2005 C230K Sport questions
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Bmw 528
2005 C230K Sport questions
Dealer called today with an 05 230 K sport model with only 20,000 miles on it. Really wanted a 4matic 280 but am willing to consider this one due to the low miles. Got a couple questions.
1- For a quick peek on this forum looks like much earlier posts indicate this is a fairly reliable model. Is that still true, does the build date of the 05 matter?
2- What are the problem areas and what recalls or TSB's do I need to verify were done. Basically, what should I look out for?
3- Visually, what difference is there between the 05 K and an 07 280 which I am familiar with. Any face lifts done to the kompressor between 05 and 07?
4- What is a fair price for this car in excellent cosmetic condition? This car was bought and just traded in at the same dealership who also has all service records and have indicated that they all were performed on time by the dealership.
Thanks guys, I have found this forum that I have been lurking about the past couple weeks to be very helpful.
1- For a quick peek on this forum looks like much earlier posts indicate this is a fairly reliable model. Is that still true, does the build date of the 05 matter?
2- What are the problem areas and what recalls or TSB's do I need to verify were done. Basically, what should I look out for?
3- Visually, what difference is there between the 05 K and an 07 280 which I am familiar with. Any face lifts done to the kompressor between 05 and 07?
4- What is a fair price for this car in excellent cosmetic condition? This car was bought and just traded in at the same dealership who also has all service records and have indicated that they all were performed on time by the dealership.
Thanks guys, I have found this forum that I have been lurking about the past couple weeks to be very helpful.
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
1. The 2005 and up cars are reliable. The chassis was mature and the bugs worked out. The facelift in 2005 made the W203 a much more desirable vehicle, IMO.
2. Leaking cam sensors. I'd be wary of a car with such low mileage. People get so hung up on that, but my 2005 has 64,100 miles and runs like new. A bunch of short trips is much worse on a car than highway miles.
3. Visually the 2005 C230 is much more attractive than a 4Matic luxury version. The C230 will have the AMG body-kit treatment, oversized brakes with fixed calipers that say "Mercedes-Benz" on them and cross-drilled rotors, interior will have real aluminum trim, sport seats, the car will have staggered 17" rims. The Sport versions are much more attractive than the bland luxury versions. The major facelift was in 2005 for the W203 and only minor changes happened through end-of-production in 2007.
4. With all the records and stuff, I'd say $15,000-$16,000 is about the maximum I'd give. It wouldn't hurt to add a warranty on top of it. The car is 5 years old.
I don't think you'll regret choosing the C230 Sport over a luxury version. I would never have considered the W203 if the Sport wasn't available.
2. Leaking cam sensors. I'd be wary of a car with such low mileage. People get so hung up on that, but my 2005 has 64,100 miles and runs like new. A bunch of short trips is much worse on a car than highway miles.
3. Visually the 2005 C230 is much more attractive than a 4Matic luxury version. The C230 will have the AMG body-kit treatment, oversized brakes with fixed calipers that say "Mercedes-Benz" on them and cross-drilled rotors, interior will have real aluminum trim, sport seats, the car will have staggered 17" rims. The Sport versions are much more attractive than the bland luxury versions. The major facelift was in 2005 for the W203 and only minor changes happened through end-of-production in 2007.
4. With all the records and stuff, I'd say $15,000-$16,000 is about the maximum I'd give. It wouldn't hurt to add a warranty on top of it. The car is 5 years old.
I don't think you'll regret choosing the C230 Sport over a luxury version. I would never have considered the W203 if the Sport wasn't available.
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Bmw 528
Safety issue
There was a safety problem with the 2005 and down I think that involved side impact issues. When were the side impact beams added to the doors, was it 05 or 06? If it was 2005 was it mid year?
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
The W203 was tested by the IIHS early in production and the rating applied to the line for the rest of its life cycle. This tells me that no structural changes ever happened.
Edit: I see what you might be talking about. In 2005, changes were made to seats and side airbags to improve protection - but no structural changes like "door beams" took place. Until 2005 the C-class had airbags in all 4 doors. In 2006-2007, the airbags in the rear doors became optional. It is rated "Acceptable" by the IIHS, both before and after the modifications and with or without the rear side airbags.
Last edited by LILBENZ230; Oct 23, 2009 at 06:19 PM.
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Bmw 528
Amg kit- 2005?
I haven't had time to sit down and really get into this today, just found out about this trade late this afternoon but, are you sure the 05 had the AMG body kit? Only asking as the few pics I have seen up to this point don't look like it. But, like I said, I haven't seen the car or had proper time to research this vintage.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
I haven't had time to sit down and really get into this today, just found out about this trade late this afternoon but, are you sure the 05 had the AMG body kit? Only asking as the few pics I have seen up to this point don't look like it. But, like I said, I haven't seen the car or had proper time to research this vintage.
Thanks again
Thanks again
Remember, 2004 is a totally different story.
