Toofman

I was wondering what changes had been made to the c-class through the years ('01-'07).

I'm sorry if this question is asked consistently but I'm new to the forum and trying to learn my way around. Could someone post the differences or send me to a thread that has already been created on this topic?

Thanks

kevblah

searching the forum first is a good idea, but i wont be a jerk.

the 2005 and newer models had a 'facelift' done, this changed the headlights, fog lights, side mirror blinkers, grille, and taillights...u can do these mods easily by ordering the parts from your mb dealer

another change is the newer sport models have the amg body kit, which is a necessity for some people...

updated comand

i cant remember some of the other stuff off the top of my head, but im sure some of the other more knowledgable members will help u

drexappeal

This actually may be a very good thread. I might change the title to "History of the w203 2001-2007"

Thing is, there are SO many models of the C Class. When I have time, I may do a comprehensive history on the w203. Maybe this weekend.

MiKeSSw203

Term paper on the "The evolution of the w203" due 1st thing Monday morning. Thats some homework that will give you some knowledge you can actually use.

drexappeal

Man, I guess it's been so long since I gradutated college that I actually miss things like this!...HAHAHAHA

Buellwinkle

A good resource for any car is carpoint.com. Search for used cars and in the information on the model it usually tells you what changed that year. I think just about every year had something signifant change, like 2001 was just C320 and C240 sedans. 2002 saw the station wagon and coupe add (first 4 cylinder W203 c-class). Then 2003 saw the first C230 Kompressor sedan. 2004 was odd, it started with the same things as 2003 but the C230 changed mid year into a half half between 2003 and 2005 and then 2005 had different bumper covers and console/dash and it was the station wagons and coupes last year. 2006 saw the demise of the Kompressor C230, no more 4 cylinder so the C230 has a V6. 2007, has it's changes too.

tee_tz

Here are a few that I can think of... Hasn't this topic been discussed? Anyway, feel free to add guys...

Exterior:

• (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
• (2007) AMG Dual Exhaust tips
• (2007) AMG Rear Lid Deck Spoiler
• (2007) New 7-Spoke Sport Wheels

Interior:

• (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
• (2005) Updated gear shifter
• (2005) Updated middle compartment with redesigned cup holder
• (2005) Updated seats with manual lever for sport models
• (2007) New "Maple" color Interior panels
• (2007) New 2007+ Mercedes-Benz Silver Smart Key

That's all I can think of .. .damn, you guys do the rest! Keep the list formated properly, easier 10 years from now when looking up info.


Tee_Tz.

yeuchau

it will be nice to have the pictures of before and after the change

drexappeal

Yeah, it would. Why don't you find those for us Thanks for volunteering.

kevblah

Grille Change


Side Mirror Blinkers Change


Fog Change (Just Lens changed, not whole unit)


if we get an '05 w203 in, i'll park it next to a pre facelift model and snap pictures...

advans

2003 C class coupes.

added that wind deflecting piece on the panorama sunroof.


2004 C class coupes.
C7, 7spoke wheels became standard, Rear Window Antenna (vs old coupes antenna hidden in rear bumper)

2005 C Class coupes.

C7, 7spoke wheels became staggared setup, 225/45/zr17 all around, became, 225/45/zr17 front, 245/45/zr17 rear.

also...very minor things



Pre 2004 C class coupes, release hood latch is black, newer cars are red.
Winter mode became Comfort Mode.

Saprissa

I did not know that...
damn now I need a RED release hood latch !!!

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

advans

well, thats what I saw carlos, im not 100% sure!

AndySays

I'll just add and edit to what Tee_Tz had for the sedans

Exterior:
(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 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) MB-Tex sport seats with leather inserts
(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 (similar to the new ML's)

Boom vang

6sp manual changed in 2005:

rod connection replaced cable connection

2004 and earlier R was beside 2nd
2005 and later R is beside 1st

tee_tz

WOW! Good one! I just noticed that. Add that to the master list.


Tee_Tz.

nickgailloux

2001-2004 are called "pre-facelift", 2005-2007 are "facelift". Search those two terms and you will find plenty.

History of the C, 2004-2007:

If anyone cares to fill us all in on 2001-2003 that would be cool.

rlee02135

how did you get that car to compare? do you own the dealership?

kevblah

yeah, i took those pics like a month ago, i plan to do this every once in a while to really literally see the difference between stock and what i've done

sanf

so you own a dealership? sweet. .. how about getting us a few benzo at cost. hahaha

kevblah

haha i got mine at cost
i cant help u guys with that
but if u guys need discounting on expensive oem parts, i got ya backk

AndySays

how much would a phone kit cost on a 2007 C350, its not pre-wired for a phone

kevblah

just get list price from your local dealer, and calculate 25% off and it'll be around there roughly, because each dealer has a different markup

yeuchau

wow
it's so nice to have a forum member that can get 25% for us.
so you can help us to get 25% anywhere in any dealer??

kevblah

well, only local dealers would deliver to me, and then i'd have to ship it to you