W203/CL203 Car Buyer's Guide - All you want to know and consider
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Henderson, NV
Alabaster White C230K Grey Int. and 2003 C32 pewter/charcoal gray
I agree..i test drove one a few weeks ago and its so nice....but i would like to try the 6spd manual...maybe this weekend...
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From: COMPTON,CA
C32
i know it has a smooth running v6,and has a good amount ofpower,but would it be comparable to a c230 with pulley and intercooler in the hp department? the inline 4 revs hard ,and has good amount of power,but i've driven the sedan not the coupe,and it seems to have more grunt in the low end,what do u guys think?
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
power's not everything
I would not want the big V-6 in a C Class for a couple of reasons: fuel economy (quite dismal compared to BMW and the M-B fours) and cost (not worth the extra $ to me).
I frankly think the four suits the car just fine, thanks, and the fuel economy potential if driven gently is greater (possibly if driven hard too). To me, that's sealed the deal.
Had the C 220 CDI Sportcoupé been available in Canada, we'd have seriously considered that.
I frankly think the four suits the car just fine, thanks, and the fuel economy potential if driven gently is greater (possibly if driven hard too). To me, that's sealed the deal.
Had the C 220 CDI Sportcoupé been available in Canada, we'd have seriously considered that.
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From: SoCal
2002 C230 : 2007 C230
Re: power's not everything
Originally posted by Mike T.
I would not want the big V-6 in a C Class for a couple of reasons: fuel economy (quite dismal compared to BMW and the M-B fours)
check my sig, I have a BMW and had an E320. My C230c doesn't get any better mileage than my E320 or the BMW.
...and cost (not worth the extra $ to me).
Configuring the cars with the same options(Auto, C1, C2, C7, CD) the difference is only $2,350. I think that is worth it. If both cars would have been availble when I purchased, I would have taken the C320c easily.
I frankly think the four suits the car just fine, thanks, and the fuel economy potential if driven gently is greater (possibly if driven hard too). To me, that's sealed the deal.
I think you got this one wrong. The six makes this what a MB should be.
Had the C 220 CDI Sportcoupé been available in Canada, we'd have seriously considered that.
This I agree with, I really wish MB would start bringing more diesels to the US.
I would not want the big V-6 in a C Class for a couple of reasons: fuel economy (quite dismal compared to BMW and the M-B fours)
check my sig, I have a BMW and had an E320. My C230c doesn't get any better mileage than my E320 or the BMW.
...and cost (not worth the extra $ to me).
Configuring the cars with the same options(Auto, C1, C2, C7, CD) the difference is only $2,350. I think that is worth it. If both cars would have been availble when I purchased, I would have taken the C320c easily.
I frankly think the four suits the car just fine, thanks, and the fuel economy potential if driven gently is greater (possibly if driven hard too). To me, that's sealed the deal.
I think you got this one wrong. The six makes this what a MB should be.
Had the C 220 CDI Sportcoupé been available in Canada, we'd have seriously considered that.
This I agree with, I really wish MB would start bringing more diesels to the US.
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Re: Re: power's not everything
Originally posted by KWiK
This I agree with, I really wish MB would start bringing more diesels to the US.
This I agree with, I really wish MB would start bringing more diesels to the US.
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From: Vancouver Island, B.C. Canada
2005 smart cabrio; 2008 Mercedes-Benz B 200
KWiK
About fuel economy, here are the official fuel consumption figures for the BMW 325i, M-B C 320 sedan and M-B C 230 K (EU figures):
City:
12.8 L/100 km (325i)
16.1 L/100 km (C320)
13.1 L/100 km (C230)
Highway:
6.9 L/100 km (325i)
7.8 L/100 km (C320)
7.0 L/100 km (C230)
Overall:
9.0 L/100 km (325i)
10.8 L/100 km (C320)
9.2 L/100 km (C230)
These differences are definitely significant. If you have all three cars and they're getting the same mileage, there is something wrong with your 230 and BMW. Either that or your driving style is very hard with the two more efficient cars and unusually gentle in the 320. In any case, a normal dirver could expect about 15-20% better fuel economy with the C 230 or 325i as opposed to the C320.
City:
12.8 L/100 km (325i)
16.1 L/100 km (C320)
13.1 L/100 km (C230)
Highway:
6.9 L/100 km (325i)
7.8 L/100 km (C320)
7.0 L/100 km (C230)
Overall:
9.0 L/100 km (325i)
10.8 L/100 km (C320)
9.2 L/100 km (C230)
These differences are definitely significant. If you have all three cars and they're getting the same mileage, there is something wrong with your 230 and BMW. Either that or your driving style is very hard with the two more efficient cars and unusually gentle in the 320. In any case, a normal dirver could expect about 15-20% better fuel economy with the C 230 or 325i as opposed to the C320.
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Luxury cars and good fuel economy are not mutually exclusive but pretty close. Unless you consider an Acura RSX a luxury car. I don't think 15-20% less fuel economy is a deal breaker for most Mercedes buyers. The added ~$2500 up-front cost probably more so.
Mercedes has a more upmarket position in the North American that six-cylinder engines are more consistent with. Diesels and four bangers (Yes, even supercharged ones ) are perceived as decidedly downmarket here.
The stringent particulate standards in the States is the major stumbling block for diesels here. Particulate is pretty nasty stuff and something that Europeans have just learned to live with. The high sulfer content of Stateside fuel is also tough on the new high-tech diesels.
Mercedes has a more upmarket position in the North American that six-cylinder engines are more consistent with. Diesels and four bangers (Yes, even supercharged ones ) are perceived as decidedly downmarket here.
The stringent particulate standards in the States is the major stumbling block for diesels here. Particulate is pretty nasty stuff and something that Europeans have just learned to live with. The high sulfer content of Stateside fuel is also tough on the new high-tech diesels.
Last edited by CRB; Feb 2, 2003 at 03:11 PM.
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From: Gaithersburg, MD
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
I haven't correlated the responses yet, but hmmm, now you guys are saying, "yeah, it's about time they put the 3.2 V6 in the coupe -- it's what MB should be".... Then some say putting the 1.8L in the C sedan is a great idea --- "this is what should have been there all along"... more like a BMW ...
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Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: sf bay area
'03 C320 coupe-manual, '07 530i
Delivery Lead Times
Another point to consider.... delivery lead times for special orders.
I ordered a C320 Coupe w/ 6 sp. the first of Jan. According to the dealer, the car won't even be built until Apr... with a mid to late May delivery date!
Can't speak to C320 coupes w/autos other than the dealer said it wouldn't be as long. He claims that cars go thru in batchs wrt type of transmission and the manual batch wouldn't be until Apr. Who know if this is true?
In any case, evidently, the 320 coupes are taking longer to get than the 230 coupes.
I ordered a C320 Coupe w/ 6 sp. the first of Jan. According to the dealer, the car won't even be built until Apr... with a mid to late May delivery date!
Can't speak to C320 coupes w/autos other than the dealer said it wouldn't be as long. He claims that cars go thru in batchs wrt type of transmission and the manual batch wouldn't be until Apr. Who know if this is true?
In any case, evidently, the 320 coupes are taking longer to get than the 230 coupes.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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From: Canada
Originally posted by MarkL
I haven't correlated the responses yet, but hmmm, now you guys are saying, "yeah, it's about time they put the 3.2 V6 in the coupe -- it's what MB should be".... Then some say putting the 1.8L in the C sedan is a great idea --- "this is what should have been there all along"... more like a BMW ...
I haven't correlated the responses yet, but hmmm, now you guys are saying, "yeah, it's about time they put the 3.2 V6 in the coupe -- it's what MB should be".... Then some say putting the 1.8L in the C sedan is a great idea --- "this is what should have been there all along"... more like a BMW ...
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Originally posted by viper
Different strokes for different folks. Soon when the 3.7L is announced there will be someone who will announce how great this engine is with the coupe.
Different strokes for different folks. Soon when the 3.7L is announced there will be someone who will announce how great this engine is with the coupe.
Nah, won't happen.
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Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 141
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From: Canada
Re: Delivery Lead Times
Originally posted by Wheens
Can't speak to C320 coupes w/autos other than the dealer said it wouldn't be as long. He claims that cars go thru in batchs wrt type of transmission and the manual batch wouldn't be until Apr. Who know if this is true?
Can't speak to C320 coupes w/autos other than the dealer said it wouldn't be as long. He claims that cars go thru in batchs wrt type of transmission and the manual batch wouldn't be until Apr. Who know if this is true?
Mine will arrive at my dealer 2nd week of march!
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
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From: sf bay area
'03 C320 coupe-manual, '07 530i
Re: Re: Delivery Lead Times
Originally posted by Hugedrive
Mine will arrive at my dealer 2nd week of march!
Mine will arrive at my dealer 2nd week of march!
Was the C320 coupe available in Canada before the States?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
My dealer has 4 320 auto coupes on the lot. Hopefully, the extra time to get the 6sp to market was spent on improving it. Make sure you drive the car extensively before accepting it. If you get a POS like mine, you are stuck because MB will tell you it is normal.
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From: Ohio
2010 C300 4matic
Wheens, I don't know that I believe what they said about the cars going in batches by types of transmissions. This is probably not true. This doesn't mean they are lying to you, they just don't know of any better reason.
More likely, the 6spd is a late availability option. Myself and CME4BENZ have noticed that at both of our dealers, there were no 6spds available and there were none scheduled to be built. So this probably means that they are not yet available but they will be eventually.
It's hard to tell if your dealer even knows for sure that they can get you one by April or May. They may have just said this, hoping they could get one by then. But if this is what you really want, just sit tight. They will become available and you are probably the first at your dealer to be on the list. So you can either wait several months, or just buy an auto or a 230.
More likely, the 6spd is a late availability option. Myself and CME4BENZ have noticed that at both of our dealers, there were no 6spds available and there were none scheduled to be built. So this probably means that they are not yet available but they will be eventually.
It's hard to tell if your dealer even knows for sure that they can get you one by April or May. They may have just said this, hoping they could get one by then. But if this is what you really want, just sit tight. They will become available and you are probably the first at your dealer to be on the list. So you can either wait several months, or just buy an auto or a 230.
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Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Atlanta, GA
C230 coupe 6sp
Re: SpeedFRK
Originally posted by allroad
Where in the ATL did you get your C230? I am looking for a C320 for the wife.
Where in the ATL did you get your C230? I am looking for a C320 for the wife.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2003
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A question about buying a C240
I'm thinking of buying a new c240. How much $ off MSRP can I expect to negotiate. I'm not interested in squeezing every dime of profit out of the dealer, just looking for a good deal. Thanks!!
Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 81
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From: Central US of A
2003 C 230K Sedan
what the...
"id say 2000 or even 3000 off msrp if you negotiate properly"
$3000??? Cripes.
There is aprox $2090 worth of markup built into the C240 base price...
Most options pay the dealer little (heated seats give the dealer like $50 profit).
I know there are forum members who think they must account for every stinking penny, but if you "let" the dealer make 3% (about $900) then the doors can stay open - & you can get free loaners and donuts when your 240 is in for an oil change.
Sheezz. All this talk about "I paid invoice - I paid under invoice" makes me wonder if these buyers give their services away for free at their own jobs - like they expect the Benz dealer to. I worked a great deal on my car, but I did not have to take all the dealer profit away to make me happy.
Buy it somewhere "around" invoice (invoice price can be found on sites like edmunds.com) and know your getting a great car for your money.
$3000??? Cripes.
There is aprox $2090 worth of markup built into the C240 base price...
Most options pay the dealer little (heated seats give the dealer like $50 profit).
I know there are forum members who think they must account for every stinking penny, but if you "let" the dealer make 3% (about $900) then the doors can stay open - & you can get free loaners and donuts when your 240 is in for an oil change.
Sheezz. All this talk about "I paid invoice - I paid under invoice" makes me wonder if these buyers give their services away for free at their own jobs - like they expect the Benz dealer to. I worked a great deal on my car, but I did not have to take all the dealer profit away to make me happy.
Buy it somewhere "around" invoice (invoice price can be found on sites like edmunds.com) and know your getting a great car for your money.
Last edited by M-B-Michael; Mar 21, 2003 at 10:27 PM.
Administrator
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From: www.Traben-Trarbach.de
MPG+ ROLFCOPTER
You'll need to do a STFF here. For some reason the CA market gives the biggest discount whereas others play a little bit more hardball. Just remember this: there is a 7% markup in theses cars and a 3% dealer holdback. C240 might go a little cheaper since the C230K sedans have come out. Now go out and have fun negotiating.
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Joined: May 2003
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Equate Lease Price to Purchase Price?
Curious mental exercise - Is there any way to calculate the dealer's perceived market value of a car (for sale) based upon lease residual rates?
For example, I know that MB has a residual of 49% on a 48month C230k sedan lease. 40% on a 60 month lease.
I'm numerically challenged, is this totally apples and oranges or is there something here?
Thanks.
For example, I know that MB has a residual of 49% on a 48month C230k sedan lease. 40% on a 60 month lease.
I'm numerically challenged, is this totally apples and oranges or is there something here?
Thanks.
