Duffer

Hi Gang, have a question and I know this is a biased group, but we are towards the end of the 2002 model year (August deliveries for 2003) and I was wondering if I am going to pay near MSRP for a 2002 or 2003, am I not smarter to wait 2.5 months for a 2003 in terms of value?

And has anyone heard an update on the 2003 besides the engine change (same hp?, slightly lower torque, better fuel economy, more refined)?

Any interior changes??

My saleman says the 2003 they are ordering now shows the car as a C230K - 1.8 with no other info other than the standard option packages.

Any news?

Thanks In advance

galaxygrrl

Duffer,

That is a great question! There have actually been a ton of threads on that issue, so you might want search on it.

To me the botton line is we don't really know enough yet to answer that question, one would assume "newer" means better, but, who knows. The new engines appears to have less HP and less torque, but it is quieter and gets better mpg. As for everything else, pieces of the puzzle have been discussed, but not the whole thing.

Beth

MB-BOB

Duffer, I'd wait for the '03. I don't buy the exclusivity trend of thought of the '02. Hindsight is making it clearer to me that MB had sunk-cost inventory issues with some excess 2.3L engines, and put them into the Coupe while awaiting the newer motors. That doesn't necessarilly make the '02 model a "classic," or the replacement engine car undesirable. At the end of the day, you'll have a newer car with an '03.

Don't look for Xenons, in-dash CD or any interior changes.

Duffer

Thanks, Beth.

Yes, I have looked at all the threads for the past 3 weeks and was afraid that my question would get lost if placed in an old thread. So I was hoping for any new updated info.

My dealer, of course, says "I know nothing!" (Sergeant Schultz mentality). He seems to think new engine will have same hp, no Xenons for now, and espouses no knowledge on interior enhancements. Sure wish it came with Xenons on early 03's as I am accustomed to them with Audi.

avlis

I'd wait till 03. You probably won't see many, if any, interior changes (contrary to what Viper will tell you ). I'd expect to see some of the current European options brought over to the US (Parktronic, AMG bumpers, CD, etc) and that's it.

Vince

i'd get a 2002. the engine has more power.

Buellwinkle

I would wait for the 2004 and be safe with a whole new motor from a low volume company like MB. I think you can score a good deal on a 2002 though. I've seen sweet lease deals from both my local dealers for under $300/mo.

BTW, the new motor does not have same HP and significantly lower torque. Those HP numbers on MBSpy.com are European numbers. The 2.3 is 197hp in Europe and the 1.8 is 192hp. If the same ratio applies then the new motor will be 5 less HP and 15 ft. lbs. less torque.

young

heheh, i'd expect the in-dash cd player right away, and xenons in december. maybe a few new colors? (i love spreading rumors )

i mean, even beemers have in-dash cd players standard... i know mercedes tends to be conservative, but it's 2002!!!

i say buy now and regret later! or buy later and regret later... something like that. it'll always be greener on the other side... etc.

Duffer

thanks, Young

I laughed.

When it comes to cars, it's always regret after regret (unless of course you have a money tree and can handle significant $$$ losses OR you are smart and just keep the car forever.

viper

I'd go for the 2003. At least for the new colors. Bye bye orion blue !

NANA

Well, lease the 2002 model for 3 years and get the then latest model.

Hey, may be you would end up with CL600 then! Who knows...:p