Question for those who owned a W203 and now a W204.
 

I currently have a 2005 C230 W203 that may be traded in soon for a new C350. My question is, are the new W204 less rattle/creak/squeak prone than the previous W203? When I test drove the W204 it was solid and quiet, but again it's a brand new car. My 2005 C230 interior started to develop creaks/rattles/squeaks after 3 months of owning it. I am hoping that the new W204 remain solid and noise free as it ages, especially with all the re-engineering that was put into it. For those who owned a W203 previously and now own a W204, would you say that the W204 are superior to the W203 in terms of build quality? Oh by the way I test drove a CPO 2004 E320 and that thing was solid and noise free for a car with 40k miles. So I’m hoping MB put the same kind of engineering into the W204 as they did with the W211. Thanks!

My 08 seems very solid. My 05 was as well. I never had any squeaks, but it seems they put a lot more effort in quality for the 204

I purchased my back on October, so far so good

i went from a 203 to a 204 and do feel it is more solid.

i did not have squeaks and problems like you speak of but i do feel that my 204 is a better built car.

to say that the w204 and w203 are both in the "C" class is just not accurate. you will love the new car even if your glove box rattles.

203 Vs 204
 

<<I currently have a 2005 C230 W203 that may be traded in soon for a new C350. My question is, are the new W204 less rattle/creak/squeak prone than the previous W203? ....... For those who owned a W203 previously and now own a W204, would you say that the W204 are superior to the W203 in terms of build quality........ So I’m hoping MB put the same kind of engineering into the W204 as they did with the W211. Thanks!>>

I purchased a C320 in April of 2001 and traded it for my C300 last October. There is no question that the W204 is superior to the W203. The ride is better and the car is much quieter with nearly no engine noise, unlike the early car. Panel fit and paint quality is a bit better in the new one.

Fuel economy seems to be about 1-2 mpg better in the same driving conditions in urban driving.

I like the 7-speed auto although since it locks up in all gears, it is a bit reluctant to downshift without more throttle opening than was necessary in the old five-speed. This translates into a false impression that the car is underpowered which I have finally realized after four months and 3300 miles.

The most striking thing about the W204 to me is it's reliability. It has not developed one single defect at this point which is a world away from every single past MB I've owned. My expectation (and requirement) that every single feature and component operates correctly at all times has been met.

Where does the new car fall short using it as a car and not just a toy (I'ts both for me)?

Storage space has been reduced. The looks-large glovebox is not. The former two-level storage box under the armrest is gone, replaced by one deep box where damageable things cannot be stowed away. Such as sunglasses.
The little storage bins on each side of the trunk are gone.

Am I glad I bought this car? You bet.

As to your original question about rattles and squeaks, neither my '01 or '08 cars ever developed either one.

Thank you all for your replies. I'm pretty much convinced the new C class is a well engineered machine. Though my current W203 never experienced any major reliability issues, the interior rattles/squeaks/creaks just drove me nuts. I do remember driving a 2006 C230 loaner car and that one did not have any rattles/squeaks/creaks, maybe I just ended up with a car built on a Friday or Monday.. :confused:

I'd like to jump in here as well. The new C300 is very solid, very quite.

The manual does sometimes make a very faint "shutter" noise when you release it like when first starting out or backing up. I had the dealer check it out (mine was the first manual they've even seen yet). All seems good.

However, the W203 was quite solid as well. (Mine was an 2004 C230 manual)

Just not nearly a smooth and no way handles as well as the 204.
Love the car. It amazes me everytime I drive it.

By the way the Bluetooth and even the standard non MM sound system are a kick over the previous car and the manual shifting is like a Swiss watch compared to the manual in the W203 which felt like that in an entry level Nissan or??:zoom:

i dont have my car yet , but after countless test drives and dealer visits i still think the W203 interior qualty was much better, W204 seams a little "cheaper"

also the C300 seems to have slower pickup, i wish i opted for the C350

Had mine since December and have already heard that plastic cracking noise coming from the rear window area when cold. Part of that is simply because its cold, the other part is they still use plastic vents right next to the rear glass. Door handles squeak like crazy too, I'm sure that will solved with some wd40 as soon as it warms up enough. Other than that, so far so good, but as mentioned I've only had it since December so its still fairly new. Other than that..it hasn't had to go back in for servicing its been a happy car...which makes me happy...ML seems to be in and out of the shop monthly.

Good info for for one W204 owner !

you drove C 320 CDI diesel engine ? I am fun of the C 320 CDI !

How was it your c320 ? c300 is better than it ?

why no sell W204 C 320 in N and S America ?

waiting for Big Facelift W204 , for what ? less plastic and more solid and quality interior -like mine current w203- and maybe more handsome/ good looking rear design ! -I think W204's rear is little ugly design -

My 2008 C300 is my first entry into MBs.

Purchased on Sept 28th and with 10,500 miles on it, it has no squeeks or rattles. Although I don't try to be rough on it, it seems that I've had more than the usual share of rough roads. I'm impressed.

I moved from '05 C230 to '08 C350. The C350 is great and surpasses the W203 in just about every way. However, if you could wait until the '09 is released than you may be able to get Memory seats (power steering column adjustment, right side mirror tilt when in reverse) and blue tint windows. This may not be an issue for you but I had these features on my '05.

^
Options listed above, are a must have, but I don't think it's going to happen for the '09s models

I've owned them all, as you can see from my signature.

Absolutely no question that the new car is more solid than our W203 C240 - we have 7 months and 5600 miles on ours, and we have virtually none of the interior noises that I had to deal with in the C240. In fact, I would go so far as to say that our C300 qualifies as just about the tightest car we've ever had at this stage in its life.