hangout

I'm thinking to buy a MB to my wife, so she can drive the kid around.
I was thinking about the E class, coz it's big as my BMW 5 series. but after I did the research, I found the E class is not that reliable.
then I'm thinking that just give my BMW to my wife then I get a C class 4matic to drive work. (100 miles a day)
is it a good idea? how is the reliability of the C ? I had three bmw, they were pretty good as Japanese to me.

my friend is selling his 2005 C240 4matic. with 42k miles.. $14k,, good deal?
what should I beware about this car if I'm buying it.

please give me some ideas.
Thanks

Xhale707

Thats odd i thought the E class was a great car. If you can get one with low miles i would go that way.

If she really wants a C class get a C230 05+ 06+ to be safe
If you really want a C class AMG C32 or C55. u would have tons of fun driving it way more then your "B m W" FTL

samaritrey

first off how was it maintained and driven?
second 14k sounds high but i am not too familiar with 4matic pricing vs 2wds so don't hold me to that
the c240 is not going to be fast and get the best fuel millage but is a very good power train and by 2005 all w203 issues were sorted pretty much. i would change all the fluids very soon and it will last a long long time.


what year e class were you looking at? i would not buy one before 04 but that could be out of your price range

hangout

it way more then your "B m W" FTL[/quote]



I owed Porche, Infiniti , Lexus before. Never have a MB.
Infiniti is most reliable. Porsche is not crazy fast, but the best for the handling.. the BMW is a driver's car. Lexus is the best for point A to point B. I think the MB is in the middle of BMW and Lexus..

Xhale707

Key in buying a new or used car you never buy the first year of the car. Second to third year is always the best. 2005 was just updated to a whole new interface safer to go with 06 07. On the forums now im starting to see more of the newer 05+ having issues. It was only a matter of time

My neighbour has a GS something and his wife has the new IS sport his GS has plastic all around everything. Just looking inside his car looks cheap i did like the pull out interface on the left hand side. But i would rather have my C class

samaritrey

but the 05's having issues are the 230's that i have seen. what types of problems have you seen i can't think of any besides the fuel filler tube and bushings.

Xhale707

05 230's yes just look at the next 3 pages you will find that these are just some things i picked out.

fuel injector removal problem.. C230 Vacuum Pump replacement, fuel filler neck Maf Replacement, Oil Leak from top of engine. The list could go on but im gonna go play some blackops lol

People keep thinking the 05s are great but there falling apart or in the shop more then mine is and its 3 years older. Alignment & exhaust don't count lol

samaritrey

fuel injector removal problem was guy not being careful imo
vacuum pump is c230 so not important to this guy
fuel filler neck is a concern but all of the ones i have seen have been on the c230 so don't know about that
oil leak on the c240? the recirculating covers that is a very cheap and easy fix if it does happen

back on topic the 05 c240 is a fine car

Xhale707

Was talking about a C230 not the C240. But still i would not get that motor under powered V6 in 4 wheel drive. 14k is pretty high. A member just got an 05 c230 Silver one for less then 10k

MBfinatic

dam i just got a c55 for 17,5. with 49k clean history and one owner.
The 240 is a great car but like everyone has said 14 is a little steep.

Xhale707

Lucky *******.. haha and those are kind words

Glyn M Ruck

If you wan't to do a million kilometres buy the C240. Tough & proven

If you stay away from the E Class 1999 to 2002 you will be fine. Those were the trouble years with fly by wire brakes & other issues.

snacl500

I own a 02 C230 Coupe and a 04 E55. I use the C230 for my daily 100+ mi commute. I have given the E55 to my wife. I really miss all the bells and whistle of the E classs. Compared to the C class, it is much more comfortable. However if you are commuting like me, then I suggest you get the C class and have your wife drive the 5 series. I am more interesed in getting home and the C class is more maneuverable in traffic. I feel that the C class has less electronic issues. $14k is high hope you can get it for a few thousand less.

Viper98912

06-07 W203 C-class is most likely more reliable than the W211 E-class. The air suspension and EBC brakes are probably what's most unreliable about the E-class, hence where you hear the reliability horror stories. Maintenance and repairs will be higher on the E. It really depends what you like and like the feel of, some people like bigger cars like the E, while others prefer smaller like the C. If you want a fun car sporty and small car, go with a C55. People mover for a good price, 06-07 C230/C350.

OneOfaKindTrini

14k is C230 money. I personally have a thing against the C240 sorry guys lol.

hangout

I don't think I will go for the E anymore. even I found a deal on 2007 E for $22k with only 28k miles
don't want any headache to visit the shop whenever I have dayoff.

LorinserCClass

I preferred my '04 E Class LEAPS and BOUNDS over my C240. NO COMPARISON. I never had any issues electrically/drivetrain etc. Do yourself a favor and go E over C.

henry418

Hahaha.

pwcummings

i got the 05 C230, love it, can't argue with the 32+mpg. Performance is arguably about same as the V6 in the 06-07, and better than the M111 of the original early 230s. I have scoured this site and rarely find a 05 owner complaining of massive repair costs... Mine needed a new AC compressor at 70k miles ($1200 through an Indy). paid $11800 in september, which included the AC compressor replacement. I would say unless you absolutely need the 4 wheel drive, steer clear of the C240 4matic. It will be found wanting compared to the B m W you have. In the end go drive a few different models, go to a dealer in the area if you need to.

I would say that there are FAR more complaints by the 2001-2002 C230 owners. The 2005 was not a new model year for the C230, it was just a facelift year. Styling of the car changed to add a sportier look, with AMG styling added. No major changes in the power train since the 2003-2004 is my research although you will find claims that problems in the 2003-2004 M271 were corrected in the 2005s, although that is arguable at best. However feel free to search for yourself. You will find that there are a lot of people who seem to downplay different years to feel better about their own cars (IMHO only - dont flame). This is a close family here in MBworld, and as with any close family there are rivalries... Good luck with your purchase. I would say that choosing any MB will compliment your B m W, just go with the car that works best for you.

Glyn M Ruck

What the European motoring scribes say.

https://mbworld.org/forums/attachmen...ws-c-class.pdf

bzliteyear

Funny to hear you describe E has unreliable vs. the 5-series. We've had terrific experiences w/ our MBs...particularly the E and C-class, and I would say better made mechanically than the 5-series (suspension, radiator, electronic issues). We've owned E55 as well as 3 different E320's, and also C230 Kompressor. The R and S-class with the ABC and airmatics, respectively, have been issues... and I would recommend those only w/ extended service or being owned by enthusiasts. Good luck.
PL

C230 Mulac

Just like a few others said, 14k is too steep for that car. Definitely get a c230 if you're going with the c class. I have the 06 c230 at 70k right now and it has had no major problems yet. Only somewhat problematic thing was a couple thousand miles ago, my thermostat got stuck open and i got it replaced, only about $300 to do it.

E class is a great car I would say, definitely a lot more comfortable. If you're going for ride comfort, definitely the E. If you want better handling and a sportier look, go for the C, but try to get one of the 05-07 c230's with the amg styling, they look a lot better

My mother has a 1999 E320 wagon that has about 175k and still going strong. There are definitely MB's to stay away from, but overall most MB's you will find last a long time if properly maintained and taken care of. My first car was a 83 300SD turbo diesel. The original transmission went out at about 245k, but hey, that's a hell of a long time for the original transmission to last. I sold the car at 252k and it was still running great. It was a diesel though, which are pretty indestructible.