i hit 1000 miles in my C230K driving home tonight and i just figured i'd post my experience of the car so far.

as far as reliability issues, i don't know where the other people on this board are coming from. i realize i'm just starting out in this car, but it's been incredibly reliable so far. let's hope this continues.

a few times i've had trouble getting the car to start, but later realized this was due to my lack of understanding how the starter worked exactly. after reading up on it, there's been no more problems.

the parking brake still annoys the hell out of me. i have an auto, and i find myself not using the parking brake 80% of the time since i have long legs and the brake pedal is just ridiculously close to the seat. i'm so used to a lever brake anyway.... although i do like how it's somewhat concealed and leaves the middle console uncluttered and comfortable.

the aluminum trim pisses me off sometimes since it feels thin and cheaply made, and constantly moves and makes popping sounds as i drive. my solution is either to ignore it (and chalk it up as ride noise) or to turn the radio up. other than that, the car rides so quietly.

peak performance isn't much of an issue to me considering the traffic where i live, although the 200 lb.ft. torque flatline from 2800-5200 rpm is SO nice when you need to jump on the acceleration.

the audio system... i bought the standard base system; no changer, no bose. i hope to remedy this soon. nuff said.

this is my first benz as well as the first car i've purchased on my own, and i'm loving literally every mile of it. i've become a benz geek you might say, and it's the most fun i've had in a long time. talking on this board is just icing on the cake of driving the car i've wanted for over a year. let's hope the next 49,000 miles is as good as the first 1000.

 

congrats man... you are definitely oneof the lucky ones or more like i'm one of the few unlucky people to get stuck with probs

enjoy!

 

I'm not sure if this is a solution or not, but you could get wood inserts for this car if you really despise the aluminum. For 2003, there are a number of different wood finishes available (in EU at least) if you include Designo. These could be ordered as accessories. I suppose that would not solve the "popping" noise problem though.

I think you should ask the dealer to look into these noises. Or at least you should put a little silicone spray lube into the noisy areas - that might cure it.

 

you got it. i was going to mention it to the dealer when i took it in but it's not exactly something to take it for specifically. silicon spray eh? that might just work. thanks!

 

I have about the same mileage as you, and am delighted with the car. The motor has loosened up, makes good mid-range power, and is only noisey at start-up.

I'm getting used to the foot parking brake, I hated it at first.

Don't have the squeeks in the dash or alum bits.

Here's to many miles of trouble free motoring!

Smoky

 

The engine will keep getting better and better until ~3000 mi.
No aluminum trim rattle/squeaks - as tight after 3900mi as it was on day 1.

Love that aluminum.

As for the e-brake pedal - all MB models have them, including the new SL. You'll get used to it quickly.

 

I come from Mars, mine didn't have the problem until 2700 miles. Hope you won't have any trouble before the Service A.

 

Let me give you a clue, and you can take it on home the rest of the way yourself.

They don't own *your* car.

 

Haven't driven the new baby much yet.. still under 200 miles. But so far I'm loving it!

 

after 2100 miles my car is great fun except sometimes there are squeaky noise from the top right of the front dash...BUT it is not bugginy me because my kompressor noice is even louder...hehe

So what if there is some extra noise...i love my car. sometimes ppl expect too much from a MB. ppl think hondas and toyotas are more reliable because they don't expect as much from them. just take a look at how many of those 1980's MBs are running on the road without any problems and vise versa with the Hondas and Toyotas.

 

5000 miles and the car is perfect, no problems, one flat tires, nail got in the way.

 

what i meant was that i couldn't relate to where they were coming from. of course i know that my situation is different.

 

I guess my coupe is the old fart of the bunch. 22000 miles so far (since last October) and the usual problems....

-Sun shade is a piece-o-crap
-Car consumes about 50 gallons of oil a month.. OK, that's an exaggeration, but you know what I mean..
-Fuel gauge can't make up it's mind
-Mysteriously disappearing "creeks and squeaks"
-Brake dust... need I say more....
-Can't get a golf bag or my hockey stick in the back (without laying the seat down)
-Oh, and black is so hard to keep clean....!!!

On the flip side

-Black looks sooooooo nice when it's waxed up.
-The Pano-roof is sweeeeet this time of year.
-The acceleration makes me feel warm and fuzzy.
-It's a BENZ!
-Oh yeah, and chicks dig it.....

I STILL LOVE THIS CAR........

 

ah, yes... brake dust. didn't i hear somewhere that there's different pads we can use that significantly cut down on the front wheel dust? if anyone knows what i'm talking about and can point us towards a brand/model, i'd appreciate it.

btw... of course black is hard to keep clean, especially when you live at an apartment complex like i do where there's no garage nor car washing facilities. that's why i bought white

 

Any chance we could get some part numbers listed for these new wood trim pieces?

 

Many people on this forum have mentioned Porterfield pads as a good low dust alternative. Apparently, braking ability is not degraded using them. I have no personal experience, just relaying what I've read in other posts.

 

Unfortunately I don't have the part numbers right now, but I'll work on it - ask my friend in Germany to pick up a 2003 C Coupé accessory catalogue with price list. I have a 2001 catalogue with a photo of one of the available wood trims, but I don't have the price list that goes with it (showing the part numbers). I'll see what I can find out and post the info later.

 

i also notice that the brake dust on the front wheels are 10 times more than that on the rear wheels and this is annoying
does this mean all the braking happens on the front wheels and the rear wheels are only for parking brakes??

 

I think you're one of the only people who I've heard complain about this. Could be that the trim in your car is broken or wasn't assembled correctly. Maybe have the dealer check it out - but if you'd prefer the wood - go crazy!

No, the rears supply some braking with the service brakes - it's just that most of the weight transfers to the front of the car when stopping. Therefore, the front brakes generally supply about 75-80% of the braking force. That's why if you look at the calipers and discs on most cars the fronts are a lot beefier.

Cheers, BT

 

i don't thin it's broken; it just feels loose. i can push down on it and it squeaks and pops.

 

Mine's pretty tight all around and doesn't rattle or make any other noise that I've noticed. I'm not sure how the trim is attached to the dash/console - but perhaps whatever attaches it (maybe a tab of some kind) is broken/loose and therefore the trim is free to rub on something and make noise.

BT

 

My aluminum trim wasn't pushed down onto it's clips all the way along the right side of the cupholder. The service advisor geek pushed hard on it to snap it in place. Along the left side of the cupholder door was fine, you can compare the two sides. Check the clearance between your cupholder door and the aluminum trim, it should be very close, if not it may not be properly mounted. You can push it into place yourself or let the dealer do it for you.

 

Just to let you guy's know. 3000KM and not one problem... What a beauty...

 

Hey if you want, you can come over to my complex and wash your car... we have a hose..it's bring your own soap.. I live right near the westfields marriott... i dont even have to be there for you to wash it.. .just a thought if you don't wanan take it to a car wash....

 

I just passed 5500 miles in my coupe and it has been great. I had one problem early on (first week) where sound system cut out. Turned out to be a simple loose connection. Beyond that it has been great. It turns heads, gets comments, and i look forward to every time i get to drive it. Gotta LOVE the panorama sunroof!