I need your opinion:

I used to own a silver 2002 C230 Coupe. I sold it a little over a year ago due to financial situations that no longer allowed me to keep the car. I recently started a new job which will have me again making the type of money that will afford me the ability to think about another coupe. I am going to wait six months to buy the car because that is my probationary period at work. After that I’ll be assured of a lasting income. That will also give me time to see what is available and what I want.

My initial thoughts on a coupe: Silver with black leather interior. I’m thinking post facelift.


I want to hear opinions on:

Should I get one pre facelift or post facelift?

If I remember correctly the iPod interface only works with the MOST system (post facelift)

I remember reading a copy of consumer reports car guide that rated the 2005 C class as average reliability. Do people agree with that or does it depend more on the individual car?

What other advice can you give me?


Mike

 

oh man i wish i could change my car... if you cant put the ipod interface on the pre one... just change the hu... easier to change cd too...

 

you seem to have financial issues, why pay more for the post facelift just for an ipod interface ?
get a pre facelift and upgrade your tailights, headlights and headunit.

 

^ It's just *just* an ipod interface. He now also has the option of DVD COMAND, upgraded seats, etc.

 

either go with the 02 coupe or if you can find the v6

 

That's what I'd say - spend the savings you get from buying the older car on a great aftermarket headunit that would be better than the MB one (which ain't hard).

 

couple months ago i upgraded from 02 c230 to 03 c320 and ITS WORTH IT, fuel consumption isnt that bad, it depends on your accelerations with the c230 kompressor.. & the ride is smoother...

 

Hmm - 2002 C230, pulley, and chip will have better hp/weight ratio. I'm not sure I'd call the 320 an upgrade these days, with proper planning.

 

I agree....either 2002, or a 2005 C320 Coupe (w/ 6 speed if you could find it!)
If you must have the M271 1,8L
then the 2005 is the best one.
The 2.3 and the 3.2 are both very reliable engines.
The 1.8...not quite so much.
With the 2005 you might be able to get one still under warranty.

There's a kit around here for $1000 that supposedly nets 260 HP at the crank on the 3.2.
That would be nice.
If you get a 2002, I'd get one that has at least 60K miles on it...
thats gonna mean that most of the bugs are worked out.

Check the cam for leaks, as well as the engine harness for oil, and then
the tranny cable as well. If all thats good, you should be ok.

 

Agreed... especially with a manual... have a auto and it sux to the core when it come to responsiveness...

 

You can't put a MOST head unit into a 2002-2005.5 car - the logic and com path is completely different.

You can add iPod interface to the older system, though - either with a third party (HK or others) interface or with COMAND (has an aux in).

Finally, the M111 is a far more reliable motor. That was only available in the 02 coupes.
Buy Tommy's....or make me an offer (heheh)

 

LOL, Rick. I think we're both dumb enough to stick with our ccoupes for the long haul.

 

I got all the good stuff in my 2002.
2004 sunroof, 2005 lights grill and blinker (damn, one of them is leaking)
and the seatbelt holders. Well actually only did the drivers side.

There are several devices that allow IPOD connectivity that work through
the optical interface. Or Pioneer AVID. Or a modified stock stereo.

 

well it was a great deal, my dad knew the dealer blablabla...
+ it was this trade or nothing, i didnt plan on changing the 02 c230k anytime soon....
so to 2003, 320, black, leather....
enough upgrades when ur not thinking of changing cars :p

 

Thanks for the input. I’ve been taking a look at the availability of coupes and have found that far more ’02s are available than ’05s. Also the ‘02s cost less. I do however like the post facelift grill and tail lights. I’m starting to lean towards a moded’02 but have a few months to mull it over before I do anything.

As far as replacing the HU for something that sounds better, can the HU be changed by itself or does the whole system have to be swapped?

Mike

 

hey I can offer you mine 02 coupe.
well kept, low mileage and got all the upgrades you want:
Evolution package
Euro BIX
05 tails
05 blinkers
05 sport grill
05 fogs
stager wheels 225 front 245 rear
new 3 months old tires
but its in Citron Green color.
not too many people like this color.
the car needs a good owner/home (like me) .....

 

see if you can find a C350 coupe. those things are rare

 

if its not the bose system, changing the HU will be a lot less hassle, and just have to change the HU, the rest can stay the same if you prefer

 

2005 tails can be had to about 220 from Ebay germany.
Grill was about 140 with shipping.
Side markers about $60-70.
Clear headlights...ummmm...400+ halogens-1000 for bix.
Then you'll be updated! Just not the interior.
As far as HU, the Audio 10 single CD which is a stock radio in Europe works well.
Model Becker BE 6021
http://cgi.ebay.de/Mercedes-Autoradi...1%7C240%3A1318
You can pick one up for $100-200. Much better sound quality and works with the buttons on the steering wheel.
Search on that.
Or you can modify the stock cassette radio on the 2002 to have an input. But yeh, it sounds like crap.
Again, STF.

 

some guys kept searching months for citron green coupes !!!
put it on couple forums, ebay, autotrader, cars, craiglist and u'll sell it fast...

 

What are the changes to the interior in 05?

Ohh and what is an 04 sunroof?

E

 

You know what I mean, the 05 interior is totally cool. Different style guages, seats, dash, etc.
Different bumpers too...I forgot about that...but not the AMG ones.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...1%7C240%3A1308

04 sunroof...mine was completely cut out and replaced under warranty...
TWICE. The sunroof was updated in either 2003 or 2004. I have the bump that eliminates interior wind buffeting with it open.
And so far no problems since the last R&R....crossing fingers, knock on wood.

 

have an 6spd 02 coupe for sale.

Thinking of selling; (looking for feelers)

NY (LI) located.
Blk on blk.
65k miles.
All original, no mods, orig. owner, garage kept.
C7 package.
Pano sunroof.
Leather.
MB CD in glove box.
Update key FOB for trunk/hatch open.
Clean inside and out.
Have a winter wheel/tire setup.
Has true 2.3L (M111 engine)
update rear tails
trouble free since purchased new