I had an 02 Coupe back in 02-03 and got rid of it because of the constant trips to the dealer, but I'm thinking of getting another one since they seem to be bargains. The big question is how well these cars hold up and what problem areas to look for. Consumer Reports is not kind to C-class cars from this era so I'm pretty wary about getting another one. What have you guys experienced as they have gotten older and put on mileage?

 

There are several content Coupe owners around here.

With all due respect, if one is beholden to Consumer Reports, only Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura build anything worthy of purchasing these days. Disclaimer: I subscribe because their household appliance and detergent reviews are worthwhile.

If you’re seeking absolute reliability, other marques beckon.

 

I'm not beholden to anyone, just looking for information. Are the 03's and newer better/worse than the 02's? I'm not worried about normal stuff like brakes, ect. Just the big stuff like transmissions, ecu's, A/C, engine problems.

 

I have a 2005 C230 automatic.
I bought the car when it had 17500 miles on it only.
Now the odometer reads almost 29000. So far I have not had any problem with the car at all. The rear door panel was loose (the clips inside were broken) when I bought the car and it was replaced under warranty.
Other than that I have not had any complaints.
Minor issue, when it gets cold and I drive over the speed bumps the driver seat squeaks. But I do not consider that a problem. Coming from a 99 Passat 1.8T, which at the time of sale had more than 90K this Benz feels like a brand new car. It literally is given the mileage
My 2 cents

 

Seems like I have answered this question before. Try a search because a lot of input has been given. As you know the M111 engine is bigger and more powerful than the 03 and on M271 engine.

INTERIOR
Beware of bad seat modules, broken air flap actuators, dimmed dash displays, Coupe moonroofs are finicky, and need to be checked to insure smooth operation.

ENGINE
S/C run well for at least 100k plus. Listen for belt tensioner looseness, excessive rattling. Services done at interval

BODY
look for flaking/wrinkling underneath the paint which can indicate rust issues.

TRANNY
Insure all the gears and the tiptronic works. Do a tranny flush at 100k

SUSPENSION
Check for suspension play on the bushings, end links, and any oil leaks on the shocks.

You are right. Coupes are GREAT cars and easy to maintain. Heck mine is about to pass 150k miles. Self maintained for over 55k. As people come into second hand coupes this could be a great thing, or a rather expensive one. Buyer beware.

E

 

If I was going into the used car market for a benz, I'd not waste time with a Coupe, I'd go straight for a C32 like the one around here for 18 grand.

 

Ture, but visual appearance is also important.
I'm the one who would rather buy a 328 BMW coupe auto than a 335 twin turbo sedan 6-speed.
I just hate 4 doors. Could've bought a red C230 6-speed, but again - 4 doors. I'm not a family person

 

My 2002 C230 Coupe was a PITA. Lots of trips to the dealer for warranty work but after the first 2 years, all the issues have been ironed out and it was great. The best part is that you can get a pulley kit and smoke all the newer C230's out there. My 2004.5 C230 SS has been flawless, no warranty issues, zero oil consumption, best MB I've ever had, this worries me, maybe all the problems will happen 2 days after the warranty expires.

 

If I was to go for another coupe, I'd be looking for a C320 2005 6 speed Coupe. Best and last of the breed in the US. Slap a Kleeman SC kit on it...he he.....

 

Now that's an idea!
There is one in New Jersey for sale with BiXenons and 6-speed in gray

 

The W203 improved with time, both sedans and coupes. MB stopped importing coupes to the US about mid-year 2005. IMO the 2004½ and 2005 were the best of the MB C230K Coupes. Get the 6-speed manual.

As posted previously, a C320 Coupe with 6-speed is really nice. Unfortunately, they are ultra-rare in the US.

 

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...ce=&cardist=10

Here's a C320 6-speed available. Disregard that the add says automatic. Look at the pics

 

Very clean, no sunroof and the only option I see is leather. A little high on the asking price though, but thats the stuff! I'd go with an underdrive pulley kit for sure at the very least. That should put the output up at the wheels another 10-15hp.

 

It's got pano roof, bi-xenons and leather.
Yeah, you're right - the price is high.
I called up the dealership about doing a trade for my car and they actually didn't mind such a deal. Of course they want to check my car out.
Only problem is I have CPO warranty till December 2008. That car doesn't.
And I have all these little things that I added to the car.
Not really sure if 320 is significantly faster than 230. 215 hp vs. 192....Not such a drastic difference
The stick shift is what really sets that C coupe apart. Only 200+ C320 coupes were sold in 2005 model year. Don't know what % was manuals. That's a really rare car...

 

I've gotten used to the torque of my M111...which has a few extra ponies and full torque at like 2K rpm? It crazy for a 2.3 4 banger.
I can climb 35 degree inclines at 45 mph at ~2K rpm.
65 is also around 2-2.5K rpm.

For me the M271 just doesn't cut it, torque and peak hp come in too late. The M111 isn't available which just leaves the M112 after 2002.
And the 6 speed puts 20 more hp to the road.
And it's smoooooth. I like that engine.
Then, what maybe a chip and underdrive pulley kit for about a grand combined, + maybe an AMG intake, and well, you'd be real close to 250 hp
and a smooth powerband. The suspension was better in 2005, so maybe you won't have to do anything with that.

 

I have a 2003 coupe with 80,000 (bought it new). No problems so far.

 

Hi,
I hace a 2005 c230 coupe. I bought it with 16K and now has around 17,300 and so far no problem here and I'm loving it.

 

I have an 02 Coupe with the 2.3L. I had one of the fuel pumps fail, that is really the only major issue. I will turn over 133,333 Miles today. It is a Auto. No issues with the trans.
Oh, ya the bushings on the front suspension needed to be replaced around 110K miles.