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Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)
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Comments
Having said that, our current ride is an '02 C240 automatic, manufactured in January of '02 and bought at a steep discount in September. Aside from the wheel alignment, which was noted before we signed the deal, and which was remedied shortly after delivery, we have had no serious issues so far. I had to re-synch the sunroof on Day 2; otherwise [knock on wood] it has been a joy to drive - smooth, quiet, quick enough for our purposes, and very comfortable on long trips.
As it happens, I'm not a fan of the current GS - I've never driven an example yet that didn't have wheel shakes from flat-spotted tires or other tire irregularities, though I know I am more sensitive to this problem than most people. I liked everything about the IS except the rocky ride that is dictated by the boy-racer 17" 45-profile tires that are mandatory on the West Coast. The only Lexus I really like is the LS, and though we did consider a used one, a new one is out of our price league.
The best Japanese alternative to a C or 3er in my mind is probably the Infiniti/Nissan G35. That was a very close competitor for our $ this last time around. The ride quality of the C probably broke this tie, but it was a very near thing. Long-term reliability between these two cars clearly favors the G - I decided to take the risk to get the car that most closely matched our needs, but recognize that the extended warranty is almost a must for the MB, and probably unnecessary for the G.
It's always a tradeoff - the perfect car doesn't exist.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
Good news, mine is in the ship on his way in 3 weeks top should be in my hands (CANT WAIT ANYMORE)another thing all c klass are build in germany i know cause once i got the vin nr i called directley in Sindelfingen and was there
I test drove the C230 sports sedan with a manual transmission. I found that the manual transmission was aweful. It had a very sloppy feel. I had a hard time getting it into second gear. The clutch was aweful. Is this just my perception or does anyone else think that the Manual transmission in the C230 is aweful?? I expected a better 6speed in a car costing $30k.
What do you guys think about MB 6 speed?
Secondly, tulanekid24, I am not sure if it was just the 6 spd that you drove, but I love the manual tranny from MB. I test drove the A4 & 330i and can tell you that the MB holds its own against both of them. All of my previous vehicles have been manual and compared to the VR6, Beamer & Prelude that I owned, this six speed is just as good. Maybe you are not comfortable with a 6 spd or maybe you have not driven many before, but I assure you that you should not have any trouble getting into second gear. Lastly, if you have only driven 5 spds before, this MB 6 spd has very short first and second gear ratios, maybe it would just take you driving it a couple of times. Otherwise, get an automatic!
Having driven an '03 6 speed C240 a good bit during recent test drive I don't quite come to the same conclusion.
The clutch in the car I drove had a smooth uptake, with a biting point at or just below the midpoint of mechanical travel.
The shift gate was tight, to be sure, but each gear engaged positively with no slack I could tell (not sure if MB uses cables or rods in the shift linkage--one suspects cables).
Neutral was reached easily, and there was no lost motion I could tell in the mechanism, either, when each gear was engaged.
Shifting both up and down through the range brought no dramas. I did recall having to "learn" to positively hold the gate to the right in order to engage 5/6, but that took a few seconds. Downshifts were smooth and even double clutching (something I usually do in my 1967 manual transmission 4 speed British car out of habit - syncro dogs wearing:( was accomplished with no fuss.
I did not try to heel and toe the car, honestly I did not take a real good look at the arrangement of the pedals to see if this was possible. One suspects so as it seems the throttle on MBs seem to be always hinged on the bottom while the clutch and brake are suspended on the actuating arm from above if I recall...
I agree with Tony that 1st gear was pretty tall (i.e. high rpm/low speed), personally I am not that convinced that 6 speeds are that much better than 5 carefully chosen ratios, expecially in an engine with as much torque as this Kompressor DOHC inline 4 seems to have. But I suppose in the popular press 6 must be better than 5...:)
So no, in contast to your view my experience with 6 speed was pretty positive.
So, in your view, what then has a better "feeling" 6 speed?
But, I would also love to know what you (tulanekid24) would pose to us as a better or more refined 6 spd.
1. Go search some more in other areas;
2. Negotiate again with the ultimatum of declining my order;
3. Stick with the deal
Just looking for some input.
Thanks!
If it were me, I would threaten to decline my order. I ordered my C230 manual for $985 off MSRP (MSRP 31,985, paid 31,000). My dealer has only one manual sport sedan on their lot; however, they have 6 automatics. My thinking is in line with yours that they should allow you to move a little off of the MSRP, especially for an auto. But, from the dealers standpoint, they state that MB will still sell FAR MORE automatic sport sedans than manuals. He expected manuals to represent only 25% of their sales. So maybe they view the autos to be more in demand and they are less likely to move from MSRP.
But, again, I feel that you should be able to find a deal that could save you at least $1000 off the MSRP by shopping other dealers and playing them off one another.
Good luck!
Negotiate. While Sedan pricing is less flex that coupe..I got mine for about $600 over Invoice (or $1535 less than MSRP.) so they will deal. Call or email three other dealers in your area with the price you have been offered (you don't have to mention your current dealer's name). I will bet that at least two will come back and beat the price you have been quoted. Then (importantly) take that new price to your initial dealer and start the process again...until you get to the "bottom".
keep it simple by focusing on the price only. Not lease/monthly payment.
Thanks folks for your help!
Keep us posted!
Frankly, I was born and grew up in Europe. Even though I have been here for a while, I dont drink or eat in a car unless I am on a very long trip, so cupholders are of no concern to me or my wife for that matter (lucky me because I agree they are flimsy). What VW do you drive now? I've driven Passat my father owns a lot and the lag in MB is no more (or probably somewhat less) than the minimal lag VW 1.8T engine has. Don't expect to get really going in the first gear... fun starts in the second Shocker today -- trip to the "filling station" cost me $26 (just have to get used to it!!!) Hope your car arrives soon.
I'm glad to hear that you are not experiencing any lag in your new coupe. My VR6, of course, has zero lag since it is a naturally aspirated engine. But, I loved the smoothness of the new 1.8L engine from MB and loved the fact that they put it in the sedan with some awesome body molding and killer 17inch wheels.
In reference to the filling station prices, I've been one of those crazy 93 octane people in all of my vehicles, so this should not be a change for me.
Keep us updated on you driving impressions!
1. Model Year & Total miles to date.
2. MPG & Driving habits. Any differences in mpg since you first purchase?
3. Any additional accessories & mods?
4. Maintenance issues to date.
5. Any interesting trips or cargo experiences?
6. Overall impressions pro/cons of your vehicle since you first purchased....
Share as much (or as little) information as you'd like. I'm sure other owners/shoppers passing through here, would find the information quite interesting, if not helpful.
Also, you can report back every 3-5k to update again.... Thanks for your participation! ;-)
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Wagons Boards
I got the 230k sedan, automatic, obsidian black, c2 package, and cd for $31,400. I think I did okay, since that's about $1,300 under msrp.
can't wait to let everyone know my thoughts as I put the first hundred or so miles on it.
Congratulations on your new car. My C230 sport sedan is supposed (keeping my fingers crossed) to arrive today. Did you order yours, or buy it off the lot? If you ordered yours, I wonder if it came off the same boat. Where do you live? Are you on the east coast? I'm in Richmond, VA. My car is Alabaster White, C2, Bose, CD changer, heated seats with the 6 speed manual. MSRP was 31,985 and I paid 31,000. Soooo it looks like you did a little better than I did.
Congrats again and happy motoring!
I live in Atlanta and bought it at RBM. After only a day of driving, I can say that you're going to love this car. Hope it arrives soon.
I do have one question, my dealer explained to me last night the MBs don't require any break in period, is this correct? I usually baby a car for the first 1200 miles and then start driving, he said that is not necessary, is he right?
Thanks!
One Stoked First Time Benz Owner
But, I've always liked the look of the Mercedes and heck the price difference isn't that great.
Anyway, I'm looking to find a good dealer in the SF Bay Area who's interested in letting me explorer the model without being upset that I'm not buying today. Anyone have a recomendation?
I just got back from lunch and I am finding any excuse to go out driving. The car was worth EVERY PENNY! Let me know when you get your car. Can't wait to hear your first impression. What date do you expect to have it?
Alabaster White/Charcoal Interior
Bose Sound System
CD Changer
Heated Front Seats
C2 Package
I live in on the southside of Richmond VA. The car arrived in Baltimore, which is only about 2 1/2 hours from me. I think that is the reason I was able to get it only 5 days after it hit the port. Since your car is traveling cross country (assuming they always hit a port on the east coast), I would guess that is why it is taking a little longer. Keep me posted! I hope to not report any problems. . .but, we'll see. . .stay tuned.
I have had my C240 since Feb 2001 and still get that certain feeling every time I get behind the wheel. And this after almost 40K miles!
You asked about break-in. My advice is to stop, right now, and take the time to READ YOUR OWNERS MANUAL. It can be a chore, meanings can be confusing after translation and the stuff mandated by the lawyers can sometimes seem silly, but you will learn much more than any salesman can tell you. Just take the book, set down in the drivers seat, and read and try each step as you read about it. This may take several sessions but if you do it, when you finish you'll know more about your car than you thought possible and you will have discovered a few surprises. Enjoy!!!
Bubba
"---My friends all drive Porches, I must make AMENDS---" J. Joplin
The information about our '00 ML430's break-in was pretty well hidden in the "Driving" section of the manual--without a single reference to in in the table of contents or the index.
The manual says, "The more cautiously you treat your vehicle during the break-in period, the more satisfied you will be with its performance later on."
The manual goes on to recommend "moderate" engines speeds, the 1st 1,000 miles, no heavy loads, no excessive engine speeds and no manually shifting down.
It is interesting to note that for the period following the 1,000 mile mark, the manual simply says speeds may be gradually increased to the permissible maximum. So, that leaves it up to the buyer about how nice, and for how long, he or she wants to be to the engine. I think careful is best.
If you're really careful, you'd probably drive no more than 50-100 miles at a time before letting the engine cool.
I just stayed under 55 for the first 1,000 miles, no long trips, and took slower off-freeway routes for more than half of the break-in period. The 430 burned no oil at all during the last FSS interval which came up at about 64K. And before I took the car in, the oil still seemed perfectly clean and was right on the mark since the last FSS service.
I was really interested to follow a careful break-in for the '02 C320 because the car doesn't even come equipped with a dip stick (just the electronic version)! I don't know if this applies to MB's C230, but MB obviously is totally behind FSS and synthetic. Even so, it has been fun to marvel at the clean look and feel of the oil between my fingers after 12-13K miles in the 430--with the new synthetics, the oil doesn't even change color.
One thing I like, MB provides a lot of oil capacity for their engines: 8 quarts for the 320. The Electronic dip stick measures to one-half a quart, which is fine. I'd be surprised to see the C320 burn any oil between oil changes based on the above break-in and our 430 experiences.
It was good to hear how your 430 has been doing; I'm sure if you treat these cars right, the reward should be a long relatively trouble free ownership. . .at least up to 150k.
Thanks again and I'm still smilin'; THIS CAR ROCKS!
As far as a break in period goes, it may not be necessary, but it can't hurt. If you leased the car, then I'd say nail it out of the dealer's lot, but if you bought it, then the first 1000 miles will be worth it. The speed break in of "don't go over 55" I don't think applies anymore, but you should vary your speed (no cruise control) and engine speed. Also no harsh acceleration or hard breaking will help the car break in nicely.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
My Jetta was pretty good to me except for the $#@% check engine light (it came on about 10 times during the 40K that I drove it). After the first couple, I stopped taking it in and it would go out after a few days. The stupid gas cap could cause that thing to go off. I would have preferred they just pull that light out of my dash. Other than that, the car was trouble free. . .but NO comparison to the C230K. . .not even in the same ballpark.
Thanks again!
I want to ask all owners of new c230 anyone has any funny noises in the car that we discuss earlier last month cause my c230 runs so smooth that cant make it if is on or no when im stopped on light,on other thing i want to add that with the new c230 sport sedan bmw325 got a real competitor.
i like to know what everyone thinks about this.
Mercedes Benz C230K Sport Sedan
BMW 325i
Engine
1.8L DOHC 16V S/C I-4
2.5L DOHC 24V I-6
Horsepower & Torque
189 hp @ 5800 RPM 192 lb/ft @ 3500-4000 RPM
184 hp @ 6000 RPM 175 lb/ft @ 3500 RPM
Curb Weight
3,185 lbs
3,219 lbs
Power:Weight Ratio
16.85:1
17.49:1
Drag Coefficient
0.27
0.31
EPA Observed Fuel Economy (City/Highway)
21/30
20/29
0-60 mph
7.6 seconds
7.1 seconds
Colors, Options, & MSRP (That I'd order, your preferance may vary)
MB: Black, Charcoal Leather Inserts, 6 Speed Manual Transmission, C2, C3, Heated Front Seats, CD Changer $31,810
BMW: Black, Black Leatherette, 5 Speed Manual Transmission Sport Package, Power Moon Roof, Split Folding Rear Seats, Heated Front Seats, On Board Computer $32,220
We all know that numbers don't tell the whole story (otherwise everyone would have an Acura TL-Type S w/ Navigation J/K). Here's the objective part that I promised:
Exterior Styling definitely has to go to the C230K. The lines are sleek and sexy while the 17" wheels...ect make the car look muscular. That said, there is something to be said about the mean looks of the 325i w/ Sport Package.
I don't like to see my car around every corner (proof is in the pudding that I drive a Honda Prelude Type SH). 3 series are ubiquitous here in NYC and it's surrounding areas. The C (especially the Sport Sedan) seems to be a rare sight.
Price: As you can see, MBs are finally competitively priced (I'm glad they got rid of the Sport Package as a $3K option). I'm sure if money was the deal breaker that you'd have an easier time (more off MSRP) getting a C off the dealer's hands than a 3.
Transmission: I know the MB has a 6 speed and the BMW has a 5 spd, but I've driven old versions (2 years ago). The SLK320 6 speed I drove wasn't pretty. BMWs Getrag 5 speed manual was a delight.
Performance: Everday driving should be a toss up and I really can't comment other than the fact that the numbers are relatively similar. I'd like to hear from someone who's driven both cars back to back.
So the long answer is yes, the 325i has some real competition. Now if only lexus would offer a folding rear seat on the IS300, then there would be some more real competition.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I've got a manual transmission and live in SF and have no troubles with rollback. My shifting skills got better quickly after I moved here (it had been a while since I'd driven a manual), but I really like a manual for climibing hills and controlling descent. I can't remember the last time I used the handbrake except when parking.
I hesitate to think that the improvement is because I'm staying out of the throttle. I was wondering if anyone else has noticed an improvement after the factory cutting oil was replaced with normal stuff...
-hh
We'll probably pick up the car this coming Saturday. Any thing that we should pay attention to before we drive it off the lot. What are some of the commonly experienced new car problems that have been reported.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thanks