Guest0001

S2000 to a C320 you will be in for a disapointment. If I were you, I would take a look at the G35, 330i, IS300. If you are going for the C320, I will tell you that is strictly a cruiser unless you modify the suspension. Just be sure to test drive the competition and take your time. Don't get me wrong C320 is a wonderful car but I dont think it will suit your needs.

05Css

Yeah my peace of crap was made in Brazil. You can tell by opening the drivers door and looking on the side. I warned you, so good luck to you.

markseven

Buellwinkle,

You scared the crap out of me. I just ran down to the garage in about 1 second flat. Whew! My wife's C240 was built in Stuttgart (driver door jamb sticker).

-Mark

chriscman

Thanks for all the input. I actually know that is can not match the S2K in perfomance or pure speed, but we are now looking for a sporty family sedan with some pep. Class with some pepiness would be fine.

Kev04C320

How about a used C32? That should give you the class and pepiness that you want, plus some extra kicks.

pokerFACE

01 C240.. the biggest problem being a faulty seatbelt latch causing airbag warning...

GDawgC220

The one thing I noticed with "quality" is the interior and it's fit & finish with the '05 w203s. IMO, it feels more solid than previous w203's, materials are of higher quality. They've definitely worked on the quality of materials used and it shows. The only "quality" that I'm waiting to see are the electronics, which I believe MB has kept it's word and have been/are working on them. As for engineering, I still say it's very durable (engine, drivetrain, suspension), the quality of those are still up there IMHO.

wdawg

hahhaha.. I just ran down too.. same results Stuttgart

gameson

when did u guys bought the car? maybe it's an early build of 01 (fall 00 line up) or later build of 01 (spring/summer 01 line up)...

mick1

Mine also says stuttgart but the window sticker contradicts that information. it says:

FOR THIS VEHICLE:
FINAL ASSEMBLY POINT: BREMEN, GERMANY

Capt Nemo o2

I'm not sure about the C class, but in the 2005 E class they took out something like 600 electronic functions for increased simplicty, and to reduce electronic glitches and such, the latter probably being the much bigger reasoning. Not sure what those 600 functions are! Read it in an article (meaning not sure of the validity!)

r_liebo

Chose from TL, Audi 3.0, and Saab 9.5. Have a 2004.5. 2005 does seem tighter than my car, better materials. One electrical problem so far (tranny ecu), several fit and finish issues with rattles and squeeks.
The torque of the C320 is satisfying, and it is decently quick. No s2000, but it will be a lot quicker than your 325 if both are autos, a hair so if you go manual.
Love the highway ride torque, styling, and luxury compared to 325, but I miss the handling a bit and certainly the rattle free cabin that all my prior BMWs had.
I also think each year MB gets a little better at quality control with the C, and 2005 should be the best of all.
Another thing of note since I went to the C320 after having an addition to the family as well is that I feel very safe in this car -- for myself and my passengers.

05Css

Honestly man, no offense to anyone for what im about to say but here is the truth. The 01 and 02 models sucked. They have a lot of issues and problems. If you even check out the JD powers info for those 2 years MB ranked low because of all the dissatisfied customers. There are 2 things going on here that some will admit but most wont. 1) Most people had issues yet they have a lot of pride and dont want to look like they are fools infront of other people so they wont admit their problems. You know how it goes, u just dont want to show weakness so other people wont make fun of you because u spent a lot of money and the car sucks. 2) A lot of them were made in Brazil and the quality was bad. But even some of the german ones had issues. The bottom line is you are taking a risk with any 01 and 02 you buy. Personally start looking at the 05 and see if you can lease one instead of buying a used one

S_kLaSse

hmmm....
mine has no problem. It runs like it should since the first day I purchased it in February 2001. It depends on how you take care of it I guess.
No electrical, mechanical or whatsoever. My friends step in and thought its a new car.
You can find an 03 or 04 with bunch of problems too if the owner does not take care of it.
For example:
- I switched off the a/c and the radio before I turn off the engine (which a lot of people don't).
- Oil changed before the due date.
- I will slow down when I see a bump, or try to avoid it.
- Only use the highest octane gas.
and many more....
So again, it is more about how you take care of your car.
Hope this help.

Guest0001

Do not buy a 2001. Period.

GGM

So was my '03 C240. It has been going in at least once a month for the last 4 or 5 months.

GGM

S_kLaSse

You should buy a new car and take care of it. 01, 02, 03, 04 are all the same when they are used, you never know what the previous owner had done to it. Get the 05. peace of mind.

rockintunes23

My late 01 c240 was made in Germany, where I purchased it. I had a tour of the plant and met the designer. Just like any automobile, you have good ones and you have bad ones. It’s the luck of the draw. Not every man-made object is perfect. By the way, I would never buy a "used car" because you are buying someone else's problems.

gameson

u mean something like this? this one is made in stuggart, germany

so the brazil one will say made in brazil replacing the germany on top right?

MarkL

I just sold my '02 C240 6MT 3 weeks ago in preparation for buying my new BMW 330i (different story!). My point is, I don't have any "defensive" posturing to take here... My '02 C240 was one of the best cars I ever owned, and in this thread, you seem to be in the minority of people reporting issues with 2001/02 C's. All I can tell you is my personal experience with my particular vehicle. I had 2 non-scheduled service items and other than that, it was flawless.

My C240 was made in Germany, and maybe the Brazilian factor is the issue.

markseven

I was referred to this forum by a bimmerfest.com member. The coolest facet of bimmerfest is the honesty. Bimmerfest members don't seem to have an unhealthy loyalty to the BMW brand. Sure, we are proud bimmer owners, but we are not in denial when it comes to reliability or Flame Surfacing. I expect most MBWorld members are the same. After all, this is an anonymous forum; why would anyone lie to protect a problematic car? To avoid feeling like a schmuck? I think not.

You started your post by saying you mean no offense. Tell a proud mom that she's got an ugly baby, but preface the statement with "I mean no offense."

I couldn't care less that our car is an 02 My wife loves it, and that's all that matters.

-Mark

05Css

Thats another problem, a woman is driving the car markseven. Most women are not into cars as much as guys and all they care about is getting from point A to B. The car can have several issues but yet she thinks thats the norm. The main point is that it has been documented that the 01 - 02 have a lot of issues and TSBs from here to china. Most of the people were so disapointed that they sold the car and changed brands. Thats why you dont see many negative posts about those 2 years. If you can go back on this forum several years you will see all the bad posts that took place. But hey man you can take offense to this, i give u permission.

S_kLaSse

05Css,
You can't take assumption that all women care less about their car. With this, you can't say Markseven's wife won't know if there is a problem with her 'C'. It can be that her 'C' is like mine, 'NO issue' whatsoever.
My C320 doesn't give me problem, thats one reason I still keep it.

As for the 01 and 02 cars, I agree with 'rockintunes23' that "It’s the luck of the draw" when it comes to buy car.

markseven

05Css,

No offense taken

My wife will know if the car isn't performing correctly. She's a smarty pants Also, I know a few guys who have driven their cars into the ground 'cause they didn't care to check the oil.

-Mark

markseven