Pros and Cons
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Joined: Dec 2009
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Pros and Cons
Hey all,
I just thought it would be interesting to discover what everyones favorite option, characteristic, or feature is of their W203. Likewise, for good contrast, what option, characteristic, or feature bothers you most?
I just thought it would be interesting to discover what everyones favorite option, characteristic, or feature is of their W203. Likewise, for good contrast, what option, characteristic, or feature bothers you most?
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
My favourite options are BiX, full leather & Parktronic.
Otherwise it's a good solid tough little saloon.
Castor bush life is the biggest irritation.
Otherwise it's a good solid tough little saloon.
Castor bush life is the biggest irritation.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Feb 22, 2010 at 04:46 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
Wow.. heres my list for my three. These are besides the standard "oh it's built well and safe... Well engineered" replies.
02 C230K:
Pros: (spent less on this one than the 05.. yay!)
Pros:
Pros:
02 C230K:
Pros: (spent less on this one than the 05.. yay!)
- Great interior/trunk space.
- 19x8.5 and 19x9.5 wheels.
- Open Sky Sunroof
- Safe as all hell (wrecked it and I didn't die... yay)
- Suspension was gummy. Quite soft and boat like.
- OE wheel setup should be staggered.
- Clicking under the dash (AC problem that everyone has)
Pros:
- Suspension is amazing.
- Big brake kit could stop time.
- Meaty V6 is quieter yet stronger than the 4cyl Kompressor
- Fully friggin loaded.
- @Karo installed chirp! lol
- Head rests raise when you move the seat back (electronically)
- Selection knob on COMAND
- Car was AUX ready but bluetooth and Ipod adapter weren't released until after I got the car.
- Can't fold rear seats down w/ sport+leather seating combo.
Pros:
- Premium 1 pckg electronics are amazing (nav/bt/sat).
- Big brake kit could stop time.
- Doors have a lighter feel but are stronger due to design
- Great ride quality. Not as stiff as the C320 Sport.
- No Homelink (Option would have made my car be a 3 month wait)
- No auto leveling HID
- Uses Sirius NavTraffic which requires subscription. FM Nav Traffic doesn't.
- Spare tire well is open. No longer has air pump and other accessories found in older models.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
FYI this can be disabled via STAR
iPod adaptor installation in the w203 is fairly easy, takes about an hour if you know what you're doing.
Do you mean if you got the full leather option the folding rear seats were unavailable? Not many cars were ordered with the folding rear seats.
Do you mean if you got the full leather option the folding rear seats were unavailable? Not many cars were ordered with the folding rear seats.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
I'm glad that you can't do that. It's tiring to have to see others' constantly, with them doing nothing other than showing "look at me, I have foglights just like everyone else does!" It would be great if everyone only used them for the purpose that they're supposed to be designed to do. What's wrong with just enabling the DRLs instead? 
My favorite features have to be the panorama sunroof and the one-touch up and down on the windows.
Least favorites are the manual transmission feel, the dimming MFD, and unreliable reliability. Oh, and lack of aftermarket support, of course.
My favorite features have to be the panorama sunroof and the one-touch up and down on the windows.
Least favorites are the manual transmission feel, the dimming MFD, and unreliable reliability. Oh, and lack of aftermarket support, of course.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
- FYI this can be disabled via STAR
- iPod adaptor installation in the w203 is fairly easy, takes about an hour if you know what you're doing.
- Do you mean if you got the full leather option the folding rear seats were unavailable? Not many cars were ordered with the folding rear seats.
As for the install, yah, I've done it b4 in my Coupe with an aftermarket Eclipse Ipod adapter but I'd prefer not to do it again. there are a couple clips that don't play well and knowing me, I'd just "make it work".
And lastly, yah, I wanted the folding rear seat /w leather in the sport config but it wasn't available.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 18,677
Likes: 9
From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
[/LIST] Hehe, yah, I mite wanna contact Karo again about the STAR programming.
As for the install, yah, I've done it b4 in my Coupe with an aftermarket Eclipse Ipod adapter but I'd prefer not to do it again. there are a couple clips that don't play well and knowing me, I'd just "make it work".
And lastly, yah, I wanted the folding rear seat /w leather in the sport config but it wasn't available.
As for the install, yah, I've done it b4 in my Coupe with an aftermarket Eclipse Ipod adapter but I'd prefer not to do it again. there are a couple clips that don't play well and knowing me, I'd just "make it work".
And lastly, yah, I wanted the folding rear seat /w leather in the sport config but it wasn't available.
The OEM iPod adaptor is really pretty easy with the only tricky part coming from moving the optical connectors from the stock radio harness to the iPod harness. Otherwise it's all plug and play and the most time consuming part is taking the dash apart.
That's too odd about the folding seats. I have the MB-Tex seats and was able to get the folding seats. I've used them on a couple occasions and it's pretty handy. Funny because nlpamg noticed my back seat design was different just this past weekend and it finally clicked that it was because have the folding seats.
Last edited by e1000; Feb 22, 2010 at 02:21 PM.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 910
Likes: 2
From: In Kush Land So cal
02 C320 Sedan
You don't really wanna mess with the headrest crap.. It moves for a reason.. so when you move the seat all the way forward your headrest isn't hitting the headliner.
I wish i had folding seats when i took my ride camping it was fail haha But still so much fun.
Heated seats / Air cooled seats
Sunshades on all rear windows
*Stupid control arm bushings
Wish i didn't have the bose system so i could upgrade without having to rewire everything.
But then again i love it haha
I wish i had folding seats when i took my ride camping it was fail haha But still so much fun.
Heated seats / Air cooled seats
Sunshades on all rear windows
*Stupid control arm bushings
Wish i didn't have the bose system so i could upgrade without having to rewire everything.
But then again i love it haha
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
On the bright side, my C230K fits pallets of product without problems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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Posts: 8,384
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
I'm glad that you can't do that. It's tiring to have to see others' constantly, with them doing nothing other than showing "look at me, I have foglights just like everyone else does!" It would be great if everyone only used them for the purpose that they're supposed to be designed to do. What's wrong with just enabling the DRLs instead?
Also, I dunno about your fogs but mine are useless except for the appearance, which I like. They are adjusted correctly but the light output is pathetic and makes no difference in the heavy fog here whatsoever. I think fog lights, at least here, have became automotive fashion rather than actually useful.
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 720
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Saab 900 SE
Love the onboard computer millage/cd control/info center thingy, like the weighty feel behind the car. The ranked look like its always moving forward
Hate the stupid lack of power forward and aft movement, dont like the manual "automatic" air controls.
Hate the stupid lack of power forward and aft movement, dont like the manual "automatic" air controls.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 910
Likes: 2
From: In Kush Land So cal
02 C320 Sedan
OH i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE the digital MPH!!
a cop pulled me over with my chick in the car.. He said i was going 48 i told him NO i was going 42.. I have a digital MPH he looked inside my car and then let me go!! hahaha it was the best feeling ever
I think he pulled me over to look at the blondieee in my seat
a cop pulled me over with my chick in the car.. He said i was going 48 i told him NO i was going 42.. I have a digital MPH he looked inside my car and then let me go!! hahaha it was the best feeling ever
I think he pulled me over to look at the blondieee in my seat
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 326
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From: Nutley, NJ
2013 C300 4Matic Sport
Pros:
-Overall comfort
-sound system
-rain sensing wipers
-Pano roof
-Multi Function Display
Cons:
-Mushy suspension
-engine/exhaust note are a bit harsh
-finicky A/C-Heating vent system
-cheapy plastic interior pieces that break and/or make noise
And of course the mods have made it even better
-Overall comfort
-sound system
-rain sensing wipers
-Pano roof
-Multi Function Display
Cons:
-Mushy suspension
-engine/exhaust note are a bit harsh
-finicky A/C-Heating vent system
-cheapy plastic interior pieces that break and/or make noise
And of course the mods have made it even better
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 130
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Though I do not own one yet, I have driven W203's quite a bit, here is my list.
Pros:
1. door unlocks when you pull the interior handle. No fussing with buttons!
2. Interior night lighting that is easy on the eyes
3. the feeling that the car commands the road, not the road commanding the car
4. Everything is so tight and heavily damped. Gives a good impression of solidity and durability.
5. Power Seat controls(rear headrest release too)
6. Rear fog light(with proper use of course)
7. touch start-no twisting and holding the key until engine turns over. Just rotate to last position and let go...car does the rest.
8. C/S button for transmission(application could be better but I like the idea)
9. Wide door sills-instills a safe feeling and makes for a nice armrest.
Cons:
1. climate controls-don't seem all that automatic to me
2. Design of headlights-they look nice but I feel MB could have done better
3. No exhaust note from comfort models(for obvious reasons) I wish the sport exhaust came on the 4-Matic models
4. Full leather isn't standard
Pros:
1. door unlocks when you pull the interior handle. No fussing with buttons!
2. Interior night lighting that is easy on the eyes
3. the feeling that the car commands the road, not the road commanding the car
4. Everything is so tight and heavily damped. Gives a good impression of solidity and durability.
5. Power Seat controls(rear headrest release too)
6. Rear fog light(with proper use of course)
7. touch start-no twisting and holding the key until engine turns over. Just rotate to last position and let go...car does the rest.
8. C/S button for transmission(application could be better but I like the idea)
9. Wide door sills-instills a safe feeling and makes for a nice armrest.
Cons:
1. climate controls-don't seem all that automatic to me
2. Design of headlights-they look nice but I feel MB could have done better
3. No exhaust note from comfort models(for obvious reasons) I wish the sport exhaust came on the 4-Matic models
4. Full leather isn't standard
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Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 8,384
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Cons:
1. climate controls-don't seem all that automatic to me
2. Design of headlights-they look nice but I feel MB could have done better
3. No exhaust note from comfort models(for obvious reasons) I wish the sport exhaust came on the 4-Matic models
4. Full leather isn't standard
1. climate controls-don't seem all that automatic to me
2. Design of headlights-they look nice but I feel MB could have done better
3. No exhaust note from comfort models(for obvious reasons) I wish the sport exhaust came on the 4-Matic models
4. Full leather isn't standard
2. These are some of the best halogens you can get. I like the design personally. But you're coming from a car with factory HID that is quite good (I had an 02 TL too) so be warned. Maybe you can find one with Bi-X?
3. Yeah.
4. MB-Tex is very convincing, and I prefer it over the leather I had in my 2002 TL that was very cheap and plasticky.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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2006 Volvo S40 T5 AWD 6spd
Absolutely agree about the leather remark. I used to detail cars and I have babied the leather in mine but it is still cracking and tearing. As for the climate controls, I wish they sold the digital Thermotronic that the euro models had as an option. they look better and have more features that Americans would love. I wonder if the additional fans and sensors can be installed. And for the headlights, I could probably install Bi-Xenons myself. From what I've read it is relatively easy.
Does the W203 have the same paint with ceramic flecks in it to prevent scratches like the w204's?
Does the W203 have the same paint with ceramic flecks in it to prevent scratches like the w204's?
Last edited by nathandimond; Feb 23, 2010 at 12:13 AM.
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Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
Absolutely agree about the leather remark. I used to detail cars and I have babied the leather in mine but it is still cracking and tearing. As for the climate controls, I wish they sold the digital Thermotronic that the euro models had as an option. they look better and have more features that Americans would love. I wonder if the additional fans and sensors can be installed. And for the headlights, I could probably install Bi-Xenons myself. From what I've read it is relatively easy.
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Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 732
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From: Los Angeles, CA
2005 C320 Sport, 2010 C300 Sport
Another PRO I'd like to add is the fuel consumption/estimate function. Our cars don't have this ridiculous gauge that jumps from 0-40mpg with the press of the pedal. Our gauge is fairly constant and doesn't fluctuate unless it's actually effected by driving conditions... not like other cars where I've seen a gust of wind make the gas consumption needle go down. lol
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2019 G70 6MT & 2022 Ford Maverick XL
Oh yeah, I love it that I can drive my car till the "Distance" screen reads "0" and it is pretty reliable. I have less than 1 gallon left at that point.
I absolutely hate it when a car gets to about 30 miles till empty and then it goes into panic mode, flashing lights, beeping, etc.
I absolutely hate it when a car gets to about 30 miles till empty and then it goes into panic mode, flashing lights, beeping, etc.
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Posts: 5,295
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From: VA
THE C350
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
Oh yeah, I love it that I can drive my car till the "Distance" screen reads "0" and it is pretty reliable. I have less than 1 gallon left at that point.
I absolutely hate it when a car gets to about 30 miles till empty and then it goes into panic mode, flashing lights, beeping, etc.
I absolutely hate it when a car gets to about 30 miles till empty and then it goes into panic mode, flashing lights, beeping, etc.
