I purchased a '05 C230 6 speed coupe about a month ago. I traded in an auto '01 IS300, which I really liked but wished it were a manual. It was my wife’s car at one point but I traded in my leased manual Celica car for her to get a '04 ML350. After about 4 months I wanted to have a manual car again, manly from test-driving a '04 sedan while getting routine maintenance on her ML.

So far I have found this forum very useful for information and have used past posts to find info on my new car and possible upgrades and ideas for interior and exterior changes. I used 05-MB-C230K thread for integrating my Sirius Stiletto power from the rear cigarette lighter and have it powered in the center console. I also plan to install the Aux cable from Sawloo's post, but the FM transmitter on my cradle has not had much interference yet transmitting to the radio. The biggest problem with the Satellite radio is having the signal drop from having the antenna on the dash (passenger side, by the trim) and not installing the glass mount antenna because I do not think I will like how it looks.

Question #1
Yesterday when I started the car the radio would not come on, I turned the engine off, set the lock by the remote, unlocked it, and started it again. Radio still would not come on. I ended up pulling the fuse out, under the hood, and then started the car and all was well. Was wondering if anyone else has seen this problem before and what could have caused the radio not to work.

Question #2
I live in Tampa, FL, and we are hitting our bi-annual love bug season. These bugs serve no purpose than for you to drive through them with your car. I do not think I have seen a bra for sale for a w203, if so would be interested in one. I would rather get some household ideas that you can put on the front bumper and grill that will prevent the love bugs from drying and sticking on my bumper. (I.e. I have heard about spraying a thin coat of Pam so that they will not stick to the bumper and grill) So if anyone has had to live through bugs, can you let me know what you have used and how it worked?

Again thanks for any insight and help

 

Hey James. I've had similar problems with the radio in my '06 c230 ss. I've had it over a year and twice the radio just wouldn't come on. Only lasted for an hour or so each time, but I'd be curious to find out what makes that happen.

 

i saw a full bra on a c230 yesterday, aside from looking horrid, its do-able.... just doesnt look good at all. welcome to the boards

 

why did you downgrade from IS300 to C230 coupe?

you should at least get C320/350

 

Was an '01 with over 120,000 miles on it, was automatic and really wanted to have a manual again. Nobody could ever get the alignment right, including the dealer, so i was going through tires or having it aligned every 3 to 6 months. I really liked the car, was fun to drive but wanted something newer and this one fit my budget.

at some point i will probably go into a higher class, just wanted to start with this one and see how much i liked it

 

welcome to the forum

 

welcome

 

hope you'll like the car

 

Thanks, I have so far. I liked it from the test drive and it is still fun to drive.