tifosiv122

Hey MBworld, I thought I would start a quick thread to keep tabs on my new-to-me C320.

A little bit of background first...longtime MB owner - purchased a 2003 C230 Kompressor Coupe (stick) new, in late 2002 and throughout my ownership I modified it (Kleemann headers, power kit, etc) to my exact likes. I sold that car a bit over a year ago.

Jan. 2011 I purchased a 2011 GLK 350 as I needed an SUV for the winter months. Ended up using it much more than expected (had a 3 year 30k lease) and in August I realized I had only 6,000 miles left on my lease with a return date of Jan. 2014!

I decided to get a 'sensible' car. I was looking for something reliable. The dealer I got my car at had two cars in my range - 2007 C230 Sedan with 107k and a 2004 C320 Sedan with 62k. Both were similar in price.

Test drove both back-to-back and I cannot believe how sporty the C230 was. I felt like I was driving a vette - felt every bump, high reeving engine, etc. The C320 felt like a caddy boat. I realized at that moment that I was now an Old Man (31 years old).

Purchased the '04 with 4 year 50k extended warranty (and lost key warranty). Picked her up August 30, 2012.

Here is the build details:

2004 C320
Brilliant Silver
Ash Leather
167: Standard Non-Sport Pkg.
955: Elegance Edition
685: Light Alloy Wheels 7 Hole Design
254: Standard Audio Electronic Radio
319: Lighting Pkg.
614: Bi-Xenon Headlamps
600: Headlight Washing System
324: Sunroof Package
540: Power Rear-Window Sunshade
414: Glass Sunroof
345: Rain Sensor Wipers
249: Autodimming Mirrors
423: 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
819: 6-Disc CD Changer

MSRP: $42,590

This specific car looked to be owned by a single or older couple. The back seats were brand new! Car was well taken care of. I appreciated the Bi-Xenon but missed the headed seats. I also didn't like the wood trim - my GLK has aluminum and I like Carbon Fiber when available.

Since the purchase, 5 months and 7,155 miles, I've only had two problems. The cupholder was broken day 1 (won't pop-up on it's own) and one of the door locks broke. Door lock was fixed under warranty - cupholder I'll fix when I remove the radio.

I've purchased the following items to be installed this weekend:

1. New steering wheel with wood insert (I gave in - figured if I have some wood, I should have a lot)
2. Crossed Drilled Rotors (all around)
3. SS Brake Lines (all around)
4. 2 New Continental Conti-Sport Tires

The only other upcoming mod's that I'm planning is a HeadUnit Swap (something most likely Pioneer Navigation) and maybe aftermarket heated seats.

Thanks,
Erik

tommy

Congrats, old man!

Looks like a nice purchase, though a 6-speed manny would have been nicer.

Please get new rims, Erik - those rims really date the car.

TTR

Sooooooooooooooooooooo sexy

tifosiv122

Thanks. Yeah I've been looking for the 'mustang' ones but I'm not paying $300-350 per wheel for OEM that most people dumped for something newer.

I thought I would fly under the radar with the rims/car, but I got a ticket the third day I had the car for using a cell phone - by a cop on a bicycle. Too bad I was stuck in 'beach traffic'.

Erik

kenlaw04

That car looks great! It looks new!

tifosiv122

Yes - I swear it was an Old Man who was driving it. Really only wear on the driver side door handle (inside). Nobody believed it was 9 year old car.

azn.ttr - Thanks!

Erik

hanknum

You're not even close to old. I wish I was 31...will be 47 this year.

I too drive a C320...estate, now that's an old man's car.

phister

If you wanted cf you could've just wrapped it in vinyl. They have so many vinyl options to wrap interiors and exteriors in from matte black to brushed aluminum.

Alexbenz

So wait you bought a 2004 with extended warranty?? How much was all of this and from a Mercedes dealer?

phister

He listed it all on the first post I think

tommy

Looks like he bought it from MB of Freehold (NJ); doesn't really say where he got the extended warranty from, though (but sounds like he got it from the dealer).

Why am I not surprised that you got a speeding ticket already? Good to see you back on here.

LILBENZ230

You picked the 04 over the 07? The 07 was rough?

Damn, you'd have hated an 05. The 07s were butter smooth in comparison.

Alexbenz

He wrote Purchased the '04 with 4 year 50k extended warranty (and lost key warranty). Picked her up August 30, 2012." Also put msrp of when the car was brand new...

Anyhow would like to know...if I can get a 05/06 with warranty then I'm on it!!

tifosiv122

hanknum - The 308 keeps you young

phister - Not a fan of the fake CF - if possible, I go real. The wood is growing on me. I dropped my car off on Saturday for the rotor/wheel swap. They still haven't called me that it's done. Can't wait to see the wheel installed.

Alexbenz - Yup. The warranty was $3,500 I believe. Not MB but the dealer (we've collectively bought over a dozen MB's from) promises to stand behind it. So far they've replaced the door lock mechanism - not problem. $100 deductible per visit. Warranty is good for 4 years / 50,000 additional miles. (2016/102K)

tommy - cell phone ticket - yeah now I can show my face again at the meets (if you guys still have them!)

LILBENZ230 - Yes. More to it. Memory / Power Seats / Bi-Xenon / Easy Exit (apparently MB pulled this from newer models, not sure why). Plus the condition was too good to ignore. The '07 had over 110,000 miles and was not in the best shape. Also, I was looking for a comfortable car - have too many uncomfortable 'fun' cars as it is.

Additional Update:

Purchased These Rims after Tommy's low blow comment!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/221181692280...84.m1497.l2649

They should give the car a much more modern look. Wanted the mustang looking rims, but they are staggered and I just bought tires and really didn't feel like buying new tires again.

Thanks guys.

Erik

tommy

Nice. Don't you feel better now?

We'll probably have another NJ meet in May/June. Though they're getting pretty minimal these days.

hanknum

Thanks Erik.

The wheels you bought are the same 5 spoke ones that came stock on my wagon...I liked them. They are a much better look than the other ones. After your tires wear out, you could probably find the ones you really want and sell the 5 spoke w/o losing any $.

Tri-Star

Looks like my car when it was first purchased and stock. I love the 3.2L engine much better than the c230 engine options. I'm sure the car will grow on you. New sport rims and sport suspension should fix that caddy feel.

WaveyKat

i wanna come to a meet :-)

tommy

You were at one years ago, no? I'd love to see your car at a meet, if only because I'd be able to finally see your headliner.

tifosiv122

Here's the update.

Steering wheel, rims, crossed drilled rotors, brakes, and stainless steel lines installed.









Of Note: The wood matches, but it doesn't take good pics due to the light. When you sit, it matches perfectly.

Also - I need new lug nuts!

Erik

tommy

Get a stud conversion kit; everything's much easier when you're not worrying about lugbolt lengths.

C280 Sport

Nice find! Fellow Italian owner I see!

tifosiv122

Interesting - I'll take a look. Do the rims satisfy your objection?

Yup - just sold one, so I'm down to 3. Looking to unload one more. Two is plenty.

Erik

C280 Sport

What did you end up selling? I only have space for one and the time for one. Are you a DIY'er?

tommy

I guess they'll do.

Rogue Engineering up here in Ramsey makes a good conversion set.