How many problems with your C? What kind? Reliability? Which Years?
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From: Berlin
2018 C63s
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
I just re-read this thread and have one question: Why would you want two compact sedans? I mean I've driven a W204 C300 and agree with most that it just doesn't compare to the W203 C230K. This makes me ask, why not just trade the W204 for the W203 and spend the extra cash on getting a sports car or something? Call me crazy but I'd rather have a two completely different cars than two that are considerably similar. Whatever floats your boat dude, but IMO... You = 
Don't take that personally...
Don't take that personally...
To me, the cars are different enough, for what I want them for right now. I'll add a SLK or something someday, but for now this is what I need.
Thanks though. I thought getting two W204s would be more crazy.
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
Drove the 06 last night, and im going to be picking up the car tonight, I was going to get the 05 but im not no more since after considering that the warrenty will be up in one month.... So im going for the 06 c230 white 6MT, and lower price then the 05 that i was looking pluse warrenty for till 2010. So the 06 wins in my book since it has Benz warrenty 4year/ 50,000 miles.. Im only going to keep this car for like a year then next year going to get the Infinity G37 pear White 6MT is my cup of tea that im trying to go for next year, picking the 05 puts me at a greater chance of being venerable if something goes wrong with the car.,..
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
No, your guess is incorrect 
.
I have all of the available options with the exception of NAV (which was by choice as I have no use for it). Unfortunately I don't think any amount of optioning could make up for what this car lacks overall. Everything feature wise just seems old tech and outdated when compared to the other vehicles you mentioned. Even the basic ergonomics are just plain poor and don't seem to have had any thought placed into them during design.
As I stated, lesson learned and I should have been way more attentive in my research and most especially the test drive when switching marques (I have been a long time/multiple Audi owner and only went with the MB as our firm does a fair amount of work for the local dealership and we have been throwing business back their way as a quid pro quo). I will miss the excellent dealer service (Audi is mediocre at best but passable), but not the lack of quality in the product itself.
. I have all of the available options with the exception of NAV (which was by choice as I have no use for it). Unfortunately I don't think any amount of optioning could make up for what this car lacks overall. Everything feature wise just seems old tech and outdated when compared to the other vehicles you mentioned. Even the basic ergonomics are just plain poor and don't seem to have had any thought placed into them during design.
As I stated, lesson learned and I should have been way more attentive in my research and most especially the test drive when switching marques (I have been a long time/multiple Audi owner and only went with the MB as our firm does a fair amount of work for the local dealership and we have been throwing business back their way as a quid pro quo). I will miss the excellent dealer service (Audi is mediocre at best but passable), but not the lack of quality in the product itself.
Anyway - Audi needs people like you so go and get another one - Maybe with Porsche at the helm the Audi product will become more durable. They have certainly come a long way but are poor cousins to Benz & BMW even after that idiot Bangle got hold of BMW styling.
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From: Chicago, IL
none
ha your right.. thanks i was just to exited about the new ride, i love it ride smoth just to ride chilling syle, it not to fast but not to slow either lol lolNow the mods.. want to drop the car,,, Tien springs.. coilovers are nice but i don't know if i want to spend that much since i will not be keeping the car for that long( but it could change my mind) Looking for some nice Wheels.. for Chicago weather i heard 18 Staggered are good.. but i might go 19... Any problems dropping with 19''staggered.... how much of a drop could be done with 19"" with out rubbing problems and 19wheels will slow me doown hope i will not be pissed off after i get or if i do get 19''
Last edited by wheaton; Nov 21, 2008 at 04:54 PM.
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From: Dallas TX,USA
02 w203,85 w123
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2005 c230k sedan
mercedes is great so far
I DON'T REALLY BELIEVE IN ALL THE CRAP PEOPLE TALK ABOUT MERCEDES, I THINK THEY DO BECAUSE THEY DON'T OWN ONE, MY 05 C230 IS GOT 66K MI ON IT AND IT RUNS LIKE NEW, ALL THE SERVICE I DONE TO THE CAR IS OIL AND FILTERS CHANGE (EVERY 10K MILES!!!!!) SOME SEAL THAT WAS LEAKING A LITTLE BIT OF OIL (WARRANTY PAID FOR IT) AND TWO SETS OF TIRES AND NEW BRAKES, I GUESS THAT YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR. MERCEDES HAS GREAT QUALITY
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From: Llandudno, Cape Town, South Africa
late 2009 CLK 350 Coupe Elegance, '65 Jaguar S Type wires
I DON'T REALLY BELIEVE IN ALL THE CRAP PEOPLE TALK ABOUT MERCEDES, I THINK THEY DO BECAUSE THEY DON'T OWN ONE, MY 05 C230 IS GOT 66K MI ON IT AND IT RUNS LIKE NEW, ALL THE SERVICE I DONE TO THE CAR IS OIL AND FILTERS CHANGE (EVERY 10K MILES!!!!!) SOME SEAL THAT WAS LEAKING A LITTLE BIT OF OIL (WARRANTY PAID FOR IT) AND TWO SETS OF TIRES AND NEW BRAKES, I GUESS THAT YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR CAR. MERCEDES HAS GREAT QUALITY
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Nov 22, 2008 at 08:42 PM.
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From: Cumberland, RI U.S.A.
2005 C230WZ SS Capri Blue/Ash
+1 as well. 2005 C230 Sport, and no issues other than very VERY minor OCD issues...the latest one being the tiny LED light under the rear view mirror (not the HomeLink one, but rather the one that illuminates downward toward the center console) went out.
Great quality. Great engineering. Great vehicle.
Cintoman
Great quality. Great engineering. Great vehicle.
Cintoman
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
So guys I'm considering this 2005 C230 some more that has 49,000 miles.
It is certified pre-owned.
It has sunroof and bi-xenon factory, no other extras.
They are staying firm on wanting it to be in the 19k range.
Seem too high to you guys?
If I buy the extra 2 year warranty, you guys really don't see any issue with the 50,000 miles on the car?
Anyone know the record around these forums for miles on one of these C230 Supercharged? ha-ha.
One extra one - If I chose a lower mile one without bi-xenon, do the aftermarket ones look as good? Are they easy to install? Link to them?
It is certified pre-owned.
It has sunroof and bi-xenon factory, no other extras.
They are staying firm on wanting it to be in the 19k range.
Seem too high to you guys?
If I buy the extra 2 year warranty, you guys really don't see any issue with the 50,000 miles on the car?
Anyone know the record around these forums for miles on one of these C230 Supercharged? ha-ha.
One extra one - If I chose a lower mile one without bi-xenon, do the aftermarket ones look as good? Are they easy to install? Link to them?
Last edited by mac911; Nov 25, 2008 at 10:42 PM.
Out Of Control!!
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Did a test drive today of a 2005 with the Kompressor. silver.
The cars are nice, but the ride quality is quite rough compared to the W204.
Still very interested though.
The cars are nice, but the ride quality is quite rough compared to the W204.
Still very interested though.
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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
So guys I'm considering this 2005 C230 some more that has 49,000 miles.
It is certified pre-owned.
It has sunroof and bi-xenon factory, no other extras.
They are staying firm on wanting it to be in the 19k range.
Seem too high to you guys?
If I buy the extra 2 year warranty, you guys really don't see any issue with the 50,000 miles on the car?
Anyone know the record around these forums for miles on one of these C230 Supercharged? ha-ha.
One extra one - If I chose a lower mile one without bi-xenon, do the aftermarket ones look as good? Are they easy to install? Link to them?
It is certified pre-owned.
It has sunroof and bi-xenon factory, no other extras.
They are staying firm on wanting it to be in the 19k range.
Seem too high to you guys?
If I buy the extra 2 year warranty, you guys really don't see any issue with the 50,000 miles on the car?
Anyone know the record around these forums for miles on one of these C230 Supercharged? ha-ha.
One extra one - If I chose a lower mile one without bi-xenon, do the aftermarket ones look as good? Are they easy to install? Link to them?
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 331
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From: Bangkok, Thailand
W124, W203, W204, W251
They fixed it in 2006 AND 2007 because of customers' complain.
Personally, I like it more than 06' and 07' setup...'coz it's more stable and I can take curves faster!
Out Of Control!!
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From: OC
a quarter mile at a time
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C300 Sport/Palladium Silver on Black/P2
Question -
I might go for a 2007 C230 just because it looks so clean still and has Entertainment Package. Plus 2 years regular warranty, and 1 year extra warranty.
30,000 miles.
However, 23k $. Is that too much for it? Has brand new pads, disks, and tires on all 4 wheels plus the warranty, memory seats, sunroof package, and the entertainment package (harmon kardon, sirius, etc.)
I might go for a 2007 C230 just because it looks so clean still and has Entertainment Package. Plus 2 years regular warranty, and 1 year extra warranty.
30,000 miles.
However, 23k $. Is that too much for it? Has brand new pads, disks, and tires on all 4 wheels plus the warranty, memory seats, sunroof package, and the entertainment package (harmon kardon, sirius, etc.)
Junior Member
Joined: May 2008
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From: Long Beach, Ca.
2007 C230 Sport Sedan
Go for the 2007 C230 Sport Sedan. It is by far the best C-Class of the W203 era. It drives smooth due to the V6 and that amazing 7speed automatic. Not only that, but it has the best looking OEM wheels of any Mercedes IMO. But I do agree with some of the previous posts, get it with lighting package. The Bi-Xenons are awesome! Furthermore, the body-style on this car is ageless. My 2007 C-Class has run flawless due to Mercedes working out all the kinks of previous years. The only car I would replace my C230 would be a 2007 C350 (Good luck finding one). Again, 2007 all the way!
Last edited by DarthR8er; Nov 28, 2008 at 07:13 PM.
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Posts: 573
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W203
Stay AWAY from the M271 engine, ie C230 2003-2005.
Some, if not all, have a head defect with the valves being too large. This issue has been found even on 2005s, so don't think you're safe with a 2005.
The issue shows itself when carbon builds up. Aggressive driving, fuel additives (techron), ... will prevent carbon build up and many will never notice this issue.
Unfortunately you're buying a used car, so it could have tons of carbon build up and a slight misfire you'll never notice. Get the extended warranty if you can, and don't keep the car past that.
More 2005s are reaching 50K miles, so I expect to see more failures on them.
Take the advice and stick with the V6 (2006->), the M271 I4 has too many problems, and you're rolling the dice if you got a bad one.
Some, if not all, have a head defect with the valves being too large. This issue has been found even on 2005s, so don't think you're safe with a 2005.
The issue shows itself when carbon builds up. Aggressive driving, fuel additives (techron), ... will prevent carbon build up and many will never notice this issue.
Unfortunately you're buying a used car, so it could have tons of carbon build up and a slight misfire you'll never notice. Get the extended warranty if you can, and don't keep the car past that.
More 2005s are reaching 50K miles, so I expect to see more failures on them.
Take the advice and stick with the V6 (2006->), the M271 I4 has too many problems, and you're rolling the dice if you got a bad one.
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2007 C230 SS
Go for the 2007 C230 Sport Sedan. It is by far the best C-Class of the W203 era. It drives smooth due to the V6 and that amazing 7speed automatic. Not only that, but it has the best looking OEM wheels of any Mercedes IMO. But I do agree with some of the previous posts, get it with lighting package. The Bi-Xenons are awesome! Furthermore, the body-style on this car is ageless. My 2007 C-Class has run flawless due to Mercedes working out all the kinks of previous years. The only car I would replace my C230 would be a 2007 C350 (Good luck finding one). Again, 2007 all the way!
i recently purchased a fully loaded 07'' c230 and absolutely love it! 13k miles so far and not one problem!
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2001 C320
Personally I think you picked the wrong site to complain about Mercedes. Seems to me that this site is dedicated to people who are interested in Mercedes and like to Wrench, Mod, Drive and enjoy thier fine vehicle of Choice.
