Can anyone comment on the relative quality of the W202 vs W203? I drove a C43 yesterday and was surprised that it did not have near the same fit and finish of the E class cars I have owned. (It was bloody fast, though!)

Is the C32 a better built car? I thought the C43 plastics were a bit thin and the leather not very substantial. And with 64K miles it had a few rattles. More like my wife's Passat than what I expect from MB.

Thanks - Mike

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Mike in Denver
'93 400E Now DEAD - Rear ended and totalled.
Replaced by '02 C32 AMG - FAST!

i've driven both...found the c43 to feel cheap to me, but gosh the performance is quite good....as a daily driver, I think its a great choice (although I hear certain parts are expensive) The C32 felt to me like it had a much stiffer ride.

I cant comment on the C32, but I own a W202 C280, and have driven a C43. I would agree, it doesnt feel quite like what one would expect of an MB. Compared to the older W124, W201, W123, W126 etc etc fit and finish doesnt seem to be quite as good. My W123 at nearly 21 years of age, has ZERO rattles. All plastic bits and upholstery has held and and looks and feels as new. My C280 has racked up slightly higher mileage (currently at 188K) and suffers from quite a bit of rattle.... primarily from the dashboard and rear hat shelf. The plastic that is mounted to the sides of the front seats on either side, squeaks. The sunroof rattles as well. All of these issues only become apparent on rougher roads or when going over bumps.
I would imagine the C43 might have a slightly tighter fit and finish beecause it is slightly newer, but im sure with mileage and wear and tear it will likely suffer from the same quality issues as my C280.

When comparing a W202 to a W203 however, I am willing to guess the W202 wilol outlast the W203 in terms of lengevity, simply because it is not quite as complex....

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Nate

1995 E420
1992 BMW 525i
1984 300D Turbo sold
1993 Volvo 244 sold
1995 Volvo 944T R.I.P!


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