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Mercedes-Benz C-Class Owners: Meet the Members

125 messages,  Last post on May 17, 2008 at 8:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Hatchback, Sedan, Wagon

Messages Page 10 of 13

#86 of 125 Thoughts on C230 coupe and sedan by larsca

Apr 08, 2004 (1:44 pm)

My wife bought her gently used (180 miles) 2002 C230 hatchback in October 2002, and here are my thoughts after 1 1/2 of ownership.
 
We paid $25.000 for the car out the door. That was including an extended warranty for 7 years/100.000 miles. The car is silver metallic, auto transmission, auto dimming mirrors, and that's it. No leather, no CD, no moon roof. It took a good three months to get used to the very hard seats, but now they don't bother me anymore.
 
We bought the car from Fletcher Jones in Newport Beach, and that has been nothing but a pleasurable experience. The car has had a couple of annoying problems. Windows that won't go up, turn signals that malfuction, a break sensor that didn't work, and so on. All of these problems have been taken care of free of charge since they're covered under the warranty. Also, when turning the car in for service or repairs, we get a free loaner car for the day. I've had ML 320, ML 350, C240, E320, and a Sebring convertible. This has given me ample oppurtunity to get an idea of these other cars, what I like and dislike about them. The ML is kind of cool, but not for me. Too rough of a ride, and the ML320 is very underpowered (350 works fine though). C240 is too soft for me. E320 is also too soft (old model, not the new one). And the Sebring... No way! Besides the obvious, a convertible should come with sun lotion dispensers in the dash as standard. Yes, I was very red-faced after a day in that thing!
 
I am an avid fan of Volvos (I'm from Sweden, maybe that's why?) and I am now thinking about buying a new car. I am enamored by the new Volvo S40 T5, but having had the privalige of being co-owner of my wife's MB, I will most likely go for the new redesign (I know, it's very slight) C230 Sedan. To me it's the perfect vehicle. It looks good, feels great, and moves well. I will go for a black exterior with black leather interior and wood inlays (if I can get that), CD changer, sun roof and rear shades, six speed manual and if it doesn't drive up the cost too much, the fat spoked AMG wheels with high performance tires. I believe that on December 31st of this year, I should be able to get that exact car for around $30k (AMG wheels not included).
 
I was interested in a BMW 325 Ci, until I did the math and realized with all the options I want it'll be very expensive. If I could afford $40k on a car, I might look at the new BMW 525, but since I can't afford to spend that much for now that is nothing but a pipe dream.
 
My wife's car has the old 2.3 liter engine and it's a loud machine, but only outside of the car. Inside you only hear the whine from the supercharger (and of course, when you rev it it does become a lot louder than a C240 for instance). As far as I understand the new 1.8 liter engine is more quiet, get better milage, but is just as powerful.
 
I have absolutely no idea why I thought this would be interesting for anyone to read... But those are my thoughts. I recommend Fletcher Jones Newport Beach. Also, when buying from them, you get free car wash for as long as the car's under warranty, and free parking and shuttle to Orange County's John Wayne airport. So far I think my wife and I have saved about $250 in airport parking fees, and we don't even fly that often...

#87 of 125 2004 C320 Coupe by spicy320

May 04, 2004 (3:49 am)

Got it with the Premium Pkg (Panorama Roof, Bose, Leather), Metallic Paint, 6CD Changer, and Auto Trans. Love the way those 17" rims look!
 
For $32,000 out-the-door, I'd say it's a good deal. The Bi-Xenon headlights and Comfort Pkg (power seats) would have been a nice addition though.
 
So far, no problems with the car. But if anyone has this car and finds any major faults, please warn. Thx!

#88 of 125 spicy320 by sweetc230

May 04, 2004 (1:31 pm)

Congrats on your purchase! Sounds like you got a good deal. My '03 C230 Sport Sedan is a little over a year old now and I never get tired of looking at (especially with the 17inch wheel/tire combo) or driving it. It has just under 15K and not a problem yet. I don't see too many C320 coupes, mainly the C230, so I bet you enjoy blowing a few unsuspecting wannabes off the line!! Enjoy your new ride!

#89 of 125 Re: spicy320 [sweetc230 #88] by spicy320

May 07, 2004 (11:40 pm)

Replying to: sweetc230 (May 04, 2004 1:31 pm)
Nice! I like the sedan version as well.. very sleek, very eye-catching.. but I guess the coupe suits my petite size better (heh). So how is your Kompressor engine - is it running well so far? I keep wondering whether getting the 230 would have been a better choice since everyone seems to rave about the car, esp it's great mileage (I barely hear anything about the 320 coupe!!).

#90 of 125 Kompressor by sweetc230

May 10, 2004 (9:14 am)

I'm lovin' it. The gas mileage is just an added bonus. I get about 31 mpg on the highway and usually about 25 in mixed driving. The engine is very lively when mated with the 6 spd manual; however, if I got an automatic, I believe I would have to step up to the C320. And like I said, the C320 coupe is definitely a rare bird, but I would take that as a good thing; it's good to be a little different and you'll never regret the power. But in sport sedan form, the C320 was closer to 38K with the options I like, and that was a little out of my range. My C230 with the C2 package, Bose, CD changer and heated seats only cost me 31K. That was a deal I couldn't pass up. Let us know how your ownership experience goes. Is this your first Benz?

#91 of 125 Re: Kompressor [sweetc230 #90] by spicy320

May 23, 2004 (12:50 am)

Replying to: sweetc230 (May 10, 2004 9:14 am)
This is actually my third Benz. However, the other two were hand-me-down E-Classes from my parents (not so "brand new" by the time it got to me); this will be my first spankin' new Benz. It's nice to know I won't be driving around in a German tank anymore. One regret though.. I think I'd enjoy the car even more if my dealer found me the exact same car with the addition of power seats and bi-xenons. And mileage-wise, the 320 is a gas guzzler. I get between 16 and 18 mpg when driving local and about 20 mpg on the highway (25 mpg if I drive far and do little braking). On the plus side, the additional power makes driving a blast. Reaching the 1000 mile mark pretty soon, so looking forward to testing the 320's capabilities.

#92 of 125 Re: Waiting for New MB C230k [mbowner1] by burkejp

Sep 12, 2004 (11:48 pm)

Replying to: mbowner1 (Apr 07, 2003 8:45 am)
having your car sent AWAY from you, instead of heading in your direction is a major error on MB's part. i don't see why a little finagling over the bottom price would be out of the question. MB makes a mistake (or whoever they contract out to transfer the cars) and should own up to their own faults, especially when people are throwing down much more $$$ than the average person does. and MB is a company that not only boasts wonderfully designed pieces of machinery, but also their sales and service departments guarantee that you car purchase will be comfortable and easy.
 
so, ultimately, if you should have already taken possession of your car and have not due to the "transportation error" (how comprehensible can that be???), then you, as the consumer, should be allotted some form of discount or other benefit, for your lost time, and any stress that may have been caused - i.e. time you may have been perhaps without a car, the time you've spent second-guessing your investment, when it can't make it to you as promised... and then ends up in another city on the other side of the country.
 
there's definitely room to barter here. once you own a MB, you'll never want to drive anything else. Yet, first impressions are the most lasting and you would probably never return there for another MB given this situation, unless they can create a solution that satisfies both parties.
 
Good luck!

#93 of 125 2005 C230 Kompressor Sedan by dprovons

Oct 14, 2004 (6:24 am)

My new 2005 C230K sedan was delivered to me on September 28. It is black with Ash interior, has the sunroof package and the glovebox-mounted CD changer. I chose it over: BMW 325i, Saab 9-3 Arc, Lexus IS300, Acura TSX, and Infiniti G35 sedan. Every time I drive it, I am more convinced I made the right choice.
 
Everything's great so far (1200+ miles already). The car has great acceleration, point-and-shoot steering and handling and is still a great highway car. It has a really aggressive, sporty style and, with the black paint, gets a lot of oohs and ahs from friends, neighbors and complete strangers. Not that I go for that kind of thing. Really.

#94 of 125 C230 Sport Sedan Wheel Size by mbz66

Nov 05, 2004 (7:28 pm)

Hi All,
The original rear wheels of my C230 Sport Sedan (2004) are of 8.5 X 17 X ET34.
Due to accident, I looked for a replacement and found a wheel of 8.5 X 17 X ET30.
I'd appreciate help with answers for the following questions.
What is the meaning of ET34 versus ET30?
Is it OK to replace the ET34 with ET30 wheel, although the first two numbers (8.5 X 17) match?
Many Thanks.

#95 of 125 Re: Hello & Welcome C-Class Owners! [KarenS] by alw

Dec 07, 2004 (7:12 am)

Replying to: KarenS (Feb 27, 2001 9:06 am)
Hi All, my name is Al and I am a first time mercedes owner. I have a 2001, -Class with 38k miles and it needs new tires. I know the right tire will give you a quiet and smooth ride and I asking for recommendations. I don't desire to pay for 80k mile tires, as they always dry-rot before I get 50k. But, if that's recommended, I will be happy to purchase them. Please reply soon. Thank you. Al

Messages Page 10 of 13

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