is involved to install a CD Changer?
    Can I do it (plug/play) or does it really have to go the dealer.




    PS:
    Below are 2 sites which will sell you the CD Changer #203 - 820 - 9089-----NEW C-CLASS (W-203) http://www.autoclass.net/ $375.00

    http://clairparts.com/ $390.00.


    I have also found this site http://www.shoptoyotaparts.com/mercedes.html offers 20% discount on other accessories.

  • zmeenowzmeenow Member Posts: 341
    if i remember correctly.. the cd changer.. which has fiber optic connections... needs to be somehow programmed to comply with the radio... i may be wrong..
    my dealer charged me$80 for installation..i cant believe these dealers will get so persnickity about bringing in the changer from outside for installation!
  • patscarpatscar Member Posts: 7
    i purchased my c at wagner in west boylston. small dealership, friendly sales staff. I visited flagship in saugus and never received any attention and well, that cost them $35,000. I can't understand the huge variation is cd player costs. it's listed at $595 in edmunds and that is what I was being charged! However, I was able to get it thrown in!
  • michhalamichhala Member Posts: 375
    djasonw,

    >How many amethyst C's are you going to see?

    I saw one in the dealer's show room in Southern California and it was quite impressive.

    >So far no problems... I'll keep everyone posted

    Would you please check out my message #1441 and let me know how your seat memory is functioning. I am waiting for a replacement of the car I picked up December 7 that has this problem. I would appreciate hearing that your seat memory is working perfectly. It would be good news as I have been led to believe by the dealer that the replacement car will have the same problems.

    Thank you.
    Michhala
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    To be honest with you, I haven't fiddled with that function yet since I am the only driver. I did set the system so that the steering wheel goes up and the seat goes back after removing the key. On start up the seat does return to the same position. I will however check it out for you to see if it is indeed working. And I will certainly keep everyone posted regarding any problems that I have. This truly is one heck of a car.
  • michhalamichhala Member Posts: 375
    djasonw

    Thank you so much. You might also want to read Message #1452. There have been a few similar problems with the C320 seat memory that have posted on another news group.

    Michhala
  • sshowittsshowitt Member Posts: 137
    Try calling Stephan @ SW Stereo Specialist, 3815 Hwy 17 S., New Bern , NC 28562 1-800-270-BEST.
    I purchased, for a 00CLK, a Becker 2662 6 disc CD player and mounting kit for around $425.00 delivered. Have had it over a year with no problems. Check you radio code card, if it begins with BE, you have a Becker Head Unit, AL, an Alpine Head Unit. Stephan is very knowledgable. On my unit, which is also fiber optic, the installation was quite straight forward. Stephan will also provide written instructions as needed.
    Also, you can go to the Becker Board and Horst will answer all your radio related questions
  • nycanyca Member Posts: 232
    Excellent AMG pictures!

    Is that stereo system in the CLK the same as the C Class? No one has ever posted that this could be a DIY job, it always requires activation because of the optical link. What's your trick?
  • 68726872 Member Posts: 3
    I have just ordered from a dealer here in socal a fourmatic e320 wagon. yet, I noticed a picture of a E55 wagon posted in these pages. does anyone know if I could do a European delivery and bring it back to the states. yes I do need the wagon. thanks for any input.
  • fronobulaxfronobulax Member Posts: 23
    E55 isn't offered in US.
    But what do I know. Why not phone a dealer and get it straight from the horse's mouth?
  • drew_drew_ Member Posts: 3,382
    Uh, actually the E55 has been and is offered in North America. However, the 4-matic and or wagon versions are not; I asked about this over a year ago. Seems logical to me that they would offer it here in Canada, especially with 50% of the E-classes sold in Canada being 4-matic versions. But, they don't...Sorry!


    Drew
    Host
    Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket and Accessories message boards
  • ls11ls11 Member Posts: 15
    Hi All,

    I really like the new c-class, and would like to do the 240. I am a bit concerned about it's "get up and go" as compared with the 320. Those of you who have bought 240's - is the power adequate and are you happy with your choice? I sure hate to put in the extra $ for the 320.

    Thanks
  • dennettdennett Member Posts: 332
    4:35AM? Are really posting at that time?
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    I apologize for not remembering who asked me about the functionality of my memory seats. I went out last evening and indeed they do work. Only thing I don't like is that you must keep your finger depressed until the seat/steering/mirrors adjust to the memorized position. WHY?? I know the book says that's the way it is but I have no clue other than a safey concern. Maybe they should only allow the swithc to work in park. Then you wouldn't have to press it in. Oh well.... another feature I'll never use. Car is GREAT so far.
  • sshowittsshowitt Member Posts: 137
    Once I hooked up the cd player, it worked right away without activation from the dealer. I do not know if this is so with all models.
  • fedssocrfedssocr Member Posts: 90
    We seem to get this question here a lot. :-) The 240 has plenty of power for most people. I would suggest that the best thing to do though is go ahead and test drive the car and see if it's enough for you. Really only you can judge what's best for you. I personally think this car has more than enough power.
  • Karen_SKaren_S Member Posts: 5,092
    ...and also the delay, but the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Owners club folder is now available in Edmunds.com Owner's Clubs. When you have an opportunity, drop by the Meet the Members discussion, introduce yourself and let me know how I can help your club grow.


    Looking forward to meeting everyone!


    KarenS

    Host

    Owner's Clubs

  • diwc240diwc240 Member Posts: 172
    168 HP / 177 ft-lbs torque. 6 MT is excellent !!

    See this Review:

    http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/01c-class.htm
  • mongo11mongo11 Member Posts: 14
    Showiit,

    Thanks so much for your post. I spoke with Stephan at 800-270-best and found him to have all the answers.

    He says there is no programing involved in adding the CD player, though you will have to slide out the radio (Which requires a tool he can provide) to plug in the fiber optic link cable. He further pointed out that you can utilize the (already there) fiber optic cable that was meant for the phone( assuming you are not getting the 2 grand phone) to mount this in the trunk rather than the glove box, either way its your choice. This guy has the answers!

    Regards to all
  • djasonwdjasonw Member Posts: 624
    Is there anyway to determine when a paricular vehicle was built? I just activated my Teleaid and was told that remote unlocking is unavailable. I read the manual and indeed there is a dislaimer involving the way MB changes equipment specs. Anyway... I was just curious as to how I can determine when the car was built. Seems tight as a drum and I have not experienced any problems yet but will definitely let you know if any crop up. Thanks!
This discussion has been closed.