JMon

Looking to buy a C230k, Headlight damage question, and what other problems?

My wife really wants a C230k coupe. Unfortunately they don’t make them any more, so I’ve been looking for 2005s. One of the one’s I’ve seen has some sort of issue with the headlights. They look like they are fogged or have been beat up by the sun really bad or something. Is this some sort of issue with these cars?

Also if anyone can give me a heads up on problems I should look for in these cars I would appreciate it.

Cloudz

sure they do, they still make the coupes. Inquire about them at a dealer

amdeutsch

Not a valid point for the US market.

JMon

what about the lights? Any idea why the plastic would deteriorate in some fashion?

Johnsct

I have never seen this headlight problem on any coupe. It may be an isolated problem.

SeaCoupe

I have plenty. MY old lights got this condition.

YOu can replace the lights quite easily.

You can go to bixenons, or go clear halogen.

E

Johnsct

This is interesting. I know two other people locally with coupes, plus mine, and none of us have this problem. All of the coupes are either 2003s or 2004s.

Moon-Coupe

I see many different brands of cars with this problem here in dry, sunny CA. It's probably just sun damage turning the clear plastic lenses cloudy and yellow over time.

KompressKlaus

Yeah... the frosted headlights are from sun damage. Especially in warm climate areas. I'm in Florida and half the cars have them. I've bought every product on the market to polish and clean the lights but they don't work. Time for new ones!

JMon

Yeah I live in Florida and I have noticed a lot of Mercedes cars have a similar problem. Kind of unacceptable for a car this nice. I mean a 3 year old car shouldn't be sun damaged. Do you think the dealer would swap them out under warranty, or is that just wishful thinking?

alpinweiss

Here in the desert southwest, headlights fog up after just a few years. This applies to most brands of cars, not just Mercedes. It seems to be a combination of surface damage (sand, insects, small rocks, etc.) and bright sun.

I have not found an acceptable product to permanently repair damaged headlights. I would figure replacement lights (expensive) as part of the car purchase price. On new undamaged headlights, I have had good luck with the 3M clear bra material. Yes, it will also get sandblasted, but you simply peel off the film and replace it every couple years or so. Headlights underneath the film still look good.

Overall, I like the C230k Sport Coupe a lot, even though I ended up with a sedan. In my opinion, the 2005 is the best of the breed. But the coupe was discontinued in mid-2005 (USA), so these are somewhat rare. Late 2004 model is also good.

Other caution points on the C230K Coupe. Tires are expensive and don't last long. Panoramic moonroof (if equipped) tends to be somewhat high maintenance as it ages.

Find a really nice one and I think you will be very happy. If you are comfortable with a manual transmission, the 6-speed manual is a real treat, and very sporty.