Hey Everyone,

I'm new to this forum. I have a W201 in nice condition, but it's time to upgrade: I'll buy a W203 Sportcoupe, a manual C320 or C350. It will be very likely a facelifted version, as they're *much* easier (meaning: still difficult but less difficult) to find in rust-free condition and with all the features I want. And there's where my problem lies: I *love* the old-style (pre-facelift 2000-2004) dashboard and steering wheel design, and I don't want to give up on it. I know the best solution would be to buy a pre-facelift version, but the chance is so narrow it's really unlikely it can happen. The car I'm looking at right now is facelifted too.

So my question is, can the old style dashboard (the upper part with the instruments is enough for me) and steering wheel be fitted into a facelifted 2004-2008 model without having to spend a fortune or two weeks of work?

- I don't want to mess with mileage (I want to keep it original),
- I don't know if the electronics would accept the new (old) instrument cluster,
- I don't know if the steering wheel fits (with working buttons),
- I don't know if the connectors could be easily converted or not,
- etc.

After some reading here, it seems it can be done the other way around (upgrade from early models to the facelifted), though it's far from a walk in the park. Doing what I want (downgrade from the facelifted to the early models) can be quite a different story. Can't just turn upside down the instructions, because probably different items has to be adjusted with different tools - like repogramming the old instrument cluster. And I haven't found any related topics, like no one has tried to do that, ever.

It'd be so relaxing to know how it can be done. I really don't want to end up waiting for a perfect early car only to realize two years from now that I still don't have anything. I hope some of you can help me out with knowledge.

 

They solved the corrosion problem by early 2003, which iirc was caused by MB not using enough of the required chemicals (ie trying to cut corners) when dipping the body shells in the tank at the factory. For MY2003 it was basically hit or miss, depending where the car was on the assembly line between chemical refills. For example, my car (MY2003, built right as they were fixing the problem) has basically no rust. If you buy a MY2004 you'll be in good shape.

The radio and communications systems are W203 very different between the pre-facelift (D2B) and facelift (MOST) models. Hence my recommendation above.

 

Thanks for the response. I've eventually bought a pre-facelift one, manufactured in 2003 Q4.

 

Photos?