Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)

petercrase · January 2002

I found this car through Auto Stiegler in Encino CA. It arrived at the port of entry in LA on 12/27/01 and belonged to a different unnamed dealer. Sherry Swann of Auto Stiegler offered it to me for $28,477 out the door, if she could do a dealer trade for it. This was all done over the internet through a cars.com lead. I saved about $1,000 off MSRP, which I'm happy with. The dealers in the SF Bay Area were not willing to sell below MSRP on the car I wanted.
Mercedes has a computerized car tracking system that allows any US dealer to find any US bound car, even those still in the factory, on the boat, or sitting at the port of entry, or at a dealership, or anywhere in between. The cars are coded to tell whether they are ordered by a customer or a dealer allocation not yet spoken for. They can search for cars by color and equipment packages, or any combination thereof.
I'm picking up my new car on Sunday.!!

pixmation · January 2002

From Laguna Niguel.

I was hoping to find one with C5 and C7. No luck. And I wanted my x'mas present!

So I got a Brillant Silver, 6 speed. C2 and C7 with CD changer.

$600 over invoice plus $400 ad fee, which if I were strong enough to walk away, I could probably knock the $400 fee off. Well.

Like the car very much, A lot of stuffs and features to play with. I was also considering the 325ci but it's $2k-$3k more expensive with similar options and a little less hp on the BMW.

Ride is surprisingly smooth (maybe a little on the soft side) even for the 17" wheel package with a little bit more road noise on the highway.

It's my first MB and hope that this will be a good experience. Had a BMW Z3 1.9 and it had some problems.

According to the computer, it only change oil every 10,000 miles?

pixmation · January 2002

is it better to get the extended warranty through MB dealer than from a third party company?

Edmond

petercrase · January 2002

I picked up my new car yesterday! What a great car and a wonderful drive I had bringing it home. I went northwest on Hwy 101 from Encino to Ventura, then turned North on Hwy 33 up through the Sierra Madre mountains. I pushed it hard for short distances to see how well it performed on the mountain twisties and rising elevations of Hwy 33.
I've owned a Porsche 356, Alfa Romeo GTV and Spider, BMW 2002 and other excellent cars before.
This Coupe drives like it's on rails and is such a good quality piece of work. I really feel good driving it and can't wait to get back in it again.
I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a solid, roomy, sports car with excellent handling, ride, and engine power. It pulls very well when you ask it to.
Mine has the Bose stereo and 6 CD changer and the sound from the stereo is just great.
I love this car!
Peter

mapman1138 · January 2002

I'm glad that you like the car, and I hope that it performs well for you. Get some pictures up!

8u6hfd · January 2002

Though I'm not really a fan of extended warranties, to answer your question:

Yes, get through the dealership, AND make sure it's from Daimler-Benz. Many times, extended warranties sold from the dealer will be from a third party anway. So at the dealer, if the warranty is actually from Daimler-Benz, then go for it.

jjpeter · January 2002

Peter, you have echoed my sentiments perfectly! The C230 gives you such confidence, the meaty steering wheel at hand, the solid bolsters seats, the wonderful power available on demand, extraordinarily confident handling. I have been driving front wheel cars for years, and to have the front wheels unaffected by torque is such a new sensation. This thing is a race car!

Say, I see you live in Stockton. Did you take Hwy 33 all the way from Ventura to Interstate 5? How is that road? The wife and I are taking a trip to San Simeon\Hurst Castle in a few weeks and we will want to cut over to 5 on our way back after seeing some friends in Ventura. Our first long distance trip in the Kompressor. Can't wait!

Thanks for your reply.

pixmation · January 2002

I have never purchased an extended warranties before. I am just curious right now and would like to find out the pros and cons of extended warranties.

jmess · January 2002

I have always taken the view if I need an extended warranty then I am buying the wrong car. I would review data for frequency of repair via Consumer Reports or some other source about the C series.

You also might want to look at taking the money you would spend on the warranty and put it in a CD. Saving it for the future.

jjpeter · January 2002

We bought the extended warranty through the dealer at the time of purchase. With all the electronic gismos on this car (basically its run on a computer) it seemed prudent to cover it beyond the 4 years/50K. There were several choices, a "premium" offering, which we opted for, which covers it bumper to bumper, with a few exceptions, like the stereo. A "basic" one is power train only. I believe there was an in-between one, don't recall. Anyway, we're covered for 8 years/100K. Cost around $2300-2500.

crikey · January 2002

After Nissan announced pricing on the new 350Z, I would have to say that it would be rather difficult for me to buy a C230 Kompressor now. Don't get me wrong, I love the C230 styling and everything about it but, for the same price, I can get so much more sports car in a 350Z. Hopefully, this might lower the price of a C230 even more.

mapman1138 · January 2002

...I wouldn't consider it to be in direct competition with the C-Coupe. The Z seems to be slanted more towards the full-on sports GT end of the car spectrum. The C is a bit more relaxed, and a lot more practical (i.e. it's got more interior space). I already drive one of the least compromised sports cars on the market, which is what I'm trying to get away from!

I don't think that these two cars will be cross-shopped all that much.

huntzinger · January 2002

Warranties - basic or extended, typically have some exclusions on so-called "wear items", such as brakes and clutch.

The one that can blindside you is the manual transmission: I had a tranny seize due to a manufacturing defect (galvanic corrosion on a sleeve bushing), and while the car had a "bumper to bumper" for 4 years, Saab declared that the repair was not covered, because the clutch was only covered for the first year.

So....what does MB's fine print say? Is it a true bumper to bumper, or are there selective exclusions?

-hh

petercrase · January 2002

Jay, we did take Hwy 33 all the way to where it meets I-5 just north of Coalinga. It is more interesting than I-5, I would recommend it for less traffic and more oil wells and associated industries. We had dinner in Taft at OT's Cook House, which we enjoyed as well. It has a friendly, small town feeling. The road through the mountains, say from Wheeler Springs to Ventucopa, is very different scenery than any other place I've been. It's alot of light brown sandy soils and adobe hills, very interesting scenery. I would recommend it for something different and very little traffic. Your C230 will love the mountain roads. Going that way added about 70 miles to our trip vs. taking Hwy 99 to I-5 to 405 to 101straight from Stockton to Encino.
Michael, I still take old fashioned hard copy photo prints, but I would like to be able to post some pictures for you. I just got my first pictures back today of my car still sitting under the chandelier at Auto Stiegler. The dealership is still under the original ownership of John Stiegler Sr., since 1959. They gave my wife a beautiful bouquet of a dozen red roses. Mr. Stiegler called me at work and left a message yesterday, hoping I liked my car and my salesman. He still calls each and every customer after the sale. He's 80 years old and his son is continuing the family ownership of the dealership. They also post pictures of every new owner and their new car at the dealership. It's really an old-fashioned place.
I'm looking forward to some track time in my car at a Mercedes Club event, hopefully at Laguna Seca or Sears Point Raceway.
Peter

pixmation · January 2002

I am little interested in the extended warrnaties partly because I put about 16,000-18,000 per year. So the standard factory warranty will be over around 3 years.

jjpeter · January 2002

Thanks for the nice reply to my question. We'll consider coming back that way and check out the scenery. Should be nice.

Pixmation. I'm not sure of your point. You asked about extended warrenties but you tell us you are little interested in them. So, a little confusion. Why don't you phone a local dealer and get the deal on this from the people who sell it?

edmundsraaj · January 2002

I have 65k on my car, my dealer is not giving
extended warranty since my manufacturers
warranty is expired. Seems like I can buy
warranty online even with this milege. Just
wondering did any one run into this situation!
Can you share your experience buying warranty
online.

revka · January 2002

In addition to the feedback here, you may also want to check out this Finance, Warranty, and Insurance discussion: Used Car Warranties. Good luck. ;-)

Revka
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons / Women's Auto Center Boards

dsackman · January 2002

Are there any thoughts on the relative benefits of the C230 Coupe, Audi A4 and BMW 3-series cars. Can they be seen as competing with one another?

I do not want to start a "this car is better than that one" discussion. Merely views from those who have considered the Audi and the BMW and reasons why they opted for the Mercedes.

Daniel

mapman1138 · January 2002

I briefly considered a 3-series Bimmer. Definitely a more sporting car, but comparably equipped it would've been more expensive. I must confess that I have a thing for "uncommon" cars, so the C230 appealed to me in that respect, while the BMW is well represented in these parts.

The Audi is also a very nice car, but doesn't come in a 2-door body style. I also was uninterested in either front- or all-wheel drive. So I never really considered it. Truly, until BMW brings over the 325ti, the Benz will have no direct competition.

jcb_digger · January 2002

I have a 3 year old 328 Saloon which I'm due to change for a C230K in the next 2 months.

The ride is just as good, interior space is similar (though the Merc is much more practical as you can drop the back seats).

Rarity is what clinched it for me - the 3 series is an excellent car, but is very common over here - since the UK launch in May last year, I've only seen a couple of dozen C230's.

Can't wait...

Regards, John

huntzinger · January 2002

Neither the Audi nor the BMW currently offer a hatchback in the USA. As such, the question comes down to if you're really looking for a sedan, or if because of utility preferences, you're willing to consider a wagon to be the relative equal of a hatchback.

The big difference on costs seem to be that BMW tends to nickel and dime you up...figure $31-32K easily, whereas the Audi gets you because its only available with AWD (which may or may not be a desired option).

BTW, per a phone call I got last week, the Audi 2002 wagons are going to be starting to arrive at dealerships within the next ~4 weeks.

Finally, BMW's European Delivery seems to be about the best in the industry in terms of offering value. Audi doesn't offer one at all, and MB's has no price discount.

-hh

ranchero · January 2002

Wife & I both were due for new cars; we looked both at C230K & BMW 3 series. I bought the Mercedes; she bought the BMW. I prefer the C230K because: a) more horsepower; b) more gears) c) cloth interior; d) more airbags (including rear seats); e) longer free service plan (4 years vs. 3 years); f) Mercedes was substantially cheaper (especially for a coupe buyer); g) looks; h) feels more substantial. My wife prefers the BMW because: a) engine smoother; b) shifter slicker; c) she prefers a four door; d) she wants separate trunk; e) BMW tradition moves her; f) BMW dealer is closer to home. Either German made car is very satisfying and big improvement over cars in similar price range from American or Japanese companies.

jjpeter · January 2002

Anyone have anything to say about the cold start noise of the C230 Kompressor motor?

I've noticed our C230 sounds a little "agricultural" when it first lights up. But, once it warms up (after about 30-45 seconds) things smooth out. The earlier model, in the 99 and 2000 C class was even less refined. For this go-around some internal improvements were made to quiet the motor down. I'll say one thing though,,, this little motor goes! Once that blower kicks in, one gets throw back into the seat and its hold on! I don't know of another 4 cylinder motor that is currently on the market (with the exception of the turbo happy VW/Audi 1.8) that has the thump of this German 2.3 liter Kompressor. None.

huntzinger · January 2002

I don't know of another 4 cylinder motor that is currently on the market (with the exception of the turbo happy VW/Audi 1.8)

The 1.8t VW GTI has 10 HP less, but its curb weight is ~400 lbs lighter, which makes up that shortfall, plus a bit more: the C230 is admittedly a bit on the "portly" side.

I would say that the old VW Corrado G60 "G-lader" (super charged 4) may have also been a player, but its not been available for years. Similarly, the Corrado G60 had a ~600lb weight advantage on the C230.

In any event, power isn't everything: there's far more to life and car performance by how fast it can rip in a straight line. Spend any time with a good PCA club and you'll see days where the Autocross course layout strongly favors 914's over 911's with 2x (or 3x!) their horsepower. You haven't lived until you've seen a high horsepower car get taken to the cleaners by a low horsepower but more agile one :-).

-hh

jjpeter · January 2002

Oh, I agree about other factors involved in car performance beyond power to spin the tires! Its just nice to have a car that responds to throttle input as much as the 230....

Speaking of 4-cylinder power.... Wasn't it Porche that has a 4 banger that put out over 200 hp in their 968? Wonder what happened to that motor?. I believe it had a fairly large displacement, must have been hard to smog or was not that durable. Do you remember, being an observer of the scene?

Jay

huntzinger · January 2002

My recollections are pretty slim. It was indeed a large bore, normally aspirated 4-banger (in-line), and Porsche licensed Mitsubichi's counter-rotating shaft technology to keep its vibrations in check.

Edmund's reports (1995 model) that it was 3.0 liters and:
Horsepower: 236 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque: 225 ft-lbs. @ 4100 rpm

Overall, the car was received fairly favorably, but its shortcoming seems to be that it was never offered with a turbo (at least in the USA), which is what (IMO) allowed the 944 to avoid the "Not a Real Porsche" stigma.

The other shortcoming was probably that while it was a "less expensive" Porsche, it never was really all that inexpensive of a car: historically, it was around just before Porsche brought in the Japanese consultants to improve the efficiency of their production processes, as well as initial build quality.

The philosophical question you need to ask yourself is if you think the 968 was "more" or "less" of a car than the Boxster, and the basis of the question is because their MSRP's were quite comparable. I think most people would answer this as saying that the Boxster is the better of the two.

-hh

paul_p · January 2002

I agree the 2.3L Kompressor is quite a motor! I have the less noise-refined one in my '00 C230 4-door. Although it's not the fastest car on the road in either a straight or curved line, I'd swear the thing can fly. I have determined that the car is too fast for me, but I'm not giving it up - it's addicting! Also read an online Consumer Reports road test that gave it a 0 to 60 time of 7.5 seconds versus Mercedes' published 8.1 second time. Not that I'm into racing, it's just nice to know how the numbers compare to others. In the hatchback I'd expect times to be even less!

In regards to previous posts, at 22 months and 4,500 miles since manufacture, the engine has quieted down some. The Kompressor whine has muted noticeably over the last 1,000 miles - the whistling noise it used to make while cruising through the subdivision at about 20 mph (1400 - 1500 RPM) is almost undetectable now. You still hear the "stage boost" whine above 3000 RPM when accelerating which I find very cool!

If anyone could please point me to documentation or a website on how the Kompressor is designed and works, I would appreciate it.

The C230 Hatchback was not available when I bought my car almost 2 years ago, if it were I would have most definitely considered it. Please enjoy your C230 hatchbacks, they are beautiful machines!

- Paul

lukyme · January 2002

Just a bit of thought regarding my perceptions after test drives of Audi TT 1.8's and the C230K after about 3500 miles.
Last year when I was looking for a 2 seater, I spent a fair amount of time with the Audi TT's, as I recall, one Turbo with 180hp and the other with 220hp, approximately. I loved the car, but that turbo was so pronounced when it kicked in that I did not feel good with it. Seems like the boost was so substantial over the normal throttle response that it was lurching all the time. I determined that I was not a fan of turbo chargers, and went looking for something more consistent in the power output. Ended up with a Toyota MR2 Spyder. Not as cool as the Audi, no storage, but liked the engine better. Anyway, after a blissful summer, I decided to get more practical. Enter the C230K.
This is my first experience with MB, and I drove the C sedans with the V6's and loved the smooth engines. But I wanted the uniqueness of the C230K. I love the car, but think the engine is a bit "unrefined" for such a nice package. With it's Kompressor, it really has a nice bit of punch, and power delivery is so much smoother than those formentioned Turbo's. My only real complaint is the sound it makes when it is not at operating temperature. When I start it when the temps are low (even in the garage) it seems to make more noise than I would expect it to. It also likes to warm up just a bit before starting off. Anyway, just my "not so technical" opinion.
Otherwise, the car is a jewel.

petercrase · January 2002

I have been shopping these cars and others for some time. The Audi is too busy inside for me, and their past quality problems gave me pause, plus I realized I was tired of 4 doors. The BMW just felt too small and cramped inside. I'm 6'3" with a long torso, so I got my coupe sans the panorama roof and power seats for maximum headroom. By the way, the coupe gives up only 6 tenths of a cubic foot passenger interior capacity to the C240 and C320 four door sedan models, according to the MBZ, C Class brochure.
The quality feel and finish of the Mercedes I think is better than the other models. Nothing in the coupe goes unfinished. I also echo the other sentiments, it's nice having something different than all the BMWs, Audis VWs, Toyotas, Hondas, Nissans etc. on the road.

huntzinger · January 2002

Seems like the boost was so substantial over the normal throttle response that it was lurching all the time.

Sounds like you were driving the 220 HP version more than the 180. My wife has an A4/1.8t and it doesn't seem particularly "boosty" to me at all. Of course, it is an automatic, which will play a part in power delivery (real & perceived).

- - - -

The Audi is too busy inside for me, ...

IMO, the instrumentation layout of the Audi is clearly superior. It has a better tachometer, and the center information display is a less distracting neat little box, whereas on the C230K, it seems that none of the instrumentation gages are "dead ahead" where my eyes naturally fall during an information gage sweep, and the information display is an ungainly trapazoid.

...and their past quality problems gave me pause...

Which alleged problems are these? My wife's experiences with Audi's since 1990 has been good enough that if they still offered the Coupe GT, I suspect that we would have bought our 4th car from that dealership. Our biggest complaint is that with the upturn in popularity of Audi's, its been harder to get service appointments.

-hh

tommyp13 · January 2002

Hugh, I agree about the tach. It's placed badly and is way too small. Also is displayed in tens, not ones, for some reason. So if you're a real moron, it looks like it's a small speedo.

But, correct me if I'm wrong, with the TT you either get a fixed roof or a conv, with nothing in the middle. I realize that you wouldn't want a sunroof, but I think that's pretty nasty to not have something available, be it a small sunroof that goes outside the car, or a targa-like contraption.

Also: who can complain about the baseball stitching? You gotta repect Audi for not taking itself too seriously.

Does Audi not have the persistent window regulator problems and electronic glitches that VW still has?? The premium on Audis is getting a little out of hand as well, imho.

huntzinger · January 2002

Also is displayed in tens, not ones, for some reason. So if you're a real moron, it looks like it's a small speedo

Okay, speeding defense plan #1: "But Officer, I was only doing 50." ;-)

BTW, how are the snow rims working out?

-hh

huntzinger · January 2002

correct me if I'm wrong, with the TT you either get a fixed roof or a conv, with nothing in the middle.

Yes, it appears that way (I double checked the Edmunds & AudiUSA websites).

I realize that you wouldn't want a sunroof, but I think that's pretty nasty to not have something available, be it a small sunroof that goes outside the car, or a targa-like contraption.

True, but we have to remember that automakers are in business to make money. The TT is a niche product with a low production volume, so adding an optional sunroof will be more expensive to the manufacturer, which means that the typical ~$1K price on more mainstream sedans will have to be higher in order to recoup the engineering costs and maintain a reasonable profit return.

Let's say for sake of argument that this would have to incur a ~50% (~$500) markup over a generic $1000ish A4-type sunroof.

Next, the current price differential between the coupe and the convertible is currently only $2000. And that's MSRP; the invoices differ by 10% less: $1780.

For those buyers who want "sky above", if you give them the choice between a coupe w/sunroof and a true convertible for only ~$500 more, how many of them do you think will spring for the convertible?

IMO, virtually all of them... even (photosensitive) me!

-hh

tommyp13 · January 2002

I don't really notice much of a difference in handling, but I didn't push the C7 rims much either.
I guess that you're right about the sunroof, though I would think that there are people in Northern ares who would like the versatility of the setup that I mentioned. Especially since there's no hardtop for the conv, right?

What's the projected date for the car coming in? I forget - are you getting rid of another car, or is it just joining the group?

nyccarguy · January 2002

I think the C7 Wheels on the C230 are great. They make the car look meaner and more aggressive. I saw a Black one with the C7 Wheels the other day and it looked amazing!

Do the C7 wheels come shod with z or V rated rubber? What Brand?

lukyme · January 2002

The 220hp turbo boost to me was annoying. The 180hp was my preference. I would have liked the AWD in the 220hp but for the occasional benefit, I did not think it was worth it. They were std. trans. also.
But that TT convertible was sweet.
Anyway, I'm very pleased with the C230K. I really appreciate all the room and storage. It's unbelievable how much stuff I have been able to put in it when those seats fold down.

huntzinger · January 2002

is early March.

I've kept quiet about it because it was driving a slightly^H^H^H^H^H^H^H (thank goodness for that edit button!) irritating young coworker (who also reads Edmunds) up a wall. Revenge has been sweet :-)

Configuration was C4 (heated seats) + C7 + Bordeaux Red Metallic. Discount was 3.5% below MSRP.

There was some unexpected hassles when the first dealership I was at demanded an astounding $300 service fee for processing T&T paper work. I walked out, and they'll be hearing from the BBB in the near future because they misrepresented state laws.

-hh

8u6hfd · January 2002

I learn from the best, according to my co-workers

is300tm7 · January 2002

mlsphd · January 2002

It's common practice in CT for dealers to charge 200-300 for "conveyance fee", just an add on profit gimmick. When I was negotiating for the car, I figured that add in when I gave them the number I wanted to pay. Worked out fine! I got my price, and the salesman got to add back in the $250.

Going to pick it up tomorrow...

huntzinger · January 2002

It's... just an add on profit gimmick.

Clearly so. We've now bought multiple vehicles at our local "high end" dealership (Audi/Range Rover/Porsche/Bentley) and they only charge $99, which made this particular M-B dealer's price clearly out of line.

When I was negotiating for the car, I figured that add in when I gave them the number I wanted to pay. Worked out fine! I got my price, and the salesman got to add back in the $250.

We were a mere $200 apart on the bottom line of our first time down through the numbers. I was willing to let him move the numbers around so that they "fit" properly, so long as the bottom line didn't change. He refused. I walked. His loss.

At the other very local dealership, not only did I get the price I was asking for, but the contract terms for my trade-in are more fair, they're closer to where I work than the first dealer, and they just started offering Saturday service hours.

-hh

8u6hfd · January 2002

The the Tags & title are mostly privatized. There's the standard state fees (when you go do a PennDOT license center), but PA also allows companies to charge a fee on top.

huntzinger · January 2002

In NJ, state regulations still allow you to process Title & Tags yourself. This part costs around $75. You're not obligated to pay the dealer an additional fee to do this paper work transaction for you.

The problem was that "$300 fee" salesman claimed that I couldn't do the paper work myself, which is a misrepresentation of State Law.

Would you reward a liar by buying a car from him?

-hh

8u6hfd · January 2002

I personally would just walk away from the sale.

There are people, who don't even know what is going on, and is depending on the salesman for information (and hopefully the truth). Those people would be called "suckers".

pixmation · January 2002

This is my first MB and the process from being just curious about the new C230 coupe to driving off one was interesting.

When I was car shopping at Van Nuys, CA one saturday afternoon. I looked and test drove the Subaru WRX. Then I was on my way over to the BMW dealer to test drive the 325ci.

I saw MB dealer across the street so I decided to check out the C230. I was greeted by a salesperson who told me that it's busy on weekends and he would love to take me to test drive the c230 on a weekday when it's not too busy (since I told him that at that moment I was not considering a MB). So I think it's reasonable.

I went back during a week night and test drove both auto and manual. But I still need to think about it. A week later I went back and told him that I have decided to get the C230 and would like to give the business to him because he has been very helpful.

I was upfront with him about me did some research on the car's price/invoice on the internet. I don't expect him not making any profit.

At the second visit when I asked about the k2a package. he told me that the handset is not included, I have to buy it from parts for $400. he even shown me on the sticker of another car. I told him that the description on the sticker does not state that the handset was not included. He told me just the way MB is.

I check with other dealers and confirmed that the handset indeed is included in the package. Needless to say, I bought my C230 from another dealership and the rest is history.

Ed.

chowchow3 · January 2002

I finally bought my first MB on 12/30/01. I can't tell you how it drives yet because I still don't have my car. The saga from deposit to now is really long (3 months). I will share my exp. when I get my baby safely home. Right now, I honestly have mixed feelings towards the whole buying experience. There are very good moments and there are very frustating ones.

Here's my real question.I went to the dealership to pick up my car. The engine started right away but it sounded really loud as if the engine is really cranked up. Does that sound right? I stood by a S class and a CLK to listen. The engines didn't sound like they were working so hard. Any thoughts - am I right, paranoid or ignorant? This isn't the reason why I didn't pick up the car - the trunk won't open! However, I should have my car once they fix the trunk. If there's other things I need them to fix, I want them to do it now and not me keep taking it to the mechanic.

Please help.

paul_p · January 2002

chowchow3,

If you are getting a C230 with the Kompressor engine do not despair, it can be loud on startup. My 2000 model sounds as one poster put it very well, "agricultural" (appropriate for me I guess, as I live in Northwest Georgia among the tractors). Once the car warms up though it should sound fine, in my 7 years of owning C-Classes I have always noticed a tick from the fuel injectors and/or valve train.

I had read that most of the noise had been worked out in newer models, but perhaps it is because you are new to the car that it seems loud. However, if you still do not feel it is right you may want to bring it to the attention of your Service Rep.

- Paul_P

jjpeter · January 2002

Sitting on top of the C230 engine is a supercharger, which gives this little engine so much power. The price you pay is this "agricultural" noise one hears at startup. A lot of moving parts are involved with this engine, and it takes a few seconds to get the oil circulated to the top and into the blower (my guess.) Once everything is fully circulating, it quiets down. MB has tested this engine for 100s of thousands of miles and I'm sure its built to last. I kind of like to think of it as a jet engine that lights up when I turn the key, waiting for its master to kick in the throttle and once the supercharger takes over, its like adding the afterburner.

On another note, I installed mud flaps behind the front wheels this past weekend. Finally went to the channel lock plyers to get those damn clips snapped on, but now the protection is in place, and a nice little complement to the looks of the car.

chowchow3 · January 2002

just want to say thank you for your advice on engine noise. Now it only my baby can come home:(

Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)

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