shoppingshzhang

Hi,

I am looking for a C-class around 2001-2005.
Currently I am thinking about the C230/Kompressor, or C320.
Any one have some advises on it? Major defects, maintenance costs?

Thank you!

laneshift

If you step on over to the facelifted w203, you will get much less problems, so I hear. This includes models from 2005 and on.

HellsAngel

Welcome to the forum.....
Tens if not hundreds of threads have covered the SAME question so please use the seach button...


You can also check the classified section where c32's are sold for 10,000$ lol

alpinweiss

Most people report more problems with early versions of the W203. This body style was introduced as a 2001 model, so you may have better reliability with later years.

I personally prefer the W203 after the mid-cycle facelift, which happened in mid-2004. Many things were improved at that time. My 2005 has been a very good car.

Mu9enx

Get an 05+ and you'll have a lot less problems to worry about. Maintenance is just like any other car; treat it right, have services/changes done on time, and it will treat you great.

tommy

My advise would be to run away from Mercedes as quickly as possible. There are better options on the used car market. Pre-facelift is better looking and classier, imho, but has more problems. Post-facelift has the interior from Pontiac, decontenting, but more reliable. Neither option is as smart as an equilvalent Audi or BMW or as much fun to drive. Though if you're thinking used, Japan marques should be your first step.

LILBENZ230

Someone call 911.. Tommy has fallen and hit his head!

I think you're confused. The pre-facelift has the interior of a Pontiac (the cheap switchgear, empty slot between radio and climate control, red pixel fading displays, hideous gauges lit at night with Grand-Am colors). The post-facelift has an interior suited to a Benz, but far less luxurious than say an Acura TL. 2005s aren't too de-contented. That started in 2006 and was at a fever-pitch in 2007.

Here are my preferences (2005+)

- C350 6MT
- C350 7G
- C320 Sport 6MT (2005 only)
- C230 V6 6MT
- C230K 6MT
- C230K 5AT
- C230 V6 7G

tommy

Au contraire mon frere!

Different likes for different tykes of course, but I'll take the less techy, more mucho mango interior in my car over the "upgrade", please.

I need the slot under my radio - keeps my sunglasses, work id, and the miscellaneous item safe, since the ashtray is taken up by my scangauge. My spin would be that it's more convenient than the post-facelift.

howardyudoing

isn't that what the glove compartment is for?

tommy

That's for my mutitude of repair receipts.

Well, I do have another pair of suglasses in the sunglass holder in the glove. And when you throw in the 6-cd changer, there really isn't much room in there. I just prefer to have everything handy than to have to go digging around for things. Yes, I'm lazy.

LILBENZ230

True, true on your comment about storage. The lack of a place to stow sunglasses is an inconvenience. I also keep a file of all repair receipts in my glovebox, but storage in the car is limited. They also can't engineer a decent cup holder, but I forgive that I suppose. The Hondas I've always had were brilliant in the cup holder and storage regard.

That said, if reliability and luxury is really what you're after and you don't mind Wrong-wheel-drive, you should consider a 2004-2008 Acura TL. The FWD thing is the only major flaw in what was otherwise a truly superb package.

holycaoAMG

+1
Never really found the empty slot to be attractive, but in practicality, its really fast and easy to store my shades.

Both pre and post w203s are classy, but the pre is more elegant, post is more sporty imo. Something about my full leather interior with stitching around the cabin and burl wood really makes me feel like im in a true Benz, thats something the postfacelift is missing.

shoppingshzhang

Thanks a lot every one!

timmynabenz

I would definitely say 2005+. It not only looks better but has a better maintenace record. Tommy is the first person I've ever heard to say the pre 2005 looks better and not as cheap....

As far as engine, just from a power standpoint I would definitely say go with a 320 over a 230, but also the 320 in the long run, especially as you hit higher miles, will have less problems than the Kompressor 4.

HellsAngel

i agree with tommy on the pre/post facelift interiors... and i think we discussed it in a thread couple weeks ago (w203 aged well ?)

tommy

Timmy obviously has feelings of inadequacy.

If you're talking about the engines, my choices would be:

350, 320, 2002 230, Other 230, and the rest not even worth it

Or, with aftermarket support,
350, 2002 230 (with pulley), 320, Other 230, rest

The M111 (in the 2002 230) is a fairly bulletproof engine, and has been in many MB applications. I do agree about the s/c adding issues later on, but then it's also more fun.

HellsAngel

+1 on the engines but de-list the "other 230" lol

Norwichdelta06

how about before we going telling what this guy should get let's ask this question first. What is ur BUDGET??

TemjinX2

if you buy a mb, buy the mb warranty.

BLT

In my opinion, the face-lifted W203s are way better looking, but in terms of reliability, I honestly just think the perception that the newer cars are more reliable is just because.. Well, they're newer; and obviously newer cars are more reliable. We really need to wait a few years to see how they stack up.

I bought my C240 with 25,000 miles on it, and even though its a pretty old hector age-wise, it has been extremely, extremely reliable (Knock on wood) until 54,000 miles so far, and not had any problems beyond those that I've personally created by modifying it stupidly. My last car was an A4 1.8T Quattro and that was unreliable as hell.

I wouldn't really recommend the C240 because its slow, but it really depends on what you want - Luxury, with a bit of sport, or sport, with a bit of luxury.

timmynabenz

that wasnt like a dis at you, you really are the first person ive ever known to say that lol

of course C350 > all non -AMG, but looking at the cars the OP listed im guessing those arent in his budget lol if you can though, c350 FTW

I think another reason the facelifted ones have a better maintence rep is because a majority of them are the V6 which has proved to be a very good engine maintenence-wise.
Mine has 69,000 miles and in the whole history of the car has never had a major problem and still runs/feels brand new

Norwichdelta06

put it this way the longer the model has been around the later models always have less problems. I learned that the had way especially with an American car. I got a SATURN first new GEN the cost of repairs outweighed the price of the car. My mom got the same model a few years newer no problems as of yet.

LILBENZ230

If we're talking about sheer miles-wise reliability, I believe the best example of that we have on this board is one of those "other 230s" that keep getting mentioned. A 2005 with over 200,000 miles without any serious issue.

Search for the member Scottisha and his posts about his 200,000 miles with the M271 230 and how great of a car it has been. The 2003 and even 2004 M271 cars had some engine issues but they were worked out by 2005 and if you're buying the 2005 model 230K you'll be fine. It's power is adequate, it's quicker than the 230 V6 and much more efficient.

shoppingshzhang

sorry i didn't mention that. My budget is around 10k.
Thanks

HellsAngel

for less than 10k you can get an 2003 c230 sedan with lots of brabus mods from the classified section...
for that kind of money, keep away from dealers... check DAILY the classified section, you'll get a nice deal on a facelifted w203 or a c32 for not a lot more than 10k