Alright, lets go...best/worst parts of the car...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,750
Likes: 0
From: Peoria IL
2003 MB C230 coupe
best:
1) pano roof
2) look of the car as a whole, even the rear
3) bi-xenons (i feel like i'm blind when driving cars with halogens at night)
4) my door sills (first thing people comment on)
5) beautiful wood trim
6) the car
worst:
1) no boost gauge (really wish they would have included this)
2) stupid soft clear coat
3) a decent cup holder (that thing is right in the way when trying to shift)
1) pano roof
2) look of the car as a whole, even the rear
3) bi-xenons (i feel like i'm blind when driving cars with halogens at night)
4) my door sills (first thing people comment on)
5) beautiful wood trim
6) the car
worst:
1) no boost gauge (really wish they would have included this)
2) stupid soft clear coat
3) a decent cup holder (that thing is right in the way when trying to shift)
Last edited by truelove; Jan 27, 2003 at 09:33 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 0
From: SF Bay Area
2002 C230 K
best:
1. auto-dimming mirrors (great for all of the incorrectly aimed aftermarket xenons that seem to populate the Bay Area - plus a few factory ones, BMW X5 for instance)
2. one-touch turn signals
3. "AUTO" climate control - outside temp above 70 degrees
worst:
1. body roll
2. soft paint
3. climate control - outside temp 50-70 degrees: the car keeps the temperature too warm (even at lowest temp setting) if I'm wearing a jacket (I have no idea if it does a good job below 50 degrees because I live where it never gets that cold
)
- BT
1. auto-dimming mirrors (great for all of the incorrectly aimed aftermarket xenons that seem to populate the Bay Area - plus a few factory ones, BMW X5 for instance)
2. one-touch turn signals
3. "AUTO" climate control - outside temp above 70 degrees
worst:
1. body roll
2. soft paint
3. climate control - outside temp 50-70 degrees: the car keeps the temperature too warm (even at lowest temp setting) if I'm wearing a jacket (I have no idea if it does a good job below 50 degrees because I live where it never gets that cold
)- BT
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 838
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada
MY2001 C320
Best features:
1. One touch turn signals.
2. Tilt down mirror on reverse.
3. Tunnel mode.
4. Balance between elegance and aggressiveness.
Worst features:
1. Faulty fuel gauge (proven technology, should not happen in MB).
2 Wiper streaks (same as 1).
3. Purge valve ticking noise (annoying).
4. Rattling noise at overhead console (annoying).
5. Burns bulbs like mad.
1. One touch turn signals.
2. Tilt down mirror on reverse.
3. Tunnel mode.
4. Balance between elegance and aggressiveness.
Worst features:
1. Faulty fuel gauge (proven technology, should not happen in MB).
2 Wiper streaks (same as 1).
3. Purge valve ticking noise (annoying).
4. Rattling noise at overhead console (annoying).
5. Burns bulbs like mad.
MBworld Guru
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 22,058
Likes: 18
From: Diamond Bar, CA
W206 PHEV AMG
Originally posted by bagwell
Yo Frank...need to save your pennies and get with Steve! its an easy retro-fit !
Yo Frank...need to save your pennies and get with Steve! its an easy retro-fit !
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 3
From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Best:
1. Fun to drive;
2. Great value - overlooked by many in the US;
3. Adequate power with pulley (I know, I cheat here
);
4. One of the few MB with a manual tranny in the US;
5. Hatchback!!! Love it!!
Worst:
1. Seats - no adjustable lumbar support; neither sporty nor comfy - should take a lesson from Volvo;
2. Rearward visibility - can be easily fixed with Euro mirrors if offered stock in the US;
3. Body roll - needs the C32 sway bars to handle decently;
4. Audio 10 Cassette - no comment;
5. Wheel gapping/offset - has to be fixed with springs/pads and spacers or wide wheels to look good;
6. Briggs&Stratton-like sound of the M111 S/C engine;
7. No one-touch close mode for the sun roof.
1. Fun to drive;
2. Great value - overlooked by many in the US;
3. Adequate power with pulley (I know, I cheat here
);4. One of the few MB with a manual tranny in the US;
5. Hatchback!!! Love it!!
Worst:
1. Seats - no adjustable lumbar support; neither sporty nor comfy - should take a lesson from Volvo;
2. Rearward visibility - can be easily fixed with Euro mirrors if offered stock in the US;
3. Body roll - needs the C32 sway bars to handle decently;
4. Audio 10 Cassette - no comment;
5. Wheel gapping/offset - has to be fixed with springs/pads and spacers or wide wheels to look good;
6. Briggs&Stratton-like sound of the M111 S/C engine;
7. No one-touch close mode for the sun roof.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 350
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
2002 C240
Best:
good looking design
comfortable ride
great safety features
good service and loaner program.. (so far so good)
TeleAid
Not so good:
expensive mods/parts
least horsepower within this price range market
CD player is not standard
xenon light is not standard
incompatiblity to some aftermarket stuffs
good looking design
comfortable ride
great safety features
good service and loaner program.. (so far so good)
TeleAid
Not so good:
expensive mods/parts
least horsepower within this price range market
CD player is not standard
xenon light is not standard
incompatiblity to some aftermarket stuffs
Last edited by CarlssonPower; Jan 29, 2003 at 12:40 PM.
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles
C230 Sports Coupe
best worst
The best thing is how when you start the car you don't have to tuurn the key over and HOLD it untill it starts,you can just turn it very quick and let go and the car starts by it self.
Very nice ride,
Excellent fron appearance,
Nice signals in the mirrors
nice wheels,exhaust and pedals,
It's a Mercedes
Don't like the rear end that much,
lack of power,
left to right tip-tronic still doesn't make sense to me???
suspension too soft(time to drop the ride)
Very nice ride,
Excellent fron appearance,
Nice signals in the mirrors
nice wheels,exhaust and pedals,
It's a Mercedes
Don't like the rear end that much,
lack of power,
left to right tip-tronic still doesn't make sense to me???
suspension too soft(time to drop the ride)
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: So. California
2002 C230K, Auto, etc.
Best and Worst
I have to say I agree with almost all about what the best is but I am confused on the worst part.
Lacks power? Come on. It runs hard and has a lot of torque over a broad range. If you wanted more power than why buy this car?
Rides too soft. Don't get this one either. The car rides great to me. It does not float at speed and it seem to hunker down more the faster I drive it. (I averaged 77MPH for 266 miles, Las Vegas to Westminster, CA. just a week or so ago) I cruised, when able, as high as 105 and ran 85/90 almost totally. Never felt safer.
Steering too hard. Seems like those folks have not driven many German cars. When your hauling 130 down the Autobahn you don't want a Buick feel to your steering. At least if you planning on staying on the road. The steering is hard out of design and knowledge.
Audio 10. Again sounds good to me. Can my neighbor hear it two blocks away. NO. But that was not Becker's intent. Want it to sound like some East LA ghetto blaster. Than buy something else.
In the end this is a MB not a Honda/Acrua. Not knocking either but there not the same type of car.
I do agree a CD player should be part of the deal.
Probably an age difference here. I'm 63 and been through all the hop up phases in life. In the end all they did was cost me money.
Lacks power? Come on. It runs hard and has a lot of torque over a broad range. If you wanted more power than why buy this car?
Rides too soft. Don't get this one either. The car rides great to me. It does not float at speed and it seem to hunker down more the faster I drive it. (I averaged 77MPH for 266 miles, Las Vegas to Westminster, CA. just a week or so ago) I cruised, when able, as high as 105 and ran 85/90 almost totally. Never felt safer.
Steering too hard. Seems like those folks have not driven many German cars. When your hauling 130 down the Autobahn you don't want a Buick feel to your steering. At least if you planning on staying on the road. The steering is hard out of design and knowledge.
Audio 10. Again sounds good to me. Can my neighbor hear it two blocks away. NO. But that was not Becker's intent. Want it to sound like some East LA ghetto blaster. Than buy something else.
In the end this is a MB not a Honda/Acrua. Not knocking either but there not the same type of car.
I do agree a CD player should be part of the deal.
Probably an age difference here. I'm 63 and been through all the hop up phases in life. In the end all they did was cost me money.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
C230 Coupe
I agree with you, GTIDAN. I am only 35, but you're right.... this may be an age issue. 
Oh yeah, about the steering. Again, you could not be more correct. I lived (and drove) in Germany for 8 years, and a nice, stiff steering wheel is exacly what you need at high speeds.
Overall, I love my coupe. I AM buying those AMG sway bars, though.
Juan
Oh yeah, about the steering. Again, you could not be more correct. I lived (and drove) in Germany for 8 years, and a nice, stiff steering wheel is exacly what you need at high speeds.
Overall, I love my coupe. I AM buying those AMG sway bars, though.
Juan
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 476
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
2017 GLA 250 4Matic
Pros:
Cheapest of the Benz but still built with Benz name and quality
Multiple airbags
Touch signal turn
Front of the car
C7 rims
Speed and ride quality
Spacious rear seating
Comfortable seats
Cons:
Ugly rear end
Back is too high
Black handles
Ugly cloth pattern
Cheap aluminum trim
Poor rear visibility (especially shoulder checking)
Lousy stock sound system
No Xenon option for 2002
Cheapest of the Benz but still built with Benz name and quality
Multiple airbags
Touch signal turn
Front of the car
C7 rims
Speed and ride quality
Spacious rear seating
Comfortable seats
Cons:
Ugly rear end
Back is too high
Black handles
Ugly cloth pattern
Cheap aluminum trim
Poor rear visibility (especially shoulder checking)
Lousy stock sound system
No Xenon option for 2002
Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From: So. California
2002 C230K, Auto, etc.
Best/Worst
Agree with most of the best noted but have some problems with many of worst noted.
Such as:
Ugly cloth seats!! Did they change after you bought the car. For me I think they look great. How about the rear of the car. Did it change after you bought it? If you don't like it why did you buy it.?
Poor visability: Did you not drive this car before you bought it? Never understand how people knock something that was there from the git go.
Cheap Alum trim: You want wood. Buy a kit. This is a sport coupe and the Alum trim looks like it belongs there. Take it out and you'll see it's NOT cheap at all.
Sure I could fault some things about my coupe. But the aforementioned items were there and known by me before I purchased the car. Therefore why ***** about them.
You know just because the car is not ready to autocross when you pick it up from the dealer does NOT mean the car has a poor suspension. This is a 'benz' and was built to be a daily driver in the real world not some weekend autocross. The car rides firm enough for me and I suspect most who read this forum.
I have no problem if you want to change it to fit your needs. But remember your needs are not necessarily others.
Just a thought.
Such as:
Ugly cloth seats!! Did they change after you bought the car. For me I think they look great. How about the rear of the car. Did it change after you bought it? If you don't like it why did you buy it.?
Poor visability: Did you not drive this car before you bought it? Never understand how people knock something that was there from the git go.
Cheap Alum trim: You want wood. Buy a kit. This is a sport coupe and the Alum trim looks like it belongs there. Take it out and you'll see it's NOT cheap at all.
Sure I could fault some things about my coupe. But the aforementioned items were there and known by me before I purchased the car. Therefore why ***** about them.
You know just because the car is not ready to autocross when you pick it up from the dealer does NOT mean the car has a poor suspension. This is a 'benz' and was built to be a daily driver in the real world not some weekend autocross. The car rides firm enough for me and I suspect most who read this forum.
I have no problem if you want to change it to fit your needs. But remember your needs are not necessarily others.
Just a thought.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
I'm pretty happy with the car as is. I love the styling, and even its quirky rear end styling has really grown on me. Ive always been a Coupe person, so the C230 was a real pleasant surprise for me. I love the hatchback design. The metal trim is very cool looking. The car is roomier, more solid, and much better styled than the rather dull looking RSX, but just as much fun to drive. I liked the Celica, but its so small inside and that motor is just dead below 6K. Another coupe I liked was Saturn's 3 Door SC, but that weezing stock motor takes all the fun out of it.
Sure, I'd like to see a little more HP, but the car clearly isn't lacking in grunt. Race a WRX once...sure, he'll dust you off the line, but once underway you will stay dead even with him. The 70-120mph jaunt is pretty wild too. It surprises a lot of people. If I had an 03 I'd be a little miffed about the power issue, but with the 02, there's always the pulley.
Things I'd like to see:
Taller first gear...slightly taller second gear. A car with this much torque doesn't need to burn 3 gears to reach sixty.
A compass as part of the MFD.
A true positraction rear end.
Better sounding 'bose system'...actually just the lack of bass needs fixing.
BiXenons standard.
More reasonable pricing on the options...like the heated and power seats. And paying 600 bucks for metalic paint is stupid. It sure doesn't cost them anywhere near that much extra for the metallic powdercoat.
I'd also like to see the AMG rear bumper be made standard on all the coupes, it cleans up the rear styling. Hell, just offer the AMG C32 or C30 over here!!
Sure, I'd like to see a little more HP, but the car clearly isn't lacking in grunt. Race a WRX once...sure, he'll dust you off the line, but once underway you will stay dead even with him. The 70-120mph jaunt is pretty wild too. It surprises a lot of people. If I had an 03 I'd be a little miffed about the power issue, but with the 02, there's always the pulley.
Things I'd like to see:
Taller first gear...slightly taller second gear. A car with this much torque doesn't need to burn 3 gears to reach sixty.
A compass as part of the MFD.
A true positraction rear end.
Better sounding 'bose system'...actually just the lack of bass needs fixing.
BiXenons standard.
More reasonable pricing on the options...like the heated and power seats. And paying 600 bucks for metalic paint is stupid. It sure doesn't cost them anywhere near that much extra for the metallic powdercoat.
I'd also like to see the AMG rear bumper be made standard on all the coupes, it cleans up the rear styling. Hell, just offer the AMG C32 or C30 over here!!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Goods
I never see this car on the road, I've seen 3 since I got mine, I drive to work and I'm the only C and people have no idea what I'm driving.
Quiet, REALLY quiet! (no idea what rattling you all are talking about)
Love the interior style, seats, dash, everything
Quick, I don't care what anyone says
Really a blast to tweak out a benz and not worry about a 80K price tag
Love the sound muffler/supercharger
Bads
Stereo is so lame, even with the Bose 8 speaker
MB parts (amg and otherwise) are wayyyy to expensive
Handling can be improved, although skid pad numbers are very good
Visibility is limitied compared to other vehicles, but maybe not other coupes
People think you are a snob for having a benz, so not true.
I never see this car on the road, I've seen 3 since I got mine, I drive to work and I'm the only C and people have no idea what I'm driving.
Quiet, REALLY quiet! (no idea what rattling you all are talking about)
Love the interior style, seats, dash, everything
Quick, I don't care what anyone says
Really a blast to tweak out a benz and not worry about a 80K price tag
Love the sound muffler/supercharger
Bads
Stereo is so lame, even with the Bose 8 speaker
MB parts (amg and otherwise) are wayyyy to expensive
Handling can be improved, although skid pad numbers are very good
Visibility is limitied compared to other vehicles, but maybe not other coupes
People think you are a snob for having a benz, so not true.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: Best and Worst
Originally posted by GTIDAN
Rides too soft. Don't get this one either. The car rides great to me. It does not float at speed and it seem to hunker down more the faster I drive it. (I averaged 77MPH for 266 miles, Las Vegas to Westminster, CA. just a week or so ago) I cruised, when able, as high as 105 and ran 85/90 almost totally. Never felt safer.
Steering too hard. Seems like those folks have not driven many German cars. When your hauling 130 down the Autobahn you don't want a Buick feel to your steering. At least if you planning on staying on the road. The steering is hard out of design and knowledge.
Rides too soft. Don't get this one either. The car rides great to me. It does not float at speed and it seem to hunker down more the faster I drive it. (I averaged 77MPH for 266 miles, Las Vegas to Westminster, CA. just a week or so ago) I cruised, when able, as high as 105 and ran 85/90 almost totally. Never felt safer.
Steering too hard. Seems like those folks have not driven many German cars. When your hauling 130 down the Autobahn you don't want a Buick feel to your steering. At least if you planning on staying on the road. The steering is hard out of design and knowledge.
I think too many people expected a "sports car", not a "sporty car" as this truely is. This is an autobhan cruiser with a "sporty" look to appeal to a different set of buyers. Maybe MB should drop the name "sports" from "sports coupe" and we can all stop having these discussions.
