Hello All,

My name is John and this is my first post. I am considering a used 2001 C320 with 20,000 miles. It will be my first used Mercedes. Sorry if this has been discussed many times over. Perhaps you can point me to a previous discussion.

Otherwise, I would like to know if anyone is aware of problems, electrical or otherwise on this vehicle.

As this will be my first luxury car, cost of maintenance is also a factor. I realize I have the balance of the factory warranty. What should I look out for in terms of maintenance. I understand they recommend service every 10k miles with synthetic oil. What else?

Any idea what a fair price would be? (non Mercedes dealer.)Seems to be loaded, but no phone or rear sun shade, or navigation system.

Any interesting good or bad features about this car?

Any and all comments welcome!

Thanks,

John

 

i have this car and personally, i wish i woulda waited and got a 2002 c320 instead. ive had several electrical problems that have now been upgraded on the newer models. the earliest w203's rolled out in 2000 as 2001 models, IMO they brought it out too soon. they should have waited until more of the bugs were worked out. granted, lotsa 2001 model w203's dont have any problems at all, and possibly may run fine for a long time, but looking back, i really wouldnt roll my dice on a first year model again.

 

I have a 2001 C320 with the C2 option and I have had zero problems. Of course I have under 3K miles on it. The car has spent a lot of time in the garage needless to say. I would have to say it has about 30 coats of polish and wax on it, it shines!
My C is glacier white(which is no longer used) with charcol int.
I've been considering selling it given that I don't drive it very often. I'm thinking a fair price is $35K given it is virtually new. A 2003 will cost over $40K. A 320 with 20K miles on it will probably go for $32K. Good luck, if your interested in mine let me know.

 

Thank you both for the feedback.

Oneslip, the dealer is asking 32k. Great estimate!! And thanks for telling me about yours. Unfortunately, 32 is at the top of my price range, but I'm sure you'll find a home for it...

I am a newbie both in forum name and knowledge of Mercedes. What is a C2 option?
What is a W203?

Thanks much!

John

 

W203 is the code for the C sedan..

C2 is the name of an option package...you can find more of it at www.mbusa.com

 

Look at the driver's side door pillar for manufacturing date and location (Sindelfingen, Germany... If it says Brazil, walk away).

My late March production 2001 (toward the end of the year's production) has had no electrical problems, but some of the earlier ones did have some bugs. I've not heard of any late 2001 production cars having problems, although I'm sure you will read of some exceptions.

Bottom line, IMO, if you're considering a late production 2001, you should be OK.

 

First of all, I don't think any 320's have ever been built in Brazil, at least not for the US market. Only 240's are built there for US market.

But why do you say walk away from Brazil car? I know some people have personal preference towards their German car being built in Germany, but there is nothing that shows that a car made in Brazil has any more problems than one made in Germany.

So if someone finds a used C-class they want to buy, I don't think being produced in Brazil should enter into the decision.

 

I have nothing against a Brazilian car, but most people ASSUME they are getting one from Germany and sometimes (if not always) disappointed to find out otherwise, after purchase. My only suggestion was to be sure your have your eyes open. Yes, it's a bias. Can't do anything about biases. We all have them.

For a brief period more than a year ago, we had a member here who had countless problems with his Brazilian C. He's not here anymore, because I think he shot himself (not really, he probably just sold it).

 

Again, thank you all for the input!

Obviously, most Mercedes are loaded in terms of power everything, cruise, leather etc. But are there any Mercedes-specific features that you C320 owners like/dislike about the car?

 

Yeah, that's true. But the truth is, you're probably better off buying a car assembled in Brazil than buying a car coming out of Alabama. There's so many lazy Americans with no work ethic. This is probably why the ML's seem to be so bad in terms of quality. Most of it is probably the design, but I'm sure some of the problem is in the assembly.

 

I brought a C320 new,ordered from picture in August 2000 it is a 2001. I hate this car! It has been nothing but a problem from the day I purchased it.The way the motor runs, loud, ruff and dies some times without warning to having a whole new front end replaced supensioon, sterring box every thing. I have written to Mercedes Benz main office spoke to every one involved in selling me this car and the service manager with no help. I would really think twice about buying the car you are thinking of. My experience is once they have your money you are screwed! And that is a Mercedes dealer, were I paid top price for the car.Also their four year Warranty is useless if they will not repair or even concede there is a problem with their car.

 

sad but true...

stupid unions demanding $30 an hour on an assy line is crazy

 

Regarding first year models and reliability, I have a 01 C240 and it runs great with no problems - almost 2 years old, it performs great (yeah - you heard me, that 2.6L Engine Rocks!) 24K miles - no problems - i had more problems with my 00 4Runner. Your mileage may vary but i wouldnt pass on a car simply because its a first year model.