markseven

Hello All,

I'm new to this board and to Mercedes in general. My wife and I have a 540iT (BMW 5 Series Wagon), but she doesn't like driving it because she feels it's too big. The C Class may be a nice car for her. I'll be looking around for a pre-owned C230 or C320...

Is the 320 worth the extra money?

What problem areas should I be aware of when shopping for a C Class?

Any options my wife wont be able to live without?

Any comments on why you do or don't like the C Class?

Thanks in advance!
-Mark

Sauceboy01

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Guest0001

Welcome to the world of MB

Are you looking for a C class wagon or a Sedan?

Considering your wife had a V8 as her last car, then you should atleast look at the 320. Its up to you if its worth the extra 6,000.

As for problems, you have some annoyances but overall the car is solid. be sure to buy it Certified.

Options depend on your wifes need and priorities.

mick1

the 320 is worth the extra money. Get one with the comand navigation

SUNILP

320 also has digital climate, power seats/steering with memory, BOSE system, Cabin Pollen filter, illuminated vent dials as standard also.

markseven

Thanks guys

Before the 5 series, my wife had a Mustang GT, so... yeah, the 320 is probably the best bet. We're going to test drive a few on Sunday, you guys may see some pics on Sunday evening.
-Mark

mick1

I think your wife will like the easy-entry/exit feature on the c-class mercedes. when you take the key out of the ignition, the seat will move back and the steering wheel will rise up. two of my brothers just bought a 3-series and a x-5. according to them, on the bmw, only the steering wheel would rise.

It felt weird the first week but now, I really enjoy having this feature. btw, you can turn it off if you don't like it.

markseven

[QUOTE=mick1]on the bmw, only the steering wheel would rise.QUOTE]

Hi Mick,

Your brothers are correct, only the steering wheel moves 'out of the way' when the ignition is switched off.

The seat/steering wheel feature you wrote about, is that a standard on all C's?

BTW, you have a very nice car...

Thank You,
Mark

mick1

thanks, Mark.

yep. that's a standard feature on all the C-class sedans/coupes. another feature I don't think is available on bmw cars is the power-rear window sunshade. I like it so much, i leave it on all the time, even at nights

on the '05 you can also set the clock to automatically adjust for daylight saving time. Not sure if this feature is available on previous years C-class cars.

markseven

-Mark

markseven

All,

We test drove a 2001 C32 today. As you would guess, it's pretty much loaded, except no sports package (I guess they didn't offer one in '01, right?). It's really clean, has 49k on the odo, with 12 months left on the warranty (CPO). We talked them down to $23,500. What do you guys think? Should we close the deal? My concern is that it's the first year of a new model...

-Mark

goldenbuddha

The 2001 C32 lacking a sport package? I'd think the C32 IS the sport package. You get the AMG goodies (suspension, wheels, engine, body mods etc etc)

I'll toss my 2 cents in and say the 320 is totally worth the extra money, you get "enough" horsepower in a nice torquey engine. The driving experience is totally different from that of the 230K

Guest0001

Im sure he meant C320. The C32 was not even offered in 2001. Mark, I would stay away from it. I would get a 2002. 01's have had a lot of problems. But its your decision.

markseven

You know what, it's a C32! Maybe the sales guy was mistaken when he told me it's a 2001 model, or the previous owner changed the badge on the decklid. Crap! I had the camera with me, but put it away when it started to rain - you know, a picture is worth a thousand words. I may go back tomorrow just to clear things up.

Thanks for the input, guys.

-Mark

elchinocache

dont get a 2001 it has many problems, i can attest to that since i got a 2001 c240. if you do decide to get that car, make sure that its certified and has an extended warranty to cover you for at least for 3 more years. You'll be glad you have the warranty down the road.

markseven

elchinocache, thanks for the advice. I called the sales guy on his cell phone, and he confirmed the car is a C320; the previous owner changed the badge. There are a few 2002 C240's on our list, we are going to check them out tomorrow. I'll stay away from the '01.

-Mark

Guest0001

I thought so Mark. Trust you will know when you drive a C32. Its a supercharged V6 with 350 hp. As opposed to the C320s 215 hp Not that the C320 is slow. But dont test drive the C32. Or else you will have no choice but to buy it.

elchinocache

from your wife's driving history i see that she has driven cars with power. The c240 will seem weak and anemic to her. TO make it move you have to floor it and that makes you waste more gas. stick with a 320 you will have more power and use less gas. But drive them both and make your decision, this is just my two cents.

markseven

Actually, wifey's been driving a 03 Corolla for about a year and a half, so the 2.4 may be ok - but I see your point. We have a set budget for this new car, so we may have to sacrifice power for a newer model. I'd love to find a C Class wagon

Haha, I feel silly. Yes, I would've definitly felt the thrust of the AMG model

-Mark

Jon200

welcome to the forum

markseven

Hi Jon

markseven

Hey All,

Well, we bought a CPO '02 C240 today It's Capri Blue with Ash leather. The car has 27k on the odo; it looks and runs great. Wifey is extremely happy (which makes me happy). The car still needs to be detailed, we'll be taking it back to the dealer on Saturday to have that completed - I'll post a few pics as soon as she's ready!

Thank you all for the advice and feedback

The Lord is good

-Mark

mick1

cool. congratulations !

Guest0001

Congrats! Post some pics!

elchinocache

He's very good indeed. enjoy it