Pweb

Would you?

session

yes... in fact i hope to upgrade to the C32 coupe in a few years if they ever decide to sell it in the US.

Pweb

So it doesn't bother you that others are saying that their cars (or better yet, all MB) are unreliable?

tommy

Look at the source. j/k

No, seriously, I do love my ccoupe. It does seem like some people have unreasonable expectations of it being Honda-like in reliability (obviously not) or WRX fast (ditto).

It's a fun, practical cruiser, and anyone wanting anything else should probably look elsewhere. Having said all that, though, this will probably be my last MB; I've got a hankerin' for a Saab before GM sucks the life out of them. Just hoping for a hatch on the new 9-3 eventually.

Buellwinkle

Just because it's an unreliable POS doesn't mean I don't like the car, it's great and the loaners are even better. Not too many dealers around me with as good a service including the free cookies and car washes. I would be hesitant in getting a 1.8L until it's been out for a while.

avlis

1764 posts and 1763 of them contain "free cookies and car washes"

My car isn't unrelieable nor a POS, so I have no reason NOT to buy another. You'll find the same complaints on message boards for Honda, Toyota, etc. If I wanted a squeeky, rattley, cheaply built box with 4 wheels attached, I'd get another Honda or Toyota (already have one).

And I don't get free cookies and car washes (at least...I don't think...?)

Buellwinkle

We actually enjoy our Honda CR-V, very reliable, no squeeks or rattles and would certainly get another Honda again despite the no free cookies, soda, car washes and loaners. On the other hand I would only buy another MB if they did have free cookies and car washes as it completes the package. As for loaners, don't need them with a Honda where as with MB it's very important because I can't be without my car as with as much time as the POS MB spends in the shop. Yesterday's FIAT is today's MB just with free car washes and cookies and loaners. There Avlis, did I say it enough times yet? If only I could imagine a day when MB fun to drive factor and great service joins Honda/Toyota reliability, nah, better chance of peace in the middle east.

KWiK

Yes

Over 16K miles and no problems so far.

taylor192

Unreliable? I've been reading through the postings and haven't read too much that wouldn't surprise me on any car, thus why I am currently in the process of getting my own 2003 C230K.

Plus MB service seems to be many times better, I first looked at Nissan and their service is... well... not great to be nice. Driving a loaner that is an upgrade from the C230K, even if it is only a C240, is a definite plus. If I took a Maxima in, I'd probably end up with a Sentra XE!

Plus there's something to be said just about having the glamour of driving a MB instead of a RSX, WRX, its closest competitors, without having the "old man" image attached by going with Saab (sorry, Saab is a great car, and eventually I want one, just doesn't have the young appeal the C230, RXS, and WRX have to us 20-somethings).

Although I think everyone of Buellwinkle's posts mention something bad, thus I don't really understand why he still has the car and hasn't complained to the point to get rid of it yet... maybe deep down he actually likes the C230K and its not that bad. ;-)

Buellwinkle

Arghhh! How many times must I say this, I DO LIKE THE CAR, despite the problems. I have gotten rid of cars I didn't like soon after I've bought them even though they were problem free. I'm not being sarcastic when I tell you I have a POS car and I love it, the service, the forums and yes, the free car washes.

Pweb

... and cookies

Buellwinkle

Sure, make me hungry just after I get back from lunch. Once in a while they have these wonderful brownies drizzled in caramel and chocolate. Maybe I should get a Honda so I can lose weight.

revstriker

If you want true answers on the reliability and quality of MBs, I would say that you need to just ignore Buellwinkle's rambles. It is clear that he is just sounding off to get on people's nerves.

As far as quality and reliability, I think that MBs are pretty good. I know that there are some people that have had problems on this board, but overall, I think most have not. The JD Powers (I think that was the company) survey had them ranked well above average on reliability, although they were down from where they had been in years past. Number 12 I think.

You take a chance with any kind of a car you buy. A co-worker of mine just traded in his Honda Accord after a year because it had been in the shop too many times for different problems. I myself have had many problems with a Ford that I once owned. I was glad to finally get rid of that car. I have known 3 other people that have had Ford cars which ended up having big problems. One ended up going through the Lemon Law process, and the other two just opted to get rid of them on their own.

Buellwinkle

Revstriker, don't get hysterical, have you tried meditation (or is that medication). Please calm down, I only bring peace and eternal happiness to the forum. Your negative Karma does not benefit anyone.

I would buy a non-Mercedes car from my MB dealer just for the free car washes and those incredible brownies. Yes, they wash non-mercedes too as long as you bought it there.

OK, lets start, chant ohmmmmmm!

Pweb

... and cookies

Buellwinkle

Stop with the cookies, now I have to raid the candy machine.

SoCal240/6

Bullwinkle is Daimler/Chrysler, MBUSA's and MB dealers' wet dreams.

zimmer26

Yes, if I had it to do over again now, no I won't buy another one after this one I doubt. I'll need a bit more space, something that my clubs can fit in w/o having to fold a seat! I don't see myself in another MB after this one either, I think they're nice but just cost more than they should. I'm an admitted value/performance/utility buyer and I think its tough to find that in the MB stable minus the coupe and arguably C32 right now IMO, and even the coupe's value has decreased via the smaller engine and the mirrors (which I love) are optioned off. But right now I'm thinking it'll be G35, and I'm sure that will change countless times before I'm ready to trade (which will be shortly before or after I run through the warranty I think.) Overall I'm very pleased- almost 10k and no real problems to speak of. Yes the steering wheel button is cracked, and the driver belt still puts undue pressure on the collar bone after 1 visit, and now my driver window makes about 3 of those ticking sounds when using the express up. Nitpicking aside, the car's been fun, lived up to if not exceeded my expectations, and I must say that coming from 3 straight Toyotas prior to this car, now I know what brakes should feel like/are able to do.

C230K

Bullwinkle FORD mentality at it's best......... you remind me of my X-wife……….

taylor192

WHAT? Are you serious? I swear I didn't notice on the two 2003s I saw on the lot had them... maybe its different in Canada...

MB-BOB

Huh? Are you saying the signal repeaters in the mirrors are no longer there? If so, check out CME4BENZ's pix of his dealer's first Pewter 2003. The mirrors don't appear to have changed at all...

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=13543

zimmer26

No, I'm referring to their auto dimming qualities. From what mbusa.com says they will only be available w/C2 (roof) package, this wouldn't make non roof fans (there are some aside from me) rather irked, maybe you can get them a la carte but it still means less value.

Ted

Yes... Love the Benz. I bought a black '02 C230K coupe (with C5, Auto & CD ) for my son on his graduation from college. Sweet ride... I love to drive it when he lets me. It is everything a Benz should be... including the stereo system ! I have yet to figure out why all of the complaints about the stereo. His kicks a*# ! Perhaps folks just don't know how to set it up or listen to the wrong type music! Love the Bose !

This is the 5th MB I've purchased over the past 16 years. As far as I'm concerned, there is not another brand I would consider because of the overall safety and value of the product line. My 91 300 D Turbo now has 205,000 mi. and the 190 D has 189,000 mi. Both still look and drive like new.

The C230k is a blast to drive .... what a value !

BlackC230Coupe

i would definitly buy another C230k again. I am almost 100% sure i wont just because i like to change cars. But there would be nothing to stop me but that. I have never had one problem with the car at all. Its never even seen the service dep. yet.

i know already that when i get rid of it i will miss it.

with the 12 mercedes ever owned in my household we never had one serious problem with one.

I will always own a mercedes. Or 2

taylor192

Will you be my dad? I just graduated University and have to buy my own graduation present... but its worth it to know I've worked this hard to get it.