C-Class (S203/W203) 4MATIC thread - All you want to know
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
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From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
i would take the C wagon with 4 matic. we have both the C and the ML in my family. the ML has a pretty solid design but the fit and finish still can't not compare to the C that is build in Germany therefore many problems on our ML430.
my C32 is fine so far with 5600 miles after three 1/2 months
my C32 is fine so far with 5600 miles after three 1/2 months
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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wants a diesel GLK European Delivery
ML is great Light Truck, but very different from a car
I have an 99 ML320 and a 2002 C230K and love both, but they are very different.
The ML is a truck with 5000lb towing capacity (for our camper), low range transmission for off road, large internal storage space to hold lots of junk, seating for 7 if so equiped (less storage space), and don't forget truck like handling.
Don't get me wrong about the handling. I think it is great (for a truck its size).
My 99 ML has had several of "quality" issues that you will read about in the forums, but none that would make me change my mind. My 02 C, zero issues.
I picked-up the C in Europe. MLs are made in Alabama, so factory delivery is very different too!
The ML is a truck with 5000lb towing capacity (for our camper), low range transmission for off road, large internal storage space to hold lots of junk, seating for 7 if so equiped (less storage space), and don't forget truck like handling.
Don't get me wrong about the handling. I think it is great (for a truck its size).
My 99 ML has had several of "quality" issues that you will read about in the forums, but none that would make me change my mind. My 02 C, zero issues.
I picked-up the C in Europe. MLs are made in Alabama, so factory delivery is very different too!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 49
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From: NW PA
2020 GLE580
Thanks for the replies even though I hope you're wrong. When I sell or trade my '99 C230 I will miss the Sport suspension and even the Kompressor. I did call the dealer who said that the 4Matic is a more firm suspension. I will reserve my opinion on that until I take it for a test ride. He is going to call me when the first C320 4Matic arrives. I'll see then how it feels. If all else fails I will consider an after market fix or a BMW 330 as an alternative.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Originally posted by tluke
I did call the dealer who said that the 4Matic is a more firm suspension. I will reserve my opinion on that until I take it for a test ride. He is going to call me when the first C320 4Matic arrives. I'll see then how it feels.
I did call the dealer who said that the 4Matic is a more firm suspension. I will reserve my opinion on that until I take it for a test ride. He is going to call me when the first C320 4Matic arrives. I'll see then how it feels.
I would take what any dealer says about a car that hasn't been in this country yet with many grains of salt. If you love the '99 so much, why trade it in? It's barely broken in! Inquiring minds want to know.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,480
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From: Central NJ
C230K Coupe/Orion/C4/C5/CD/AMG Spoiler/V60/TeleAid, 2 MGB's
4matic suspension rides a little higher, stiffer and more stabile than the standard(at least on the E class)...
It feels flatter in corners, more rigid and sits down better at highway speeds too.
Get the 320....you'll be disappointed with the 240's lack of oomph.
It feels flatter in corners, more rigid and sits down better at highway speeds too.
Get the 320....you'll be disappointed with the 240's lack of oomph.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 49
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From: NW PA
2020 GLE580
Originally posted by tommy
If you love the '99 so much, why trade it in? It's barely broken in! Inquiring minds want to know.
If you love the '99 so much, why trade it in? It's barely broken in! Inquiring minds want to know.
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Super Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 629
Likes: 2
From: West Chester, PA
All of the above
C class 4matics
We have a C240 4matic scheduled to be produced Mid-October. Should be here by end of November. If you arder a car now you should be able to get one by the end of the year.
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2002
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C-Coupe with 4Matic / AWD ???
Edit: Of course I mean the C230K!
I was wondering if there was going to be one of those little C-Coupes with an AWD system. My parents are looking at getting one, it's perfect for my dad's midlife crisis with a 6-speed (
), it's real cute and is right about in the right budget range (considering they are putting me through college right now hehe ) My dad said they are going to get AWDs on the C-Class, however I don't think it means the coupe too, although it would be nice for a cozy 2 - person ski-trip. I was just wondering if they actually are going to offer an AWD, sorry I am such a n00b, I am just trying to help out my dad, thanks! =)
I was wondering if there was going to be one of those little C-Coupes with an AWD system. My parents are looking at getting one, it's perfect for my dad's midlife crisis with a 6-speed (
), it's real cute and is right about in the right budget range (considering they are putting me through college right now hehe ) My dad said they are going to get AWDs on the C-Class, however I don't think it means the coupe too, although it would be nice for a cozy 2 - person ski-trip. I was just wondering if they actually are going to offer an AWD, sorry I am such a n00b, I am just trying to help out my dad, thanks! =)
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 34
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From: NYC
Discounts on 2003 C320 4matic Sedan
Hi
Originally my mom was gonna buy a 03 E32...but we now decided to go for a 03 C320 4matic instead...
The salesman we dealt with told us he can do $1000 off the MSRP...I figure we could do better....does anyone here with the new C320 4matic share the discounts they have had?
Thanks
BTW, I am in NY Long Island
Originally my mom was gonna buy a 03 E32...but we now decided to go for a 03 C320 4matic instead...
The salesman we dealt with told us he can do $1000 off the MSRP...I figure we could do better....does anyone here with the new C320 4matic share the discounts they have had?
Thanks
BTW, I am in NY Long Island
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Joined: Nov 2001
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See Garage
balajc, I'm not aware that we have a member here driving an '03 4-matic Sedan. The version is very new, so I don't know if anyone has bought one, yet.
I've noticed buyers in the Southern California area and Washington DC area (for some reason) getting decent discounts for their cars. Dealers elsewhere seem to demand MSRP and usually get it, sad to say. $1000 off on a new variant (4WD) in your market might be a good deal. Ask him to throw in the CD changer at cost+install ($500-650) and that would save you even more (some dealers are charging $1200).
It all depends on how badly you want the car.
Other opinions?
I've noticed buyers in the Southern California area and Washington DC area (for some reason) getting decent discounts for their cars. Dealers elsewhere seem to demand MSRP and usually get it, sad to say. $1000 off on a new variant (4WD) in your market might be a good deal. Ask him to throw in the CD changer at cost+install ($500-650) and that would save you even more (some dealers are charging $1200).
It all depends on how badly you want the car.
Other opinions?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 34
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From: NYC
They have one on the lot with black leather and heated seats which my mom does not want
she wants
- black sedan w/beige leather
- C2 package
If we make a deal before the end of Nov, we can have our black sedan made to our choosing and receive the car before the end of January
she wants
- black sedan w/beige leather
- C2 package
If we make a deal before the end of Nov, we can have our black sedan made to our choosing and receive the car before the end of January
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 275
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From: Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
'00 ML320 Elegance/'03 C320 4-matic
Originally posted by MB-BOB
balajc, I'm not aware that we have a member here driving an '03 4-matic Sedan. The version is very new, so I don't know if anyone has bought one, yet.
balajc, I'm not aware that we have a member here driving an '03 4-matic Sedan. The version is very new, so I don't know if anyone has bought one, yet.
. I'm not going to post any pics till I tweak a few things aesthetically.As far as discounts, I think that as with just about all new models, I wouldn't count on it. Given the limited numbers, if you don't to buy it at the price, someone else will want it and at MSRP.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,377
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
And Drew....
...Let us know how it is on some of the logging roads up near Pemberton
The 4MATIC sounds like a very nice road car.
The 4MATIC sounds like a very nice road car.
Banned
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 275
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From: Lower Mainland, British Columbia, Canada
'00 ML320 Elegance/'03 C320 4-matic
Originally posted by MB-BOB
Cool, Drew_ML. Good to hear we have a 4-matic in the crowd. You'll have to let us know how well it performs on snow/ice, offroad, in the swamp, etc.
Cool, Drew_ML. Good to hear we have a 4-matic in the crowd. You'll have to let us know how well it performs on snow/ice, offroad, in the swamp, etc.
. It's rather amusing since my ML was the 2nd batch of '00s to come off the production line as well.Yes Mike, it's a road car for the mucky days that we get here in BC, rain and snow. It looks like mudflaps are quickly becoming a must. I'm finding that leaves have a tendency to stick in the fibrous lining in the wheel wells as well, ugh, but at least it reduces road spray tremendously
Last edited by Drew_ML; Nov 12, 2002 at 12:21 AM.
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Re: Discounts on 2003 C320 4matic Sedan
Originally posted by balajc
Hi
Originally my mom was gonna buy a 03 E32...but we now decided to go for a 03 C320 4matic instead...
The salesman we dealt with told us he can do $1000 off the MSRP...I figure we could do better....does anyone here with the new C320 4matic share the discounts they have had?
Thanks
BTW, I am in NY Long Island
Hi
Originally my mom was gonna buy a 03 E32...but we now decided to go for a 03 C320 4matic instead...
The salesman we dealt with told us he can do $1000 off the MSRP...I figure we could do better....does anyone here with the new C320 4matic share the discounts they have had?
Thanks
BTW, I am in NY Long Island
Jens
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 34
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From: NYC
New Package (L1?) for C320 4matic
I talked a couple salesman from 2 different dealerships and they both told me about a package that will include sunroof, heated seats, headlamp washers. My mom is looking to get her C320 w/o the heated seats...Does anyone know if this package will replace the C2? or I can still order the C2?
Thanks
Thanks
