Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

dennett · April 2001

I'll find out if those filters will fit my C240, if they do, I'll gladly pay to have them shipped down here to So. Cal. Hope to talk to you at the Chat tonight! Thanks for the very gracious offer!!!

mleskovar · April 2001

>You asked about what I use on leather. I have not> done my leather yet, but according to the >Klasse importer and the bottle instructions, the >above Klasse product is also a leather cleaner >and protectant. Do I understand you correctly in >your post that you feel this Klasse product does >not keep your leather as soft and supple as you >would like?

It's not designed to keep it soft, just clean and protect. I'm researching Rejuvinator Oil and Pristine cleaner and QDI Inc Leather Care.

>This might be a "blonde question" I am asking, >but if the car is washed every two weeks or after>a rainstorm, and the One Step All-in-One is >used often enough, should there still be >oxidation and a lot of road tar? I live in >Southern California

I live in Huntington Beach and get my share of smog, acid rain, road tar, etc. Usually just an
upkeep of All-In-One followed by Sealant does the
trick....but, sometimes even after All- I can still feel something on the paint and the next polishing I use clay first and it REALLY makes it glass smooth.

Mark

kenyee · April 2001

Mark:
I'd be interested in what you think of it. I've used it once so far on my ML and have been impressed. The leather got a lot softer the next day. It's no longer as soft after 3 months though :-(
I haven't used Prestine Clean on the seats yet. The seats don't seem dirty.

livetodrive · April 2001

There was a recent post on the E-Class Board about a loose trunk that rattled near the rear window, not the latch area. This could also cause a water leak. Karklin and Flyingfoxone, with the trunk closed, try pressing down on the trunk near the rear window. If there is a rattle the trunk probably needs to be adjusted.

zmeenow · April 2001

MB customer service can do something about those damn bugs???? what nerve!

michhala · April 2001

Mark -- thank you for answers to my questions. You are absolutely correct about the Klasse Leather Protector -- it does not condition. IMHO the leather in the C is not the best quality and possibly there is not much that can be done to make it softer for any length of time.

I appreciate your input, and I, too, will look into the Rejuvinator Oil and Pristine cleaner and QDI Inc Leather Care. My 320 has more creams, oils and treatments for its different parts than I do.

LOL -- Huntington Beach! -- and I thought you lived in a climate that had snow!

Miki

norcalmike · April 2001

The SLK was a fun car for 2 years and 11,000 miles. Only glitch was the wheels had to be balanced to the gram by the Mercedes dealer or you would definately get vibrations. I took on a 65 mile round trip commute starting the first of this month and wanted a smoother ride (the SLK can get tiring on the long trips). I ordered a C320 after selling the SLK. After reading about all the first year production glitches with the C I opted to wait for a while. Bought a Solara at half the price of the C Class. Perfect commute buggy. 4,000 flawless miles. You'll have fun in the C or the SLK. Good luck.

p996 · April 2001

For me...I will stick with the Benz.

rowlandj · April 2001

Just picked up my 320 last night and as expected it is a great ride. I have really come to appreciate the MB vehicles and this car is replacing a Subaru wagon I had for a year and a half. I already had an E-320 and that experience sold me on MB.

I have only one minor disappointment with the C and it is regarding the interior lighting as compared to that of the E. There are no door lights for curb lighting when the doors are open and the E has interion "ambient" lights that are also a nice touch. I had never driven the C at night before and just found that not having these was a bit odd given the level of features otherwise found in the car.

This is not a complaint, it is just an observation. I will let MB know when I get the forms in the mail.

Great board, I enjoy the reading here.

Best Regards to all.

[Deleted User] · April 2001

I know what you mean about the commute, the balance sensitivity (my current ride has a similar deal re: alignment), and the Solara. One of the reasons I might trade up from a roadster is the smoothness and comfort of my wife's Sienna. Can't see myself in a van, though (LOL)!
Take care!

sandiegotom · April 2001

rowlandj:

My C320 has a small rectangular light fixture on the bottom of each front door pocket. When the doors are opened, these lights shine (dimly) on the ground, or curb, below the door. Perhaps your lights are not working...

Tom

rowlandj · April 2001

Tom, thank you for the heads up, I'll check on them later to see if they are there and if so why they are not working.

JR

lennyk1313 · April 2001

I did notice door lights for curb lighting on my car. Metter fact I was just showing them to one of my friends the other day. So check them make sure they are working properly.

zmeenow · April 2001

I attended NYC auto show today..lasting impressions were:new c320coup kompressor..jazzy and smaller,, nice but not for me.Austin martin($228,000)0-60 in 4.5 sec... yowwwzer wadda car!
new lexus sport convertible(460?) verrry nice but... was that a boxter I saw attached to the trunk?revival of nissan z? blechhhhhh!!!
Ford T-bird? lots of style! lets see what the quality is.new jag x type? has ford contour all over the back end..the front is all jag tho..as to most of the concept cars... i think all the manufacturers designers are studying at the same art school!!!but it was fun!!!

rowlandj · April 2001

It was me not checking the right doors. In the E they have the lighting front and rear while my C has the lights on the fronts. So in my excitement of checking out the car I overlooked the curb lights in the front doors.

I still miss the inside ambient lights as they are an elegant touch. This does not detract from my enjoyment of the car, it is just an observation.

Well thanks again to everyone and I look forward to more interesting discussions here on the board.

JR

tomsky3 · April 2001

Miki, initially the leather seats on my E430 were stiff and dry. It took four weeks of weekly treatments before they became comfortably soft. It takes repeated applications because the new dry leather simply absorbs the oils. I tried various products, including Hide Care, but I think that the Lexol Cleaner and Lexol Conditioner were the best.

Jack

nyca · April 2001

Those "curb lights" are also referred to as puddle lights. What are "interior ambient lights"?

rowlandj · April 2001

They are low voltage lights built into the footwells and the bottom of the rear-view mirror that give a very faint, but pleasant, glow to the interior at night.

They are also in the doors by the handle area to illuminate the inside handles. I never knew any car had them prior to my E and I find them interesting and enjoyable.

On a recent trip I rented a BMW 525 (UK) and it had the same lights but with a slightly red glow to them.

JR

PS - have never been in an S at night but I am sure there is similar lights in that.

w2p2 · April 2001

Somewhere someone posted about a inside trunk release. I have looked through the manual and cannot find where its at. Anyone know or has used it? Thanks

mleskovar · April 2001

Inside the trunk, behind the license plate...it flashes green for
different lengths of time after the trunk is closed depending on how it was opened. Yup.

kenyee · April 2001

dennett:
It has silicones...

tammara · April 2001

My first posting, and it is to thank this forum for mentally preparing me for going to the dealearship to purchase. I just picked up a C320, C2, C4 over the weekend without having to wait. Went in Friday, looked at what was in inventory and picked up on Saturday after they had cleaned it. Knew not to expect too much (only 2 dealerships in whole state I hear), and they even threw the mats in without my asking.

Wonderful car wonderful drive. Sales guy mentioned not to worry about break-in period because these new cars are designed not to need it. Neverteless, I am painfully nursing it along at low revs/speeds (below 65mph/3000rpm) until.... Did someone say the "flood gates" are open? Can't wait. Already past 500 miles, I think I can see a little light at the end... Should I just go for it. A 1000 seems like a long way to go.

drew_ · April 2001

I doubt the dash is going to peel apart just because of that ;-) Summit Industries is, afterall, a reputable company and I doubt they're going to tarnish the name by producing a product that wasn't throughly tested. Too bad it's not readily available in Canada.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

dennett · April 2001

Ken, exactly what do you think is wrong with this product? I'm with Drew on this one, I'd say that Lexol has an outstanding reputation and I really doubt they'd produce something that had a verifiable problem. But stranger things have happened, tell me about it.

michhala · April 2001

>dennett:
It has silicones...

And this is a no-no? I knew about not using polymers/silicone on the exterior paint, but did not realize it applied to the interior. One of the reasons I stay away from Zaino is that it contains silicone.

Miki

michhala · April 2001

Jack -- thank you for the info. Is the leather in the E class the same as in the C320? Methinks I have too many bottles already. I have the Lexol Leather Cleaner, but I guess I need conditioner, too. I truly thought it would be impossible to soften the leather, but will give it my best effort.

Miki

drew_ · April 2001

Zaino is a polymer, and we all know how highly it has been praised. Just check out the Zaino discussion topic in the M&R message board!

If you're just using the Lexol cleaner, you are essentially removing all of the oils from the leather. That's what the cleaner is designed to do to clean the leather. The conditioner is the 2nd step to replenish the oils. Several sparing applications of the conditioner are better than one excessive treatment. Check out Lexol's website for more detailed application instructions.

I think the C-class's leather is actually quite good! Certainly not up to S-class standards, but then again you wouldn't expect it for the price. In my experience, it's better than what you would find in a Lexus ES300 or a Toyota Camry, for example.

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

drew_ · April 2001

http://www.money.com/money/depts/autos/bestcars01/c320.html

michhala · April 2001

>Zaino is a polymer, and we all know how highly >it has been praised. Just check out the Zaino >discussion topic in the M&R. message board!

Drew -- I do know that Zaino is very well received. I was very excited about it when I first came to the forum. I am just not one to do things without doing my own research. I have been told that because polymer needs to sit awhile in order to penetrate the paint and contains silicone, it gets into the metal and causes (if I remember correctly) oxidation. I also understand that because you cannot paint over silicone, body shops don't like it -- they have to thoroughly remove the silicone first. An acrylic product bonds to the surface and does not creep into the paint as does polymer. I don't know if this is true or not, but it does make sense to me. Zaino is probably a fine product and used with great confidence by many car owners. Their people are kind and helpful. It just never made sense to me -- particularly the Dawn. So I looked for a process that better suited me. We will all have healthy-looking cars that outshine the sun, I am sure, no matter which process we use.

>If you're just using the Lexol cleaner, you are >essentially removing all of the oils from the >leather. That's what the cleaner is designed to >do to clean the leather. The conditioned is the >2nd step to replenish the oils.

Thank you for the explanation -- I have not used anything for the leather yet on the straight Black C. When the Obsidian arrives, I will take care to do everything properly. I was not planning to use the Lexol; it was given to me by the dealer along with other stuff. I have maintained leather furniture using a combination cleaner/conditioner and was planning to use Klasse leather cleaner and protectant which is supposed to prevent brittleness, fading and cracking, until I learned from Mark that it does not condition.

>I think the C-class's leather is actually quite >good!

I agree that the leather of the C-class is comparable or better than the other cars you mention (330i included). Nevertheless, IMHO, I do not consider the C a high or fine grade of leather. I do not consider it the lowest grade either -- I like it very much and am happy to have it. Just one person's opinion for what it's worth.

You know far more than I do, Drew, about all this for sure.

Miki

drew_ · April 2001

Interesting about Zaino, I didn't know that. Personally, I use Zymol and have been pleased with the results.

I am not an expert by any means. Much of what I've learnt has been from right here in the various Town Hall discussion topics and message boards :-) I'm sure that's part of the reason why we all keep returning here (and I hope for a long time to come!) several times daily ;-)

Hope to see you in next week's MB Tuesday chat (you too, Tarik).

Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards

michhala · April 2001

Drew -- You have the knowledge. My experience comes from polishing furniture, making the chrome appliances shine, and using Dawn dishwashing liquid for the hard-to-get-out grease spots that other soaps left behind.

Miki

kenyee · April 2001

dennett:

The car's soft touch vinyl is supposedly covered w/ something similiar to a clearcoat to keep the insides "soft":

http://www.303products.com/Savevinyl.htm

Silicone oil and formaldehydes break down this coating layer and the insides dry out. This is supposedly why Armor All causes cracking and why your dash gets addicted to Armor All.

Meguiar's also has silicones (had to email to ask). I did use Meguiar's #40 on my 12yr old Integra and the dash dried up (part of it cracked, but I think it was because of how the body flexed).

I've only found two products that have neither: 303 Protectant (outdoors folks put it on their wetsuits and kayaks too) and the vinyl conditioner from Griot's Garage. I'll probably go w/ 303 after I finish using the Griot's spray I got.

I'm sure Drew is right about our cars looking good w/ all we do to them and Summit/Lexol does have a good reputation :-)

Miki:

Thanks for the research on Zaino. I didn't know about silicones' affect on paint. I'd also be surprised if it's true w/ so many Zaino zealots. You just have to check out the Corvette and Porsche sites to see how we are not even close to being obsessive about our cars ;-) I'll let you know if my ML gets hazy in 10 yrs...

joem176 · April 2001

I have driven my new C320 (C2 C4 K2a) for about 500 miles and have yet to find a comfortable seating position. My back hurts after every trip. I have been buying new cars for 30 years and never had this problem before. I am average in all respects so am pretty surprised by this. I have visited this site often during my wait for the car to be delivered and don't recall anyone having a similar complaint, but.....has anyone?

p996 · April 2001

I used Zaino on my 97 NSX for three years and now use it on my black Porsche 996.

I have never experienced any sort of hazing or oxidation. This might be because I keep my cars garaged and out of the sunlight.

I think if the paint was to oxidize it might take many moons to do so. Long after I sell the car.

Zaino really does produce a MUCH better shine and glimmer than anything else I have used. It goes on and off extremely easily. A four year old could do it. You also don't have to stay away from cracks and windows or black trim. No dust either. I am still a Zymol freak too, but mostly for scratch touch up.

James

p996 · April 2001

Joe,

I tried to tell you people....

Spend the extra $500 and get the contour driver seat!! We are already spending 40k+ on these cars. Why not spend an extra $500 and get what really matters. Cars are made for sitting and driving. The seat is one of the most important factors of driving a car. If they EVER have an upgraded seat option, I take it. I have never regretted it. It makes the whole experience that much better.

By the way the C320 with contour driver seat is simple amazing. So many adjustments and my back is actually feeling better these days because of this seat.

liman · April 2001

joem176 - I have the MY2000 C230K with 'regular' power driver and passenger seats. I noticed some back soreness at first, and I believe it was caused by raising the front of the seat higher than the rear. Now I always keep the front and rear of the seat in their highest position, so the cushion is flat. This takes the strain off my back, and I no longer have problems. I also avoid reclining the seat back too much.

zmeenow · April 2001

i also experienced uncomfortable seating at 1st.. but.. as mentioned in previous post.. my front was too high... seemed comfortable at 1st.. but after a while it was bad... readadjusted the seat to a more level position.. now all is well!

used zaino several times since the fall/.// no haze on paint nothing.. only clear wet shine no
"spider web" scratches...
it was reccommended to me by corvette owners(yes they are super fanatic because the show their cars at rallys very often)
i am sure that there are several quality products on the market..and to each their own... applying zaino is no more difficult than mopping a kitchen floor..yes, several steps..but it goes on and off very easily..leaves no residue
but i do like hearing of competing products.and the level of satisfaction their owners have.i may try klasse(where is it sold?) at some time.. just to see the difference...if any.

dennett · April 2001

My MB dealer had Klasse, and it really wasn't very expensive, but I'm sure it could be had for less elsewhere. I have Zymol and Meguires Gold Class liquid wax. I used the Meguires yesterday, I'm going to finish if off before switching to the Zymol, it'll be interesting to C if there is any difference. I really doubt there will be. I personally think all these products are high quality and it's just their marketing people who try to foster this, "ours is best, the others will ruin your paint, dash, leather" (take your pic) attitude. That's just my 2 cents.

shark320 · April 2001

Going to pick up my new C320 tonite. Can't wait. This board was very helpful and allowed me to, I think, negotiate a good deal from the dealer. C320 I/ C-2, C-4, premium leather and DC changer. Got him to knock off $1500 off the top and throw in cargo net and all season mats (which, of course, are on back order.) In talking to another dealer in the area who didn't have the color (black) I wanted, he offered to get me brilliant silver but not till the end of May (no special order). He was willing to knock off 1800 and said that that would be his last shipment for this year's models. 2002s must be coming soon. Keeping my fingers crossed that all goes well. Have already asked for the touch up paint :-)

zmeenow · April 2001

i would tend to agree.. many good choices between good products.
any suggestions for removing the bugs?
shark enjoy... its a great car!

dennett · April 2001

Get the Meguires Quick Detailer for the bugs, it's the same product MB rebadges as MB Quick Wipe. Just spray it on, let it soak for a few seconds and wipe them off. That product along with the quick wax they sell and a California duster keeps the needed washings and waxings to an absolute minimum! If you haven't tried those three items, you ought to!

Congrats Shark, sounds like you got a smoking deal!! You'll soon be in MB heaven!

zmeenow · April 2001

while at the cars show... a "maintenance" guy(?) was dusting off a metallic aqua green t bird(!!!)
"is that a california duster"? I asked.."NO WAY!! "he answered... "get a wool duster... doesnt scratch as much"... //live and learn!
Thanks for sharing the info dennett!

zmeenow · April 2001

the zaino board... I had no idea that the product had such an active bulletin board! whether you buy it or not.... the varied comments re lots of products and their use is very interesting!

nyca · April 2001

A brief summary:

Likes: Quiet ride, sharp handling, good acceleration, structural integrity
Dislikes: No in dash CD, COMMAND too complicated, poor standard tires

Problem reports included the trunk issue, software upgrades, and transmission hesitations (??). They hate the Continental tires. They only measured a 131 ft stopping distance from 60 MPH. Do all these cars come with Continental tires? Other reviews had the braking distance down to 112 feet.

The test car was Bordeaux Red with Ash interior. Generally a positive article...

p996 · April 2001

Here is a link to the AutoWeek Review.

http://www.competitionpress.com/autofile/2001/autofile_0423.mv

Best

James

diwc240 · April 2001

C Class also come with Goodyear Eagles RS-A on the 240, made in 50th week of 2000.

rowlandj · April 2001

Picked my 320 up the other night - standard wheels and came with Pirelli tires.

JR

p996 · April 2001

Did anyone here put AMG wheels on their C?

What tires did you use?

How is the ride and the noise?

michhala · April 2001

>Get the Meguires Quick retailer for the bugs, >it's the same product MB rebadges as MB Quick >Wipe.

Dennett --thanks for this info -- Quick Wipe is recommended for use in the manual and I was wondering if it was Meguiar's My dealer's accessories dept. discounts products and keeps up pretty much with other retailers. My extra CD cartridges cost $23.00. I have not yet had to buy any Klasse, so I do not know their price. Incidentally, Klasse is carried by Mercedes as you mentioned and at special car boutique stores. It is also available online at www.properautocare.com

Miki

michhala · April 2001

Gary -- I have two California dusters -- one to keep in the trunk and one for the garage. I would be lost without, but I did not know there was a wool one available. Will try to find one.

Miki

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

Comments

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles