Are you having problems with your C, join the club!
06-06-2002, 11:42 AM
#76
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Originally posted by pixmation
I don't know what to get yet. Just found out that Beverly Hills MB is willing to sell me the C coupe for roughly $200 over invoice. Very tempting. Maybe also look into IS300 and 325ci again. Also the MINI Cooper...
McGee sent the demanding letter to MBUSA on April 19th, so the entire process took less than 2 months.
Edmond
I don't know what to get yet. Just found out that Beverly Hills MB is willing to sell me the C coupe for roughly $200 over invoice. Very tempting. Maybe also look into IS300 and 325ci again. Also the MINI Cooper...
McGee sent the demanding letter to MBUSA on April 19th, so the entire process took less than 2 months.
Edmond
06-06-2002, 12:01 PM
#77
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Congratulations dude, you the man! Don't pay $200 over invoice for a C coupe, that's way too much. MB of LN is selling them for $2,500 off last week. That's probably $500 below invoice.
Congratulations dude, you the man! Don't pay $200 over invoice for a C coupe, that's way too much. MB of LN is selling them for $2,500 off last week. That's probably $500 below invoice.
that's the thing, originally Beverly Hills MB did email me about the $500 under invoice. Then I asked them about any hidden charge. He reveal that the $100 pre fee and IRG fee $600 so I look at it as $200 over invoice.
I will probably contact Paul Brown again and see if he has any deal for me. BHMB did a search and told me there are 2 2002 C230 exactly match that I want up northern CA.
06-06-2002, 12:22 PM
#78
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
They are such scammers. They always try this crap at motorcycle dealers and now MB dealers are doing it. Just ask them the out the door price and compare that amoung dealers. MB of LN had at least 15 for sale last week and they were red tagged with the price. I can't see how they can legally ad fees if they marked a certain price.
06-06-2002, 04:33 PM
#79
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
They are such scammers. They always try this crap at motorcycle dealers and now MB dealers are doing it. Just ask them the out the door price and compare that amoung dealers. MB of LN had at least 15 for sale last week and they were red tagged with the price. I can't see how they can legally ad fees if they marked a certain price.
They are such scammers. They always try this crap at motorcycle dealers and now MB dealers are doing it. Just ask them the out the door price and compare that amoung dealers. MB of LN had at least 15 for sale last week and they were red tagged with the price. I can't see how they can legally ad fees if they marked a certain price.
just test drove an IS300 5 speed this morning, I really like it. The suspension is a bit firmer and the steering is more precise than the C230.
Last edited by pixmation; 06-06-2002 at 04:43 PM.
06-06-2002, 07:58 PM
#82
MBWorld Fanatic!
Thread Starter
Probably as reliable as a car can get and I can see you going that way after your MB experience. Although it's a little pricier than the Coupe for comperable performance and less room.
Personally if I was going Japanese I would look at the new '03 Subie STI. Performance & fun close to a C32 for half the price and all wheel drive (not that you need it in So Cal). And think, the Subie comes with a indash CD changer, the C32 comes with a indash cassette. I'm still partial to the bug eye look of the WRX but I haven't seen the STI yet.
Personally if I was going Japanese I would look at the new '03 Subie STI. Performance & fun close to a C32 for half the price and all wheel drive (not that you need it in So Cal). And think, the Subie comes with a indash CD changer, the C32 comes with a indash cassette. I'm still partial to the bug eye look of the WRX but I haven't seen the STI yet.
06-06-2002, 07:59 PM
#83
Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: D/FW Texas
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C230K
Pixmation
Congrats on your success against MB. It almost makes we wish I'd pursued the Lemon Law route - my lawyer was talking about 6 months. It probably depends on the strength of your case.
Comments about enjoying your Toyota are usually from loyalists who justify MB's shoddy (by their own admission) quality of late with the fact that it's a new model. I wonder whether they redesign fuel pumps (for example) in such radically new ways each time so as to cause completely unexpected failures? Or radios? Or seatbelts? Or seats?
Good luck with whatever you buy. Judging by the loaners I had during my brief association with MB, another model MB is not going to make any difference to the reliability problems. The loaners I had exhibited idiosyncrasies similar to some of those on my coupe. The only loaners that didn't exhibit any idiosyncrasies were the 2 Camrys.
Cheers
Congrats on your success against MB. It almost makes we wish I'd pursued the Lemon Law route - my lawyer was talking about 6 months. It probably depends on the strength of your case.
Comments about enjoying your Toyota are usually from loyalists who justify MB's shoddy (by their own admission) quality of late with the fact that it's a new model. I wonder whether they redesign fuel pumps (for example) in such radically new ways each time so as to cause completely unexpected failures? Or radios? Or seatbelts? Or seats?
Good luck with whatever you buy. Judging by the loaners I had during my brief association with MB, another model MB is not going to make any difference to the reliability problems. The loaners I had exhibited idiosyncrasies similar to some of those on my coupe. The only loaners that didn't exhibit any idiosyncrasies were the 2 Camrys.
Cheers
06-11-2002, 05:23 PM
#84
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
$27421 for a Magma Red (non metalic paint) 6 speed with C5 and C7, without CD changer.
$29249 for an IS300 with power and leather package, spoiler in graphite grey, limited slip, graphite polished 17" wheels with performance tires. standard 6 disc in dash CD changer and HID headlights. inline 6. no rear side passenger airbags. 5- speed comes without VSC. without rainsensor. loaner cars program with free car wash. scheduled maintenance not included.
don't flame me... just doing my research...
$29249 for an IS300 with power and leather package, spoiler in graphite grey, limited slip, graphite polished 17" wheels with performance tires. standard 6 disc in dash CD changer and HID headlights. inline 6. no rear side passenger airbags. 5- speed comes without VSC. without rainsensor. loaner cars program with free car wash. scheduled maintenance not included.
don't flame me... just doing my research...
Last edited by pixmation; 06-12-2002 at 04:13 PM.
06-11-2002, 06:43 PM
#85
MBWorld Fanatic!
Originally posted by pixmation
just test drove an IS300 5 speed this morning, I really like it. The suspension is a bit firmer and the steering is more precise than the C230.
just test drove an IS300 5 speed this morning, I really like it. The suspension is a bit firmer and the steering is more precise than the C230.
06-12-2002, 12:19 AM
#87
Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Puerto Rico
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
C230 Coupe Kompressor
hehehe i just have to laugh at this.... ill list some of my problems...
1.The supercharger (Kompressor) had to be replaced.
2.The whole key system.
3.Ignition
4.Wiring
5.Back seat
6.Horn
7.Sun Roof
8.Trunk lock
9.Water pupm.
10.Front light bulb. (the main one)
thats all i can remember by now... theres more. the car has been on the service dealer for more than 2 1/2 months and i have the car since august.I love my car but i have to admit that im really dissapointed. so my advice to future mb owners..... buy the extended warranty.
oh and i forgot....... i paid 45k for the car here in Puerto Rico. Not 30k or 35k.
1.The supercharger (Kompressor) had to be replaced.
2.The whole key system.
3.Ignition
4.Wiring
5.Back seat
6.Horn
7.Sun Roof
8.Trunk lock
9.Water pupm.
10.Front light bulb. (the main one)
thats all i can remember by now... theres more. the car has been on the service dealer for more than 2 1/2 months and i have the car since august.I love my car but i have to admit that im really dissapointed. so my advice to future mb owners..... buy the extended warranty.
oh and i forgot....... i paid 45k for the car here in Puerto Rico. Not 30k or 35k.
06-12-2002, 07:57 AM
#88
MBWorld Fanatic!
I had initial problems with the car pulling right.
9 days in the shop, multiple alignments, and 4 tires later, it's better, but according to the rep the c7 tires and wheels are more suseptible to road crowns.
Other than that, I've had a couple intermittant wierd problems. When putting the drivers side window up or down using the 2nd click auto up and down, it stops and reversese itself, and then stops with my hands no where near the buttons.
Once it actually locked itself while I was loading stuff in the back. Yes I know about the relock feature when you don't open a door, but 2 doors were opened.
9 days in the shop, multiple alignments, and 4 tires later, it's better, but according to the rep the c7 tires and wheels are more suseptible to road crowns.
Other than that, I've had a couple intermittant wierd problems. When putting the drivers side window up or down using the 2nd click auto up and down, it stops and reversese itself, and then stops with my hands no where near the buttons.
Once it actually locked itself while I was loading stuff in the back. Yes I know about the relock feature when you don't open a door, but 2 doors were opened.
06-12-2002, 12:28 PM
#89
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Gaithersburg, MD
Posts: 1,230
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 C240 6-spd (ret)
Originally posted by C230 Sport Coup
Other than that, I've had a couple intermittant wierd problems. When putting the drivers side window up or down using the 2nd click auto up and down, it stops and reversese itself, and then stops with my hands no where near the buttons.
Once it actually locked itself while I was loading stuff in the back. Yes I know about the relock feature when you don't open a door, but 2 doors were opened.
Other than that, I've had a couple intermittant wierd problems. When putting the drivers side window up or down using the 2nd click auto up and down, it stops and reversese itself, and then stops with my hands no where near the buttons.
Once it actually locked itself while I was loading stuff in the back. Yes I know about the relock feature when you don't open a door, but 2 doors were opened.
06-12-2002, 03:59 PM
#90
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: May 2002
Location: GA
Posts: 1,823
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
$29249 for an IS300 with power and leather package, spoiler in graphite grey, limited, graphite polished 17" wheels with performance tires. standard 6 disc in dash CD changer and HID headlights. inline 6. no rear side passenger airbags. 5- speed comes without VSC. without rainsensor. loaner cars program with free car wash. scheduled maintenance not included.
Motorweek did a segment on the IS300. They liked the performance. They didn't like the "Toyota-like" interior, and said the rear seat was the smallest in its class.
06-12-2002, 04:16 PM
#91
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
Originally posted by Jim Banville
Prestigious Japanese pedigree = FREE
Motorweek did a segment on the IS300. They liked the performance. They didn't like the "Toyota-like" interior, and said the rear seat was the smallest in its class.
Prestigious Japanese pedigree = FREE
Motorweek did a segment on the IS300. They liked the performance. They didn't like the "Toyota-like" interior, and said the rear seat was the smallest in its class.
I had a two seater for 4.5 years and only had the needed for rear seats for about 3 times.
06-12-2002, 04:48 PM
#92
MBWorld Fanatic!
WOW! What a long fricking thread!
I'll try to remember ALL the things I wanted to respond to.
#1. Congrats to Pixmation on winning!
#2. There's lots of competition in the LA area so likely the service is better. Here in the Bay Area, the San Jose dealer takes DAYS to even to return a call. You can't actually talk to somebody when you call, just leave a message.
I've used the Monterey shop once, and on a personal level I liked them, but was amazed and disgusted when the PA and San Jose shops, as well as the regional rep said "Monterey is a small dealer" implying they were somehow less qualified.
They answer the phone, and made an appt. that was soon than what Smyth of SJ could do. It's really bad customer etiquette to dis on your other dealers in the same region!
Unfortunately they didn't fix the problem after 2 tries, but then SJ took another 7 days to fix it, so they had more time.
#3. I looked at the LN dealer. Wow I didn't know they were going that cheap, we looked at every car on the lot and none had leather AND C7 wheels, in Orion blue with Sunroof. This car is BARELY advertised anywhere. Perhaps that because they want to work out the bugs before they do.
I've only seen one TV ad, and no print ads at all.
Only heard about it through a friend, and drove my first one at Fletcher Jones. ALMOST bought there, but my buddy Arron in Newport drug me out of the dealer by my ear to think about it.
He made the point that I should get EXACTLY what I want for the money I'm spending. This car didn't have the c7 package, and was Capri Blue which adds like 1500 to the cost as "special order". Fact is I like the Orion blue with Oyster better. Carlsbad got me the car I wanted, the only one CA like it at the time for 500 over invoice. Waited a week and flew down to get it. Here in the bay area, the dealers I called said NO negotiation. Sticker only. I called every dealership and none had the car I wanted, until Carlsbad checked the computer.
Beverly hills was supposed to check and get back to me but never did. So I went with the dealer who was willing to work for my business.
Unfortunately they sent me down the road with a bad alignment, which I have documented elsewhere.
I drove the is300 before buying the Benz. Somewhere in the back of mind is an overall disdain for Japanese crap. Maybe it's because when I was growing up thats what they made. Then they got better at building reliabiity in, ala no frills, beer can thick sheetmetal, and zip on saftey in the late 70's and early 80's, only to emerge in the 90's with quality advanced products that have all the same issues as everyone else.
The Infinity had a lot of power, 260 HP!
But thats to the front wheels. At full throttle it felt...uh wierd to me. It's a good value but like all Japanese stuff, it's indistingishable from all the other Japanese stuff, so if you want a boring 4 door, with uninspired styling (IMHO)
go for it. The C Coupe was the only car in the price range that got my blood going. I mean wow, a Benz, with a Super Charger vs. say a suburu or a glorified Datsun? Hoo hoo hoo! And the styling! Cool. Not to mention, exclusivity...I got the only one I've even seen so far! OK I saw one in Santa Cruz, and it was stipped down.
#4. What dyno mode? What is that?
#5. Whats a "cup kit" ? How much does it cost?
#6. With all these problems who in their right mind would make engine mods like a pulley or chip replacement, thereby voiding the warranty?
(Buellwinkle, what sayest thou?)
I'll try to remember ALL the things I wanted to respond to.
#1. Congrats to Pixmation on winning!
#2. There's lots of competition in the LA area so likely the service is better. Here in the Bay Area, the San Jose dealer takes DAYS to even to return a call. You can't actually talk to somebody when you call, just leave a message.
I've used the Monterey shop once, and on a personal level I liked them, but was amazed and disgusted when the PA and San Jose shops, as well as the regional rep said "Monterey is a small dealer" implying they were somehow less qualified.
They answer the phone, and made an appt. that was soon than what Smyth of SJ could do. It's really bad customer etiquette to dis on your other dealers in the same region!
Unfortunately they didn't fix the problem after 2 tries, but then SJ took another 7 days to fix it, so they had more time.
#3. I looked at the LN dealer. Wow I didn't know they were going that cheap, we looked at every car on the lot and none had leather AND C7 wheels, in Orion blue with Sunroof. This car is BARELY advertised anywhere. Perhaps that because they want to work out the bugs before they do.
I've only seen one TV ad, and no print ads at all.
Only heard about it through a friend, and drove my first one at Fletcher Jones. ALMOST bought there, but my buddy Arron in Newport drug me out of the dealer by my ear to think about it.
He made the point that I should get EXACTLY what I want for the money I'm spending. This car didn't have the c7 package, and was Capri Blue which adds like 1500 to the cost as "special order". Fact is I like the Orion blue with Oyster better. Carlsbad got me the car I wanted, the only one CA like it at the time for 500 over invoice. Waited a week and flew down to get it. Here in the bay area, the dealers I called said NO negotiation. Sticker only. I called every dealership and none had the car I wanted, until Carlsbad checked the computer.
Beverly hills was supposed to check and get back to me but never did. So I went with the dealer who was willing to work for my business.
Unfortunately they sent me down the road with a bad alignment, which I have documented elsewhere.
I drove the is300 before buying the Benz. Somewhere in the back of mind is an overall disdain for Japanese crap. Maybe it's because when I was growing up thats what they made. Then they got better at building reliabiity in, ala no frills, beer can thick sheetmetal, and zip on saftey in the late 70's and early 80's, only to emerge in the 90's with quality advanced products that have all the same issues as everyone else.
The Infinity had a lot of power, 260 HP!
But thats to the front wheels. At full throttle it felt...uh wierd to me. It's a good value but like all Japanese stuff, it's indistingishable from all the other Japanese stuff, so if you want a boring 4 door, with uninspired styling (IMHO)
go for it. The C Coupe was the only car in the price range that got my blood going. I mean wow, a Benz, with a Super Charger vs. say a suburu or a glorified Datsun? Hoo hoo hoo! And the styling! Cool. Not to mention, exclusivity...I got the only one I've even seen so far! OK I saw one in Santa Cruz, and it was stipped down.
#4. What dyno mode? What is that?
#5. Whats a "cup kit" ? How much does it cost?
#6. With all these problems who in their right mind would make engine mods like a pulley or chip replacement, thereby voiding the warranty?
(Buellwinkle, what sayest thou?)
06-12-2002, 04:54 PM
#93
MBWorld Fanatic!
Correction!
Corretion. I did not drive the IS300, I drove the i35 infinity. I don't think the IS300 even hit my radar until after I'd bought the C coupe, but personally I don't like the way it looks. IMHO Another glorified econobox with lots of ticky tacky stuff added. (Like just about every car out there it seems to me)
The cool thing about the C Coupe is that it's a very complete car right off the bat. 8 airbags, sophiticated features, not based on loss leader entry level car with added features, and badge engineering, even in it's least expensive form.
The cool thing about the C Coupe is that it's a very complete car right off the bat. 8 airbags, sophiticated features, not based on loss leader entry level car with added features, and badge engineering, even in it's least expensive form.
06-12-2002, 05:08 PM
#94
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Lexus IS300 5-speed
Originally posted by C230 Sport Coup
...The Infinity had a lot of power, 260 HP!
But thats to the front wheels. At full throttle it felt...uh wierd to me..... The C Coupe was the only car in the price range that got my blood going. I mean wow, a Benz, with a Super Charger vs. say a suburu or a glorified Datsun? Hoo hoo hoo! And the styling! Cool. Not to mention, exclusivity...I got the only one I've even seen so far! OK I saw one in Santa Cruz, and it was stipped down....)
...The Infinity had a lot of power, 260 HP!
But thats to the front wheels. At full throttle it felt...uh wierd to me..... The C Coupe was the only car in the price range that got my blood going. I mean wow, a Benz, with a Super Charger vs. say a suburu or a glorified Datsun? Hoo hoo hoo! And the styling! Cool. Not to mention, exclusivity...I got the only one I've even seen so far! OK I saw one in Santa Cruz, and it was stipped down....)
Brand Image from car companies never is a priority to me. The fun factor is more important to me. In fact, when I was back living in Hong Kong, I did not like the BMW. Funny how I got hooked after I had the Z3. I told friends that I would never buy a MB or Lexus because of how some people's attitude about driving one of those. But I got the C230K because the value and features of the car. Now I am shopping for car again, I would like to get the 330ci if I want to spend extra $5000-$7000. But IS300 gives me close performance and fun and save a bunch of $$$. My ultimate would be a M coupe, but I will have to wait for another 3-4 years I guess.
just my 2 cents. that's how I feel about cars and not necessary what others feel and think.
06-12-2002, 06:31 PM
#95
MBWorld Fanatic!
My original choice was an M6, but maintenance costs were prohibitive....money down the drain.
And like you I wonder about the "image" thing.
I couldn't care less, I just like the car...
I really like Italian styling, and I would almost bet money that Guigarrio had something to do with this car (C coupe....he started the current BMW styling way back in the 60's), or a follower of his themes of lines that just never end, curve and meld into something else....thats his trademark.
Unfortunately some people ASSUME you are an ***, get jealous, and figure you're some rich *******, and do stupid things, like smash my windsheild which happened a couple of months ago.
At the time of purchase, I recalled how my lowly 86' Bertone got Keyed when it was it was new, and bought a comp policy with a $100 deductable, fortunately.
The good news is that they didn't scratch the car, nor smash the sunroof. It was fairly painless to get it fixed, and I insisted the insurance company hire someone with experience with MBZ windshields.
Not a scratch to the car, which is more than I can say about the MBZ repair guys who left scratches all over the right fender. Just need to buff them out and wax.
And like you I wonder about the "image" thing.
I couldn't care less, I just like the car...
I really like Italian styling, and I would almost bet money that Guigarrio had something to do with this car (C coupe....he started the current BMW styling way back in the 60's), or a follower of his themes of lines that just never end, curve and meld into something else....thats his trademark.
Unfortunately some people ASSUME you are an ***, get jealous, and figure you're some rich *******, and do stupid things, like smash my windsheild which happened a couple of months ago.
At the time of purchase, I recalled how my lowly 86' Bertone got Keyed when it was it was new, and bought a comp policy with a $100 deductable, fortunately.
The good news is that they didn't scratch the car, nor smash the sunroof. It was fairly painless to get it fixed, and I insisted the insurance company hire someone with experience with MBZ windshields.
Not a scratch to the car, which is more than I can say about the MBZ repair guys who left scratches all over the right fender. Just need to buff them out and wax.
