What do you least like about your W203?
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Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
The veneered laminated structure with Aluminium also allows it to hold shape. Benz finishes it so well people think it is false/faux.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Feb 15, 2014 at 12:39 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 48
Likes: 3
From: CANADA
2012 E550 4Matic
Leg Roooooommm....
I like my car but there are some things that do not go well with a mercedes;
- No MP3 play option. A little female jack would do.
- Not enough leg room both in front and rear
- No heated seats!!! In Canada I hate to drive in winter
But overall I love my car.
- No MP3 play option. A little female jack would do.
- Not enough leg room both in front and rear
- No heated seats!!! In Canada I hate to drive in winter
But overall I love my car.
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 6
From: Washington DC
1999 E320 4matic Wagon, 2005 C55 AMG - sold, 1998 VW Jetta TDI - sold, 2006 C230 Sport - Totaled :(
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Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7
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From: Chicagoland
2005 C230K SS
Sorry if reviving an old thread is frowned upon, but I really liked this one and wanted to chime in! I have been driving my 2005 C230K for a month now, and I love it!
With that said I have a few dislikes.
1.) I know its been said but the foot E-Brake on a manual car is no fun.
2.) I can't believe no one brought up the Windshield defrost button on the dual climate control. You press it and suddenly its like you are in a wind tunnel. It is great for defrosting, but there is no way to modulate the fan speed with it. Maybe i am an idiot and there is a work around but it can be annoying especially when having a conversation with someone in the passenger seat.
3.) I also 2nd that the rain sensing windshield wipers can be a bit sensitive at times, but I think I have gotten used to this.
4.) Changing the headlight bulbs was an adventure. The screws on the locking rings strip so easily, I can't even tighten them after what the previous owner did to them. It also seems you need an extra short screw driver to get to them even if I could tighten them.
Some say it is under powered, but I love driving it everyday. I have never had so much fun in a car! 3rd gear 3k RPM and on is so much fun, especially with the way this thing handles! For me it is the best handling car I have ever owned, but that is like comparing apples and oranges since its closest competition is a Chrysler 300m and Chrysler 200.
With that said I have a few dislikes.
1.) I know its been said but the foot E-Brake on a manual car is no fun.
2.) I can't believe no one brought up the Windshield defrost button on the dual climate control. You press it and suddenly its like you are in a wind tunnel. It is great for defrosting, but there is no way to modulate the fan speed with it. Maybe i am an idiot and there is a work around but it can be annoying especially when having a conversation with someone in the passenger seat.
3.) I also 2nd that the rain sensing windshield wipers can be a bit sensitive at times, but I think I have gotten used to this.
4.) Changing the headlight bulbs was an adventure. The screws on the locking rings strip so easily, I can't even tighten them after what the previous owner did to them. It also seems you need an extra short screw driver to get to them even if I could tighten them.
Some say it is under powered, but I love driving it everyday. I have never had so much fun in a car! 3rd gear 3k RPM and on is so much fun, especially with the way this thing handles! For me it is the best handling car I have ever owned, but that is like comparing apples and oranges since its closest competition is a Chrysler 300m and Chrysler 200.
Last edited by TDC311X; Dec 18, 2014 at 10:50 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Laconia NH
2005 C-class 4matic wagon
2005 C240 4Matic Wagon
So far, I had this baby for 6 months and added 8,000 to the original 60K.
Gripes so far and this is my first MB, graduated from a Mazda6 Hatchback.
The cruise control is so close to the turn signal, I accidentally reach for the wrong stick! Hit turn signal for cruise and vice versa.
6 Disk Changer take up too much space in glove compartment, should be in the back possibly forward of the spare tire.
Front brakes were worn out and no warning on it. Seems like the pads wore uneven, the side opposite the sensor was the low spot.
I took it to the dealer, no record of the car maintained at any of the MB dealers, despite records in the service manual. Many service bulletins on the car, and the car was gone over and corrected without additional cost, front brakes were $500! Ouch.
After the dealer visit, I observed an additional 2 mph average and crisper shifting. Not sure how that happens.
That is all I have for now.
Gripes so far and this is my first MB, graduated from a Mazda6 Hatchback.
The cruise control is so close to the turn signal, I accidentally reach for the wrong stick! Hit turn signal for cruise and vice versa.
6 Disk Changer take up too much space in glove compartment, should be in the back possibly forward of the spare tire.
Front brakes were worn out and no warning on it. Seems like the pads wore uneven, the side opposite the sensor was the low spot.
I took it to the dealer, no record of the car maintained at any of the MB dealers, despite records in the service manual. Many service bulletins on the car, and the car was gone over and corrected without additional cost, front brakes were $500! Ouch.
After the dealer visit, I observed an additional 2 mph average and crisper shifting. Not sure how that happens.
That is all I have for now.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2005 C230K SS
I can't tell you how many times i grabbed that cruise control stalk for a turn signal! Coming from only driving cars with steering wheel controls for cruise control, makes that hard to get used to haha!
Super Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 968
Likes: 62
From: San Francisco, CA
2005 c230SS
Compared to most other cars I've driven, my W203 is my favorite. I'm planning to keep this for as long as I can.
The biggest issue I see is the antiquated sound system, and as with most cars, no stock technology updates.
I've taken care of it by installing an aftermarket system and now enjoy all of the advantages of modern car head unit technology ... and I have to say the acoustics on this car are pretty good compared with others I have experienced.
The biggest issue I see is the antiquated sound system, and as with most cars, no stock technology updates.
I've taken care of it by installing an aftermarket system and now enjoy all of the advantages of modern car head unit technology ... and I have to say the acoustics on this car are pretty good compared with others I have experienced.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
What do I like least? Well I'd have to say, the vent motors and arms!
I've been living with constant blowing on the floor no matter the setting for years.
Freezing cold feet in the summer, boiling hot in the winter. It's not worth the effort to repair (like 8 hours to take apart and re-assemble) so I'm stuck with it. And if I did repair it, it would a "while you're in there" repair. Replace ALL the motors and arms, since you don't want to do it again.
But that's actually the ONLY thing wrong with the car at this time, well that and my long time blown head gasket. But 221K and I just keep putting fluid in so wtf?
Probably not worth repaiiring at this point as long as it runs!
Maybe I'll replace the engine when it finally dies, and by that time, they'll have parts at the pick and pull!
So, to all those who mentioned Aux input, I recently installed the Schoche FM modulator
and I love it! The only thing I don't understand is why don't they make a bluetooth one?
I bought a cheap BT receiver but it increased the noise level so I bought a nice quality 1/8" cable off ebay and it's nice and quiet now.
I use my oneplus one phone and it sounds great!
Seeing more and more of these cars at 250K + so wondering how long it will really last?
310 will get me another mileage award! HA!
Talked to someone recently who had an old benz, 4 speed auto, and v8.
Said the tranny failed and the car caught on fire at like 385K.
Needless to say that was the end.
I've been living with constant blowing on the floor no matter the setting for years.
Freezing cold feet in the summer, boiling hot in the winter. It's not worth the effort to repair (like 8 hours to take apart and re-assemble) so I'm stuck with it. And if I did repair it, it would a "while you're in there" repair. Replace ALL the motors and arms, since you don't want to do it again.
But that's actually the ONLY thing wrong with the car at this time, well that and my long time blown head gasket. But 221K and I just keep putting fluid in so wtf?
Probably not worth repaiiring at this point as long as it runs!
Maybe I'll replace the engine when it finally dies, and by that time, they'll have parts at the pick and pull!
So, to all those who mentioned Aux input, I recently installed the Schoche FM modulator
and I love it! The only thing I don't understand is why don't they make a bluetooth one?
I bought a cheap BT receiver but it increased the noise level so I bought a nice quality 1/8" cable off ebay and it's nice and quiet now.
I use my oneplus one phone and it sounds great!
Seeing more and more of these cars at 250K + so wondering how long it will really last?
310 will get me another mileage award! HA!
Talked to someone recently who had an old benz, 4 speed auto, and v8.
Said the tranny failed and the car caught on fire at like 385K.
Needless to say that was the end.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 18, 2014 at 11:53 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,263
Likes: 169
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
$500 for brakes? Seriously? You got rooked!
Please in the future consult the forum!
If it was pads only....arrrgh!
Stock pads on a wagon are like 50 bucls.
And rotors maybe 150 for both.
Labor is about 1 hour for me including clean up.
Hopefully they flushed the fluid, and that usually 100 bucks including labor.
If not invest in a container of genuine mb fluid, suck out the old stuff with a turkey baster, replace.
Next time, start with fresh rotors and go with Akebono ceramics.
Might be the last set up brake pads you'll ever buy.
I put mine on at~ 80K and I'm at 221k now.
But I also have the overkill C32 brakes that don't have to work so hard.
Please in the future consult the forum!
If it was pads only....arrrgh!
Stock pads on a wagon are like 50 bucls.
And rotors maybe 150 for both.
Labor is about 1 hour for me including clean up.
Hopefully they flushed the fluid, and that usually 100 bucks including labor.
If not invest in a container of genuine mb fluid, suck out the old stuff with a turkey baster, replace.
Next time, start with fresh rotors and go with Akebono ceramics.
Might be the last set up brake pads you'll ever buy.
I put mine on at~ 80K and I'm at 221k now.
But I also have the overkill C32 brakes that don't have to work so hard.
So far, I had this baby for 6 months and added 8,000 to the original 60K.
Gripes so far and this is my first MB, graduated from a Mazda6 Hatchback.
The cruise control is so close to the turn signal, I accidentally reach for the wrong stick! Hit turn signal for cruise and vice versa.
6 Disk Changer take up too much space in glove compartment, should be in the back possibly forward of the spare tire.
Front brakes were worn out and no warning on it. Seems like the pads wore uneven, the side opposite the sensor was the low spot.
I took it to the dealer, no record of the car maintained at any of the MB dealers, despite records in the service manual. Many service bulletins on the car, and the car was gone over and corrected without additional cost, front brakes were $500! Ouch.
After the dealer visit, I observed an additional 2 mph average and crisper shifting. Not sure how that happens.
That is all I have for now.
Gripes so far and this is my first MB, graduated from a Mazda6 Hatchback.
The cruise control is so close to the turn signal, I accidentally reach for the wrong stick! Hit turn signal for cruise and vice versa.
6 Disk Changer take up too much space in glove compartment, should be in the back possibly forward of the spare tire.
Front brakes were worn out and no warning on it. Seems like the pads wore uneven, the side opposite the sensor was the low spot.
I took it to the dealer, no record of the car maintained at any of the MB dealers, despite records in the service manual. Many service bulletins on the car, and the car was gone over and corrected without additional cost, front brakes were $500! Ouch.
After the dealer visit, I observed an additional 2 mph average and crisper shifting. Not sure how that happens.
That is all I have for now.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; Dec 19, 2014 at 12:23 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,248
Likes: 3
From: Fallon, NV
BMW and Mercedes
+1. I had a bunch of little rock chips and scratches in mine, mistakenly drove through the winter (they throw a salt/sand mix on the roads here) without really regularly washing, and now I have about a half dozen mini rust spots. Granted they are almost impossible to see, and mostly on the hood only, but I am kicking myself now for not being a better caretaker. To its credit, the car is 13 years old so the clear coat is probably very thin at this point, but I have also never seen another car do this, or do it so rapidly. This includes both my 25 and 26 year old cars, one MB, one BMW, respectively, which are still immaculate in this respect in spite of small rock chips here and there.
