Mercedes C230 Coupe

[DVJ1900]

Hi, I am debating buying a 2002 Mercedes C230 coupe and wanted to know what it's long term reliability is. Im hoping to have the car for a long time and wanted to know if they're known to have a lot of problems as they get older. Also, I've heard that supercharged engines don't last as long is that true? Finally I will be driving it year round mostly in RI and wanted to know how a rear wheel drive car handles in bad weather. Ive never driven a rear wheel drive car before and have heard that they aren't as good in bad weather but are they bad enough that I shouldn't get the car? thanks for any advice, Mike

[hk20000]

2002 would be W203 which the quality is so-so (tilting towards bad) for Mercs.

Mercedes are known to have a lot of silly problems when they get older that is true. Search the forum with "W203" and "W202" will show you a majority of the problems faced by these 2 gens of C classes. It doesn't really matter if it's a sedan or a coupe the underpinnings are largely the same.

forced induction engines have a specific way of getting it taken care of - you should never shut the engine off after "spirited" driving where you reach high rpm causing high boost and high output because the internals of the supercharger would appreciate if you give it some time to cool down before you stop the fluid flow that goes into it (coolant and oil) and the supercharger should be fine. The engine is designed to go with the supercharger so the engine itself should not be a factor.

RWD can be really iffy in snow, but fortunately a 2003 Mercedes would have ASR and that will help you out in accelerating moments, as well as keeping your rear end from sliding into curbs and other blunt objects. Stopping is the same for any car with any wheel drive. ABS is standard so it stops very standardly (is that a word?)

but ASR is just some electronic gimmick you can get yourself out of light snow but don't expect the equivalent of a 4WD or 4 Matic from the ASR and TRC stability system.

Bump

I sent this guy over here to get some info on the C230 , some of you guys must own a W203?

[cudaspaz]

I have not been too happy with the quality of theese vehicles as coming from a technician's standpoint.

Very cheaply built and marketed to the younger crowd for less money.
You get what you pay for, not to mention they are very feminine looking cars.

[t walgamuth]

i have always preferred rear drive cars on snow for safe handling.

specific situations would allow a front driver to get out where a rear drive would not but they are rare and on the highway the rear drive offers car placement options using the gas pedal that front drive does not offer.

the only time i ever slid off the road was in my saab! it understeered right off the outside of a right hand turn. good thing there was no oncoming traffic!

tom w

[mbdoc]

On that model the sunroof & interior network have the MOST common failures.

[A. Rosich]

Cs are cheap base models that are made to attract younger buyers.

If you want a long time reliable Merc start at least with an E-class. Although, be careful of W211s with Sensotronic brake systems, they are a mess.

[Will_w202]

I totally disagree with that......

202/210 and 203/211 are pretty much the same as far as reliability and build quality.

If you're talking about options and - in the case of the 211 vs the 203 coupe - trim and tactile materials, then the E would be a better-finished car than a C

My 97 202 is the same car inside to the eye and touch that the 210 is - except mine has Tex, and most 210s other than the diesel all have leather

I agree that the 203 COUPE is a bit plasticky on the inside, and I do not find it appealing. The 203 sedan has some cheap plastic bits I dont care for either, but if we're talking mechanical reliability and longevity......I can't see how the E-class would be more mechanically reliable and durable - in fact, I think teh exact opposite has proven to be true, with all the electronic gremlins.

More goodies = more headaches

[A. Rosich]

Originally Posted by Will_w202

I totally disagree with that......

202/210 and 203/211 are pretty much the same as far as reliability and build quality.


More goodies = more headaches

My S 500 L (V140) has been by FAR the MOST RELIABLE Mercedes-Benz I have ever owned, which include several W123s and W124s (mostly wagons and a cabrio).

[Will_w202]

A Rosich, you and I are lucky to own prev-gen cars (202 and 140)

In 15 years of VW and Honda, this is by far the most reliable car for me as well

That certainly doesn't apply to mom's (former) 2003 E320 (traded for an M35 because she got sick of driving service loaners)