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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sedans

7297 messages,  Last post on Nov 10, 2009 at 7:48 PM

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Messages Page 720 of 731

#7184 of 7297 Re: C-230 vs. Acura TL [blk900t] by magrezza

Sep 01, 2005 (11:03 am)

Replying to: blk900t (Aug 31, 2005 8:56 pm)
I have about decided on the Mercedes--even though the TL has "rave" reviews, it still seems to be a supercharged Honda, and has that "big car" feel. I love the size of the C-230.
 
I might add that I live in Puerto Rico, where space is very, very tight, and the size of theC230 is just right...the taxes we pay (are you sitting down) add about 26% to the full suggested retail price, which is what we pay...in fact, I'm paying a premium of $700 over MSRP, bringing the price of the car with lighting, sunroof, & elec. pacakges, to over $44K. The TL is $46K.
 
I am actually leaning towards white, since this saves about $850 with PR excise taxes. My dilema is that I don't like the way the Ash interiors appear behind the blue glass with the white exterior, and the black is such a severe contrast...I'm disappointed that Mercedes doesn't have attractive leather color choices, such as the Dakota that BMW has...this would convince me to pay the premium for full leather, for sure. I also like the Barolo red in pictures with Ash interior, however, there is no car here at my dealer to see in person.
 
My other concern is that I've read that the car is underpowered, and lacks torque, especially low end...I drove a used 2005 Komp. at a dealer, and was impressed, however, there is no 2006 C230 available for test driving (which is typical here). What is your opinion in this regard? MT has a great raving review of the C350, however, this car is over $50K with PR taxes, and unaffordable for me at this point.
 
As things look now with this gas fiasco, I may end up buying nothing, as my increased payment budget is going to be unfortunately consumed paying for gasoline.
 
Any thoughts you have would be appreciated!

#7185 of 7297 Re: C-230 vs. Acura TL [dfc3] by magrezza

Sep 01, 2005 (11:09 am)

Replying to: dfc3 (Sep 01, 2005 9:40 am)
You bring up my other quandry--C230 vs. 280...I am definitely an aggressive driver, and have had a number of sport tuned autos--Passat, Z3, etcl, even though the roads here in Puerto Rico are awful...At the same time, however, I wish the engine in the C280 was that of the C230...I shy away from the C280's interior, which seems more like a car my father would buy, not me. Again, C350 is my ideal car, but too pricey for me with the high PR taxes.

#7186 of 7297 Re: C230 Oil Filter Location [vaughan2] by jrct9454

Sep 01, 2005 (2:27 pm)

Replying to: vaughan2 (Sep 01, 2005 8:50 am)
All MB engines feature a filter that is accessible from the top of the engine, in a round cannister, usually black plastic about 3 inches in diameter, with a four- or six-sided screw top embossed wth the torque instructions for tightening. I can't be any more specific than that without a picture of the engine to look at....I would recognize it instantly if I had one in front of me.
 
(I'll search the internet to see if I can find a pic of the engine to verify.)
 
It looks like it's on the driver's side, near the firewall [back of the engine].

#7187 of 7297 Re: C-230 vs. Acura TL [magrezza] by dfc3

Sep 01, 2005 (5:08 pm)

Replying to: magrezza (Sep 01, 2005 11:09 am)
I can't respond to the relative lack of torque question. I haven't even seen a C230 yet - more yet test drove one. I have seen the new C280.
 
I understand what you mean, though. The C280 only comes in a sedan, not a sports version, which is fine for me (I have 2 young kids). To get a sports version, you'd need to move up to the C350. From the reviews, that seems like a great car, and its still on the same chassis as the C230/C280. But... I'm even shying away from the C350 on price - and I'm in the U.S. It doesn't seem worth paying an extra $4,000 for the added engine power (which is essentially what you get for it). Mercedes-Benz must have a higher markup on the C350.
 
You might want to check out another board. There's one under the Mercedes-Benz discussion boards called "C280 and C350" or something like that. Someone there may have bought a C230.

#7188 of 7297 C230 by chrisjoo

Sep 03, 2005 (1:26 pm)

I just purchased my first Mercedes Benz. I got C230 with Metallic Paint, Automatic transmission, Heated front seats, Sunroof Package, Lighting Package, Driver's side power seat. MSRP is $35,905. Invoice is $33,446. I got 9% discount from MSRP. I paid $32,673.55 plus $77 for tag and 3% Virginia sales tax. Total out the door price was $33,828.61. I originally considered SLK, CLK coupe and E class, Audi A4 and BMW 3 coupe. I loved the A4's ride, but I wanted to stay away from VW/Audi reliability problem. BMW 3 looked nice, but the model has been out in the market for too long. It would have been nice to get CLK coupe or E, but I think C230 is good enough.

#7189 of 7297 2003 OIL DIPSTICK by vaughan2

Sep 05, 2005 (11:17 am)

These vehicles do not have oil dipsticks. You must depend on the dash display. Is there an aftermarket oil dipstick that will work for this vehicle? I'm from the old school. I like to see what my oil looks like.
 
Thanks!

#7190 of 7297 Chrisjoo--may I ask where you purchased the car? by billp8

Sep 08, 2005 (7:59 am)

I believe we are allowed to give the name of the dealer, but not the salesperson. Good luck with the car! Did you specifically want the Lighting Package (seems to be a rare option in the DC/NOVA area--but I think the bi-xenons definitely improve the looks of the front end).

#7191 of 7297 Re: Chrisjoo--may I ask where you purchased the car? [billp8] by chrisjoo

Sep 08, 2005 (5:32 pm)

Replying to: billp8 (Sep 08, 2005 7:59 am)
Euromotorcars in Bethesda. I don't think every salesperson offer that deal though. My salesperson is exceptional when it comes down to discounts. I originally thought about purchasing SLK 280. He offered 9% discount on that car also. He even beat European Delivery price. Other dealership didn't offer any discounts on that model. I had to special order though and it's going to take about 6-8 weeks for me to get a car. BTW, 9% is only valid on special orders I think. He will still give you a good deal if you buy one from the lot, but it will be less than 9%. Lighting Package is a rare option. The only way you can get Lighting Package is placing an order. I didn't mind waiting and I wanted the exact options. Let me know if you have additional questions.

#7192 of 7297 Looking at a 2001 C240. by bafana

Sep 08, 2005 (7:18 pm)

I have the opportunity to purchase a used '01 C240 (black, not my favorite color but this car looks good in black) in mint condition with only 45,000 miles on the odometer for around $16,000. I will be new to Mercedes vehicles if I do decide to purchase this vehicle. I have read on this forum about some owners who has electrical problems with this model year. The price looks very attractive but will I regret this purchase after a month or two? The seller showed me all his maintenance records for the vehicle and nothing out of the norm showed up except that the instrument cluster had to replaced due to a faulty gas gauge. All opinions would be appreciated. Thanks.

#7193 of 7297 Re: Looking at a 2001 C240. [bafana] by tony24

Sep 11, 2005 (4:59 am)

Replying to: bafana (Sep 08, 2005 7:18 pm)
I have a 2002 C240(yes, it is not the 2001 model) but It has been in the shop more (20plus) times than I care to mention. Please do not purchase this car I hope this e-mail is not reaching you too late. Yes, I did all the maintence on my car. The car only has 22,000 miles on it. Please do your research on this car and you will see that the problems are numerous on this car by other owners. That said, it is your decision to make, you might be getting a good line. Be careful and I hope the the best for you.
 
Regards

Messages Page 720 of 731

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