Does ANYONE like the W204 better than the W203?
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I keep reading/hearing about how MB has "cheapened the C-Class" with the W204. Then when I was at the MB dealer recently this lady in the waiting room was talking about the new C-Class being much worse than her 2006 C230.
I don't get it. I think the W204 is so superior to the W203. I even think the often-criticized interior is a lot nicer than what was in the old model. Yeah the plastics are harder..but the design, ergonomics, and fit and finish seem drastically improved.
I was never a fan of MB, and I think the old C-Class was anything but impressive....the new C though, I love. Am I alone, or are any of you with me?
It's frustrating to see people hating on a product because it's not typical MB in execution.
I don't get it. I think the W204 is so superior to the W203. I even think the often-criticized interior is a lot nicer than what was in the old model. Yeah the plastics are harder..but the design, ergonomics, and fit and finish seem drastically improved.
I was never a fan of MB, and I think the old C-Class was anything but impressive....the new C though, I love. Am I alone, or are any of you with me?
It's frustrating to see people hating on a product because it's not typical MB in execution.
Hi...I must say that when both of these models were unveiled, i was pretty impressed.
The W203 was a breath of fresh air, going away from the boxy design of the W201 and W202 and following the trend of the W210 (first E-Class with "bug eyes") and the first generation CLK (C208 is it??).
But now the W204 has gone back IMO to the tradition Benz design of yesteryear and they've done a great job. I think the car
is good looking from every angle and it's bang up to date.
I would prefer the W204, not just because its the new model but because I think the improved quality of the interior and reliablility (the rigorous testing during development) should make it a better car than the W203.
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Hi...I must say that when both of these models were unveiled, i was pretty impressed.
The W203 was a breath of fresh air, going away from the boxy design of the W201 and W202 and following the trend of the W210 (first E-Class with "bug eyes") and the first generation CLK (C208 is it??).
But now the W204 has gone back IMO to the tradition Benz design of yesteryear and they've done a great job. I think the car
is good looking from every angle and it's bang up to date.
I would prefer the W204, not just because its the new model but because I think the improved quality of the interior and reliablility (the rigorous testing during development) should make it a better car than the W203.
The W203 was a breath of fresh air, going away from the boxy design of the W201 and W202 and following the trend of the W210 (first E-Class with "bug eyes") and the first generation CLK (C208 is it??).
But now the W204 has gone back IMO to the tradition Benz design of yesteryear and they've done a great job. I think the car
is good looking from every angle and it's bang up to date.
I would prefer the W204, not just because its the new model but because I think the improved quality of the interior and reliablility (the rigorous testing during development) should make it a better car than the W203.
Me too, I am a BMW fan & never liked the MB (testing all previous models), but after seeing & testing the W204 , I liked it and felt that it is much closer to the Bmw feeling regarding handling/reliability . . . ect.
Also the new E W212 is a much better than the W211.
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Yes - but you're a YANK 
With taste where the sun doesn't shine.
This problem pervades the 204 forum not the 203 forum. As FrankW observed the other day - the only MBWorld forum that mimics the BMW forums. If the cap fits wear it & apologies to 204 members that actually have someting useful to say.
With taste where the sun doesn't shine.This problem pervades the 204 forum not the 203 forum. As FrankW observed the other day - the only MBWorld forum that mimics the BMW forums. If the cap fits wear it & apologies to 204 members that actually have someting useful to say.
I mean, I honestly hated MB for as long as I can remember, always preferring BMWs or Audis. They just had nothing of interest to me at all, the w203 is about as "cool" as a Ford Taurus to me. Nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't my thing.
I think MB got it close to perfect with the w204
Last edited by C300Kid; Jan 4, 2010 at 01:04 PM.
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Another round of ICE
I'd assume we're a much younger group since the 204 is the only car MB has built that's aimed at the yuppie demographic. That explains the difference in maturity and attitudes.
I mean, I honestly hated MB for as long as I can remember, always preferring BMWs or Audis. They just had nothing of interest to me at all, the w204 is about as "cool" as a Ford Taurus to me. Nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't my thing.
I think MB got it close to perfect with the w204
I mean, I honestly hated MB for as long as I can remember, always preferring BMWs or Audis. They just had nothing of interest to me at all, the w204 is about as "cool" as a Ford Taurus to me. Nothing wrong with it, it just wasn't my thing.
I think MB got it close to perfect with the w204
I can understand "preferring" something else, and maybe "not liking" or "preferring" MB, but "hated MB" is a lot of emotion!! Why so over-the-top? Did an MB or a dealer do something very bad to you at some point?
Also...do you mean the W203 in your Taurus comparison? Seems to conflict with the final sentence?
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I can understand "preferring" something else, and maybe "not liking" or "preferring" MB, but "hated MB" is a lot of emotion!! Why so over-the-top? Did an MB or a dealer do something very bad to you at some point?
Also...do you mean the W203 in your Taurus comparison? Seems to conflict with the final sentence?
Also...do you mean the W203 in your Taurus comparison? Seems to conflict with the final sentence?
Also, I suppose hate wasn't the right word..I was just always a BMW fan and thought MB sucked in comparison.
Oddly enough I'd now rank Audi as my top pick, MB second, and BMW third..im not a fan of the direction the brand has been heading. I still prefer the way BMWs drive, but I think most Benzes are better looking by far.
Last edited by C300Kid; Jan 4, 2010 at 01:15 PM.
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W204-C350-2008
What about quality compare ?
After almost 2 years of my W204 use running 40000km carefully, I'm not satisfied about feeling quality comparing with my friend's W203 Fl. (2004 model)
Many lamps off need replace ,artico leather seats are got smooth and very sensitive to damage,noise increase from old bad design mirrors cause also increase fuel consumption when drive against wind.
Doors and windows needs often lubricates them,audio 20 system got scratches in reception and main buttons in main control fade.
Mercedes Alarm need replace siren ,due humidity inside,also the one corn too.Finally mercedes brand sign in back fade.
After almost 2 years of my W204 use running 40000km carefully, I'm not satisfied about feeling quality comparing with my friend's W203 Fl. (2004 model)
Many lamps off need replace ,artico leather seats are got smooth and very sensitive to damage,noise increase from old bad design mirrors cause also increase fuel consumption when drive against wind.
Doors and windows needs often lubricates them,audio 20 system got scratches in reception and main buttons in main control fade.
Mercedes Alarm need replace siren ,due humidity inside,also the one corn too.Finally mercedes brand sign in back fade.
Last edited by kremou; Aug 2, 2010 at 08:01 PM.
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when i first started looking at a car, before the w204 came out, i immediately said no to a c class. then after i had decided on another car, i went back and saw the w204 and immediately changed my mind.
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I think this is an interesting topic, because first and foremost if there was no contest between the w203 and w204 there wouldn't be an argument.
Now that being said, before I bought my car I looked at both w203 and w204, and i thought the w203 my2005 looked like a newer car then the w204.
I think the w204 has ugly lights front and back, I think this is the w204 weakest point. (w212 has very ugly back lights, EEEW!) If the w204 lights were somehow updated, and I think finally kill the argument that the w203 can vs the w204.
I think the w203 was before its time and thats why this argument stands and is ongoing.
Now that being said, before I bought my car I looked at both w203 and w204, and i thought the w203 my2005 looked like a newer car then the w204.
I think the w204 has ugly lights front and back, I think this is the w204 weakest point. (w212 has very ugly back lights, EEEW!) If the w204 lights were somehow updated, and I think finally kill the argument that the w203 can vs the w204.
I think the w203 was before its time and thats why this argument stands and is ongoing.
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The W203 was probably a bit more of a classic look that will hold up over time.
The W204 is more of that latest European upscale sedan look. The problem too is the pedestrian safety laws. I wonder if we're doomed for cars with similar front ends for the rest of time.
The W204 is more of that latest European upscale sedan look. The problem too is the pedestrian safety laws. I wonder if we're doomed for cars with similar front ends for the rest of time.
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on both accounts. M-B apparently spent tons of money to keep the W212's front to retain a bit of the classic "slant" to the grille, and to not be so blunt. Which was allowable due to the grill Airbag and clamshell hood, amongst other things.
They stated that they will only be investing that R&D money to have some flexibility with the front design on the S and E Classes. Hopefully they don't give in even on those.
BTW, I find the W203 becoming increasingly pleasing to look at. A prime example still looks very modern and hot. I like the previous classic-design era from M-B (203/211, etc.) a lot.
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I don't find the front of the W204 to be similar to any other car(other than a couple other MBs)...whether or not you like that big ol star on the grill, it stands apart from most anything else out there.
To me the W204 is more muscular while the W203 was a bit more feminine (and I do indeed appreciate the female form so that is not intended as a dig) and I think both will age quite well.
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I'm sorry - I agree with the European motoring scribes. (e.g Autocar). They predicted that the organic beauty of line & classic design of the MY2000 mini S Class would age well & have recently patted themselves on the back for being correct. It still holds up remarkably well if in clean condition & fitted with BiX/clears.
The W204 has already aged badly & looks behind the modern design language curve. Mark my words the 2014/15 replacement will be back to a more organic design much like AMG's SLS. Magic organic design that echos the SL300 Gullwing but in a totally modern context.
The W204 could have been designed by the Koreans asthetically. If you took the star off it does not shout Merc.
We own both. My low mileage C240 & the lady of the home's W204 C350 Elegance. So I have no axe to grind. The 204 looks more slab sided by the day. I frequently look at it's untidy bulbous rump & tail poking out of our garage & wonder what they were thinking. At least the bob tail of the Elegance is not as vulgar as that of the C63 AMG.
But at the end of the day both have been very good cars if not as rock solid as our older Mercs were.
The W204 has already aged badly & looks behind the modern design language curve. Mark my words the 2014/15 replacement will be back to a more organic design much like AMG's SLS. Magic organic design that echos the SL300 Gullwing but in a totally modern context.
The W204 could have been designed by the Koreans asthetically. If you took the star off it does not shout Merc.
We own both. My low mileage C240 & the lady of the home's W204 C350 Elegance. So I have no axe to grind. The 204 looks more slab sided by the day. I frequently look at it's untidy bulbous rump & tail poking out of our garage & wonder what they were thinking. At least the bob tail of the Elegance is not as vulgar as that of the C63 AMG.
But at the end of the day both have been very good cars if not as rock solid as our older Mercs were.
Last edited by Glyn M Ruck; Sep 4, 2010 at 11:24 PM.
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Hmm..I dont think my W204 is aging poorly..I still likes its looks as much as I did the day I bought it.
It's not drop dead gorgeous but I think it's still the best looking in its class.
It's not drop dead gorgeous but I think it's still the best looking in its class.
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I think the W204 still looks fresh. However, problem with very modern/sharp designs, is how when they get one-upped, they show their age big-time. I.e, the W204 came out incredibly crisp, etc. and still is, but now the W212 looks even more-so, so the W204 next to it is very clearly a more "dated" design. The W212 is perhaps the sharpest and most sculpted/detailed design now on the roads IMO, and I hope for my own sake, M-B stop while they're ahead, and try not to keep topping themselves in regards to how sharp/angular they can design a car.
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The W204 has already aged badly & looks behind the modern design language curve. Mark my words the 2014/15 replacement will be back to a more organic design much like AMG's SLS. Magic organic design that echos the SL300 Gullwing but in a totally modern context.
The W204 could have been designed by the Koreans asthetically. If you took the star off it does not shout Merc.
The W204 could have been designed by the Koreans asthetically. If you took the star off it does not shout Merc.
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I think the W204 is a very good looking car in its own right. However, I can't disagree with that for the most part. ^^
I've mistaken a W204 for an older Camry, or current Accord from behind, many times.
I've mistaken a W204 for an older Camry, or current Accord from behind, many times.
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black insert elegance grille FTW!
the tail light without the LED lighting package does look old however
Last edited by FrankW; Sep 6, 2010 at 05:59 PM.
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I love how it seems to be the same guys that continue to chime in about how the W203 is such a classic and in many ways superior Benz compared to the W204. The fact that the W203 was basically crap and an embarrassment to MB never really seems to come up. The athletic look of the W204 has apparently brought in a lot of new buyers that could never get past the "unsubstantial" look and feel of its predecessor.
As far as styling, MB was the first auto maker to use the "slash" taillight design and has been copied by many of the Asian brands. Just because others have copied this look and the fact that you personally don't like it certainly doesn't mean it is not well styled...to each his own I suppose.
And for those stating that you could take the badge off and not tell it isn't a Hyundai, Honda, etc, it seems you are simply just telling everyone you don't know what you are talking about anyhow. Take a look at the grill (with or without the Star) the fender blisters, the clamshell hood, the tumblehome, etc.
As far as styling, MB was the first auto maker to use the "slash" taillight design and has been copied by many of the Asian brands. Just because others have copied this look and the fact that you personally don't like it certainly doesn't mean it is not well styled...to each his own I suppose.
And for those stating that you could take the badge off and not tell it isn't a Hyundai, Honda, etc, it seems you are simply just telling everyone you don't know what you are talking about anyhow. Take a look at the grill (with or without the Star) the fender blisters, the clamshell hood, the tumblehome, etc.
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As far as styling, MB was the first auto maker to use the "slash" taillight design and has been copied by many of the Asian brands. Just because others have copied this look and the fact that you personally don't like it certainly doesn't mean it is not well styled...to each his own I suppose.
And for those stating that you could take the badge off and not tell it isn't a Hyundai, Honda, etc, it seems you are simply just telling everyone you don't know what you are talking about anyhow. Take a look at the grill (with or without the Star) the fender blisters, the clamshell hood, the tumblehome, etc.
As i said earlier the point I was making wasn't that the w203 is a better car all round. THE W203 IS NOT A BETTER CAR ALL ROUND! lets make that clear.
The point was that I think the w204 doesn't look up to date, it looks old and looks way to similar to the rest of the market of cars.
