soma

Well, I just bought a 2003 C230 sedan(automatic). Black Opal with charcoal interior. Paid a couple hundred over invoice, not a great deal but not a bad deal either. Anyway, I absolutely love the car.

Just a few questions. Even though I'm not an aggressive driver, I don't expect the Michelin Pilot Sport tires will last very long. When they do wear out, what should I replace them with? I would like a tire with a mix of good performance and good tread life.

How is the reliability on these C230's? I understand that they completely redesigned the engine on the 2003 C230's because the old engine had some problems. Did they get all of the problems worked out both in terms of the engine and other aspects?

finalheaven

If you don't mind can you tell me mroe about the price and options on that c230?

Like where you are located and what options, what packages, and what accessories? Along with the price before your taxes licences and other fees?

Thanks if you can, if not that's cool too.

NiTr0u5oXiDe

I just picked up my 2004 C230 Kompressor Sedan on Thursday... and here is the breakdown of options etc... by the way.. i live in Illinois.

Options:
- Automatic Trans.
- CD Changer
- Heated Front Seats
- Sunroof Package
- Auto Dimming Mirrors
- Rain Sensor
- Power Rear Sunshade
- Leather Seats

The sticker price on the car was $32,790.00
I paid a little over 31 before taxes...

I think i got a pretty good deal... but i might be wrong

jpb5151

Soma, welcome to MBWorld.

Looks like you got a decent deal. Hope you really enjoy the car.

Sorry, can't help with the tires. Maybe the tire forum?

Reliability? Not sure. Probably OK. Ours is fine (bought mid-March), except that the passenger seat adjustment buttons won't work. Getting that looked at Monday, though.

As an aside, gas mileage is really good. It's gone up from 29 mpg highway when we first got it, to 33 mpg highway after about 4,000 miles. Yours'll probably do the same, and I read another person's post a while back about 34 mpg (whos car was that? i forget...).

finalheaven

From my other thread.
2004 C230WZ Sport Sedan
Brilliant Silver Exterior/Charcaol Interior
Automatic Transmission, Sunroof Package, Lighting Package, CD Changer, and Upgraded Sound System. The only thing we would need to add is the rear spoiler.
The breakdown of your price will go as follows:
MSRP $35,150.00 (including spoiler)
Invoice: $33,066.00 (including spoiler)
Your Price: $33,066.00 (including spoiler)

So mine before takes is 33k compared to 31k. The only thing im getting is the lighting package, bose, spoiler... and without the heat heats like you are. Does that really account for the 2k difference in price?

electromethod

i wouldn't fret about it anymore..... it's a stellar car. I still love mine now after 6 months and 8K miles Congrats on your purchase!

Lynn

This is untrue. The M111 is one of, if not the most, reliable engine MB has ever made. However, it has run to the end of its develpment cycle.

The new engine (M271) is all aluminum and lighter than the cast iron block M111. The newer technology of the M271 allows it to get the same power from a smaller displacement while getting 7% better fuel economy and it is an ultra low emissions engine while the M111 is a low emissions engine.

The M271 is available in Europe and other places in four versions, the 180k, the 200k, the 230 k and the 200 CGI. They are all 1.8 liters in different stages of tune. The three kompressor engines have different levels of compression, boost, and ECU tuning. The CGI is a direct fuel injection engine. It is not offered in the US because our high sulfur gas destroys its sophisticated emissions system.

It remains to be seen if the M271 is a reliable as the M111.

peet

Tire suggestion - the Michelin's will last about 2 years of seriously hard driving.

Be prepared to buy snow tires - they're totally useless in the white. On water they're only 50% useless. These are probably the best dry weather tires made - but they $uck on wet and again useless in snow.

I'd recommend looking at Toyo Proxes when the time comes. I've also had good luck with BFG's.

Enjoy the car!
Peet

Matt230K

peet, it's hard to state tire life in terms of years, because it depends on how many miles are driven. I think most people seem to get 12-15K miles out of them, depending on driving style. It could be more or less than this.

Also, it's true these tires are not good in the snow. But, IMO, they are not bad at all in the rain. Mine usually grip quite well in the rain. Most high performance tires are meant to be high performance in the wet and dry.

soma, when you replace your tires, look for any all season tire. They should last longer than a high performance tire. One tire to check out is the Sumitomo HTR+. It is an all-season tire.

dmatre

Just did this today. . .

This pic is highway only, cruise on, except to avoid idiots and other road obstructions . . .

dmatre

This pic is the whole trip, including some full-throttle passing blasts on two-lane road.

The car just turned 10k miles on this trip, and the mileage keeps getting better!

jpb5151

That's great! Is it like that with different brands of gasoline too? I'm betting it is, but just kinda curious; we've been getting ethanol-free Citgo stuff. Seems like just putting miles on the car is the best way to boost the mpg, though. Anyhow, please let us know what value it sorta peaks out at.

dmatre

No special tricks to the mileage. . .

Tires inflated to recommendations (as listed on gas filler door), running 93 Octane premium, set the cruise at about 10-15 over. Started on BP, filled up with Citgo about 2 hours into the trip.

I'm hoping that I never find the end of the improvement!

P.S. It's getting quicker too!