My Formal Introduction!
06-28-2009, 10:35 PM
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2006 C230 Sport
My Formal Introduction!
Greetings, MBWorld!
Though I've only posted here a few times, I'm not completely new to the forums (I snooped here a bit prior to my most recent MB purchase). In light of that, I believe a more formal introduction is in order.
My name is Stephen, and my current MB vehicle is a 2006 MB C230 SS (black on a "slate"-ish interior) with 37K miles. It's a 7-speed auto which I prefered over the manual (though there are days I certainly miss a clutch...). The rest I suppose is just gravy! I bought the car in near flawless condition this past February and have quite enjoyed it. I've also gathered some valuable information here during my ownership and hope to contribute some content of my own during my stay.
For some background information, I cut my teeth on Volvos, so to speak, and have owned quite a few! My DD prior to the C230 was an S70 T5 5-speed sedan. It had all the goodies from the factory and quite a number of aftermarket parts ranging from wheels/tires, suspension, cosmetic modification, lighting/audio, engine/exhaust, turbocharger upgrade, software upgrade, etc. It was technically a "Stage 3" of it's breed (albeit rare!) and was a fun car to drive, but it's novelty was wearing off and my needs were changing as well. My interests had long since shifted toward the W203's and finally the '06 fell right in my lap - the rest is history!
I thank you all for your contributions to the D.I.Y. information resources this site offers as well as the camaraderie! First a few pictures of my S70 for old time's sake...
The C230 is bone stock as it sits (I'm sure you're sick of seeing these by now - sorry!) but may end up with a lighting upgrade in the future depending if I get time to tackle it. I'm hopefully going to polish and wax it this weekend (4th of July morning) so maybe I'll have some better pictures to show & tell then! Without further ado, my 2006 C230 SS...
I appreciate any comments/recommendations - thanks for checking out the car!
Stephen
Though I've only posted here a few times, I'm not completely new to the forums (I snooped here a bit prior to my most recent MB purchase). In light of that, I believe a more formal introduction is in order.
My name is Stephen, and my current MB vehicle is a 2006 MB C230 SS (black on a "slate"-ish interior) with 37K miles. It's a 7-speed auto which I prefered over the manual (though there are days I certainly miss a clutch...). The rest I suppose is just gravy! I bought the car in near flawless condition this past February and have quite enjoyed it. I've also gathered some valuable information here during my ownership and hope to contribute some content of my own during my stay.
For some background information, I cut my teeth on Volvos, so to speak, and have owned quite a few! My DD prior to the C230 was an S70 T5 5-speed sedan. It had all the goodies from the factory and quite a number of aftermarket parts ranging from wheels/tires, suspension, cosmetic modification, lighting/audio, engine/exhaust, turbocharger upgrade, software upgrade, etc. It was technically a "Stage 3" of it's breed (albeit rare!) and was a fun car to drive, but it's novelty was wearing off and my needs were changing as well. My interests had long since shifted toward the W203's and finally the '06 fell right in my lap - the rest is history!
I thank you all for your contributions to the D.I.Y. information resources this site offers as well as the camaraderie! First a few pictures of my S70 for old time's sake...
The C230 is bone stock as it sits (I'm sure you're sick of seeing these by now - sorry!) but may end up with a lighting upgrade in the future depending if I get time to tackle it. I'm hopefully going to polish and wax it this weekend (4th of July morning) so maybe I'll have some better pictures to show & tell then! Without further ado, my 2006 C230 SS...
I appreciate any comments/recommendations - thanks for checking out the car!
Stephen
06-29-2009, 12:47 AM
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Stock FTW!
Okay, do the lighting upgrade. I did it and love my HIDs.. get the 55w. Aside from that, there's nothing I see on my C230 that needs modification. I love the stock look.
Okay, do the lighting upgrade. I did it and love my HIDs.. get the 55w. Aside from that, there's nothing I see on my C230 that needs modification. I love the stock look.
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Welcome!
06-29-2009, 05:23 PM
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2006 C230 Sport
Thanks for all the kind words 
Whatever lighting option I end up with, I did intend to install HID bulbs/ballasts. I haven't had 55W in the past - only a 35W kit (the S70 is pictured with 6000K 35W) which I found to be pretty bright themselves.
Whatever HID option I choose, I was looking to move into the projector-style W203 lights. Is there a particular aftermarket brand that is highest quality, or are many of the "knock-offs" as good as any other? I've seen "Depo" looks to be mentioned frequently with these, and I found some (presumably branded) "Depo" lights on Ebay for around $299 shipped, without HIDs. Are these what I want if I head that direction?
Again, thanks for the responses
Whatever lighting option I end up with, I did intend to install HID bulbs/ballasts. I haven't had 55W in the past - only a 35W kit (the S70 is pictured with 6000K 35W) which I found to be pretty bright themselves.
Whatever HID option I choose, I was looking to move into the projector-style W203 lights. Is there a particular aftermarket brand that is highest quality, or are many of the "knock-offs" as good as any other? I've seen "Depo" looks to be mentioned frequently with these, and I found some (presumably branded) "Depo" lights on Ebay for around $299 shipped, without HIDs. Are these what I want if I head that direction?
Again, thanks for the responses
06-29-2009, 05:48 PM
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2012 E300 4Matic
Mine are Eagle Eyes projectors off e-bay and I'm happy with the light pattern and output using standard Halogens. I don't know if they're HID compatible, though, as there is more heat generated from the HIDs.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/00-01-03-BENZ-C-C...3%3A1|294%3A30
I've read that the Depos have questionable light pattern and output.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/00-01-03-BENZ-C-C...3%3A1|294%3A30
I've read that the Depos have questionable light pattern and output.
06-30-2009, 12:20 AM
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1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
mystery, not trying to put you down at all, I just want to throw it out that there was some discussion about the Eagle Eye, and the Depo for that matter, comparing poorly to the OEM lights. One of the more/most common words of wisdom on this site seem to be to always do OEM mods when there is that option. I think that this would qualify... save up and get OEM when you can afford them.
Just to be clear though, I really do like your Angel Eyes, and the light output seemed pretty good from the looks of your pictures.
Just to be clear though, I really do like your Angel Eyes, and the light output seemed pretty good from the looks of your pictures.
06-30-2009, 03:09 AM
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OEM Bi-X is really the way to go, but I'm impressed with my reflector headlights' ability to manage the 55w light output. My cutoff stayed the same as stock. There's no way I'd put Depo or Eagle Eyes on my car even if they wanted to pay me to do so.
06-30-2009, 11:23 AM
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go oem...i did and you can find them for pretty good deals on here if your patient and are persistent in checking everyday...i edned up purchasing my left and right separately in order to get the best deal i could and after throwing some philips ultinon 6000k, I love them! of course dont forget to get the computer changed if you go wtih oem or any oterh 35w setup!
06-30-2009, 08:27 PM
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2006 C230 Sport
Thanks for the additional input, guys. Genuine MB/Hella (I believe) I'm sure is the best way to go, if you can find them for a reasonable price. It isn't so much shelling out for the OEM's that bothers me, it's wondering if their cost above and beyond the knock-offs is justified. I would want some HIDs in whatever I opt for, and as well would want projectors. I guess I'll just have to see what comes along
