Anyone know if there will be new color choices for 2004? Dealer said that some of the option packages were being renamed and (I think) re-organized.

 

any mention of a C350?

 

350 uses 3.7 liter. Personally, I don't see a C-class with 3.7 liter engine in the future. But who knows, it might happen.

 

The S, E and CLK are already confirmed for the "350" 3.7....The ML350 is already on these shores (and built IN the USA...is the motor built in the US as well?)
The SLK was just "spy shot" in last weeks AutoWeek....and "can accomodate a V-8 powerplant"
A C350 would be a logical progression, as they run down the supply of 320 motors.

 

I'm not expecting there to be a C350 next year. It may happen, but I doubt it. Actually, the factory is starting to schedule production of '04 models. I will keep an eye on the production schedule for my dealer and see if they are building C320's or C350's. I will also check for other models too.

 

S350 is already sold in Europe, but not yet for the E and the CLK. I guess it would make since for the E and CLK to have the 3.7 engine since the gap between 3.2 and 5.0 is just too huge.

 

Even buyers "down under" have the S350 available to them already.

 

They may have S350's in Europe and other places, but this does not mean that they will come to the US. All models in Europe are available with smaller displacement engines than the US. But the US S-class does not currently come with a 6-cylinder. So it's hard to say if we will get an S350. However, if they do decide to bring a V6 model to the US, it will almost certainly be an S350 instead of an S320.

 

Does anyone know if the C Coupe is coming with All Wheel drive for 2004 and what engine will be available with it ?

 

It's highly unlikely that the coupe will get all-wheel drive, and especially not by 2004. None of the MB coupes have 4-matic yet, and I don't think it will start with the C-coupe.

 

How about the 230 sport sedan, think it'll get 4-matic for 04?

They're already scheduling '04 production? Does that mean the order sheets and feature lists are out? Anticipated build dates / delivery?

 

230 Sport sedan will definitely not get 4-matic. They are even dropping the C320 4-matic sport sedan, so there's no way there's gonna be a 230 4-matic sport sedan.

And yes, they are scheduling '04 production, but it is still far in advance. And MB is very slow in releasing information, so there's no good info on '04 models yet. Some cars are built and get to the dealership before we ever find out what pricing is and what options are available for that model. So yeah, they're very slow.

 

Matt - Any recent available info on the '04 C Sedans...?

 

Nope, not really any news yet. I have heard for sure now that C7 package on coupes will be standard, but that is old news. The sport sedans will become an option now, instead of a separate model, but I guess that only applies to the 320. I think the 230 remains sport only and the 240 non-sport only. I'll post when I know more.

 

Thanks Matt. I saw on carsdirect.com the first "listing" for ordering a 2004 C class model. Unfortunately it had not data associated with the model i.e. all the prices were "N/A" and the information listed appeared to be lifted (cut/paste) from the 2003 model.

Am really looking forward to the 04 release. I've been driving an Avis Peugeot 406 here in the UK for the last couple of days, really relishing the use of a 5 speed again vs. driving the automatic on Otto.

Take care. rich