C-Class (S203/W203) 4MATIC thread - All you want to know
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,424
Likes: 3
From: New York City
C55 ///AMG, 535xi
Originally Posted by allen_7
Carfax people = 
You think Carfax knows more about MB than MB?
You think Carfax knows more about MB than MB?
carfax people are nuts unless u got ur car off some drug dealer off the street lol
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Montreal, Canada
2006 C280 4Matic
Help NOOB mod new C280 4MATIC
I don’t know what mods can be done to this car and I don’t even know if its worth moding. This is my first automatic car and my second Mercedes. So I’m new to this. All I can say is I love speed and if I could get this car to go faster without losing my warranty, I would love it! Please help a noob!
Administrator
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 15,769
Likes: 37
From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
There is plenty of information listed in this forum; stickies, posts, threads, etc. Your best friend is the search feature. Expecting a complete set of answers in less than 1 day...... 
Members time on here is just as valuable as yours. If you have found a topic, read it, but still have questions then post a more detailed one with your reference link. I'm sure that thereafter, if you are patient, you will get replies if and where possible.
Members time on here is just as valuable as yours. If you have found a topic, read it, but still have questions then post a more detailed one with your reference link. I'm sure that thereafter, if you are patient, you will get replies if and where possible.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bayarea
2005 C320 4matic + 2005 ML500
gens' C320 4MATIC
I should have introduced myself earlier, but was just hesitating because I don't have any mods on my c320. But it seems like it's ok, so here are some pics. I live in bay area. I love cruising hwys in c320 so much that sometimes I just drive up hwy 280 and come back. 
It's great pleasure to meet you all!!
It's great pleasure to meet you all!!
Last edited by gens; Aug 12, 2006 at 02:29 AM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bayarea
2005 C320 4matic + 2005 ML500
Originally Posted by BadAssC230k
make the trip up 280 from sj to sf in 15 mins 
heh... been there done that! loved it. nearing 160mph. show us your pics!!!!
heh... been there done that! loved it. nearing 160mph. show us your pics!!!!Pics don't seem to show up when linked directly
Here is a link to the album top page. Sorry!
Last edited by gens; Aug 12, 2006 at 11:36 AM.
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Newbie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Haverhill, MA
2003 C240 4MATIC
New '03 C240 4MATIC also to MBW
New joiner and owner of a 2003 MB C240 4MATIC, so far the vehicule feels great even though is still factory stock. I'm looking foward to change the grill and the headlamps.
I tried the ECU reset, Ever since I tried that my car makes a "clack" once every 20 seconds from the gear shifter, and I can even feel it in the the console. Has anyone experienced this after reseting the ECU.
Also I noticed that there is a list of recalls in this great database. If I noticed one of this recalls in my car, how can I go about getting this fix. Do I need to have warranty or pay for the fixture of it? Please help. Thanks!
I tried the ECU reset, Ever since I tried that my car makes a "clack" once every 20 seconds from the gear shifter, and I can even feel it in the the console. Has anyone experienced this after reseting the ECU.
Also I noticed that there is a list of recalls in this great database. If I noticed one of this recalls in my car, how can I go about getting this fix. Do I need to have warranty or pay for the fixture of it? Please help. Thanks!
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Heavy steering on C240 4MATIC
Is it normal to have the steering wheel of '04 C240 4Matic to have heavier steering compared to a new '07 C230?
I got a chance to drive the new C230 and the steering is much lighter compared to our '04 C240, feels like our car doesn't have power steering at all.
Please comment on this.
I got a chance to drive the new C230 and the steering is much lighter compared to our '04 C240, feels like our car doesn't have power steering at all.
Please comment on this.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Bayarea
2005 C320 4matic + 2005 ML500
'06-and-later cars have adaptive power steering which makes the steering wheel lighter at lower speed and heavier at higher speed. You'll feel the difference most when car is not running.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
C3Twon AWD Jumpofffff
Very impressed with 4MATIC...
So ya the other day we got hit hard with a snow storm here in upstate new york.... the roads were horrible out and all the cars were having trouble goin up and down hills. My car with only 2 winter tires on the back did awesome in the snow. I cant wait to put the other 2 on in the front over winter break. I also never knew that the traction control in our cars did that much. I had it turned off for awhile and i was flyin around the empty parking lots. Anyways i just want to say even though theres no aftermarket suspension for my 4matic yet but i still love my 4X4!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 340
From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
During our last big snow (18") a couple of years ago, I was riding in a friend's E-Class 4-matic. We were snowplowing snow over the hood of the car, but kept on motoring as if it were dry.
I have to say that I was more than impressed with the 4-matic system.
I have to say that I was more than impressed with the 4-matic system.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, NY
C3Twon AWD Jumpofffff
I would have to say that my car handles very well even drivin in unplowed conditions.... it def handles better than most SUV's ya my bro has a A6 2.7T Quattro that thing handles well too
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 810
Likes: 1
From: Illinois, Indiana
2005 C230 Sedan 6spd
Even with my RWD C230, I think my car handles really good. I have snow tires on all 4 wheels. The best handling car i ever had in the snow would have to be a Subaru Impreza, I love Subarus in the snow. Audi Quattro is right up there on the list.
I heard Volvo AWD is the worest, since it's 90% power to the front wheel most of the time and only becomes 50/50 when computer detects slipping on front wheel. (Not sure if I got that right)
check out this AWD comparison video
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/06/...vs-subaru-awd/
I heard Volvo AWD is the worest, since it's 90% power to the front wheel most of the time and only becomes 50/50 when computer detects slipping on front wheel. (Not sure if I got that right)
check out this AWD comparison video
http://www.leftlanenews.com/2006/06/...vs-subaru-awd/
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
Here's another good video of AWD systems
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...6503&q=Quattro
My only experience with 4Matic would be our ML vs my Quattro. I feel that the 4Matic system allows a little too much slippage before engaging whereas my Quattro is instant. Perhaps its the mechanical (Quattro) system vs the electronic system (4Matic) Nonetheless, both systems are excellent for snowy weather
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...6503&q=Quattro
My only experience with 4Matic would be our ML vs my Quattro. I feel that the 4Matic system allows a little too much slippage before engaging whereas my Quattro is instant. Perhaps its the mechanical (Quattro) system vs the electronic system (4Matic) Nonetheless, both systems are excellent for snowy weather
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,159
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From: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
ML63 AMG
Hmm, my BMW handles horribly in snow so I'm yet to find out about the Benz's handling. Although it's not 4Matic, I'd like to see the response. I prefer rear-wheel drive cars (over 4-Wheel or Front-Wheel), so I guess if/when I suffer, I'll have only myself to blame.
I'll be thinking about the C320 4-Matic that was parked next to mine when I went to the dealership that I could have brought.
Tee_Tz.
I'll be thinking about the C320 4-Matic that was parked next to mine when I went to the dealership that I could have brought.
Tee_Tz.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 4,781
Likes: 3
From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
RWD is okay as long as you have experience with it. Lot of people don't know how to drive RWD in the snow. The rear is much lighter therefore it is very easy to spin the tires. Whereas with FWD, the engine is overhanging the drive wheels, giving it weight and better traction.
What lots of people like to do is keep a 50 lb bag of sand in the trunk, which serves as dual purpose. One for weight and the other if you are stuck, you can throw some sand down for traction.
The best advice for RWD is to have a good set of snow tires and lightly tread the gas pedal. Give it too much gas and you can spin the tires and bring the rear end around. Just take it slow, don't rush. If you are stuck, rock the car back and forth to get free. Don't just mash the pedal, you'll just burn rubber after melting through the snow. Carry a small shovel and sand incase you need it.
Before my A4, I had my '94 C220, drove throuhg 4 winters. Never snow tires only all seasons and I did fine. You just need practice. Go out there and have some fun but be safe
What lots of people like to do is keep a 50 lb bag of sand in the trunk, which serves as dual purpose. One for weight and the other if you are stuck, you can throw some sand down for traction.
The best advice for RWD is to have a good set of snow tires and lightly tread the gas pedal. Give it too much gas and you can spin the tires and bring the rear end around. Just take it slow, don't rush. If you are stuck, rock the car back and forth to get free. Don't just mash the pedal, you'll just burn rubber after melting through the snow. Carry a small shovel and sand incase you need it.
Before my A4, I had my '94 C220, drove throuhg 4 winters. Never snow tires only all seasons and I did fine. You just need practice. Go out there and have some fun but be safe
