I got a 2003 silver c230k with panorama roof, leather, automatic, rain sensor and a cd changer... no c7 and no bose, although seriously bose and stock setup don't sound all that different....

The interior seemed to be missing a couple of features from what the 2002's had... that blue dial is gone... Different computer displays, different climate control buttons and the tunnel mode closed not only windows but the sunroof as well, unlike 2002's which only close the windows...... also, got a seatbelt extender, pretty useful but seems cluttery.... these little things seem a bit frivolous compared to the engine....

1.8L vs 2.3L... hmmm.... i could definitely tell that the 2002 is a lot louder and seemingly has better acceleration when pushed hard....

Low end - no problem there, the 2003 also had instantaneous power but the 1.8L engine was smoother....

high end - when pushed hard the 2002 seems to have a stronger acceleration than the 2003 which leaves you wanting more.... Also, have the gearings been changed???... the 2003 seemed to change gears more frequently than my 2002....

All and all really no BIG difference between the 2002's and 2003's.... MB change little things here and there

Picture of the loaner

I agree on the engine noise. My freind has same car as your loaner except his is a 2002 6speed without C7. Engine wise the 2.3 is much louder, and I did not like that. Also the shifting was so damn long compared to the non C7.


Now go do some donuts in the loaner

You know you want to

Can you expand on this? What do you notice that is different? I haven't noticed a thing between the two years.

It could be different, but maybe not. The reason it shifts more often is because it is lacking in torque. Not only is the peak torque lower, but the 2002 has a wider, flatter power band. So the 2003 has to shift more often to keep it in the power band, but the 2002 is almost always in the power band. Peak torque on the 2002 is between 2500-4800, but the 03 does not have that wide of a range.

When flipping through the computer thing... there's less (options)flipping around as opposed to the 2002's.... i'm too lazy right now to take pics... maybe later

I don't need pics, I have access to 2003's at work.

I just don't think there is anything different between the two. It might have something to do with options.

On the 2003 loaner i got, the instrment cluster LCD was yellow rather than the orangy amber color I have in my car, and the shifter position for the auto was moved down some on the display. The steering wheel always got in teh way.

Donuts = GAS... haha gas is freaking expensive, 2.00 a gallon and the dealer said there needs to be at least 4 gallons in the tank when it comes back... hmmm $6 to $8 for donuts.... haha i think i'll just leave it in the driveway..

Wierd my 2003 has an Amber display not yellow in any way what so ever. Oh well.

Maybe the steering wheel got in the way because it was positioned too high. Just play around with the telescopic column.

I just got back my 2002 black C-coupe.... worlds difference... probably because mines already broken in while the 2003 loaner had only 1000 miles on it.... well i'm just happy they fixed almost everything... still waiting for steering wheel button parts.....