Saprissa

that's how W202 owners felt about the W203...

it's the natural evolution of MB owners...

I say go backwards... from W203 go to W202, and then W201 and so on...

you gotta love the STAR !!

alpinweiss

I will reserve my opinion on the W204 until I actually see one. The outgoing W203 was a very pretty car, especially the sport models.

Speaking of the W203, the 2005 (and late 2004) model may be the highpoint of the C230's. It benefitted from the face-lift and the better dashboard layout. The supercharged 1.8L (M271) was both more powerful and more economical than the 2.5L V-6 that replaced it, despite MB's claims to the contrary. The 6-speed manual transmission was a dream to drive with either engine, but the M271 seemed to be a slightly better match (more torque).

e1000

Isn't the W204 slated to have the same M272 engines in the current W203 C230/350? You can also play MP3 CD's in the W203 via the CD Changer. I think you might be a little suprised at how much different the 2005+ C-class is, especially the C350 and of course, the C55.

I really don't want to form too much of an opinion before the car is actually released. Spy photos may just not do the car it's justice. I want to wait until it's actually released before forming an opinion.

drexappeal

When I first got to college, I loved the w202 (body styling). When the w203 came out, I loved the body styling even more than the 202. When the actual pics of the w204 came out, I was both sad and happy. Sad that the body styling took a step backwards. Happy that I liked how my w203 looked so much better than the w204. The only reason I can tell is when I got my car, I could've left it bone stock and I still would've loved how it looked. Obviously, I decided I wanted mine to be more unique. When I look at the w204, it is not a car that I could say looks great bone stock. If I were to get one, I'd probably get a body kit immediately after buying it and that's not the normal progression I take in modifying my cars (in fact, it's always the last thing for me).

The only part of the w204 chassis that really has me intrigued is the C63. I'm sure there will be body kits available as the years go by, but I'm glad I went with the w203 early on. The performance (stock) on the w204's will be there compared to the w203 models (w/ exception to '06-'07), but at the same time, I'm hoping that my car will be pushing some good power soon, w/ the small i4 m271 I have in the engine bay.

tee_tz

I hope not! I mean 181 torque is not where Mercedes-Benz should be at. I mean Audi, BMW, Acura, Honda, and some many others are simply out doing Mercedes at this point.

I agree that the W203 looks good, but I'm sure the W204 will look better. I don't think there's any Mercedes (current/redesigned model) that doesn't look better than the previous generation. It always happens, and just like the example of how I'm sure when the W203 came out W202 owners must have said it looked ugly, some day we'll look bad that we called the W204 ugly.


Tee_Tz.

sick_benz

But like mentioned before the W204 doesnt look good at all.

MiKeSSw203

I think the new W204 design will grow on me after the face lift. Its strange how a a few tweaks can really change the cars appearance. As for my 2005 C230 W203 I love it and plan on keeping it for a long time. The body shape is perfect and love all the curves. I made the right choice picking the only year with the facelifted M271 engine. Sure it is underpowered but is fun maxing it out around corners. Its a great daily driver for all the miles I rack up here in So Cal.

drexappeal

I think the new front end (facelift) on the E class (w211) looks uglier than the earlier w211's.

kickR

The reason why I wouldnt trade in my W203:

Going by the pictures that appeared on the internet, I must say that the interior of at least the first years W204 is ugly as hell. I totally dislike the steering wheel and the middle console doesnt look appealing to me either.

I knew what i would get with the purchase of a C230, performance wise, so I wouldnt complain about it now. There was the window for more power, but that includes paying more for a bigger engine which I think is non-sense for the american highway since everything above the already boring speed-limit is illegal.

Blake P

Agreed, except for the E63's. The styling is sharper and more aggressive on the AMG model, but looks silly on the non-AMG's. Have you seen the guy in the E55/63 forum with the blacked out grille and HRE's?!

EDIT: How can you guys form such strong opinions on a car that hasn't even officially been released?

drexappeal

That's true, B, but the E55/63 is a completely different story. I was just talking about the luxury version that they have all those commercials for - "Come see the new re-designed E Class." My first reaction when i saw it was, "why'd they change the front end? I don't like the facelift at all compared to how they had it."

As for the w204, I'm just basing it on the spy shots they have and I don't like it. It may be one of those cars that looks better in person, but in comparison to my reaction of the w203 spy shots (when they first were released), I'd say that I don't think I'll like it even when seeing it in person.

Buellwinkle

I've bought MB's on their first year out a few times and let me tell you, it's the biggest mistake you can make with cars. My W201 in '83 was horrible, taken back under the lemon law, the replacement I got in '84 was worse in some ways, same with the W203, my 2002 C230 was also horrible, my 2004.5 C230 is perfect. So even if I loved the W204, and it's hard to say from spy shots, I would never buy a 2008 model but appreciate the beta testers that do. 2008 would be the time to get the BMW 325i, it's had a chance to work it's bugs out.

drexappeal

Buellwinkle, completely agree with 1st year builds. A lot of people I know that have done that, ended up having problems.

14cue

which one of those manufacture’s entry level cars have more power than the W203? i mean with the W203 you have the different choices from 240 to 350 to the 55 (in N. America). if you compare that to what the other manufactures are producing for their entry level cars they're at the same level in terms of power.

Boom vang

I remember when the first new E class came out in the late nineties, I thought that the oval headlights made it look like a sad car. Over time we got used to it and eventually it looked modern and hip. When the E came out in 2003 it was a much better take on the previous generation, HOWEVER the current E face lift ~2007 looks bad. The grill has a cheesy Korean look (Kia, Hyundai) or a tacky American land yacht design, I think that they missed the mark with this grill. The vertical bars visible in the grill, as well as the point down and the size make the car ugly from the front.

As far as the W204, we have to wait and see until it hits the road and see the car firsthand rather than doctered spy photos. I do think the rear looks a bit generic, something from Honda or Toyota and the sweeping curve down the side is a rip-off of the new 3 series. Some pictures made the car look great and others were a let down. We'll have to see once the car is launched.

As far as the new S-class, I both love and hate it. While it does look elegant I am not quite sure of the PT-Cruiser type fender bulges (these are not flares), as well as the refined Bangle butt. Round fender bulges had their place in the 40's and 50's, the S class does look better in life than in photos.

Again on the same topic, the last CL looked great, not too sure about the new one, it looks way too big

With anything it will take time to adjust and accept. I do think that both MB and BMW products age more gracefully compared to products from Japan. While there are several Japanese cars that have a Wow look to them, they do however look dated when the next generation comes along. I still see lots of W202 on the road and although they had a plain and boring look to them from the very start, they don't look as old as a Camry or Accord from the same vintage

PC Valkyrie

Latest pictures of the W204 C-class with the AMG Sport package.

GPI

That is really awesome! I must see when it is totally undisguised.

METC240

Why does this car look like a BMW with the center console? I like the center we have, just look more sexy/classy...

NYR99

More interior pics...not sure why they are fuzzy:





Exterior:





4 more days....

drexappeal

AMG looks alright, much better than non-AMG body kit, but even if I had a regular 204, I'd most likely get a body kit as soon as it would be available.

PC Valkyrie

Brochure pics courtesy of Vivaki from Germancarzone.

PC Valkyrie

some more

pmb600

I still don't like the interior all that much, but the car is growing on me. These cars usually look better with black interiors though. There isn't enough wood around the dash! Also I'm guessing that with the 204 it will be harder/impossible to retrofit the COMAND system.

14cue

that front grille does not work at all. very tack ./me shakes head

TT C6

http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/15/o...leaked-on-web/

Now give me a C63 with AWD and Automatic and I will be happy.