Off the top of my head... this is how I tell the MY apart at 1st glance
This is for Canada, dunno how much of it applies to US. Somebody check for verification, especially for the 2005+ stuff.

2001
Not sure, but coupes were available here for that year. I know someone that has a 2001 C230k coupe.

2002
M111 2.3L I4, 192hp (C230k)
M112 3.2L V6 168hp (C240), 215hp (C320), 349hp (C32AMG)
Centre vent (triangle) had air coming out. Also had flow control wheel.
Turn signal/cruise stalks were square, had sharp edges.
HVAC system had REST button.

2003
M111 replaced by M271 1.8L I4, 189hp (C230k)
Bi-xenon became available
Coupe - seat belt guide for front seats added
REST button removed from HVAC system (but it still works, just hit the "AC Off" button)
Turn signal/cruise stalks had rounded edges.

2004
Aero wipers
New rain sensor (array of lens-looking things)
W/S (Winter/Summer) auto transmission button changed to C/S (Comfort/Sport)
Coupe - panorama roof deflector "hump"
17" 7-spoke become standard.
Instrument cluster changed - Distronic lights (in 2003 they'd light up when you started your car) completely removed. Display shows Km/h, Mph, L instead of km/h, mph, l. New "Sunroof Open!" warnings added.

2005
Facelift!
New interior (blue/white dash/lights), new bumpers.
Chrome strips on trim.
LED mirror blinkers, clear halogens.
Turn signal stalk has better "feel", especially for 1-touch (3 blinks) feature. More powerful HVAC system.
Speakers sound waaay better.
New interior fabric.
Front seats are electrical (except for sliding front/back). New lumbar support dial. New anti-whiplash headrests that move forward and slightly up.
DVD COMAND and iPod connectivity now available.
C320 model gone, only C230k coupe available
C55AMG
New 5-spoke rims (coupe), 7-spoke (sedan)
Rear glass now has little black antenna sticking out.
C240 discontinued.
Citron Green is gone. Various other colour changes.

2006
M271 replaced with M272
M272 2.5L V6, 201hp (C230)
M272 3.0L V6, 231hp (C280)
M272 3.5L V6, 268hp (C350)
No more Kompressors across the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup.
New 7G-Tronic automatic transmission.

2007
Coupe no longer available
New 6-spoke staggered rims (sedan).

 

After meeting up with Drex and Flip, I just had to update this thread

Exterior:
(2003 and maybe earlier) Two IR sensors on door handles, the driver door and front passenger door handle
(2004.5 only) 4 Piston big brake kit for front (look at drex's ride)
(2005) Redesigned body styling (front and rear bumper, and side rockets) - Sport models AMG-inspired body styling.
(2005) Updated clearer front and rear lights (including fog lights and trunk light)
(2005) Updated grill - 4 thicker lines instead of 5
(2005) Clear LED mirror blinkers
(2005) New Sport Brakes with "Mercedes-Benz" caliber for front
(2005) New styled windshield wipers
(2005) New style wheels for luxury models
(2006) 4 Piston big brake kit for front on the C350's
(2007) AMG Dual Exhaust tips
(2007) AMG Rear Lid Deck Spoiler
(2007) New 7-Spoke Sport Wheels

Interior:
(pre 2004.5) Center armrest with dual compartment that opens vertically (lets call this "old style")
(2004.5 - 2006) New center armrest with 3-way lid, dual compartment, top compartment opens from side to side
(pre 2005) Sunglass holder located in the inner glove box latch/door
(pre 2005) MB First Aid kit located in rear speaker
(2005) MB First Aid kit located in the trunk
(2005) Redesigned instrument panel/gauges (including temp. gauge)
(2005) New, wider digital stereo/radio unit with AUX capabilities
(2005) Updated digital climate control
(2005) Updated 3-spoke steering wheel for sport models
(2005) Redesigned push buttons on dashboard
(2005) Aluminum brushed sport pedals for sport models
(2005) Harman Kardon Stereo option available
(2005) Updated gear shifter
(2005) Updated middle compartment with redesigned cup holder
(2005) Updated seats with manual lever for sport models
(2006 - 2007) Center armrest with dual compartment is only available if the car is pre-wired for phone
(2006) MB-Tex sport seats with leather inserts
(2007) Center armrest with dual compartent is now in the "old stye", pre 2004.5
(2007) MB-Tex sport seats
(2007) New "Black Birdseye Maple" color Interior panels
(2007) New 2007+ Mercedes-Benz Silver Smart Key
(2007) New door pin locks that can't be removed/or is very very hard to remove (similar to the new ML's)

 

do it

edit: good post Andy, but you forgot that I have the individual powered air vent for the rear.

 

oh that reminds me, you know the "knobs" that opens and closes the air vents (don't know how to describe it accurately ) , MB changed those in 2005 I think. The 2006 and 2007 are the same

 

yup. the original were painted with a soft texture. the new ones are just hard plastic.

 

Add it to the master list!

Once we finish with the master list, I'll be able to get pics that identify some the changes, cause I modded/updated my car to the 2005+ look (for the exterior only). And we already have 3 pics so we can make this thread a great resource for future - especially people looking to "face-lift" their cars.


Tee_Tz.

 

I dunno how to describe it properly , is it a "knob", a "dial", or something Help me out Tee_Tz

BTW, the individual powered air vent in the rear was on Frank's AMG, is it only on AMG's? can anyone else confirm this?

 

Anyways I'm sure Drex will properly categorize these lists by engine/interior/exterior/misc specs in a new sticky thread that will not be so cluttered. I just consider this thread as research material before the finalized list

Good luck Drex!

 

I am looking to replace my 2001 c320 sedan front bumper with a c230 front bumper. Would anyone know if it will fit properly? Any other recommendations on where I can find more information?