WorstNightmare

Hey guys, a W203 guy here... moving onto a W204.

Looking into purchasing a White W204, CPO, 22,xxx miles in the next few weeks.

It's got everything except the Pano-roof (don't care), and the Lighting package.

If I was to purchase this car, would just tossing in an HID conversion kit (bulbs & ballasts) work ok? The headlight assemblies (from what I can tell) look identical to the W204's equipped with the Bi-Xenon kits.

Is it worth losing the Multimedia package, the good speakers, the good rims, (18" AMG wheels), and the I-Pod kit, to go after a 2nd car in which DOES have the lighting kit, but NOT the aformentioned packages?

I really miss owning a car with HID's. In previous years I've owned several cars with HID's, and considering how much night driving I do, I *love* the true visibility with those bulbs.

Please give me some honest thoughts & opinions.


Also, coming from an 04' W203, are these W204's more reliable? I've *heard* they have a lot less problems, but I'd like to hear from you guys.

Thanks a bunch.

-Matt

xolinlevh

I was in the exact same position when i got my w204, had a '10 model with P1, MM, HK sound, pano roof 24k miles, or a '11 with P1 and Lighting. I went with the loaded out '10. I think the options are totally worth it, grab a HID kit from Mike on here and your good to go

snarlingchicken

I'd go for the one you're looking at now. Honestly you can just get AZN_Optic's LED Tail light package if you really want the whole LED hype, or hell, even retrofit to the new 2012 tail lights. In regards to the head lights, just go for an aftermarket HID Kit. And at least on the non-bixenons you guys can manually aim/adjust your headlights. Mine seem to be aimed really low compare to other cars. T_T So far my car hasn't had any problems. I had a botched alignment over at a certain Mercedes dealership, but seeing as I used that $100 off promotion coupon, the fact that it was a $30 job really shows.

Anyways, get pictures after you get the new car!

steven1888

I have both the mm and p2 package .. Love ever part of it .. I don't regret getting them. Though I don't really like the iPod kit yet cause the cable never stay on with the phone...

WorstNightmare

Thank you all for the quick responses.



I'm definitely going to shoot for the one with the low miles, and the more in-depth packages. I'll just save up another $250 or so for aftermarket bulbs & ballasts.

Are the stock housings ok for those?

xolinlevh

Stock housings are fine. A kit from mike on here runs you $150.

kevink2

What year and model are you looking at?

... year, model, Sport or Lux, 4MATIC or RWD, and Location, city & state (and non-US/Canada country if needed)....

Nice to have the split rear fold down seats. 18's are fine for fine weather and fine roads.

.

Ron Jr

My 08 had the MM system new it was a big waste of money but on a CPO I say go for it. My 08 gave me very little trouble and everything was taken care of under warrenty. My 11 has not been back to the dealer since I drove it off the lot, it goes for it's first A service tomorrow. As far as HIDs goes like others here have said check out Mikes designed and tested on the W204.

WorstNightmare

2008, C350 Sport, RWD, San Francisco CA (U.S CPO Cert'd).

I'm not sure on the split rear seats, but I *would* like to have that option.

steven1888

The folding rear seat come in with the p2 package so it includes the light package too.. It's useful when u lease expect it.

jimmythegreek

I actually dont like my pano roof honestly. technically I like the roof aspect but the stupid fabric shades that roll up flap with the windows down if driving more than 15mph. sucks to listen to. I had to retint the roofs w 5% tints and I leave it rolled up now. I like the regular slider roof design better. My 2011 is fully loaded except keyless go, I will never get a regular car again. My 08 had MM and heated seats, thats it. Go with the decked out car. features are nice

BauerR

I have P1, MM, heated seats, wood, rear spoiler, Was going to settle for a car that just had heated seats...glad I didn't

aowhaus

I have a 2008 C300 4matic sport, with P2 and pano.

Having 4matic is great in the winter, I don't even need snow tires. The 4matic also includes some additional features .
The pano roof looks really nice on the outside, especially on a lighter color car, though I don't really appreciate it anymore than the standard sunroof as I never sit in the back seat. Also it looks really odd on the outside when the roof is fully open as it slides over the rear portion of the roof.

The P2 was a must for me as having the folding rear seats is very practical when hauling sports gear or on shopping trips. The HID headlights and LED taillights are nice, but you can get some nice aftermarket alternatives. Headlight washers comes with the HIDs, but I don't like it as it creates a mess of washer fluid on your headlights and bumper (especially in winter).
The power retractable rear window shade is a nice touch in the summer. Heated seats are a must if you live in cold climates -- I am not sure if it is included in the P2 package or 4matic.

The stock sound system sounds just fine to me, it's not mind blowing sound but sounds good. I will change the stock tweeters to the HK tweeters, which is a simple change that makes big difference.

The MM navigation system I didn't think was worth it, as the GPS on my iPhone works well and I am worried about expensive software updates and the potential of the motorized retractable screen from malfunctioning.

Parktronic is also a very handy option. It makes for quick parking and saved my bumper from scrapes and dents.

WorstNightmare

Really don't need 4MATIC, however those are pretty cool.

I agree about the Pano roof.

What speakers are in the non MM package cars (08's and 09's) ? I ask because I recently had a loaner 2011 C300, and quite frankly my W203's system sounded 10x's better. The stock stereo in my old Subaru Impreza sounded better than the 11' C300's system.

I understand I could always change these items out, however it's extremely expensive to mod MB's stereo setups it seems. Everything's proprietary, or all "works together" (please correct me if I'm wrong).

So, if I was to purchase a C350 with the lighting package, the PII package, but not the MM package I'd still have a well equipped car? Is there any way to wire in an aux-jack, so I could plug in a Zune, or an iPhone/iPod ? (without it being some kind of huge retarded undetaking).

I'm kind of done with having to change CD's all the time in the car, especially while driving. It's rather annoying, especially out here in Las Vegas with the looney-bin drivers that seem to populate these roads.

Thanks for the continued input gents, I appreciate it. Just trying to make an educated decision here, and not regret the purchase of a $30K automobile a few months after I take on the note. Know what I mean?

-Matt