Robert ...RAB

The MY03 C240W-4M, C320W-4M, and the C320S-4M are scheduled to be released mid-October. ...RAB

Darkman

Just curious, where did you hear this from? I didn't see any annoucements from MB. Are there going to be any other changes to MY03 C240 like a bigger engine or a supercharger?

David N.

RAB works for an MB dealer in SOCAL. He's in the know. It is very nice of him to pass this info along to us. Thank you RAB!

Mike T.

Rab,

Thanks for the scoop. I still have some questions, though.

Do you have any idea of the cost of the 4Matic option on the C 240? Will it be available as a stand-alone option, or for "marketing purposes", will it be combined with something else such as sport suspension, Elegance trim level, Automatic transmission, etc?

young

how does the 4matic work? similar to the audi quattro? to the bmw Xi?

Bud

I believe that the 4-matic is the same as the m-class, open diffs, and the brakes are used on the slipping wheels to divert power to the wheels with traction.

amln

Will there be a 4-Matic option on the MY2003 C32? Or maybe even a limited slip differential?

vinmanc32

that it doesnt seem likely that they would spend the money to produce a handful of vehicles. The price would be astronomical and no one would buy them. Since they only make under 4000 C32's a year, what percentage do you think they may have to sell to make it worth the expense? At 25% (and thats alot) you have 1000 cars. I dont think they would do it although a nice option. You just never know these days though.... anythings possible.

Robert ...RAB

As before with other model introductions, I will post prices as soon as I receive 'official' information. Typically, prices for new models are not released until a few days before their scheduled launch. For the USA version, the 4Matic should be a stand along base model option just like in the E320W-4M, definitely with the 5-Speed TouchShift Automatic.

I'm inclined to think the 4Matic drivetrain will be the type presently used in the E-Class or an updated version, not the one from the M-Class.

I will post additional information as I receive it. ...RAB

Drew_ML

Heh, I've known about this for over a year now. Actually the E55 is available with 4-matic over in Europe, but I doubt that if they came out with the C32 4-matic (which I'm almost certain they will; heck, they even have a C32 AMG wagon in Germany), that it will make it over here.

The 4-matic system is an updated version which is modular in design. It should work similarily to the current system aside from being lighter, and having even less frictional losses.

nabzy

according to dealer

whatup?

Hey,

There's an article on germancarfans.com about the new C-Class 4Matic...

http://www.germancarfans.com/main.cfm

Todd

Renelsisc

Guys,

I was recently in the market of a AWD car, and i was thinking of getting an A4, when my dealer told me that the new C240 will come with 4matic in november....i was just wondering if anyone can confirm this? thanx.

Gary.

young

yes

Mr. White

Which one do u think is a better choice?

trench

My choice would be a C320 4matic, the C240 is too underpowered for my taste.

Instead of an SUV, I'm considering the wagon version of the C320 4matic for my next Merc (when I need a family-type car).

Cheers, BT

tluke

I am interested in an '03 C Class in 4Matic. Since there aren't any around quite yet I took an '02 C240 and a C320 for a test ride. I much preferred the C320 but I was a little put off by the soft suspension. I currently have a '99 C230 with the Sport suspension. I like the feel and I was hoping that the new one would be similar. I know that the Sport suspension will not be available for '03 with the C Class. Does anyone know if the cars with the 4Matic have a more firm suspension when compared to the same models without 4Matic.

trench

My guess is that they'll be the same.

I don't know why they deleted the sport option - I liked it, although it's probably because not too many ordered it (I can't think of anyone on here who has one). Could always go aftermarket (which is cheaper than the old C6 package anyway).

Cheers, BT

VPC Driver

They're all the same.

Mr. White

does anyone knows do the 03 C-class have hp increase or it stays the same?

thanks

Fuzzo

i would go with the 240 over the ML... simply because I have heard the ML has a ton of issues... or I should say more issues than the C...

i don't think there is a difference in hp between the 02's and the 03's....

yipikaye

I choose C class, because ML will have a totally redesign model in the next couple years.

Drew_ML

It really boils down to your space requirements and your priorities. It may help to list them.

The ML has far more space than the C, a heck of a lot more ground clearance, for instance. However, the C-class is sportier.

As for the C240 vs C320, I've been driving a C240 for the past 10 days and to my surprise I have no complaints with regards to power on the highway, or around town.

Mike T.

Assuming you'll not go off road regularly (no, I don't mean gravel or dirt roads, I mean REAL off-roading) get the C 4MATIC. SUVs are a blight on our roads, and in a few years they will have the cachet that a Plymouth Grand Fury III did in the fall of 1973, during the first "oil crisis"

At least I hope so...

partsguy

I just traded my 2001 c240 sedan for a c320 sportwagon. We drove the ML also but I did not want to give up all the goodies that are standard on the C.

We just needed a little bit more room and the wagon is perfect for our needs. My wife also did not want to give up the 8 airbags that are on the C.

A friend of our just got a ML500 and that would be the way to go if you need the AWD and extra space.