C230 or C240 Information needed
 

What is the general concensus on the newer model (1999-2003) MB C230 Kompressor or C240? Relaible, costly, ect ect
Trying to give someone some information, and as I am an old diesel head I am clueless (in many ways :D )
Thanks

I have had no real issues with my W203 C230 Kompressor. Aside from normal stupid crap like the steering wheel buttons cracking or the vanity lights not shutting off. Oh and I have had three hood pads! Other than that I had an alternator go bad. Nothing really major though. Even when the alternator went bad the car ran just fine and all electronics worked.

you know that 1999-2003 covers two different chassis.
and C240's are due for a recall that was announced last week.

About the C240 v-6 engine, it is very nice, smooth. If someone is considering a 203 chassis 2001 to present with a v-6 engine it is a great car.

Soon the new 350 engine will be in the C-class and that should be something.

If buying used, you need a warranty backed by the manufacturer that covers at least a couple of years and tens of thousand of miles.

Consumer Reports dosen't recommend the C-Class as a Used car recommendation. But considering they vote the Buick LeSabre a best buy, make of it what you wish.

Yeah, THEY ARE the experts.
That's how I ended up with my POS Volkswagen in 1997.
Can they be sued ? :confused:

Thanks Gang

I'm driving a C240 service loaner this week, and I *really* like it. It's a 2005 model with about 10K on the odometer.

What I like: It has the typical Benz attributes - impressively smooth, quiet, no wind noise at highway speed. Solid - never a rattle, buzz or squeek, even over some rather rough pavement. I'm astounded by how well it drives and handles. The steering is direct, it goes exactly where you point it without any drama. I drive it through the roundabout behind my office at silly speeds. The last couple of 3-series BMWs I've driven were not this good.

What's not to like: The rear seat is pretty darn tight, especially with the front setup for a rangy six-footer. The level of giddyup on the C240 is fine for any reasonable driving, but it's not a tire burning hotrod. Oh, and it's a Mercedes - I like my window switches on the center console where they belong!

Definate thumbs up here.

- JimY

C240 4matic
 

I just got a 2005 loaner and also think it is a blast and a reasonable low cost second car to my 1994 E500.

Steering was really good- actually deserves the word sporty.
Taught- and direct- the sound system with 6 disc changer is also acceptable for factory sound- one of the better ones.

When traction let loose it wasn't as predictable as the E500 which really lets you feather...but nice noetheless.

I think they are a terriffic value.

Ethan i'm lmbo at the buick lesabre comparison. Yes they both have four wheels, seats, engine, transmission etc.

I read in the 2005 issue of CONSUMER REPORTS that the Buick LeSabre is RECOMMENDED as a CONSUMER REPORTS best pick as a new car purchase.

In the same issue the Mercedes C-class is not a RECOMMENDED CR purchase and is also listed as a USED CAR ( 01 - 04 V6 ) to avoid.

The point I'm trying to make is - you can use CONSUMER REPORTS as a guide to avoid a C-class or at least be warned of the potential for poor reliability, although I feel that anyone recommending a purchase of a Buick LeSabre has questionable impact on my buying decision.

I've been reading consumer report for what has to be twenty plus years. In the Ralph Nader era they were a fairly reliable source of data. Some of the comments and recommendations over the last 5 or 6 years are questionable at best. I've read a lot about the electrical woes of the more recent mercedes vehicles but for the life of me I can't imagine that you would take a Lesabre over a C class.