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From: Los Angeles
2005 clk320 cabriolet
Potential owner
I'm looking at 2001-2003 C240-320's. Can you guys give me an honest run down of the cons (I'm already aware of the pros) of owning this generation C class? I hear the nightmare stories, but if you guys can be frank and tell me if they're really worth buying or not, I'd appreciate it. Who better to ask than people who own it, I say 
List me a few of the very common issues, and if they're easily resolved. I know tranny leak seems to be a huge problem.
List me a few of the very common issues, and if they're easily resolved. I know tranny leak seems to be a huge problem.
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To start: there's a bunch of TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins posted by year) within this same forum that you might want to look at. That should give you an idea of what to expect to fix as far as the dealership/warranty/recalls.. etc. Other than that, some people have been getting peeling armrests, funny smelling a/c and the NEWEST thing... believe it or not.. is how easy it can be to steal a sunroof off our cars (hasn't happened to me yet - but I'd start looking outside your window right about now).
flip
flip
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Joined: May 2006
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From: Los Angeles
2005 clk320 cabriolet
Originally Posted by JP@CarLAB
To start: there's a bunch of TSBs (Technical Service Bulletins posted by year) within this same forum that you might want to look at. That should give you an idea of what to expect to fix as far as the dealership/warranty/recalls.. etc.
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From: 02116
Is @ Home
i think it varies from car to car. i've got my car preowned and the previous owner took good care of it that there doesn't seem to be any problem from the carfax, service records and from the dealer (where it was serviced). if you have the warranty you should be fine. oh and i tested a few c classes and the rear sunshade seems to have problems on most of the cars i've test drove, dunno if thats a problem for the majority or not
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Joined: Mar 2006
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Hello Flip; have you ever had the funny smelling smell from the A/C? I think I have that. The car is a 2005 C230K SS. Can you describe the smell? I would describe the smell as heated rubber (but not burnt) in small doses.
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From: Newport Beach
04 C230K-ss
my 2004 c230 kompressor has just gone up for sale if you are interested. Still under warranty and over $8,000 in mods. are going with the car. Here is the link with full details and write up-https://mbworld.org/forums/classifieds/152901-sale-2004-c230k-over-8-000-accessories.html
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by vectorz
Wow, that's amazing to me how people going to school can afford such a nice vehicle! I'd hate to see what you'll buy when you start generating income! 
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From: Los Angeles
2005 clk320 cabriolet
Originally Posted by b3d_sage
Heh, the school I'm going to costs more per year than I paid for my C320. And, my car is kind of cheap compared to some of the student cars there. But, in 5 years (I'm a sophmore) I'm going to buy an italian vert.
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by vectorz
Geeezus. Man, living in the fast lane! Those kids are spoiled! What's the sweetest car you seen there that a student drives?
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From: Los Angeles
2005 clk320 cabriolet
No kidding? Wow, but i'm curious if you were in school without a job, how did you manage to pay off a 30+k car?
Maybe I grew up in a different time. A time when you were in college, you starved to pay tuition first. I notice when I go to visit my gf at her school, all the students have nicer cars than me!
Maybe I grew up in a different time. A time when you were in college, you starved to pay tuition first. I notice when I go to visit my gf at her school, all the students have nicer cars than me!
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From: Southern Methodist University
2001 C320 (purple), 2002 BMW 540i
Originally Posted by vectorz
No kidding? Wow, but i'm curious if you were in school without a job, how did you manage to pay off a 30+k car?
Maybe I grew up in a different time. A time when you were in college, you starved to pay tuition first. I notice when I go to visit my gf at her school, all the students have nicer cars than me!
Maybe I grew up in a different time. A time when you were in college, you starved to pay tuition first. I notice when I go to visit my gf at her school, all the students have nicer cars than me!
But, most of my friends at the school I WAS at didn't even have a car. I just happen to be going to a school now that is less than 4 miles from the Jag / Land Rover / Lexus / Volvo / Maserati / Rolls Royce / Porsche / Mercedes / Maybach / Bentley dealership.
