W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 188
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From: Denver Metro
2017 GLC 300 Coupe'
Are 01 C320s worth buying?
Have a chance to buy an 01 C320 wih 39K miles. Looks to be in good shape but do not know if that specific model in its first year is worth it. Do not want to live at dealership and only a very little bit of warranty left. Interesting it has not had its B service yet??
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 188
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From: Denver Metro
2017 GLC 300 Coupe'
Very high teens or low 20's Will know tomorrow. Just dont know about taking on a first year release. Heard bad things about the electronics and the 01 240's had some bad press.
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From: Ohio
w203 C320,E46 323i,E36 325ist
I am definitely happy with mine. I thought most of the issues were with the 240's and not the 320's? I have had mine for about a year and have been pretty much troublefree 
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From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
C320 is a good car. And they are pretty cheap used. I'd go for it. For 20K or less you could get a really loaded ride that someone sunk 45K into.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Dewey Beach, Delaware
Missing my beloved Benz
I owned a 01 C240 since it was released from the factory back in 2000 until this past November. If it wasn't for an idiot running a stop sign and totalling my beloved car, I would be owning it now. I loved the very site of the car. I only had a few issues with the window regulators, which was under warriaty. Other then that, I did not have an issue at all. I went over two years without an oil change, and still ran good as new since day one. I hope you the best of luck and you need to understand, not every car is the same. As with any car, you will have lemons. Some people on here have had bad experiences, while I had good.
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From: Ohio
w203 C320,E46 323i,E36 325ist
Originally Posted by jmel777
So yours is a 2001? Did Bose audio come as standard equip?
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I would not touch any C class between the years of 01-02. I had an 02 and it crapped out on me. The first 2 years dropped Benz from the reliabilty charts on every kind of survey you can think. If you can buy an 05 that would be better. Consider the C 230 SPORT. Any way, good luck to you.
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See Garage
Well, my experience has been different. My 2001 C320 has 35,000 miles on it. I've had no problems with it at all. It was manufactured in April, 2001 (check the lower sticker on the driver's B-pillar for MO/01) and any car mfd after Jan, 2001 "01/01" should be fine (but don't hold me to it). Some C240s were Brazilian made, but all the C320s were made in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The one you are considering has probably had one "B" service. (service every 10K miles: A=10K B=20K A(again)=30K, B(again)=40K, etc.). Mine is due for it's second "B" service next month before it goes out of warranty in May. No qualms about keeping it here.
The Bose was standard on the C320, optional on the C240 in '01
Kelley Blue Book says you will pay $25,500 for a C320 with moonroof, full leather, and only 39,000 miles. Check here:
http://www.kbb.com
The one you are considering has probably had one "B" service. (service every 10K miles: A=10K B=20K A(again)=30K, B(again)=40K, etc.). Mine is due for it's second "B" service next month before it goes out of warranty in May. No qualms about keeping it here.
The Bose was standard on the C320, optional on the C240 in '01
Kelley Blue Book says you will pay $25,500 for a C320 with moonroof, full leather, and only 39,000 miles. Check here:
http://www.kbb.com
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 188
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From: Denver Metro
2017 GLC 300 Coupe'
Originally Posted by MB-BOB
Well, my experience has been different. My 2001 C320 has 35,000 miles on it. I've had no problems with it at all. It was manufactured in April, 2001 (check the lower sticker on the driver's B-pillar for MO/01) and any car mfd after Jan, 2001 "01/01" should be fine (but don't hold me to it). Some C240s were Brazilian made, but all the C320s were made in Sindelfingen, Germany.
The one you are considering has probably had one "B" service. (service every 10K miles: A=10K B=20K A(again)=30K, B(again)=40K, etc.). Mine is due for it's second "B" service next month before it goes out of warranty in May. No qualms about keeping it here.
The Bose was standard on the C320, optional on the C240 in '01
Kelley Blue Book says you will pay $25,500 for a C320 with moonroof, full leather, and only 39,000 miles. Check here:
http://www.kbb.com
The one you are considering has probably had one "B" service. (service every 10K miles: A=10K B=20K A(again)=30K, B(again)=40K, etc.). Mine is due for it's second "B" service next month before it goes out of warranty in May. No qualms about keeping it here.
The Bose was standard on the C320, optional on the C240 in '01
Kelley Blue Book says you will pay $25,500 for a C320 with moonroof, full leather, and only 39,000 miles. Check here:
http://www.kbb.com
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 5,851
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
I have an '01 320 with 78K miles. Yes there has been many problems but it never left me stranded and all were fixed under warranty (regular and extended). If you get it, get an extended warranty. Lots of irritating problems related to poor parts quality that were fixed with updated parts in most cases. The saving grace is that it's such a great driving car that you tend to forget about the problems....until the next one.
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See Garage
Originally Posted by jmel777
First of all thanks for the response. The manufacture date is 01/01 so are you suggesting that I should stay away? They want 22.5K with 39K miles and it does have a few scratches that they are trying to touch up and buff out. No dents or accidents. Very clean interior. It's the dark blue metalic with cream color interior.
A Jan 01 build is better than a July 00 build. But buying a used car (any make) is as much a crap shoot as buying a first year production example. Posts here indicate some have had problems, others none at all.
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Joined: May 2005
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Buying my new MB C230 - Need some advice
I'm excitied and looking forward to my first MB purchase. Due to financial restrains, I'm looking at the C230 Sport Sedan. Buying the coupe is not an option since I have a family. Can someone please help me with some questions I have regarding my purchase.
1. The C230 Kompressor sport sedan is a 4-cylinder SCed, how does it compare to a V6 (C240). I've currently driving a Toyota LXE V6, how does it compare?
2. How reliable is the C230?
3. Can I negociate with the dealer to come close to invoice price when buying a C230 in Maryland or VA?
Thanks in Advance.
1. The C230 Kompressor sport sedan is a 4-cylinder SCed, how does it compare to a V6 (C240). I've currently driving a Toyota LXE V6, how does it compare?
2. How reliable is the C230?
3. Can I negociate with the dealer to come close to invoice price when buying a C230 in Maryland or VA?
Thanks in Advance.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 756
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From: Canada
1. Any V6 engine will have more low end torque at the lower rpm's. The MB engine has proven to be quite reliable.
2. The C230 overall is as reliable as any MB which is not that great. MB has taken a hit for quality in the last few years.
3. We are getting near the end of the model year so you should be able to negotiate a fair price.
2. The C230 overall is as reliable as any MB which is not that great. MB has taken a hit for quality in the last few years.
3. We are getting near the end of the model year so you should be able to negotiate a fair price.
Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 139
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From: Orlando, FL
2002 C230K Coupe & 2005 C230 SS
The 1.8L SC engine which is in the current C230 is not a bad engine at all. It will do pretty much anything you want it to do and providing you use the engine rev range, that is use the gear box, it will give you the acceleration you need. No it's not a 3.0 or 3.5L V6, if you expect the acceleration of an Infiniti G35 then it will not satisfy you, however if your expectations are more modest, it is more than adequate.
You will find a lot of debate as to which is the better (read faster acceleration) between the C230 and C240 in these forums if you do a search, but more importantly the nature of the two cars is very different. One (C240) is meant to appeal to the entry luxury class with the emphasis on the feel of luxury (wood, etc), the other (C230) is much more aggressive in its look and feel on the road.
One comment (though some may diagree). If you need to buy an automatic do not go for the C230, you have to use the engine rpm range to enjoy this car.
You absolutely should be able to negotiate down on price, both engines are being phased out in the US and it is oover half way through the model year. Do not be fooled by the advertised lease offers of $349. By the time you add options it can be a $35K list price car, where you end up is a matter of negotiation.
You will find a lot of debate as to which is the better (read faster acceleration) between the C230 and C240 in these forums if you do a search, but more importantly the nature of the two cars is very different. One (C240) is meant to appeal to the entry luxury class with the emphasis on the feel of luxury (wood, etc), the other (C230) is much more aggressive in its look and feel on the road.
One comment (though some may diagree). If you need to buy an automatic do not go for the C230, you have to use the engine rpm range to enjoy this car.
You absolutely should be able to negotiate down on price, both engines are being phased out in the US and it is oover half way through the model year. Do not be fooled by the advertised lease offers of $349. By the time you add options it can be a $35K list price car, where you end up is a matter of negotiation.
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Joined: May 2005
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Originally Posted by mikefl52
The 1.8L SC engine which is in the current C230 is not a bad engine at all. It will do pretty much anything you want it to do and providing you use the engine rev range, that is use the gear box, it will give you the acceleration you need. No it's not a 3.0 or 3.5L V6, if you expect the acceleration of an Infiniti G35 then it will not satisfy you, however if your expectations are more modest, it is more than adequate.
You will find a lot of debate as to which is the better (read faster acceleration) between the C230 and C240 in these forums if you do a search, but more importantly the nature of the two cars is very different. One (C240) is meant to appeal to the entry luxury class with the emphasis on the feel of luxury (wood, etc), the other (C230) is much more aggressive in its look and feel on the road.
One comment (though some may diagree). If you need to buy an automatic do not go for the C230, you have to use the engine rpm range to enjoy this car.
You absolutely should be able to negotiate down on price, both engines are being phased out in the US and it is oover half way through the model year. Do not be fooled by the advertised lease offers of $349. By the time you add options it can be a $35K list price car, where you end up is a matter of negotiation.
You will find a lot of debate as to which is the better (read faster acceleration) between the C230 and C240 in these forums if you do a search, but more importantly the nature of the two cars is very different. One (C240) is meant to appeal to the entry luxury class with the emphasis on the feel of luxury (wood, etc), the other (C230) is much more aggressive in its look and feel on the road.
One comment (though some may diagree). If you need to buy an automatic do not go for the C230, you have to use the engine rpm range to enjoy this car.
You absolutely should be able to negotiate down on price, both engines are being phased out in the US and it is oover half way through the model year. Do not be fooled by the advertised lease offers of $349. By the time you add options it can be a $35K list price car, where you end up is a matter of negotiation.
It sounds like there's room for negotiation for the 2005 C230 sedan models. Is it possible to get it at invoice? If I want to wait for the next generation, where can I go to obtain this information?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Depending on timing, you may want to wait for the 2006 with the new motors. But the 1.8L in the C230 is almost as fast the as the C320, maybe a 1/2 second 0-60 difference but significantly better fuel mileage. The C240 is much slower, and doesn't have a sport model like the C320/C230. The C320/C240 does have a better exhaust note than the C230. Being a european car you can't count on it being as dependable as an American or Asian car and it's all hit and miss, some people have zero defects, some just go on and on. I've had it both ways, a 2002 C230 that was in many times the first year, problem after problem and my 2004 C230 that has been flawless, only in once for the annual oil change. As for price, in some parts of the country you can get the C230 for thousands below invoice and in others they never go below invoice. Check carsdirect.com and plug in different zip codes and see what's best for you.
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
Originally Posted by mk230
If I want to wait for the next generation, where can I go to obtain this information?
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 74
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From: Michigan
2021 G63, 2021 URUS, 2020 SVJ Roadster, 2020 718 Spyder
Buying a C-class sedan 4matic...
As you can see I'm brand new here. I'll be doing business with DaimlerChrysler so I need to pick up a MB car. I'm looking at picking up either a C240 or C320 4matic. I know that all the C-class sedans were given a facelift for 2005 with interior and exterior improvements. Were the improvements that much better that I should look at picking up an 05 vs an 04. Prices on 04's are just so much better.
On that note, how much difference is there between the 04 and 03's? I'm trying to find a certified pre-owned car so that would alleviate my warranty concerns. In terms of problems, are there years that I should stay away from? I was told that the C240 is really a dog and should get a C320, but that was coming from the BMW forum that I'm on as well and everyone wants more power. Is the C240 really that underpowered?
Thanks for any advice that you can give me
On that note, how much difference is there between the 04 and 03's? I'm trying to find a certified pre-owned car so that would alleviate my warranty concerns. In terms of problems, are there years that I should stay away from? I was told that the C240 is really a dog and should get a C320, but that was coming from the BMW forum that I'm on as well and everyone wants more power. Is the C240 really that underpowered?
Thanks for any advice that you can give me
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Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 656
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From: Earth
CLS
Originally Posted by sansan
As you can see I'm brand new here. I'll be doing business with DaimlerChrysler so I need to pick up a MB car. I'm looking at picking up either a C240 or C320 4matic. I know that all the C-class sedans were given a facelift for 2005 with interior and exterior improvements. Were the improvements that much better that I should look at picking up an 05 vs an 04. Prices on 04's are just so much better.
On that note, how much difference is there between the 04 and 03's? I'm trying to find a certified pre-owned car so that would alleviate my warranty concerns. In terms of problems, are there years that I should stay away from? I was told that the C240 is really a dog and should get a C320, but that was coming from the BMW forum that I'm on as well and everyone wants more power. Is the C240 really that underpowered?
Thanks for any advice that you can give me
On that note, how much difference is there between the 04 and 03's? I'm trying to find a certified pre-owned car so that would alleviate my warranty concerns. In terms of problems, are there years that I should stay away from? I was told that the C240 is really a dog and should get a C320, but that was coming from the BMW forum that I'm on as well and everyone wants more power. Is the C240 really that underpowered?
Thanks for any advice that you can give me
Search the Forum for answers to all of your questions..
Junior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 74
Likes: 4
From: Michigan
2021 G63, 2021 URUS, 2020 SVJ Roadster, 2020 718 Spyder
I have been searching but it is somewhat difficult to narrow down everything. Found alot about 230's vs 240's, but since I'm getting a 4matic that doesn't really matter. My concern is the all wheel drive and power loss. Therefore my questions about power for the 240 vs 320. If I was just getting another rear wheel drive car I would probably go with the 05 C230, but alas... that is not an option.
Some people state that there are problems in the 01's, but I'm looking at 03 or 04's so I was looking to see if there was a difference there. And I'm starting to feel like the only differnce between the 04 and 05's are the headlights on the outside and the gauge cluster on the inside.
Please feel free to give any opinions. That's what I think are great about forums like this!!!!
Some people state that there are problems in the 01's, but I'm looking at 03 or 04's so I was looking to see if there was a difference there. And I'm starting to feel like the only differnce between the 04 and 05's are the headlights on the outside and the gauge cluster on the inside.
Please feel free to give any opinions. That's what I think are great about forums like this!!!!
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Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 4,278
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From: Fresno, CA
'09 A4 S Line
There don't seem to be many 4matic owners, but good luck with your purchase. Sounds like you've got the major differences down. Pretty much just aesthetics, but the major difference is that 05's don't have free maintenance, whereas the 03 and 04's include maintenance to 4 years/50k miles. If you are good at bargaining, you might even be able to get a deal on extended warranty (or even have them throw it in free!).
