Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

zmeenow · February 2001

i dont have the power seat/memory option(c3?) so i am not dealing with those problems... though occasionally the express up on drivers side doesnt work... nothing major.. ill have them check it when i go in for oil

kenyee · February 2001

4Murphy:
Just think: it could be worse. You could have gotten a 1998 ML. You guys aren't even having realllly bad problems :-)

AMG C's:
While we're talking about them...the C32 is supposed to do 0-60 in 5sec. For those who are still keeping track, that's as fast as the Acura NSX...
Should be interesting to see how well it does in curves ;-)

dennett · February 2001

Our VINs are pretty close, it is too bad we can't get the kids together. Have you ever checked out the Friday Freeway chat? There's usually only around 12-15 people there, and I'd bet 5 of them are MB owners. Between the trivia contest we're always talking cars, and a lot of it is MB. You ought to come in Friday at 5, westcoast time, only lasts an hour.

zmeenow · February 2001

your dealer has a computer readout listing all cars on order and their build/delivery status.. the car you bought,and has been assigned to you.. will be found there.. any reputable salesman will freely allow you to see the report

diwc240 · February 2001

Thanks Drew !!!

tom188 · February 2001

I recently priced a MB C-class, and although the dealer was very low key on most options, he really pushed the sunroof. He said a MB without a sun roof is an "oddball" car, and resale would be very difficult. Since neither my wife or I care much about a sun roof, how much do we suffer by ordering a car without one? I would appreciate help on this question.

zmeenow · February 2001

well... i think sunroofs these days are generally desirable.. you can close the shade and barely even notice u have a sunroof..
you should know though that they have designed this sunroof to be reasonbly quiet re wind noise... and very little wind in car..
the shade has a vent in it..allowing sunroof to be open with shade closed.. allowing venting.. without direct sun on head

dennett · February 2001

I'd have to agree with your dealer, you've got to get the C2 package, also includes the rain sensing wipers-work awesome, and the power rear sunshade-very cool and our 8 month old HATES the sun in his eyes! I'd say that C2 is the only must have package, but if I could order again I'd also get the powerseat with memory package as well, it's C something don't remember the number. Good luck!

dennett · February 2001

The C class forum is number 1 today, just like our cars!! LOL!! I've seen us near the top, but I don't think we've been #1 before. Drew's going to be jealous!! Hopefully he'll be able to come back with good news on Monday MB chat.

dennett · February 2001

Is that you and the wife on a test drive, or a friend of yours? How did you finally get the pictures to work like Drew and Tarik's do, to just be part of the post? Let me know and I'll post some pictures of our Magma red/Oyster car, maybe somebody'd like to see that combo.

diwc240 · February 2001

C1 = 10-way power front seats w/ 3position memory. 4 way pwr steering column. Driver's seat mem includes steering column & outside mirror positions. ($1200 US) (included w/ C 320)

C2 = Power tilt/sliding tinted glass sunroof w/ one touch express open/close. Rain sensing auto intermittent wipers. Pwr rear window sunshade. ($1340 US)

C3 = 60/40 split folding rear seats w/ ski sack in rear center armrest pass thru. ($425 US)

C4 = Heated Headlamp washers. Heated front seats. ($800 US)

C6 = Sport Package ($2950 US)
K2 = 6 disc CD Changer. Motorola phone ($1795 US)

COMMAND = $2035 US
Xenons = $850 US

dennett · February 2001

You got it all but Xenons and Command right? Any second thoughts on the xenons?

diwc240 · February 2001

Send me an email (click on diwc240 when you are logged in) and I will fwd Drew's reply / directions. Yes it is my wife, she does not know she is at TownHall...yet.... I will drop by my Dealer and get a photo of the Capri Blue C 320.

diwc240 · February 2001

10 speaker Bose with Bose AutoPilot digital processing = $ 595 US.
Really 8 speakers and the two rear door speakers also have tweeters.
Already at my limit, maybe next MB will come with Xs.

From jjsani Post #596: Thanks jjsani !!
For those of you who wanted to know where and what type of speakers you have in the C320. This comes directly from Bose

The Bose Music System in the Mercedes C320 has the following system
content:
2" dash mounted center fill speaker
1.5" tweeter in each front door
6.5" wide range speaker in each front door
6.5" wide range speaker in coaxial configuration with 2" tweeter in
each rear door
9" low profile Nd MT Woofer in rear package shelf (this speaker delivers high fidelity sound quality from a remarkably small space)
Digital amplifier with 6 channels of customized equalization and
Audiopoilot TM noise compensation technology

diwc240 · February 2001

Bose AudioPilot (not Auto...)

zmeenow · February 2001

i bought my car back in mid oct..it was not a special order.. just a car pulled off the assembly line... c2 only..oh and auto trans.. so my choice was.. take this car... or wait months for a special order...am i sometimes sorry i didnt get the auto memory seats,et al ?? yes but.... i think my frustration level at waiting weeks for the car.rather than months.. mitigates having a seat with a memory... but... thats just me

#1? at what?

santillan · February 2001

All of these posts have helped me select the car of my dreams. C320 brilliant silver/charcoal w/ c2 package...all for ~ 38k. Salesmen gave me the car for $1000 over invoice. I don't know if people are still paying MSRP for them. The economy is DOWN and winter up in NJ has had more snow than expected causing increased inventory in the lots. I think this is the reason the salesmen gave me the car for less than MSRP. Plus, I only had to put down $500 retainer. It just so happens that the car will be arriving in Baltimore in a couple of days, then it will be 7-10 days to get to NJ. I can't wait. This is my first MB.

I was wondering...how do I ask for the rubber floor mats? Should I just bluntly ask him for it...or should I mention something about the survey? "You scratch my back...I'll scratch yours?"

One more thing, has anyone had a problem with buying the cd changer from outside MB retailing (i.e. clairparts.com) and then having the dealer install it? Will this void the warranty? Additionally, if I buy a new set of wheels such as the AMG style 203 rims and tires, will that void the warranty as well even though the size dimensions are within specs?

Thanks. Happy riding!

merckx · February 2001

I agree that without a sunroof a C-class will probably be harder to sell.But I am not that enamored with them.They rob headroom(I like to sit very upright),they do add to noise,as the car ages they can be problematic,they add $1000 to the price,and all that sun is really not good for ones face.If i never got out,I might want one.But i am outside all the time.I wish it were easier to get a car without one.

shadow22 · February 2001

I just purchased a C320 about 2 weeks ago. I had been reading frequently on this townhall. I noticed a while back I had read where some people were having problems with their trunk and seat (rocking or loose). I too have noticed this. With the trunk I just have to keep clicking the remote or click the handle on the trunk several times before it will shut. The seat doesn't seem that bad (maybe like they missed a some parts or something). I plan to have both these checked out, which I'm sure they will do whatever to correct the problems. But I was wondering for those that did have these problems, did they get fixed and if there are so many having these same problems why don't they fix them before they are sold. Any info will be appreciated.

mongo11 · February 2001

To paraphrase the situation, I've pasted in a recent accurate posting as follows:

zmeenow- Have you heard the latest issue? Apparently none of the early cars, those with VINs that end with something less than ...59000 don't have the remote unlock feature, so everyone had better check their VINS, mine's ...35127, so I'm a loser!:( There's a bunch of people at the MBworld site talking about it, and this isn't just a rumor, it has been confirmed. Call MB yourselves if you'd like. We all know we were told we had the feature, and it says all Cs have it in any piece of literature MB has ever put out. MB says they're working on a fix and that owners will be notified when it is figured out. So don't go trying to impress your friends by locking your keys in the car and calling MB to unlock it!!LOL If you or anyone does contact MB or your dealer on this issue please post here and let us know, and I'll keep everybody up on what I hear.

2/5/01
Follow-up: I spoke with MB at the 800 number Mike Reigel and after much insistance, finally got the same info already posted here. Also called the office of the president(210-573-0600) and talked to a Marie Grecco. Same story, don't call us , we'll call you when a fix is ready. This is very disappointing to learn that what is advertised is not delivered. What is not advertised such as squealing brakes is what is delivered. I am taking action to seek a remedy . If your vehicle falls in this serial # zone, I urge you to let MB know that you expect a fully functional system. It does "cost" to be first as the customer becomes the last step in proving a new product.

shadow22 · February 2001

I just purchased a C320 about 2 weeks ago. I had been reading frequently on this townhall. I noticed a while back I had read where some people were having problems with their trunk and seat (rocking or loose). I too have noticed this. With the trunk I just have to keep clicking the remote or click the handle on the trunk several times before it will shut. The seat doesn't seem that bad (maybe like they missed a some parts or something). I plan to have both these checked out, which I'm sure they will do whatever to correct the problems. But I was wondering for those that did have these problems, did they get fixed and if there are so many having these same problems why don't they fix them before they are sold. Any info will be appreciated.

santillan · February 2001

zmeenow - I just a call from Morriston Mercedes and they just told me that if I bought a cd changer NOT from them, that they wouldn't install it. Did you run into this problem with yours? You bought yours at clairparts.com right and then you had it installed at Prestige? Morristown told me that they wouldn't do it and that they didn't want to cover anything if anything goes wrong with the installation since configuring the changer into the car seemed difficult at times. please email me if you get a chance. vicsum@yahoo.com

zmeenow · February 2001

i bought my cd from clairparts.. and had it installed by prestige in paramus nj.. they charged 80.00 to install it

vt2 · February 2001

Hey everyone....
Did you know that if you have Amex Membership rewards points, you can get the car through AutoMallOnline.com and they allow you to convert 50,000 points into $1000 off the MSRP (they have limited dealerships you can go though). But I just called them to see if they would take this option to a dealer of my choice and am waiting to hear the results.
Maybe this might work for one of you....

diwc240 · February 2001

Dennett does your Magma Red look a bit like this artist's conception sketch?

drew_ · February 2001

Since these are the MB press pictures, I think that it shouldn't be a problem for me to post them here without violating the copyright. Thanks Tarik for providing them. Enjoy!

Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlamps:

Hope that none of you will ever have to test of the C-class's passive safety systems. However, it is comforting to know that you're surrounded in virtually a cocoon on airbags :-)

Drew
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cclass117 · February 2001

Do you guys think $2000 COMMAND is worth the money?
Or... would you get those Windows CE Palm Computers with 16bit color screen with GPS unit($700)?

cclass117 · February 2001

One more thing....
My VIN is under 59000. so... if I lock myself out, they won't be able to let me in remotely.
Does anybody know what MB's solution is? They advertised it, and it should be on our cars.....

I had my C for 3 month now. 3400 miles.
I didn't hear ticking noise until two days ago.(maybe didn't notice till now)
Now, I am worndering if there's anything wrong with the engine.

drew_ · February 2001

Glad to see that you're back. The ticking noise is normal. My ML320's engine has it too. However, it is intermittent, and seems to be dependent on engine temperature (it happens right after a cold startup).

drew_ · February 2001

For a comparison, have a look at Hella's Light Tunnel facility. If you compare the Xenon driving lamps vs. the halogen driving lamps, you'll be blown away by the huge difference in illumination and colour temperature.

Drew
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tarik · February 2001

Bill, is this the REAL Magma red? I have a hard time believing it, but the picture comes directly from MB's world-site.

Tarik

drew_ · February 2001

Yup, that's Magma Red alright! :-) Tarik, I'm perplexed as to why MB would choose not to offer the Parktronic system for the C-class in North America. Any ideas?

Drew
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P.S. Hope you managed to catch MotorVision. If you did, it was worth it, wasn't it? ;-)

sddlw · February 2001

For those of you in So Cal, the 2 largest volume dealers in the world are in OC. My brother-in-law works at one of them, Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach. He reports that they have cars, although I do not know which colors and options. And the larger volume dealers go get significantly higher allotments! My guess is they have more influence when a specific option pkg or color is allocated as well.

fedssocr · February 2001

I don't know how to make the pix appear here, but I've uploaded a bunch of my new Aspen/Oyster baby to photopoint.com. The link below should take you there.

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/AlbumIndex?u=1511154&a=11414874

drew_ · February 2001

I've never seen an Aspen Green C-class before. Thank you for sharing! The instructions for posting pictures into the topic can be seen at the link below. Please keep the pictures at 640X480 resolution when you post (Photopoint resizes them automatically anyway) so that it doesn't skew the screen width for others:
KarenS "Mercedes-Benz M-Class Owners Club: Photo Gallery" Jan 29, 2001 12:28pm

I hope you don't mind that I'm posting these pictures on your behalf. BTW, is that an MBCA badge I see on the front grill?

Drew
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fedssocr · February 2001

Thanks for taking the time to post my pictures. The badge on the grille is for the dealer. They've got their name plastered all over my car. :-) I haven't decided whether to join MBCA yet or not.

I activated the SOS/TeleAid thing tonight. Somehow there were numerous errors in the data they had gotten off of my form; things like address and phone numbers were all messed up. That system is really cool though and the guy I talked to was very pleasant.

dennett · February 2001

Tarik, Drew and Ian. I haven't taken photos, digitally at least, of our car yet. The image posted by tarik is pretty close but seems a bit different, maybe it's just the dark interior that makes it look different? This one looks EXACTLY like our car. I don't know what the heck that creature's doing in the picture or what it is, some sort of warthog or wild boar, what do you guys think? I think it may have just wondered in as the pic was taken!

http://www.kbb.com/nctdpics/cc01mbcclass2.jpg

drew_ · February 2001

You don't have the Sport Package do you? Tarik may be able to shed some light as to that animal. The car is, afterall, wearing German license plates. ;-)

Drew
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dennett · February 2001

Anybody here a member? We've been thinking of joining and I'd be interested to hear anybody's opinions.

drew_ · February 2001

I am a member. I joined the local section mainly because of all of the local events that they have. I was particularly interested in the advanced driving classes, which are actually co-ordinated by the BMW club of BC. Check out the MBCA website at http://www.mbca.org

dennett · February 2001

No we don't, seems awfully overpriced and ugly in the interior. I think you could take the 3k and build yourself a real sport pac that would include real AMG rims and have superior handling to the MB package. I'm keeping my eyes open for some stock 17" CLK tires and wheels, I believe they'll go right on the C, and I think a lot of CLK owners upgrade to 18s via tirerack.com etc. Just gotta find the right deal, if not when the tires get old I'll buy AMGs and tires from tirerack myself. What do you think?
Do you think there'll be any chance of actually getting Monday MB chat? I don't know if you noticed but several people here posted saying they'd join us forsure. Why not just start tonight? LOL!!

nikko2 · February 2001

Did anyone get a discount for their 320 in So Cal.
My friend is very interested in one. We are both shopping around. I noticed that there are no msgs posted regarding the sale price.(is it not allowed?)
thank you

tarik · February 2001

Bill,

Congrats, the color in your "boar"-ish link is Signalrot, one of the prettiest around, if you ask me. My pic from the MB site seemed a bit too orange. The C is an outstanding car, and it deserves all the recognition, blue, red or green.

Glen,

I don't understand why there aren't more green, red or blue MBs on the road, the colors fit them perfectly - congratulations to you, too! In late '99, I saw a Magma red CLK in Bo-a-ston and was blown away - too cool...

Drew,

You dirty dog! You'll pay for this... ¦8-P

As to why the PDC is not available in NA, I don't know, but maybe it has to do with better drivers - LOL - ? Strange in deed.

Since the source is american, I assume that Bill's animal is probably what north american DC shareholders would like to see Jürgen Schrempp (CEO DaimlerChrysler) transformed to immediately - and the German license plate further misleads, since the pasture behind the C is most definitely located in the lower 48, likely in NJ...

Very much hurt in his German pride Tarik

404c · February 2001

I wrote a letter to MB Canada following the dismal IIHS bumper test results. I thought the Board may be interested to read their response to my query, which was focused on the possiblity of differences between US and Canadian C bumpers.

Dear Mr. Tippett,

Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted two different crash tests involving several different US version vehicles.

The first test, which was shown on ABC's Dateline, involved a low-speed (10 mph) bumper test on a US specification Mercedes-Benz C240. In order to meet the more stringent bumper requirements, the Canadian C-Class is equipped with different and reinforced, front and rear Energy Absorbing Frame Modules. The IIHS tests results can therefore not be applied to Canadian version C-Class models.

The second crash test carried out by the IIHS, involved a high-speed (40 mph) offset crash. Under these conditions the C240 was voted "Best Pick".

We thank you for taking the time to write and trust that we have answered your query.

Lucien Efanov
Mercedes-Benz Canada

drew_ · February 2001

Thanks for your message. I'm curious, did you actually right a physical letter to MB Canada? I've actually conversed with Lucien (and a bunch of other MB Canada people) in the past.

Well, well, well, looks like we got a sneak peak as to the C-class's 40mph IIHS crash test!! As expected, it received a good and best pick. The official results will not be available on the IIHS's website till later this month, next month, I believe.

Lucien did make a mistake as to the speed of the test though. It's 5mph or 8 km/hr, not 10mph. It is comforting for me to know that Canadian cars have stronger bumpers to meet the stricter Canadian standards. However, at the same time, it does make MBUSA's explanation (on Dateline NBC) as to why the bumpers are weak blow right up in their faces. Anyone want to e-mail MBUSA and complain? :-)

P.S. I seem to recall that you're also in the Lower mainland area?

drew_ · February 2001

I was half expecting you to tell us what that boar-ish animal is called in German! :-) Sorry, no insult intended ;-)

I believe that is an authentic German C-class though. It's one of the press pictures that MB provides, which explains what it is doing on the Kelly Blue Book's website.

Drew
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diwc240 · February 2001

Glenn, your Aspen / Oyster C Class is a beautiful color combo !! I saw an Aspen C in December at our NJ Dealer and was very impressed. What product do you plan to use for wax ? Zaino ?
Drew, Can we go past 1000 Posts in Part 6 or does it have to get archived ?

Me thinks we will be seeing lots of photos from now on....They are great to see !!!

(img src="http://www....jpg") substitute ( ) with < > Ian

dennett · February 2001

When I said we're #1 I was refering to the rankings of forum activity at the townhall main page. I've seen Drew, sorry to rat you out drew!!, trying to fire up the people at what I assume is his main home base, the M-class forum, to post more to keep their ranking up. The M-class forum is almost always in the top 5, if not at the top. The C class and E class forums are also usually, but not always, in the top 10. This is one reason I think we, the three big MB forums may deserve our own Chat hour.
Drew when you ask the boss about it be sure to point out the fact that all the MB forums are some of the busiest and seem to have some of the most loyal followers. Plus I think we're a very supportive group that really are here to help each other out and talk about our cars. We're not bashing on each other or bad mouthing other makes, we just happen to drive the best cars made!!!!LOL!!

drew_ · February 2001

Ian, the new software (Web Crossing) allows us to keep continuting so no more archiving. The old software (Well Engaged) could mess up after a certain number of posts, which was why we needed to freeze and start a new section every xxx number of posts. This was also one of the reasons why we had to change board software.

Bill, I try to bump the M-class topic to the top of the list on purpose. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! ;-) Note that both the C and ML topics are current at the top of the list. Interestingly, both the C and ML are MB's best selling products (%-wise).

I did pass along the MB chat idea "upstairs" the day that you wrote your message, but Edmunds is making a few changes, which is why I said that I was unsure as to when it would happen.

P.S. I like your last sentence ;-)

dennett · February 2001

Got an interesting link at ebay for you, a moving M-class pen

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=552368844

I've bought 6 or 7 MB items on ebay, book, computerbag, couple of watches, and a tie and tie tac. Both watches are very nice, one for me and one for the wife, and real bargains! I'm always searching for good MB items. I've been looking for one of the nice pens you see at the MBUSA website, no luck so far.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

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