W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
#701
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1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
if you're getting the C230, definitely go 6-speed manual.
my $0.02
my $0.02
#702
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2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
If youre in the market for a Coupe, the original 2002 C230 six speed is the best coupe for modding. Make sure you get a C7....you'll regret it later if you don't. It came with the most standard equipment, and just about every other benz toy can be added if you want.
Next on the hit parade is the facelifted 2005 C320C Coupe. It has the 3.2L six,and the revised suspension...which really is worth getting. Handles sooooo much better. Not to say that any coupes handle poorly, just the 05 is definately better. You can mod this car's engine, but its very expensive. A pulleyed 2002 is faster than the stock 3.2L, but there's a trade off in refinement- the 4 is pretty brash with an overboost pulley. Me, I love the sound. Any of the other year V6 Coupes are desireable, provided they have C7 and leather. A V6 6 speed is pretty rare...****** one if you see it.
About the only car's I'd pass on are 2003 base Coupes with the 1.8 and an automatic. Not bad cars, but the 1.8 isn't mod friendly, and its not as grunty as the 2.3L in the 2002. 2004 cars all had C7, which makes them a little more desireable. Just my 2 cents on Coupe ownership
Next on the hit parade is the facelifted 2005 C320C Coupe. It has the 3.2L six,and the revised suspension...which really is worth getting. Handles sooooo much better. Not to say that any coupes handle poorly, just the 05 is definately better. You can mod this car's engine, but its very expensive. A pulleyed 2002 is faster than the stock 3.2L, but there's a trade off in refinement- the 4 is pretty brash with an overboost pulley. Me, I love the sound. Any of the other year V6 Coupes are desireable, provided they have C7 and leather. A V6 6 speed is pretty rare...****** one if you see it.
About the only car's I'd pass on are 2003 base Coupes with the 1.8 and an automatic. Not bad cars, but the 1.8 isn't mod friendly, and its not as grunty as the 2.3L in the 2002. 2004 cars all had C7, which makes them a little more desireable. Just my 2 cents on Coupe ownership
#704
Super Member
Haha...your comment about $natch reminded me of that SouthPark movie (Bigger, longer, uncut) when Cartman got the VChip installed and occasionally would be shocked at what words he couldn't say..in fear of getting zapped. Off topic I know, but just wanted to share my laughter...
- Eric
- Eric
#705
as for modding wise im only 17 i dont want to drive fast and not make it to my 18th birthday. just jokin i love to speed good damn ive recked about 5 cars now but o well as for the coupe i have about $16k saved up so i do plan to mod it if i get it which im pretty sure i will. but whats the most hp youve seen out of the engine.
#706
Originally Posted by v6killa
as for modding wise im only 17 i dont want to drive fast and not make it to my 18th birthday. just jokin i love to speed good damn ive recked about 5 cars now but o well as for the coupe i have about $16k saved up so i do plan to mod it if i get it which im pretty sure i will. but whats the most hp youve seen out of the engine.
#707
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2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
For which engine?
On the M111, If you stay with the stock supercharger, figure 265-275tops after overboost, and the usual bolt ons, freeflow everything. Boost and heat are the limits- you keep adding boost and you overwhelm the stock IC. If you go with a bigger SC, a lysholm, or dump it in favor of turbo, you can exceed 300 easily on stock internals. The best part about the M111, is that a 600 dollar pulley really gives the car some teeth. 30-40HP gain.
The V6 can accept a Kleeman SC, I hear that's 300ish HP. Ive never seen a turbo on a V6, but obviously, you can turbo anything.
The smaller 1.8 is kind of a dead end. Few parts exist, and the most expensive ones only give it about another 20HP.
On the M111, If you stay with the stock supercharger, figure 265-275tops after overboost, and the usual bolt ons, freeflow everything. Boost and heat are the limits- you keep adding boost and you overwhelm the stock IC. If you go with a bigger SC, a lysholm, or dump it in favor of turbo, you can exceed 300 easily on stock internals. The best part about the M111, is that a 600 dollar pulley really gives the car some teeth. 30-40HP gain.
The V6 can accept a Kleeman SC, I hear that's 300ish HP. Ive never seen a turbo on a V6, but obviously, you can turbo anything.
The smaller 1.8 is kind of a dead end. Few parts exist, and the most expensive ones only give it about another 20HP.
#708
MBWorld Fanatic!
230 Kompressor engine is a sporty powerplant. That, along with the lightweight small coupe will make it a fun ride. The other members are correct, a pulley kit on the already supercharged car will give it some extra jump. Might I add a recommendation to get an exhaust system and a Powerchips Upgrade. Eisenmann is worth a look (and they got video clips of their finished product)!
Good Luck!
Almost forgot the link.
http://www.eisenhaus.com/main.php
Good Luck!
Almost forgot the link.
http://www.eisenhaus.com/main.php
#710
Originally Posted by v6killa
i am thinking about buying a c230 coupe ...a 2002 c230 silver with a c7 wheel package,leather seats and automatic...
It does seem like this thread has turned into a "get a 6 speed" thread. I'd say get the automatic. The coupe I have is the first automatic I've had since 1982 (wow, I'm getting old!). I thought it was going to be a huge change for me, but it wasn't. It does take a little pre-planning at lower speeds to get the most out of the combo, but on back roads, just leave it in "3" and enjoy the ride. It's also much more enjoyable putting into work drinking some coffee along the way.
#712
Senior Member
If you're looking for an '03 and up - I'd go for an '05 with a 6spd. It has the updated suspension and other parts, including the clear lights (if you don't get bi-xenons).
#714
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2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by carsandkites
It's also much more enjoyable putting into work drinking some coffee along the way.
#715
outland i was reading another thread and someone says you have one of the quickest c230 coupes can you tell me what mods you added if you dont mined. And i will update you guys as soon as i get the coupe im trying to spend my money wisely. But thank you guys for all of your help and replies
#716
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2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Originally Posted by v6killa
outland i was reading another thread and someone says you have one of the quickest c230 coupes can you tell me what mods you added if you dont mined. And i will update you guys as soon as i get the coupe im trying to spend my money wisely. But thank you guys for all of your help and replies
Also, don't buy a black car if youre not parking it indoors. Its too hard to keep clean. And speaking of spending it wisely, the 6 speed cars can usually be had for less, since used car dealers ALWAYS prefer automatics. Better performance, better on gas, and more fun to drive. You do the math
#717
Member
How to get C-Spot coupon ?
Originally Posted by StarWarsC230K
Hey Thanks! The total price + tax and license came to $34,035. I financed the car through MB credit in which they could only apply the C-Spot coupon as part of the downpayment. They gave me a good rate at 2.9% for 60 months.
#718
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2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
The coupons were given to people who attended factory sponsored events in a dozen cities in 2004. They have all expired. I am unaware of any planned events for 2006 where such a promotion is offered.
#719
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GLA250 4Matic, 911 Carrera S, R1250 GS Adv.
Regarding warranty or other service from a dealer which did not sell you the car, why would any dealer's service department turn down any work at all? They get paid by MBUSA for warranty (assuming it's genuine MB warranty work) or they get paid by you otherwise. Why would they care where you had bought the car?
#721
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2013 c300 4matic, 2002 c240
the dealer would only care if you want a loaner and did not buy the car from them. other than that, any dealer should honor the warranty. call mbusa for compliants if a dealer is not.
#723
Need help in this purchase of a C240 (Used)
Long time lurker, first time poster. Bear with me this post. I recently came across an ad for a 2001 C240. Her asking price was 12,100 but after talking to her and getting to know her other offers, I'm looking at around 11,400 for it. I'll give you a rundown on the facts of the car.
Options from what she knows:
Power Moonroof
Power Rearsunshade
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
5 Speed Automatic
Year : 2001
Title is Clean (Getting a carfax to make sure)
Model : C240
Miles = 107,000 (High, Usual milage on what KBB said was around 60,000 give or take)
Interior Info:
Leather seats (Electrics working for that)
Non-smoked car
Roof = Working
Dash = Good
Seats = Fine, she used armor all leather protection
Left driver side speaker is partially cracked but working
Power windows and door locks are working fine
Dashboard = Good/Working
No cd player, only has tape deck and radio
Mechanical Info
1 Accident, the car was rear ended at a low speed, 10-15, the entire bumper had to be replaced. Replaced with an OEM bumper
Car has never been repainted
Has a replaced oxygen sensor and airflow censor, all 4 tires replaced with new ones and the car was aligned 4 weeks ago
1 dent on the hood from an object driving down the freeway at a fast speed
No Rust
No transmission problems, no slippage
A/C is working correctly/fine
Battery = Same since she bought it 2 1/2 years ago
Alternator = Says it is fine, same when she bought it
Starter = Working fine
No electrical problems
Radio is ok
She does not know when the radiator was last flushed
No knowledge wether or not the car burns oil or has white exhaust
Last oil change was last 10,000 miles with Mobil 1 Synthetic oil (Sounded as if she didn't really know, I had to mentioned synthetic oil, she said "good stuff")
Headlight motors are working
Water pump seems to be the same one when she purchased it
Other facts:
Alarm works
1 Other owner
No rollback
OUT OF WARRANTY (I was thinking of buying an extended through an online company right after purchase)
Has all manuals and maintaince records
I can take the car with another mechanic with no problems. I might have it sent to two of them, my own and to a dealership.
My question is, is it worth it? I'm debating since it has no warranty, this being a first year of a redesign and third, she does not know what TSB's are so I'm not sure wether or not they have been addressed.
Options from what she knows:
Power Moonroof
Power Rearsunshade
Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers
5 Speed Automatic
Year : 2001
Title is Clean (Getting a carfax to make sure)
Model : C240
Miles = 107,000 (High, Usual milage on what KBB said was around 60,000 give or take)
Interior Info:
Leather seats (Electrics working for that)
Non-smoked car
Roof = Working
Dash = Good
Seats = Fine, she used armor all leather protection
Left driver side speaker is partially cracked but working
Power windows and door locks are working fine
Dashboard = Good/Working
No cd player, only has tape deck and radio
Mechanical Info
1 Accident, the car was rear ended at a low speed, 10-15, the entire bumper had to be replaced. Replaced with an OEM bumper
Car has never been repainted
Has a replaced oxygen sensor and airflow censor, all 4 tires replaced with new ones and the car was aligned 4 weeks ago
1 dent on the hood from an object driving down the freeway at a fast speed
No Rust
No transmission problems, no slippage
A/C is working correctly/fine
Battery = Same since she bought it 2 1/2 years ago
Alternator = Says it is fine, same when she bought it
Starter = Working fine
No electrical problems
Radio is ok
She does not know when the radiator was last flushed
No knowledge wether or not the car burns oil or has white exhaust
Last oil change was last 10,000 miles with Mobil 1 Synthetic oil (Sounded as if she didn't really know, I had to mentioned synthetic oil, she said "good stuff")
Headlight motors are working
Water pump seems to be the same one when she purchased it
Other facts:
Alarm works
1 Other owner
No rollback
OUT OF WARRANTY (I was thinking of buying an extended through an online company right after purchase)
Has all manuals and maintaince records
I can take the car with another mechanic with no problems. I might have it sent to two of them, my own and to a dealership.
My question is, is it worth it? I'm debating since it has no warranty, this being a first year of a redesign and third, she does not know what TSB's are so I'm not sure wether or not they have been addressed.
#724
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2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
If you are in California, warranties can only be sold by new car dealers to be valid. It will be tough to find a warranty for more than 100K miles.
I don't know if it is worth it, you need to figure that out on your own. If you like the car, and can afford major repair bills, go for it!
I don't know if it is worth it, you need to figure that out on your own. If you like the car, and can afford major repair bills, go for it!
#725
Help on buying new 06 C230
Guys,
I dont know if it's good price or not.
Here is the options that Laguna Niguel Has:
White
Navigation
Sunroof
Split Folding
Entertaiment
Heated seats
Bi-Xenon
Auto
Driver seats package
White
Black regular leather
MSRP= 38050
Special= 35000
Do you think it's a good deal?
Please help...
I dont know if it's good price or not.
Here is the options that Laguna Niguel Has:
White
Navigation
Sunroof
Split Folding
Entertaiment
Heated seats
Bi-Xenon
Auto
Driver seats package
White
Black regular leather
MSRP= 38050
Special= 35000
Do you think it's a good deal?
Please help...