Hi everyone,

I've been thinking about buying one of the C230 Sport Coupes, a.k.a. the "Baby Benz". Had two quick questions that I haven't been able to find answers to yet on the web:

1) It looks like the Sport Coupe model years are between 2002 and 2005; what are the differences/improvements between the years? Did they change the look, body, interior, etc. between years?

2) I've seen the Navigation system come with some of the cars, but it is rare. Is it impossible, hard or easy to retrofit a navigation system into one without it?

Thanks for the help.

It is easy to retrofit the COMMAND system. You'll need to buy the COMMAND unit (750-1000 for a used one), a GPS antenna and mabye a harness. You'll need to have your car's computer reprogrammed to take full advantage of it (for things like directions on the cluster), but it will work fine even without that.

Do yourself a favor and buy the sedan. You'll be much happier with it. The CRX style coupe is well. . .

All C-Class cars got a "facelift" in 2005. They got clear headlights/turnsignals, totally updated interior (looks way more modern) etc, etc.

IMO 2005+ is the only way to go.

Remember that it is going to be more expensive to retrofit navigation into a 2005+. You'll need a US spec DVD COMMAND. It is more $, but it is a much better navigation unit.

Did that 2005 facelift also apply to the Sport Coupe? Since 2005 was the last model year of it, and I don't even know it was a full year, it seems uneconomical that MB would update the design (including new interior) then only do one model year. More economical to keep the previous design if they knew they were killing off the Sport Coupe model and refresh only the Sedan version.

Are you sure the Sport Coupe got the facelift/new interior too? Sorry if it sounds like I'm second guessing you, I just want to make sure because the 2005's are hard to find and the highest price....

Do yourself a favor and don't listen to this. Obviously, you like the body style of the coupe better, which is the correct answer, since I own both a ccoupe and a crx.

If you're getting the C230, the 2002 has the better engine and is much more fun for performance. If you want the Altima-ish look of the later models, either get the newer models, or you can go through the $$ and re-do the 2002. IMHO, the 2002's engine makes it worth the effort. If you want the C320, though, you can pick which one you want based on appearance only. However, for less than the price difference between the two, you could get a 2002 C230, slap on a new pulley, and you'll have better hp/weight than the 320.

Rather than going through the hassle of going with MB's inferior nav system, a better option would be to get a higher quality aftermarket 2-DIN setup, and get that installed. Unless you need to have it be MB parts; then you can go that route like others have suggested here.

Tommy- when you talk about "get one of the newer models" for the non-2002 look, in which model year did the exterior look change in? And can you explain some of the differences in the look?

Thanks!

Yes, but none of that matters when everyone laughs at you for driving the CRX of the Benz line up.

You're right - a slushbox is a much more manly alternative. I'll leave this silly debate for now.

rdubs - here's what's included in the 2005 and beyond package with pics - Steve (aka mbenznl) is a great source for parts, should you be interested in the update down the line.

http://www.mbenznl.com/products/2005coupeupd.shtml


Good luck with the shopping.

grow up

Why? You can surely use a euro model in the '05+ MY cars.

As far as the coupes go the 2002 IMO is the way to go. I had a 2002 and loved every minute of it and actually have thought about getting another one. The differences from '02-04 models and the '05 are the lights, tails, mirror blinkers, guage cluster, radio and climate control just to name a few. It is a sharp looking car but I prefer the older models. The MFD on the older ones is bigger and amber in color which is better IMO.

Good luck with your purchase.

Guys-
Consensus seems that the 02 model is the best for the 02-04 lineup (BTW, what happened to the engine in 03/04 to make 02 the best?). That's a great kit that Tommy pointed out to update the exterior. Last question of the day: How about the interior? How would an 02 interior compare to an 05?

Thanks for all the help....

The '02 used the M111 2.3l supercharged engine and the '03-'05 used the M271 1.8l supercharged engine. There were more engine mods available for the M111 but I think that there are some for the M271 available now. I personally would still take another '02 over anything else. Do a search as there are other difference posted about the differences of the engines.

The interior is pretty much the same on all of them, but the '05's had MB-TEX or leather interior but the 02-04 had cloth and leather. You will find alot with cloth interior so you need to decide on that yourself. The cloth was very good quality and held up very well.

Here a just a few pictures of my '02. The first one is before I made any changes.

Before:


After:


'05 Tails:


COMAND, Climatronic, '05 shifter and Designo Lava Red trim:


Euro impact strips:


MODDING is fun and addictive.

^That is the best looking C230 Coupe I have ever seen. I would be proud to drive it.

Thank you, but there are alot of nice coupes on this board. Saprissa, BlakeP to name a couple have awesome looking cars. Do a search on them if you are interested in seeing more pix.

I will. First red Merc that I like outside of an old SL560 I once owned....

I loved the red! Here is a picture with stock wheels after a good cleaning. This was a Saturday morning ritual for me.

That color looks terrible on my cars, but really good on yours. Nice job.

I agree about the 2002...its probably the best value of any of the coupes. Best performance, easy extra power, and many of the cars had lots of goodies.

OTOH, the 2005+ cars have the MUCH superior direct control suspension...it really is that good. Gotta go with the C320 and a manual trans if you go 2005 +....that's hard to find. The 1.8 is OK, but its no 2.3M111, and anything with an automatic really saps the sportiness from the car.

BTW, the Coupe didn't go out of production in 2005. They just stopped importing them...officially due to currency reasons. A new Coupe is currently under development. They will be built in Brazil now, so with the reduced production cost, a return to the US market isn't out of the question. I want a C350 if they comeback!!! And hopefully it won't look as bad as the new W204 sedan.

Everyone-
Thank you a lot for your help and input. Not really worth making a post to say that, but with any luck anyone else who runs a google search for the differences will find this thread.


John- beautiful vehicle. Well done.