This forums seems exceptionally interesting so here is a bit of helpful information to new owners, firstly and then on to repair issues… Canadian or not, do read on…

The 2.6 litre engine is lethargic for my needs. Push off power is rather weak, I might add; but notably I would like to state that mid range power is very good and kept me close and gave me passing power to nearly every bloody 3 series BMW. My advice would be too go in for the 3.2 litre engine; better fuel economy, do not need to tag on many options that rev up the price of my Benz. Also, better power but less refined…I might add. And do get the Bose system – it sounds mighty good!

Repair issues: NOTE: all under warranty at the TORONTO MB downtown dealership DVP (if you live in T.O. you would know where)
- The driver seat brackets have been changed (started to shift from left to ride when I took hard corner’s – all thanks to Mika H.!)
- Front grill has been changed due to a bubble on the sliver
- Lights bulbs – don’t even ask
- Alignment: got it done at my last A service of mine (might as well, its free)
- Got all my brake pads changed twice in one year (that’s right, free)
- Got my front rooters changed at the end of the 40000 limit (made sure I got that done before the warranty ended)
- Got a 3M protective coating put on (I would recommend it to any one) 500+ Canadian – not a stone chip so far and it looks great, wait... you can’t even see it
- Got bushing added on due to the bloody purge valve issue
- Only issue I am flustered about it the jarring off the driver side tweeters speakers (NO BOSE system)
- Also, used the car in winter conditions and it did very well. But the dam thing sways from side to side (the rear I mean)
- Got my fog lights changed due to partial fogging

I will have a photo up shortly!
Cheers - any feed back would be great...

 

how did you manage to get the brake pads changed FREE?

 

I made sure that at both A and B service checks, I reported to MB guy, that I had intensive vibration when braking and uneven pull to one side, and brake squeal. So I got the wheels aligned, brake pads changed and rotors – I also requested the MB service rep to change the front rotters rather then grind them – they could tag it on as a warranty issue – which he did! Also, got my key replaced under warranty.

Hope that was helpful

 

So is the point of your post just telling us how to cheat MB and get them to pay for all our repairs under warranty? This may sound great, but the more warranty costs go up, the more the price of the cars will go up. So it's really a trade off. Do you want to pay for it now, or pay for it later?

 

Wow! I'm surprised that they were willing to do all this without taking the car out to verify the problems.

 

c240 classic = 50,500 on the road Canadian $$$
c320 = 61,000 on the road Canadian $$$

I respect your opinion, and I understand that the 240 may not have enough power for you. BUT, we should also let people know the price difference between the two cars. The only diff in options between the two is the engine and digital climate control.

Is 50hp and a digital display worth $11,000. I could do so much with that cash, AND still have a MB in my driveway.

JMHO.

 

That exactly why I have C240. Most people still think that my C240 worth 50K .

My seat did the same but I went to my service center and they said it's normal and can't do anything. Anybody else have a better luck than me?

 

WHAT?! A seat is SUPPOSED to move around? NOT! Have you tried a different dealer yet?

Add in FULL power seats and steering column (with memory and easy entry/exit feature) to the more powerful engine and climatronic, which you get standard in the C320 over the C240.

 

Not really one of the sharpest tools in the shed are you!

Cheat is a bit of a harsh word, old boy! Being smart on the other hand is more appropriate. I do believe that the cost of warranty issues at MB cost the manufacture nearly 1 billion dollars a year. I have owned a C, CLK and my parents own an E, so believe me that costs of vehicles have not gone down over the years and will not.

I am sure I am not the only fellow with issues with his car. Maybe you should put out a A.P.B. requesting people not too use the - No cost warranty option!

 

Your point is valid. I do have to add that after adding the sunroof, heated seats, metallic paint, rain sensor, leather inserts, alloy wheels and CD player – it totalled $52000 Canadian. Please note that C320 MSRP is $49750 Canadian and include, leather, heated seats, wood all over, sunroof, digital climate etc… 221 lb-ft torque compared to 177

 

It's okay to use the warranty, but it sounds like you are abusing it, with the pads and especially the rotors.

You are right about the warranty costs for MB being a lot. The price of the cars may not go down, but they will certainly go up. And even when they stay the same, the quality is getting worse as they try to save money. So we are losing one way or the other. Warranty is not free and never will be. Neither is the "free" maintenance. It is part of the cost of the car.

 

I'm sorry my friend, but you need to look a little closer.

Here is the list of standard equipment on the 320:

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/site/con....cfm?Model=230

Here is the standard equipment for the 240 Classic:

http://www.mercedes-benz.ca/site/con....cfm?Model=225

c320 does NOT have a sunroof and heated seats as standard. That's $2700 you are including in the price of the 320. Sorry, but add that to the $49,750.

These are the differences between a 2003 c240 classic and c320:

- c240 comes with full size spare tire and tinted glass, 320 does not have those listed

- c320 comes with digital climate control, rear center armrest with cupholders, wood on the doors, leather wheel and shift knob, memory package, electric front seats front to back adjustment, 3.2L v6, rims, and partial leather.

c240 has partial power seats, just not front to back. And my model year came with leather wrapped shifter and rear center armrest. I bought rims for $900. And since I'm the only guy who drives my car, memory package is useless. And partial leather is only a $870 option. Not a real deal breaker.

The extra power would be NICE, but IMHO, it's not worth $11,000

Others may think it is.

Alot of Americans on the board wonder why I feverishly defend the 240 when compared to the 320. Now they know why. The car is excellent value for the money. 11k is alot of dough.

 

I do have to agree that cost of maintenance is incorporated into the cost of the car and the quality of parts has reduced over the past few years. Never the less I believe that squeaky breaks after 5 months need to be looked at! The MB service department is not doing be any favours.

 

"c320 does NOT have a sunroof and heated seats as standard. That's $2700 you are including in the price of the 320. Sorry, but add that to the $49,750."

- I further reviewed your claim and you are right - thanks for bringing that to light

"c240 comes with full size spare tire and tinted glass, 320 does not have those listed"

- thats news for me, I am well aware that the AMG did not come with a spare and the C230 came with a deflated version, but I am POSITIVE that both cars C240/320 come with a full spare

"c320 comes with digital climate control, rear center armrest with cupholders..."

- I do have the rear center armret with cupholders in the C240

"The extra power would be NICE, but IMHO, it's not worth $11,000"

- Point taken!

In addition, I think the sports package is not available in the States anymore (2003), but in Canada it is and not to mention 4matic. Good news…

 

Two new "sports sedans" have taken it place.

And the C230 Sport sedan is a screaming good deal at 27-28K...more power than the 240, and better mileage...and less expensive to boot.

 

RWD- what did you expect?

 

totally agree with that! - never the less I think rear winter tires are in the calling