Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Mercedes-Benz CLK (2005 and earlier)
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
Yes, all of these are hatchbacks. That's the point. When I need a truck, I'll borrow/rent one. The meantime, a hatch is usually enough. The other cars on my short list right now is probably an Audi Avant (wagon), maybe a Golf GTI.
The biggest overall problem that I see is that if we say that the appeal of a hatchback is its practicality, there is the *perception* problem in that the C-Coupe requires premium gas. And even though I know that the true cost for Octane is peanuts...around $200/year)...it nevertheless remains a niggling factor that will eat at me. Historically, this was also true of the BMW 318ti, although IMO its "gutless wonder"motor with 2 people in the car was also a major factor for why I didn't buy one.
Overall, the biggest question I have right now is from the NYC auto show's M-B representative, who told me that they apparently aren't presently offering European delivery on the C-Coupe.
-hh
(my apologies if this is a repost; the board didn't appear to be working earlier)
Hope to see you participating more often in here in the future!
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I'm gratified that MB is using the Kompressor so that the C230 isn't going to be as pitiful of a performer as the BMW 318ti was, particuarly on torque.
My point regarding premium gas is that its my "stingy"...er, "practicality" :-) gene coming out, which is the same gene that appreciates hatchback designs. I know its not really a big deal, but it still feels like one.
BTW, MB answered an email inquiry I had sent them. Two good tidbits in it worth sharing:
First, the official release date is currently scheduled for July 16th, 2001 (although it can obviously still change).
Next, unlike what I reported from the NYC auto show, the C230 *WILL* reportedly be available for European Delivery, "...once the model becomes available for retail sales."
IMO, it still looks quite promising. If it test-drives well, the odds are good that you'll find me somewhere between the Romantic Road and Grindelwald, Switzerland, where there's some fabulous day-hiking in the Alps.
Of course, now if they'll only cut the profit margins on a couple of the items so that my praticality genes corner me into ordering a 'stripper', as well as cough up some details on the sport handling package (and hopefully, it won't cost ~$3K).
-hh
It seems like a great car, but I'm not sure it's really worth $11k over a gti 1.8t.
Is there anything online about the options pricing, or would I have to go to a dealer for the info?
Here is the product hightlights for the C-Coupe.
C230 Kimpressor Coupe-Exciting new styling In a whole new Sports Coupe.
The all-new Sports Coupe offers dynamic, sporty styling with the performace to back it up.
Powered by the 2.3L Kimpressor engine, it leads its field in performance without sacrifice.
The new byers will be younger than anyone that we have ever seen come in and this could very well be their first new car purchase.
Matallic Paint $650
Leather Upholstery $1410
COMMAND System $2080
Automatic Transmission $1300
Bose Sound System $610
Teleaid TBD
C1 Memory Power Front Seats $1225
C2 Panorama Sunroof/Rain Sensor $995
C4 Headlamp Washer/Heated Seats $820
C5 Premium Package - Sunroof/Bose System/Leather Uphostery/Rain Sensor TBA
K2 (VPC Installed) Motorola phone with CD Changer TBD
K2a (VPC Installed) Same above with Voice Control TBD
There will be two colors exclusive to the coupe, Paprika and Alabaster White. Actually the C32 will also get Alabaster White. Some color and upholstery combination will be special order at $1000.
I don't see the optional Xenon headlights that the other C-class can get on the list.
For $1410, I sure hope the leather seats are REALLY nice. And then another $1225 for memory seats?!
The other bs, I could do without, as I'm sure most of the c230 owners would. Those are more old fart kind of options, and the c230 typical owner should be younger.
I'd go aftermarket leather, as it should be substantially cheaper. The cloth, from what I've seen so far, is pretty nasty.
I think the success of the model will come down to its price, as the M-B name doesn't mean all that much to younger buyers. If it's 27-28, it'll do fine; if it goes over $30, you're looking at another 318ti.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
The leather upholstery will be like one the sedans, which not only includes the seats, but also the doors. Not sure what other part of the interior gets leather.
The weird thing is that the price the C320 Wagon's Sunroof/Rain Sensor is $1250. For $1350 on the sedans, you get the sunshade with that package.
Hmm, the Xenon is not listed for any other C-class on the list where I got the info from.
It's $24,950. Pretty reasonable, I think. Looks like I'm going to blow off the Mini (scared of new engine at new plant in new joint venture on brand-new car). Now all that's left is to compare it to the rsx and gti. The rep said their demo will be there towards the end of July, with first orders coming in late August/September.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Some minor quibbles are having to add in the cd player and paying for a good color for the car (only white, black, and red are free). But, at $25k, I guess I have a little more wiggle room than I expected.
Other possible problem: at $25k, the price might be low enough to attract more buyers than I want it to. Hoping that the hatch layout scares off alot of people, to keep numbers smallish.
I'd check www.ccoupe.com every so often to see if they've posted any delivery info.
Yeah, don't expect the salespeople to know much about the models at all before they start to trickle into showrooms.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
Don't miss the weekly MB Tuesdays chat at 6-7pm Pacific/9-10pm Eastern! All MB fans/enthusists/owners/potential owners are welcome to participate. Hope to see you there!
Click on the link below to enter the chat at the times above. Note that the link to the chat is always near the top of this page, just under the discussion topic title:
http://www.edmunds.com/chat/mercedeschat.html
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I am strongly considering the new coupe and am wondering if anyone has placed order? If you did, were you able to get any discount? I am assuming that like many new models that have any "buzz" attached people are actually paying over sticker.
Fyi!
I just drove the WRX and a Type R, but I really want real wheel drive and think the coupe will be a fun little car and a decent bang for the buck. I just sold my 2000 s4 which was an great car (I needed the $) and will surely miss the power as compared to a 4 banger.
For mid 20's I think a couple of extra g's is worth it for a Mercedes...let's just hope the quality of build is there.
At $34,000, it is not as attractive, since you could get an Acura CL-S with Navigation or other similar car for thousands less.
I am sure many people just want a Mercedes no matter what, and it still is the least expensive Mercedes you can get if even it tops out at about $34,000 so it should still sell well enough especially since the factory cannot build the C230 at the same pace Acura builds CLs. This low production may mean short supply and waiting lists for the people who will still be inclined to buy a C230 even at those prices.
Can anyone confirm this and are any options required to be purchased together or do any options prevent you from ordering others? For instance, does the Bose system and navigation system require the other or eliminate the choice of the other?
They are not going to be discounting a car that has has just come out and is a novelty.
Maybe in a year.
Tom
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
If you put a large amount of options on any car, the price is going to jump high. Why should this car be any different?
I guess the 6-speed is the same as the clk's. I have heard that it's not too buttery-smooth. Anyone with any first-person experience?
Some of the "options" should be standard in cars of this class.
If you don't like the garish pattern on the standard cloth seats, you have to get the overpriced leather where they charge extra again for heat.
A CD player is optional?
BTW, where did my post with the wonderful pictures go??? I even credited MB's website for the images, and now this!!! No, I didn't delete it myself either...
Now severely offended Tarik
http://www.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars/cl203/default.htm
MB German site:
http://www.mercedes-benz.de/mbd/t46/0,1506,C22C_BD,00.html?
Tarik
Your information is very much appreciated, but as stated in our Town Hall Use of Terms, copyright photos should not be posted into the messages here. Please just provide us with a urls to the photos, so as not to violate another website's copyright property.
Btw, we realize that participants are sometimes not aware of the guidelines, so if we have to delete a post, we usually send an explanation, along with a copy of the message. This gives one the opportunity to re-edit. Thanks for your participation. ;-)
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons Message Boards
I post, you delete, I am lucky enough to find my old post in the cache and re-post, you delete AGAIN! Man, I thought someone was "messing" with my mind!
Seriously, I do appreciate your (and Pat's) occasional making clear of the TH statutes. Rules are rules, and from now on, all you'll see from me are links instead of pictures.
Friends again? ;-)
Most humble Tarik
Pocahontas
Host
Hatchbacks / Station Wagons Message Boards
Mercedes will always get a premium over most over cars - probably until idiots like us stop buying them until they are a little more in line. I realize that I'd probably get screwed a little on the price, but that would be my decision.
If anyone's looking for a ton of car for the price, look at a wrx, vw gti 1.8, or even rsx (assuming no dealer markups on the Acura) for a better deal.
Don't get me wrong; the ccoupe is still my #1 choice, pending my powertrip in July. I just think that people shouldn't look for a value leader in this car.
Also, for a look at the competition, see what you get with a stripped 325 these days.
Finally, there's been talk that the ccoupe in North America will come with solid cloth, not that crap in the Euro versions; hope that's not just a wild rumor.
May I ask, which "crap" you are refering to? Can you point me to an URL with a picture of this oh-so-ugly interior?
Thanks,
Tarik
It's basically got squiggles all over the place, and is most unbecoming.
I'm probably going to go aftermarket leather, so I'm not that concerned, but it would be nice to have solid instead of the worms all over the seats.
Well, in MB's eyes, the Coupé caters to the young at heart (no pun), thus something fancier than gray on gray. May be the US version will come in toned down somewhat, as us-americans have been known in Europe as not exactly fashionable, whereas Europeans (Germans in particular) sometimes appear morbid in their quest to individualize their "everything".
Tarik
Tarik, I know what you mean about European tastes. I can still remember those gaudy Recaro seats in the older gtis - they looked like someone threw up fruity pebbles on them, though they were great seats otherwise. I guess those things sell in Europe well, but I wish they'd keep them there.
And they will start a wait list by September whos paying for MSRP.
Happy car hunting :-)
A couple of points...the C-class coupe weighs only 60 lbs less than the C240 V6 sedan because MB wanted to make sure that the coupe didn't compromise anything as far as safety goes. Motor Trend found that the 5 speed auto didn't match as well with the engine vs. the 6 speed manual. However, I've driven the previous generation C230K auto sedan many times, and even with that engine having slightly less horsepower, there was always a lot of torque on hand at just about any speed.
Drew
Host
Vans, SUVs, and Aftermarket & Accessories message boards
I also had read somewhere else that the reviewer thought that the auto was a better match for the car than the manny. Who should we believe?
I'm doing the powertrip in July, but of course, all three c230s that will be there are autos. There will be an slk there with the 6-speed, but since this MT article says the feel between the tranny in the c230 & slk is different, I'm going to wait until I can drive a c230 with a manny to see if I'd like it.
Benz sure doesn't make this an easy decision for me.
Odd that two reviews would give opposite info.