shep01

just about to purchase a 2003 c230k - need feedback - any serious issues? build quality: reliability: help please

ahwang

My C230 is a piece of highly unreliable and unsafe vehicle produced by Mercedes-Benz. Their customer representative uses irresponsible manner to handle my case. The service department is very incompetent as well. Most of the people are very satisify with their cars though. I hope that you can get a perfect C230

pfphipps

Seems like a lot of people like to complain but I bought a C230K last December and it has been great! It has about 7500 miles on it now and it has not been back for anything, not even a little squeak. This is about my 12th new Mercedes and I have never had one that has been so trouble free. It just keeps going. I guess there are a few things I might like different but I have a hard time complaining about a car that gives this kind of service.

Xeon

hmm...i dunno..i have no trouble with my coupe....maybe becos i am the youngest customer of my salesman? my family own numerous merc..well...this one has certainly lived up to the star standard

shep01

this all really helps - i have had a number of merc over the years - but i know nothing about this car - hoping for trouble free - reliable - safe transport - how is the ride at highway sustained speeds? does it strain the engine to cruise at 80mph?

i really appreciate the feedback

trench

Considering it was designed for autobahn cruising, 80mph is a walk in the park (both engine and ride-wise). I have the six-speed manual, I imagine that the auto might turn a few more revs than the manual in 6th, but even still I think that 80 mph is no problem (just be careful of how fast 80 mph can turn into 100 mph with only a little bit of throttle - even at this speed, it still seems to cruise effortlessly).

Cheers, BT

shep01

you are def helping my decision - i am buying the car to replace a lexus rx300 ( a bloated camry imho) which is terrible at speed - more of a mini-van for in-town short trips - i know little about the car - so your responses are great news - seems most everyone is happy with the car

Xeon

80 is not a pro man...go for the car!...i hit 130 on it

20FHK02

I go to about 100 on many freeway etrance mergings when I turn my head back to the dashboard after passing the sluggish cars. Lucky that I haven't seen any cops merging with me

DCX Engineer

I have only had a minor problem with the door seal and it was replaced. My delaer has been a joy to work with.

My car rides and drives great. It is my daily driver for a 45 mile commute at speeds between 75 and 85mph. I purchased this car because it is very safe and a blast to drive.

14,500 miles in less than 6 months.

shep01

well - that's it - ordering tomorrow:

c230k 2003
black opel metalic
C5;C7
automatic :-( (daughters car)
cd changer

mctwin2kman

I am happy to see this thread as well, I am ordering one soon. The wifey pointed one out to me, and I fell in love.

DrMike

Another happy camper here. Car was delivered end of Jan. (one week before I injured my leg and couldn't drive for a month.) Going in for the first scheduled service tomorrow, with a bit over 10k miles. A joy to drive! Fun on the highways and winding country roads. Here in western CT, lots of 2 lane highways winding thru the countryside. We've also done some long trips up thru New England with a mix of open highway and 2 lane roads--smooth, comfortable, great handling. On the highway, use cruise control or watch closely or you'll be creeping past 80 without noticing.

The car hasn't been flawless. It's been in for headlight reaiming (and I replaced factory low beams with high output phillips). Also, took a couple of trips and sensor replacements to take care of the ABS fault warning. No regrets about the purchase!

shep01

really great to get the positive response - i will def put in the eibach pro kit to get the car a tad stiffer & dial out a little of the understeer - but i am happy with the decision thanks to those who have responded to this thread! i don't see any competition for this car at the price - a 3 series bmw is more money & they don't make the 318i anymore which was their 4 cyl - besides this car is more unique as there are too many 3 series on the road as it is

jay

It is a huge strain to cruise at 80 mph. On me!!
Mine runs better at 110 mph....

Seriously. Every car has it's problems, even this one, but damn if it isn't fun to drive!!!

EDIT: By the way, I hit 30,000 miles this week.......