Today came to the point where I noticed the decline on MB Quality on our newly aquired C240. I mean, it is a very nice car but looking at some things in the interior and exterior and comparing it to the W126 we have......it doesnt feel like a Benz at all!

The body of the car if u feel it and put pressure on the panels or hood, it tends to bend. If you do that to my w126 it barely does at all. I was washing it today and noticed the MB paint is very "soft" and tends to swirl even when using a 100% cotton towel to dry it. This doesnt even happen on our Grand Cherokee . I noticed this also on my aunts 99 kompressor when I washed it and not on any other car. The paint chips very very easily also.

In the engine compartment...it has more corrosion spots and rust spots on some pulleys and engine parts than my 126. The door handles feel a bit weak but when you close the car door it does feel solid enough.

Out of all this...the "weak paint" bothers me the most. When you study the car you dont really get what you pay for in terms of "quality" because Ive seen much better for way cheaper but I would still buy the Benz because of the attention it grabs and probably handles better and lets not forget the amazing designs.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

Mark,

All new MBs use water-based paint. No way around it; it is more friendly to the environment. There are many more areas where the new C-class will fall short in comparing your older, sturdy S-class.

But in many ways your C-class is better

Well it aint that good of a paint or it could be a weak clearcoat im not sure.

Ya the C I would take over my w126 because it looks better and drives better.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240