Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

ubik · March 2001

Hi everybody...new to this forum, actually new to the idea of driving an MB...until my wife saw the C240!!! This was a few days ago and since then we've been avidly reading almost everything we could about it; everything looks perfect, even the price tag is not scary! I test-drove one today (actually the C320 because there were no C240 with automatic tranny) and was very pleased with the ride and the comfort. I am 6'4" and 220 lbs and seats were great - of course no space left in the back of my seat but, hey, I'm the driver! Really impressive, gadgets galore, loved it!!!
My only concern is the RWD: never had RWD cars before and the short test on a dry pavement didn't tell too much! My brother drives a BMW up in Seattle (also his first RWD) and he told me he was reluctant to use it during slippery conditions because of the RWD so he couldn't give me too much insight... Now I know that that's just another bimmer :-) and that C240 comes with bells and whistles EPS, but is it really working?
Can you PLEASE help me (and my wife for that matter) and reassure us that there is nothing to fear? We really love this car!!!
Any opinion welcomed!!
Thank you!

PS sorry for the long post
PS another thing we didn't like: we have to wait till June to get one...we'd like it nowwww!

sirus32 · March 2001

I live in Minnesota and was worried about driving a rear wheel drive car. I currently drive a SUV and wasn't sure how the new C would handle... However, 'ESP' makes a HUGE difference.

I had the chance to test drive the car during a snow storm. The car held strait and narrow. I turned off the ESP and was totally amazed how the handling changed. That cemented the deal for me.

Take the car to a deserted parking lot(snow covered) and try to spin the car 360 with ESP engaged. You can't, ESP keeps compensating.

Cool feature for Minnesota winters.

semerril · March 2001

I bought my C240 at the end of October (selling a Grand Cherokee in the process), and live in NH. We get lots of snow. In the first decent storm we had last fall, the performance tires made me feel like I was on skis. So I immediately went out and put 4 snow tires on at noon that day. It now handles reasonably well in the snow...just as well as front wheel drive Hondas and Saabs we've owned. One thing that's funny...like many of us, I learned to drive on RWD cars, and when I sense the rear end sliding, my old instincts quickly returned and I actually feel more in control in the C than in front wheel drive cars. So my experience is that with 4 good snow tires, the RWD will perform very well in the winter.

mamid · March 2001

Sirus32 - Can you tell us who is the MB dealer that you are dealing with. For some reason I am not being successful in getting any thing thrown in for free. My C240 is due in about three weeks and I am paying full MSRP. Any suggestions from any one would be greatly ppreciated - thanks

jayone · March 2001

I recently got hold of a c240 exactly one day ago and signed for it. However i was told that it had power seats only to discover they were the standard semi-auto seats. I found the seats to be lacking in lower back support and think the lack of power adjust is the problem. After complaining I was told it might be a seat problem but i dont think so, i think its the seat cushioning. Anyway I might be able to switch for a c320 , the catch they want $45-$50 more a month on the lease. Do you guys think that it is worth the extra $$$$ and if the full power seats would make a difference. They would have no problem unloading my c240, its in heavy demand. I need advice PLEASE anyone who can help I would appreciate it greatly. Should I bargain.. they know im in situation and may be taking advantage,,thanks for the help..need to know by morning!!!

dennett · March 2001

I've got a 240 and love it, but if you can lease a 320 for only $45-50 a month more, I'd go for the 320. From what I've seen and heard that would be a less than 10% increase in your payment, while the 320s are closer to 20% more expensive than 240s. If all that's true for you, the 320 would be a no-brainer in my opinion.

jayone · March 2001

thanks for the quick reply , do you think that the seats would make a difference. And is the c320 really worth the extra $$ is there a notable difference between the two!!??

dennett · March 2001

I don't think the seats are different, other than the standard power and memory features. The 320 is definitely more powerful than the 240, we test drove both multiple times and I really wanted the 320 but just couldn't justify the extra money. The 320 is $7k more, but comes with the Bose and power seats with memory standard, plus it has the upgraded climate control. The problem for us was that the Bose wasn't something we wanted and the added power just wasn't worth the $5k or so it truly adds to the price. BUT if the 320 could have been had for only $45-50 a month extra, we'd have been all over it!

You should come to the inaugural MB chat here on Tuesday at 6 and I'm sure you could get a bunch of good advice, if that's too late, come to the Friday Freeway chat tomorrow at 5 pacific. There's always a bunch of MB owners there too! Good luck, and let me know here how it all turns out.

sirus32 · March 2001

Mamid:
Here in Minnesota the dealership I ordered my C240 was Feldmann's Imports in Bloomington, MN. When I placed my order Nov 11th I put down $1000 deposit, paid MSRP and received all weather floor mats for free.

Few weeks ago a co-worker ordered a new C240 at Sears Imports, another dealership in town. She put down $500, paid MSRP and received the CD-Changer for free.

I used this bit of information when asking for the changer for free. Competition is a good thing, hopefully you have other dealerships near you.

However, I asked 8 weeks before taking delivery. The dealership/sales person might have thought throwing in the changer now would positively effect my survey score. It will!

shadow22 · March 2001

I have a c320 and I am the only driver and use the same key. I have never had to adjust from the original settings and I have yet to try and set additional settings. But I do know that the one key I use adjusts my seats upon entry and exit (that is it moves forward and back) And the exit mode is enabled also. When getting out of the car the seat, headrest steering wheel all move back and when the key is put in everything goes back to the same settings. The other day I used the other set of keys and I noticed that when turning the car off that the steering wheel, seat, etc. did not move back but you could actually here the motors as if they were moving but they weren't. I'm not sure because because I haven't programmed anything with this other set of keys. I'm taking it in this weekend to have the trunk latch replaced because my trunk will open but then it won't shut (you have to keep clicking the handle until it releases then it will shut) I'm going to have them look at the memory with the other key also. sorry for the long post.

diwc240 · March 2001

ESP works very well IMO. I'm coming off a Subaru Outback AWD in Jersey (& frequent trips to Ottawa, Canada tons of snow!!) where we get some snow but not much. Even AWD with all season radials won't hold on "slippery - icy" conditions. Depending on where you live & the amount of snow you receive, I would put on Michelin Alpins or Bridgestone Blizzaks in the winter on your future C 240 (or 320), as semerril also recommended.

dennett · March 2001

I don't know if you saw the post or not but somebody was asking about the desert silver and charcoal combo. I posted back that that was what you had. How about posting a pic of your car from the side with both doors open so we can really get a good look at the color contrast, I bet it looks real sharp!

lxgmb · March 2001

I remember somebody yesterdays talked about receiving the new C with several scartchs and a dent on the door.
My questions is, Do you have to accept that car?
and if we pick up the car and find some problems, what should we do?

diwc240 · March 2001

Bill I sent an email to greg@thedailydonut.com
with comments and advice and pointed him to our Photo Gallery. Depending on the weather this weekend, I'll try and take some more photos.
Greg's first choice was Bordeaux Red / Charcoal, don't know if anyone has that combo ?

vkj · March 2001

tjc33 · March 2001

Hi, also new to the forum. I absolutely love the looks of the C-Class, but I am concerned about the fit for someone my size (6'4", 190). While I know that I 'fit' in it (heck, I've even sorta gotten used to driving my girlfriend's '94 escort), I was wondering about other people's experiences with roominess over a longer period than a test drive. How are the seats holding up? Is multicontour worth it? Exactly how large of a person can fit behind the taller drivers for a long trip? In the back of my mind looms the redesigned '03? EClass. However, I would prefer to get as small of a car as I can be confortable in.

gb16 · March 2001

So tomorrow i'm deciding between a C240 (black/charcoal - auto, C2 package)
VS
a 2000 C280 SE (Silver w. two tone leather - sport package, startac phone, fold down rears, CD, 8K miles). Neither has heated seats (bummer). Both available now.

The C240 is sticker $33,235 and the C280 $31,500 (below kelly trade).

Any votes for either one? (any thoughts on better resale also)

jayone · March 2001

HI! Thanks for the help. I went to the dealer today and arranged for them to pick up and flatbed my c240 away. I test-drove the c320. I licked all the extra power features, seats, climate, steering wheel, and bose. So I switched.
I am paying $50 more a month on my lease, they say they reduced the price because of the mis-understanding, maybe. Anyway, getting it after the weekend. thanks

jayone · March 2001

HI, I personaly would go for the c240. I wouldnt want a car that is already outdated. But thats me, I want to feel like im driving the latest. Unless I got a terrific deal that I couldnt pass up. In your case the difference is not great, true a 280 vs 240, but its the NEW C. good luck!

dennett · March 2001

I think they really did give you a great deal!! What colors and options does the 320 have?

jayone · March 2001

Thanks I def. think I made the right decision! The car is black/charcoal has c2 and cd changer plus standard. Wish they had heated seats but we cant have everything. let you know when i get it..

michhala · March 2001

It might be a good idea to check out if you can program three settings when Exit is enabled. Different shoe heel heights sometimes require different settings, and this feature is supposed to work that way. My one setting works as yours does, until the seat is pushed back manually by someone.

I have not tried the second key yet, because if it does not work I am not ready to deal with it.

jonorato · March 2001

I'm 6'2 190, with a 36" inseam, and one of the first things I did during the shopping process was move the seat all the way back. I was very surprised to find that position "too far" for my comfort...I was barely reaching the gas pedal. So I'll be a full inch or two up from max in normal driving conditions. You'll probably fit, but as many posters have pointed out, only you can decide stuff like that, so you'll have to go sit in one.

But I'll bet you were gonna do that anyway! :-)

My Silver met. C240, C1-4, Bose, auto, is scheduled to be built the first "decade" of March, i.e., any day. Everything I hear says 30 days to delivery after that...has this been the experience of most of you who ordered? I'd love to pick it up for the big family gathering on Easter...

BTW, I'm pretty sure I'm going to get a wheel-upgrade, and I will take the stock rims and put snow tires on them.

nil88 · March 2001

Anybody here use zanio car polish? If so what do you think?

MarkinAtlanta · March 2001

There is a very active Zaino topic in the Maintenance and Repair Conference. BTW, polish has a bit of abrasive in it, different than a wax.

lperakis · March 2001

Here is the url for their web site:

http://www.zainobros.com/files/info.htm

I used it on my new C320. As they recommended, i washed the car with Dawn dish soap, then applied the base product and 3 coats of polish. It looks better now than the day I bought it.

michhala · March 2001

I have a black C320, purchased 12/07/00 with 1481 miles. It has been into the dealer once for chip fixes, and I noticed tonight there were two new good-size chips on the door and bumper. My friends have had an STS for two years, live in Toronto, drive their car a lot, and it is not kept in a garage. They do not have one chip on it. I live in Southern California, the C320 is used about 3 times a week, and it is kept in a garage. I have a bottle of touch-up and cannot wait until daylight to fix the chips.

I am helping my niece, who is buying a C320, choose a color. Would appreciate some input on white as a practical more trouble-free color. I, personally, love Black, Black Opal and Tectite Gray; but I don't want her to have the chipping concerns I have. She does not like Brilliant Silver or Desert Silver.

sshowitt · March 2001

Purchased the Langka chip repair process. It was discussed on the CLK discussion a while back. I have not used it yet, too cold up here in MA, so I personally can not comment on it. You may want to try their web site to gain additional information. http://www.langka.com/

People who have used it, like the Zaino, recommend it. BTW, I have used the Zaino products, time consuming, but quite effective

mb_a_must · March 2001

Bill ... Ian

Thanks guys for helping me with the color combo. Ian sent an e-mail with "tons" of great info. Its incredible the support this site has. The new photo section is great! Ian desert silver / charcoal package is a winner! Thanks
greg@thedailydonut.com

mb_a_must · March 2001

My opinion is that you need to try this before you commit to the sale. But it does't hurt to ask!

I have been "working over" a few dealers in my area. They are pretty set on the MSRP but seem to be flexable on some dealer installed stuff. I'll try to keep the group updated.

greg@thedailydonut.com

dennett · March 2001

So you're going with the desert silver? I definitely like it better than the darker red, but that's just my opinion. How are you going to option out your car?

benz747 · March 2001

Guys -

I have booked C240 with Aspen Green and Charcoal combination - Any Comments on that

I have Monday final day to make any changes !!!!
I am putting down $1000 for a April Built CAR, on the road expected in May 2001 and the good part is the DEAL C240 With C2 and Auto Transmission out on road price is offered to me is $ 34,557 including tax and title, the area where I live has 5.75 % Sales taxes - Any comment about this deal ??????

nyca · March 2001

Hmm, a car finish system that asks you to use Dawn on your car? Have you folks tried Zymol, I think I'll stick with that. If you really want the finish to dazzle, add a coat of Meguiar's ShowCar Glaze before the wax application.

That Langka looks interesting, but the video on their website is of poor quality and none of the "reviews" are from major car magazines. Looks interesting, has anyone actually used it?

Where is this "new photo section"? I've seen the links and pictures people have imbedded in their posts, but is there a consolidated section of new C photos?

gb16 · March 2001

Sounds like a good deal to me. I just reserved same combination (C2 with auto transmission) for 33,235 without taxes, etc... I went for the black/charcoal. (poss silver if available)

the only issue i would have about green is resale. when i was looking at the pre-owned bmws, there were alot of greens available. Several dealers told me how green was big in 98 but now silver was the 'hot' color. But that was for bmws. But.. If you like the color, then i'd get it. All that matters really right?

good price too
Now i'm gonna have to have my dealer throw in something extra.. like a CD changer or something

dennett · March 2001

The new photo section is in the C class owners club area. You can get there by using the link at the top of this page. The photo section doesn't have many photos because the club was just started last week. Pass the word to everybody to post their photos there, that way we all will have one place to see all the different color combinations available.

zmeenow · March 2001

zaino:reason they suggest dishwasher detergent only 1st time is to remove any other build up of wax...(usually on older cars) it will not hurt paint... if u have questions.. call them theyll spend time answering them .i used zaino on my 2000 acura 3.2tl and it was beutiful... which partly accounts for the great price i got at sale
color:i have the c240'01 black/charcoal c2 auto trans.. love it!
zaino on black paint gives a very very wet look..especially if you apply several coats!
many happy users...zaino is actually recommended by the corvette club of america

anthonyv1 · March 2001

What's with the paint on these cars? Reading about all these problems with chipping should be completely unacceptable to Mercedes Benz., especially when they're charging 700 and up for the paint. Also, while I love the C240 and the way it drives (I took a 6 speed out for a spin the other day), I have to say that the two other car makers I was looking at (Saab and BMW) have infinitely better exterior colors to choose from. I especially like the pale green that I saw on a 9-5 recently. Sorry to go on about other cars, just wish MB had more interesting paint choices. Also wish the java interior was offered with more colors. I really like the way the java brings out the wood trim.

I guess this all shouldn't matter much to MB, because I'm still going to buy a C240.:) (AFTER I put a down payment down on my 1st house in 5-6 mos.)

twofour · March 2001

I'm scheduled to pick up my C240 this Thursday. So far the dealer has been true to his word regarding the build time/port arrival/pickup time. Can't wait (just in time for another bad snow storm). I may remove the C 240 badging and need advice to avoid paint damage and how to put back on when the lease is up. Anyone done this or know how?
I am concerned about the postings regarding paint chipping. I have ordered Black Obsidian and know this will not touch up well. Is there a nose bra or better yet one of those narrow plastic shields you see on SUVs available yet?
Any help is really appreciated.

sshowitt · March 2001

Try using a hair dryer on the emblem to warm up the glue behind the emblem, the use dental floss to go between the emblem glue tape and the body. Then wax the area and voila, no emblem or mark.

gb16 · March 2001

Is the paint chip problem on all colors? or just special orders? I agree that this is completely unacceptable for a MB (or any other car for that matter). Are there solutions.

twofour.. what is the purpose of removing the badging? (just curious)

michhala · March 2001

>I am concerned about the postings regarding >paint chipping. I have ordered Black Obsidian >and know this will not touch up well. Is there a >nose bra or better yet one of those narrow >plastic shields you see on Suvs available yet?

I have a straight Black C320. When it chips, the chips are about 1/8" long by 1/8" wide or larger. Many of the chips occur on the door, so I don't think a bra would help. I am told that Black Obsidian does show the scratches and chips almost as much as straight Black. I did not know, however, that it was harder to touch up. My car only has 1681 miles and it was delivered 12/07/00.

404c · March 2001

Sorry about the title, to those offended by foreign languages ;->

I had an opportunity to do a short test drive (~25 km) Saturday in a C 240 with the 6 speed manual transmission. I had driven an automatic C240 late last year and was very favourably impressed. Even the automatic gearbox was nice, but I prefer to shift myself. Anyway, my local dealer called me to say that he had a 6 speed demo in Classic trim which I could take for a spin. So I did.

I had read various things about the quality of the Mercedes 6 speed manual's shift, ranging from very good to average, to "a notchy, belligerent shambles; terrible" (a direct quote from the February 21, 2001 AUTOCAR comparison between a C200, new A4 and 320i). Well, the gearbox in the car I drove was of a top quality: very short throws, positive gear engagement, good clutch - in short a very good package. It was an interesting experience downshifting from 6th to 5th, requiring a conscious effort to remember to keep the lever right against the detent spring lest one shift inadvertantly into 3rd at high speed. I'm sure it would be easy to learn to do this in a couple of days. No, I did not hit 3rd by mistake, but the possibility of doing just this did occur to me when I was driving the C.

That the manual gearbox is fine is good news for me; I will not hesitate to order the 6 speed when I order my C240 in about 1.5 - 2 years.

BTW, the AUTOCAR test I mentioned above, despite comprehensively trashing the C200's manual gearbox, gave it first place in the test. One wonders how a car with such an abject failure of a gearbox would be even worth considering. Perhaps they were heavy on the hyperbole in writing the words I quoted above...

Do any of you 6-speed owners (or anyone who test drove one) have any comments on the quality of the manual gearbox/shifter/clutch?

mb_a_must · March 2001

After weeks of researching my next car I finally made up my mind. Yes I signed on the dotted line!

Purchased:
MB c240 - 29,950.00
Color:
Bordeaux Red w/ Charcoal inside
Options:
Auto - 1,300.00
Bose - 595.00
C2 (sunroof pkg)- 1,340.00
Met. Paint - 625.00
C.D.(Dealer) - 995.00
Destination - 645.00
Total: $35,450
MINUS CD cost - 995.00
New Total: $34,455.00 + tax

I really felt this was a great deal considering its only 1,352 over invoice. I was also able to get a car that the dealer has set up in their "pipeline". Meaning that the order is in but they are able to change the options because it has not made it into production. I am told a early May delivery. Lets see what happens . Also note that I did not have a trade-in. Sometimes a dealer will make you think they are taken something off your new car when thay are really pulling it from the trade.

I do need to give the dealer a plug for working with me. They are MB of Naperville - Naperville, IL. (Chicago area). Great job! Now I know why there showroom had more traffic then the other dealers.

Unfortunately, when I visted two other area dealers they would not even consider to negotiate.

Good Luck to all. Thanks for the support of this forum. Remember it never hurts to ask!

newmbfan · March 2001

Hey!

Been away for a awhile! I just spent an hour, 2 cups of coffee and 4 smokes catching up.

C240/Black/Ash/C1/C2/Bose/CD MSRP +$795.00 for the CD

1150 miles and could not be more satisfied. This is the first car I have ever owned that has exceeded my expectations.

Everything works as advertised. No paint chips, brake squeal, seats work great, dual climate control may have saved my marriage. Trunk would not open a few times but a minor adjustment to the rubber stops fixed that.

Zaino is awesome but washes off too quickly. I used the #5 and #1 with #6 Gloss enhancer in between coats. The MB/MeGuires wheel cleaner works great for the brake dust.

Power is more than adequate and I have not really tested it to the max yet!

I live in NC so I am not worried about the RWD. I did grow up in MN and learned to drive with RWD and I would not worry about that if I lived in a northern climate.

My wife and I went to the local auto show yesterday and I did not see anything that would change my mind. I asked her if she wanted an "E" for her next car and she said "Why? Ours is perfect!" (I love it when a plan comes together)

I can pinch a nickel with the best of them but I do not understand all the whining about price. If you want to haggle over a few hundred bucks, go to the local Toyota boiler room and have at.

nyca · March 2001

Hey mb_a_must, your color combo is my first choice. If you could post pictures of your car to the Photo Gallery, that would be great.

Is everyone having "paint chip" problems? All paint is prone to some chipping, and these new water based ones are "softer" in general, but is everyone having this problem? Is anyone using a bra, even just a hood bra I find is very helpful, and if you get a quality one (Colgan), any concens about cleaning or moisture accumulation when they get wet is really a non issue in reality. I read some earlier posts about stongard. I use their headlight protectors, and they are good, but I don't know about their finish protection.

gb16 · March 2001

I just watching MSNBC this morning and they had on the 5MPH bumper test and how the MBC320 failed miserably and was given a POOR rating with a very high repair cost.

Has this been discussed before and does anyone know where to find more info about this?

I'm supposed to purchase this week. wanna just check everything.. the guy was pretty harsh 'dissing' mercedes.

mb_a_must · March 2001

NYCA Writes ... Hey mb_a_must, your color combo is my first choice. If you could post pictures of your car to the Photo Gallery, that would be great.

No problem ... As soon as I get the car. Won't be expecting it until May. I did see an MB 2 seater (sorry unsure of the model) with this color combo and it looked good. Unfortunately the dealers don't have much a selection. All you see is classic black and silver. Nice but too popular for me.

dennett · March 2001

George- yes we discussed this back when it first aired, a month or so ago. MB claims the bumpers work the way they do to better protect the occupants of the car in real crashes, still seems kind of lame to me. The car does do best in class in the head on and offset front crashes. That should be getting aired this month some time. Drew has some images of the C after these crashes, and the C class doen't even break its windshield in the 40mph test, all the energy is absorbed in front of the passenger area. Just try not to back into a brick wall or hit one of those gas station posts!!LOL!

Drew - can you post all the crash images you have of the C in the C class owners club image gallery?

dennett · March 2001

We need more photos!! I've seen a bunch of people here post images of their cars, we need to get those transfered to the photo gallery. Pass the word.

mb_a_must · March 2001

gb16 writes ... I'm supposed to purchase this week. wanna just check everything.. the guy was pretty harsh 'dissing' mercedes

Nothing unusual here. Your always going to get someone "dissing" the "top dog".

Have you checked the consumer reports website? Not sure on who did the evaluation. If you find anything ... report back.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

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