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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans
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Originally I would have liked to order a manual transmission '99 C class - At the time I was replacing a '92 Honda Accord EX 5 speed with 98K miles -- which replaced a '88 Honda Accord LX 5 speed with 106K miles -- which replaced -- well, you get the idea.
I fell for the rock-solid feel and driving experience of the C. I picked the C280 as it represented better combination of smooth ride and features/value for money. C230K was a hard pick because of similar power for less money. I guess it was down to the V-6 smoothness. Still, at the time, I really wanted to have a manual.
Last year (I believe it was) the C240 was available as a 6 speed. I test drove one of these cars but it did not excite - perhaps with less power than my C280 it was not a move forward. Although I did really like the new style, as well as new features (autodimming lights, rain sensor etc.)
This January I noted that, in addition to the new Sport Models, the C came with new K 1.8L engine. I had been trying to test drive this for some time, but travel at work always seemed to get in the way.
Rationale for replacing current C pretty much boils down to getting back to a manual transmission. I guess this is unusual in the States (not sure what percentage MBs are standard but it must be pretty low) but at the end of the day I do get a lot of driving pleasure from the a stick shift car (My '67 Austin Mini Cooper S is great -- just no air conditioning:) All the other things that come with the new C are a real bonus: rack/pinion steering, lights, styling, two wipers, etc etc.
Plus the C230K is "less" than a C320 i.e. my depreciation will be less with this car (realising that I am paying "again" for a car 5 years later).
Finally, and possibly as a side reason for replacing, we chose not to get the extended warranty for our current C. I had reason to regret this this past week when the A/C failed and its scheduled to go into to the dealer for $1600 worth of repair/replacement for compressor, dryer, lines, labour, etc. You do have this happen to you but it is a sobering amount to see on a repair order I can tell you. Frankly overall I think the repair costs/maintanance has been average in my view. Much more than the Hondas, of course (which were, albeit a bit bland, quite trouble free.) Mind you I am not complaining, my dealership offers free MB loaners for service and have taken very good care of me since '99; could not fault the service. I would plan to get the 7/100 extended warranty on the new C230K, for sure.
The driving of the car still hooks me though; like its hewn out of solid metal. Best cars in the world, IMHO.
Good Luck with your C....rich
Sorry to hear about the A/C. I miss a standard as well, but get that (albeit vicariously) in my Toyota truck. Come to think of it, it does seem strange to be driving an MB "Sport" model with an automatic. But there were 8 of them on the dealer's lot, so I never questioned any alternative. Also I don't think MB offered a standard in the (US) C230 in '00.
Happy hunting and best of luck!
- Paul
Will see what I can find out from my dealership about the '04 C changes over the next couple days...cheers...rich
On the serious side, I was glad to hear that your impressions of the car were so positive. Back in January, I test drove the C320 auto and the C230 manual back to back and came away with the same feelings. No doubt that the C320 is a great car, but the C230 with the 6 speed was soooo engaging and entertaining to drive. I have got to say that after two months of ownership and 2500 miles, I still smile the same way every time I walk out and see my Benz and especially when I drive it. Not a single problem to report. The only negative that I can come up with is that a rear facing car seat makes you have to pull up the passenger seat closer to the dash than I would like. . .but we do must of the "baby traveling" in my wife's new Element.
I hope you end up purchasing your car soon; the set up that you would like sounds pretty awesome. My car was only equipped with the C2 package, heated seats, Bose & 6 disc changer; and honestly, I don't feel as though I miss anything. I will say that the HID Xenons are nice to drive with, but the cost to replace them just seemed too high for my blood, but that is just my personal opinion.
Lastly, I'm glad to see that those "young and hip" (or did you say "aimed at the younger market") 17inchers are growing on you; because, they sure do complete the car and really separate it from the other C-Class models. If you do decide to purchase, keep us informed of your ownership experiences and I will let you know if there is any news to report on my new Benz.
Happy shopping!
Tony
PS My latest Motor Trend magazine came in yesterday and they did a comparo with the C230 Sport Sedan 6 speed, new Acura TSX 6 speed and the newly redesigned Saab 9-3 6 speed. . .and of course, the C230 was the CLEAR winner!!!:)
Will let you know how it goes...cu...rj
http://auto.consumerguide.com/auto/new/reviews/full/index.cfm/id/- 23282.htm#incentive
- P.
M
Thanks for the input...
http://web2.mercedes-galerie.de/w203news_e.htm#009
"Five-speed automatic: new shift mode for even smoother motoring
Mercedes-Benz has devised new shift modes for the five-speed automatic transmission available as an option for the C-Class. In addition to the standard mode, which can be activated with the switch next to the selector lever labelled "S", the automatic transmission will now feature a comfort mode, "C". With this mode selected, the C-Class always pulls away in second gear and gearshifts are made before the engine reaches its maximum rev speed.
ESPŽ: automatic warning when tyre pressure is too low
The sensors fitted as part of the standard-specification Electronic Stability Program (ESPŽ) will in future also be able to monitor tyre pressure. If this item of optional equipment is selected, a message will appear in the instrument cluster display to warn motorists if the pressure in one tyre starts to drop. To calculate the pressure in the tyres, the ESPŽ system continually compares the tyres' rolling circumferences, which change depending on the road speed and the tyre pressure. ESPŽ permanently records the wheel rotation speeds and compares the values with one another, allowing the system to swiftly detect any significant deviations. The control module also automatically checks other variables relevant to the vehicle's handling dynamics, such as lateral acceleration, yaw rate and wheel torques in order to diagnose any loss of pressure in a tyre. The system does not however measure the actual air pressure in the individual tyres.
Aero wipers: ultra-effective technology direct from the wind tunnel
Mercedes-Benz is further enhancing both safety and convenience in the C-Class by fitting all models as standard with the aero wipers which have already proved their merit in the Stuttgart-based car manufacturer's leading model series. The new windscreen wipers are the result of development work carried out in the wind tunnel: unlike the hinged holder system featured by conventional wiper blades, where the wiper rubber is hooked into the blade's grips, the aero wiper consists of a single moulded rubber strip with an integral aerodynamic lip and sprung rails on the outside. These rails are able to adapt exactly to the contour of the front windscreen, meaning that optimum contact force is maintained during the full sweep of the wiper. The result is lower wind noise and improved wipe quality, particularly when travelling at motorway speeds.
Plus, the front windscreen's rain sensor will now be able to do more than to just adjust the wiper speed to the intensity of the rainfall; as an option, it can also close the tilting/sliding sunroof automatically and raise it into the tilted position.
Text: DaimlerChrysler"
What's interesting is the "Text: DaimlerChrysler" reference; given the web site's .de domain this is likely to relate to German cars only...
rj
rich
http://www.c-spotdriveparty.com/sneakpreview.asp
Bet you a doughnut this is the '04 "coming out" party...would like to wangle an invitation to this!!!
rich
I am planning to purchase either a 230 or 240 seden and was wondering what kind of prices I am looking at off msrp. The only other resource I have is carsdirect.com.
I am not a fast driver but I feel like I can save some money with the C230 but how does it feel on potholes in New York City with the sports package. As I like to drink coffee with one hand.
thanks a lot for reading my post and taking the time to answer my questions..^_^
Mine was total with tax $31640 i have c-2 and c-4 Heated Front Seats and 6 cd changer.
Good luck with the new mb
Has anyone had any problems with the Brake Assist and Stability Control going out? The screen on my dash stated that they were both out and I took it to the dealer. A few days later, it's doing it again. I drive a C320 sedan.
Our 2002 c320 sedan did the same thing - the display would log the two malfunctions, and turning the car off would clear them. It happened once in January, and I did nothing. In April it started doing this every few days. The dealer diagnosed it, and installed an updated cable (let me know if you'd like the part number). We haven't had the problem since!
Hope this helps.
This is the second time that I am bringing in my car for the same problem, so I will be using my E320 loaner through the weekend for a grand total of 10 days (at least). This is funny to me from a business sense. This my second time getting this issue repaired. If you take into account the parts and labor, cost of giving me a E320 loaner, the free coffee, etc,etc, this repair is costing several hundred dollars of the dealer's and /or MB's resources.
Here is a serious question: When I paid all that money for a Mercedes, was I paying for a well-made machine, or am I subsidizing a company that is inefficient and wasteful with a mediocre product?
Yes.
Both our e and c have about 20k miles now, neither has had any big issues. Actually, the BAS/ESP light in the c has been our "biggest" problem, and that was fixed right the first time by our local dealer. I have been very pleased by our dealer, both for sales and service.
As an avid shadetree mechanic / car nut, I am amazed how well all these complex systems work. My two cars are the safest, most comfortable, fuel efficient, and dependable cars I have ever known. Just thinking about them makes me smile!(although I did hedge my bets, and purchase the MB extended warranty - out of character for me!)
I hope you grow to enjoy yours as well.
Our ML experience impressed us enough to seriously consider the C-class and after comparing it with all of the competition, the '02 C320 seemed like the best choice at the time. With over 21K miles, we have not been disappointed. If it was struck by lightning and disappeared tomorrow, we'd get another C320.
Surprisingly, I like the C320 better than the '01 E320 loaner that I drove while the ML was in for repairs. The E-class is a great freeway cruiser and the 320 engine provides plenty of power, whatever it's in, but it makes a C-class sedan a sports car.
I was wanting to get a Navigational System installed in my C320 - I was wonder if anyone of you guys who own a C class has gotten one installed - A Benz Orginal NAV. System would be nice, it would mount in perfectly - But i don't know if its possible to get a benz nav system installed cause the cars come from germany and the system is installed at the factories - if i was to get a after market part like Kenwood etc etc it wouldn't look that decent.
I went to the dealer today to get some things out of my car, so they take me into the service area and I see my poor car. The seats were out and a fair amount of the interior had been dismantled, including the seats. My first reaction when I saw the car was a four letter word out loud. There were wires everywhere. I sure hope they are able to put it back together correctly.....
I will say this much. The cookies and the coffee are excellent, and I am getting use to my E320 loaner.
I would suggest that you consider getting the extended warranty if you expect to keep the car beyond 4 years. Mercedes parts and service are quite expensive, so when something does break after the warranty period, it will be expensive to fix.
If the former, it's only about $1,500-$2,000 off of invoice, which isn't too great and not worth getting "used." If it's the latter, then it's definitely overpriced (unless there are some other options not mentioned. Also, when you say it has leather seats, do you mean the standard leather-trimmed seats that it comes with, or the full-leather package?
In quite a number of areas of the country you can get a C240 for not much more than invoice. Even Carsdirect.com had pricing (that ended June 30th, but maybe will come back) that was close to invoice in my area.
Can you tell me where did you purchase your car in new york city?
I am trying to hard to find a c230 seden with xenons and is having a hard time trying to find one.
Thank you
I'm a long time lurker on this board, and have found your input & discussions over the past few months very helpful. I recently placed an order for a 2004 C320 Sport Sedan and was quoted $500 over invoice price (which isn't available yet btw). The car will be ready for delivery around the last week of August.
Does anyone know if the invoice prices listed on Edmunds.com include the MB "advertising fee"? My dealer said that they don't, so he's adding a $400 advertising fee to whatever the invoice price turns out to be, which means that I'm really paying $900 over the Edmunds invoice. Does this sound right to you? TIA for your help.
In these days of corporate layoffs and downsizing (of which I was affected last year), I would not expect to pay over invoice for any car. I believe Mleskovar says it best in the post above.
The dealer who got my money was the one who came through with the lowest price on the same type vehicle.
Also, I did the same with the extended warranty and bought it from Lisa Lehrbaum at Courtesy Motors in Chico, CA for an $800. savings (800) 655-3535. Thanks to Edmunds forum and specifically Billp8 for steering me in that direction.
Good luck!
- Paul
oniac: IMHO, since you love the power & handling of the IS, I think you should keep it. The C230 would be a step down for you in terms of power & handling (unless you want to modify it). Also, the 1.8L supercharged engine on the C230 hasn't been around long enough to prove its reliability and durability. Just my $.02
I had been looking at it along with the bmw 325, audi a4, etc (usual suspects). After the testdrive, looking at options, value, etc. the choice was easy for me.
Can't wait to receive it next week!
Has anyone looked into this? I would like to stick with Mercedes equipment. I read that the 04's will be offered with Sirius, but I don't think I'll be buying a new one to get the sat. radio unfortunately.
Thanks
M
Is there really a C32 coupe AMG? Do you have additional info?