d1no

Hey guys I've been thinkin about getting rid of my 05 c230 6spd for a while now, I saw a W204 online at a dealership near my area, its a 2008 c300 4matic with the amg kit (sport) black on black with 60k on it for 19900 which is not a bad price. I kinda need the awd and wanted to stay in the benz fam. My only concern is whether the M272 (that's what's in it?) Engine and 7 speed tranny is good and reliable? What do you guys think, I'm going to check it out tommorw......

zerocover

Yes. Do it. Take everything you know about the w203 and make it super reliable thats how you make a w204.

05 MB Komp

I did the same exact thing last week.

I traded my 05 C230 Sedan for a 2008 C300.

Mars red and it has everything. I had a ton of time into my W203 but could not pass up the deal I got on the new one.

You will not regret it!

d1no

What about the 7speed auto tranny? hows the maintenance on those? and anything special compared to my 05 c230?

sammydragon3

the 7g has problems ...call a mercedes indy and dealership and ask the common problems

or go on google and type in 7g trans mercedes problems

sammydragon3

http://www.google.com/#sclient=psy-a...w=1024&bih=474

Glyn M Ruck

The W204 has been a very reliable car. The M272 balance shaft issue was mainly behind us. The 722.9 transmission has had a host of software updates & the redesigned pan & spill tube was probably fitted by the time a 2008 was built. The speed sensor issue in the valve body was over by then. If it drives well at that mileage it's likely to continue to do so. Test drive it. If when you are coming up to a halt under decelleration the car does a gear change back to first with a slight jerk you know it does not have the latest software flash. It now comes to a halt without changing to first. Then changes down when stationary ready for takeoff. If it does not have the latest flash - make them do it.

Regarding 722.9 maintenance - a few new tricks like filling from beneath - see Johnand's excellent DIY thread.

Glyn M Ruck

Here:

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...ce-thread.html

tommy

In a used car, a manny will always be a smarter choice. To me, you'd be spending too much money for something that's too close to what you already have. It's like trying to date the sister of my ex, when I already know that the sex wasn't that great with my ex in the first place. I don't see the value of the "upgrade".

Glyn M Ruck

Translates = I'm tight fisted

LILBENZ230

The only thing alike about the W203 and W204 is the "C-class" name. Having driven both, they feel worlds apart. The W204 is a nice driving car for sure but I prefer the 203's more Mercedes-esque feel and mannerisms. If you had a 2001-2002 W203, I'd say do it! But with you having a reliable facelift 203 model, I don't see the appeal of a pre-facelift 204.

anonymousmoose

The facelift w203 interior is much nicer than the pre-facelift w204. Which is what your getting in the 2008 model. I dislike it so much, I wouldn't trade. But a facelift w204, I say giddyup.

Tri-Star

I plan on keeping the w203 and purchasing a second car in the future. A w204 is quite similar to the w203 but do whatever makes you happy. Based on the current market conditions I wouldn't purchase much debt. Just my .02

04mbc230

+1 I second that!

A prefacelife w204 which i think has stopped by 2011 and 2012 has the facelift and along with a new model. C250.

I say either wait another year for a second hand c250 or just pony up and get the C250. Which has a I4 with turbo. Please are saying it saves gas?? Since its not a V6? Same horses or similar horses with what you have there. If you want to go crazy, you can get the C350 which gives you that punch.

Yes, it's a lot nicer on the new models 2012.

I still like what we have on the facelift w203 and hmmz.. don't know if I would let mine go anytime. Perhaps just get another one . Give the w203 to parents, at least it's stay in the family?

FraKctured

+1

I've driven three W204s as loaners for a day or two, and am now in possession of a 4th (2011 C300 4Matic) that I've had for 2.5 weeks (waiting for some obscure parts for my W203). So, I've had time to live with the 204 and can compare with my W203 (2006 C280 4Matic). In my mind, these are two VERY different cars.

W204 Pros:

1. Generally more sport oriented--faster car, tighter suspension, better handling and braking. Lots of fun to drive, but I find myself pushing it harder, which the car invites.
2. Center Mouse Controller is excellent. Easy to learn and easy to navigate while driving.
3. Dash display is bigger and nicer, easier to navigate as well
4. Bluetooth ready
5. iPod connection (1/8 inch stereo jack in glove compartment)
6. Glove Compartment is vented, and it's large
7. Overall, great looking car, solid feel, nimble, quick, and sure footed.

W204 Cons:
1. Rougher ride, noisier, can feel the bumps (sportier suspension etc). Feels like a slightly more lux BMW 3 series, which is likely the demographic they're going for here. Going back to my W203 feels like a significant improvement in ride and noise quality.
2. Stereo is not as good, and no 6 disc changer.
3. Missing features:
-Rear Sunshade: I really like this feature. I mostly use when someone has their brights on behind me and miss it in the W204.
-Auto Rear Headrest: I don't use it often, but it's nice to have those retract with the push of a button.
-Heater doesn't have option to split air 3 ways (feet, dash, defrost) at the same time.
-No memory for seat settings.

4. Interior feels cheaper, more plastic. Entertainment Screen cover is spring operated, feels cheap.
5. iPod integration not standard, and with the bigger dash screen, that would really be nice. Seems ridiculous that this isn't standard at this point--I put the integration kit into my W203 and it took me less than an hour, and cost me >$200 for the OEM kit.

NOTE: Some of these are available as options, but they weren't on any of the four models I've had over the last three years.

So, as always, it really depends on what you want from a car. I find the W204 fun to drive for short periods, but for the long haul, I want a quieter, Mercedes Benz ride and feel, so I'll be looking E-Class when I'm ready to retire my W203.

d1no

Hm based on what you guys are saying it doesnt seem to be worth, its just that Im sort of tired of my car, The c230 kompressor is not that fast and the gears on the manual are pretty short as well, for instance 1st is very short and you have to get in the high rpm to keep it moving, and driving like this kills gas mileage unless im on the highway in 6th gear cruising. Im also tired of the silver and kinda want a black car lol and something more moddable..

vdemon311

how about a BMW 328xi... with a 6-speed manual
http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...e&rdpage=thumb

Just about the same specs as the 4matic c300... maybe a little more reliable as well

FraKctured

Just got back from shopping, bad weather, icy roads, so I had my first chance to see how the W204W4 performs, and I have to say that it is simply outstanding. 4 Season tires, and this thing is like a mountain goat. Very impressed with the handling and with the feedback received from the wheel and the body (which I assume is due to the tighter suspension).

So, if that's a concern where you live, this would be a huge upgrade from the W203k RWD.

FrankW

204 = ZERO problems.

KA8

You need a decently fast toy car like mine. Just installed 3'' dp and tp on this sucker and it rocks!

zerocover

Its very hard to beat the reliability of the w204. The BMW will be much sportier but def not as reliable.