2004.5 C230, Is there a difference?
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
2004.5 C230, Is there a difference?
I have a 2004 C230 and notice some members call their 2004 a .5 model.
I know that in 2005 they revamped the car with tweaks to the exterior and has a new instrument cluster and revised center console.
What is different on the 2004.5?
I also just bought off of Ebay (and received)a set of funnel spoked wheels with tires (ie the ones that came with the SS for 05 and 06) as my car came with 16" and have used those rims for snows. I am now quite worried that the design of the wheels will be a disaster as they seem really easy to get severe curb rash due to its design as the face is quite exposed. Currently the wheels are mint and will have to do my due diligence in parallel parking. Have others that have stuck with these OEM's have this problem?
Though not my first choice in design the price was right as it was only $510 US + shipping for 4 with tires that still have 60% life left and yes the rims are OEM.
I know that in 2005 they revamped the car with tweaks to the exterior and has a new instrument cluster and revised center console.
What is different on the 2004.5?
I also just bought off of Ebay (and received)a set of funnel spoked wheels with tires (ie the ones that came with the SS for 05 and 06) as my car came with 16" and have used those rims for snows. I am now quite worried that the design of the wheels will be a disaster as they seem really easy to get severe curb rash due to its design as the face is quite exposed. Currently the wheels are mint and will have to do my due diligence in parallel parking. Have others that have stuck with these OEM's have this problem?
Though not my first choice in design the price was right as it was only $510 US + shipping for 4 with tires that still have 60% life left and yes the rims are OEM.
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a quarter mile at a time
Thread Starter
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
checked your link and it does not say much, the respondant was really describing a 05 model
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R129, XF Sportbrake, SC400
The 2004.5 sport sedans were the first to have the suspension still seen in the newer model sport sedans. There was also a 3 spoke steering wheel similar to the ones on the c coupes. The bumpers were the same as the previous sport models. The 2004.5's also came with the muffler as seen on the 05's and 06's. As far as i know, other than the steering wheel, the interiors are the same as the earlier sport models as well. There is more but that is all that i can remember at the moment.
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You really should do as e1000 suggested. 
But since we are always willing to help: Tire and Wheel FAQ
But since we are always willing to help: Tire and Wheel FAQ
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
The 2004.5 C230's most unique feature is the 4 piston brakes from the C32, the 2004 has the single piston brake used in the C240 and the 2005 has similar looking brakes but 2 piston. 16" wheels will not work with a true 2004.5 C230 SS. The best thing you can do to protect the wheels is to get tires with a rim protector ridge, many brands have this and is one of my criteria on any car I have for tires. it's a bead of rubber that protudes past the rim to protect it against scratches if you hit the curb.
Also the 2004.5 biggest advantage for me (since I had a choice of either it or a 2005) is the free service.
Also the 2004.5 biggest advantage for me (since I had a choice of either it or a 2005) is the free service.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Toronto, Canada
2019 C300 Wagon; '75 Triumph TR6; previous: 2004 C230 6spd sold after 17 years of driving
Free service? Must be a MB-USA thing
We don't have it here in canada the only thing I have is bumper to bumper warrantee for 4/80,000km and major components for 5/120,000km
Unfortunately I have the single piston type caliper, is there much of a performace gain with the 4pots?
We don't have it here in canada the only thing I have is bumper to bumper warrantee for 4/80,000km and major components for 5/120,000km
Unfortunately I have the single piston type caliper, is there much of a performace gain with the 4pots?
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Free service? Must be a MB-USA thing
We don't have it here in canada the only thing I have is bumper to bumper warrantee for 4/80,000km and major components for 5/120,000km
Unfortunately I have the single piston type caliper, is there much of a performace gain with the 4pots?
We don't have it here in canada the only thing I have is bumper to bumper warrantee for 4/80,000km and major components for 5/120,000km
Unfortunately I have the single piston type caliper, is there much of a performace gain with the 4pots?
Yes, free service was from 2001 to 2004 as far as I know only in the U.S. For a Canadian, you are much better off with the single piston brakes, then you can use 16" wheels for snow tires. As for performance, sure, you can get 16" Racing Harts wheels that are very lightweight and smaller diameter tires and effectively get better performance. Many in the U.S. feel that it's important to put the largest heaviest wheel that will fit and then lower the car to the point that it rubs. Also, the 2004.5 and newer wheels can't be rotated, so that's a another plus for you.
