C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

potential death of the W203........

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 05:29 AM
  #51  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Yes you'll need to pay that off first.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 05:09 PM
  #52  
PharmD's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
2006 C230 Sport
Glad to see that you're unharmed - that's why we drive safe vehicles!
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 05:15 PM
  #53  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Yes, if you think about it - The W203's safety features are still pretty cutting edge even as the cars are aging.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:09 AM
  #54  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
Yes, if you think about it - The W203's safety features are still pretty cutting edge even as the cars are aging.
+1 mine even has rear side impact which is still not in a lot of sedans even some w203's they made it an option. i hope i never have to use any of them but i have a feeling the car will either get totaled or something else major be for i ever get rid of my c320. 141k and still going
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:38 AM
  #55  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Originally Posted by samaritrey
+1 mine even has rear side impact which is still not in a lot of sedans even some w203's they made it an option. i hope i never have to use any of them but i have a feeling the car will either get totaled or something else major be for i ever get rid of my c320. 141k and still going
2005 was the last year of the standard side bags in the rear doors. I have them, as well. But tests revealed no difference in protection. It was superb with or without the bags for the rear passenger. It's a side impact crash for the front passenger that is a W203 weak spot. It's acceptable protection, but not the best and definitely could have been better.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:52 AM
  #56  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Another deletion!!!! The 202 did so badly in Euro NCAP & some unofficial diagonal crash tests that Benz were determined that the 203 would be good for the time. A Ford Mondeo was better than a 202.

Hence the weight increase in the 203.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:56 AM
  #57  
TemjinX2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Yeah, air bags are pretty heavy. I remember i could hold a seat without air bags in one hand and I could barely hold a seat with air bags with two hands.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 12:58 AM
  #58  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Do all American 203s have the side curtain bags? I see Shivi's does. I understand some markets deleted these - stupid!
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:00 AM
  #59  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
While the rear door bags were deleted for 2006 and 2007 (became optional) they were done so at the expense of safety. Rear passengers were well protected. It decreased the price of the car, the weight of the car, and repair costs in the event of an accident. I really didn't see it as a stunning deletion. That said, I like it that my C230 has all of the bags.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:00 AM
  #60  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
203 also has a far heavier floor pan than the 202.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:01 AM
  #61  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Originally Posted by Glyn M Ruck
Do all American 203s have the side curtain bags? I see Shivi's does. I understand some markets deleted these - stupid!
All W203s have side curtain bags. Deleting those in any car would be sales suicide in the USA. And those WOULD have came at the expense of safety, unlike the rear door bags.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:04 AM
  #62  
TemjinX2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
Yeah even hyundai's come with 8 air bags now.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:05 AM
  #63  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Good!
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:07 AM
  #64  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
But everyone who knows anything about cars knows the number of airbags isn't really indicative to overall safety. Are rear side bags even optional for the W204? I don't think they are. It earned the difficult "Best Pick" from the IIHS - something the 8-bag W203 couldn't do. It's like that "Door thunk" thing - sure it's cool but it is no measure of safety.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:13 AM
  #65  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
OP:

I understand the "cool" status of the 190E Cosworth.. but I really think you should think hard about it. There is something to be said for the feel of a newer model car. Had you been in a 190E Cosworth on the day of your accident rather than in a 2005 C230, the outcome would likely have been much different.

Nevermind the fact that the cops often make blatantly ignorant remarks about accident "what ifs", think about it. You were told that without the side and curtain bags, your girlfriend could have been seriously injured. An old car will have none of those passive features, and no active ones like ESP either.

I just can't see it. You were thrilled with the protection provided by a car with modern safety features... so you're ready to replace it with one that can't even compare in that way?

Just think carefully. Good luck.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 01:14 AM
  #66  
TemjinX2's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5,034
Likes: 6
From: Corona, CA
03 g35 coupe...........02 c32 Sold
I"m not saying air bags is a indication of safey, but as something that has become so common that you can find it one of the lower priced brands. A lot of more modern cars use more High Tensil steel to protect the passengers from impact.


The high tensil steel helps more then the air bags. You can see it in the that video where mercedes did a head on collusion with a Smart car against older S-class.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 03:58 AM
  #67  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
But everyone who knows anything about cars knows the number of airbags isn't really indicative to overall safety. Are rear side bags even optional for the W204? I don't think they are. It earned the difficult "Best Pick" from the IIHS - something the 8-bag W203 couldn't do. It's like that "Door thunk" thing - sure it's cool but it is no measure of safety.
Our 204's have a curtain/window bag that goes from the A pillar right through to the C pillar. I'm sure yours are the same. 2010 models now include a side knee bag for the driver on top of side bags, front bags & driver knee bag in the old standard configuration. Front bags are dual action deployment.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 05:40 AM
  #68  
Dingleberry's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 983
Likes: 2
From: USA
Marsaydees
the entire car should just turn into an airbag, similar to a popcorn kernel popping open.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 05:40 PM
  #69  
samaritrey's Avatar
Super Moderator
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Originally Posted by Dingleberry
the entire car should just turn into an airbag, similar to a popcorn kernel popping open.
That would be cool. anyone remember the James Bond movie where his coat inflates to a big ball.
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 08:09 PM
  #70  
Norwichdelta06's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
2007 c230
no! the best was in Demolition man where the car fulled up with FOAM that hardened instantly

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RnyhkBU1yaw
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 11:47 PM
  #71  
shivi1345's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
MK IV .:R32
Originally Posted by LILBENZ230
OP:

I understand the "cool" status of the 190E Cosworth.. but I really think you should think hard about it. There is something to be said for the feel of a newer model car. Had you been in a 190E Cosworth on the day of your accident rather than in a 2005 C230, the outcome would likely have been much different.

Nevermind the fact that the cops often make blatantly ignorant remarks about accident "what ifs", think about it. You were told that without the side and curtain bags, your girlfriend could have been seriously injured. An old car will have none of those passive features, and no active ones like ESP either.

I just can't see it. You were thrilled with the protection provided by a car with modern safety features... so you're ready to replace it with one that can't even compare in that way?

Just think carefully. Good luck.


yeah I hear 'ya........I definitley get it

I'm thinking about a C43......has a lot of the same features as W203, and the price will be pretty low. I'm not going to re-invest all of the insurance pay-out in a new car cuz I'm transferring to a 4 yr. school in less than a year now

........but I just read Glyn's post about how bad the W202 did in the Euro NCAP Crash Tests............


still waiting to see how much $ I'm actually gonna get btw
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2010 | 07:35 AM
  #72  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I owned a 202 from new for 5800 Kilometers
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2010 | 11:21 AM
  #73  
shivi1345's Avatar
Thread Starter
Super Member
 
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 786
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
MK IV .:R32
^ hahahha......so does that mean it's fairly safe?

I saw that it got 2 stars out of 5 in Europe, but it got 4 out of 5 in the US (3/5 for driver side impact)

The W203 got 5 out of 5 in Europe. 4 out of 5 in the States (but 5 out of 5 for driver side impact)


this seems pretty odd......b/c both models got pretty much the same rating here, but very different ratings in Europe.......




I'm really starting to fall for this one, even though I like it in black better....

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1563683748.html



AND the flatbed just came to take Her away.....so sad watching the bottom of the bumper scratch up my driveway as it got pulled up, then watching it being taken away.....still looked so damn good, ugh... lol

Last edited by shivi1345; Jan 28, 2010 at 11:51 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2010 | 02:44 PM
  #74  
Glyn M Ruck's Avatar
Super Moderator
MBWorld Ambassador

 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 19,942
Likes: 192
From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Originally Posted by shivi1345
^ hahahha......so does that mean it's fairly safe?
No - just fair for the time. The 202 was not a very safe car.
Reply
Old Jan 28, 2010 | 03:59 PM
  #75  
LILBENZ230's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
Likes: 800
2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
The early W210 cars weren't safe either. WTF was up with Benz back then? They had that vaunted door thunk, but a 1997 Camry was vastly safer than either W202 or W210 (early).
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:07 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE