In the four years on MB-Shop, I have learned SO much about these cars, it's insane. I know OBD-II codes and their common problems, wiring harness issue years, trannies out to wazoo, and so on.

How can I start ALL over? How would I ever change to another brand now? I'd have to find another forum and begin years of study and research, learning every inch of the new car. I have MB specific tools and "systems" like my LiquiVac.

Jerks.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Try Toyota's, they never break

Resistance is futile. You will be assimulated.

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The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!

I recommend going to Porsche. Rennlist is quite comparable to this site for being full of excellent technical information. Good place to start.

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I'm thinking a E320 CDI would be a nice replacement for that ratty old C230... or do they import the C270 CDI up there?

I'm in the same boat. I bought a mega-$ KLANN spring compressor so now I need to hold onto MB's for at least the next ten years to receive a proper return on my investment--haven't used it yet.

I recommend going to Porsche.

Been down that road before! It's WORSE than Mercedes. It's taken me five years to finally stop suffering withdrawl from "Porschephilitis."

I'm thinking a E320 CDI would be a nice replacement for that ratty old C230... or do they import the C270 CDI up there?

I thought that too. Went down to see about an E320CDI, and the problem is price. Our 98 E300 was MSRP $59,999 new back in 98. The E320CDI rings in at $93,000. Mucho too richo fer me...

Well, you are already starting to convert over to Subaru

I almost bought an STi recently, just couldn't make the numbers work. I do like the Subies as they have some character AND Japanese reliability. It's probably the only other brand I have any kind of "jones" for now.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Do you still have your Outback?

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

I love my Mercedes. It has had lots of problems and still more to go. I have spent $5000 (over 5 years) in parts alone. But, it is 20 years old with 125,000 miles and, with all things the same, I don't know if other makes would do better. I just bought a 1992 BMW 525!T Station Wagon with 76,000 miles. I am just starting to get it up to standards. There doesn't seem to be such a good community for the BMW owners as we have at this site. I'm sorry I didn't buy a 300TE but I couldn't find one anywhere the price of this 525iT. From what I have seen the Benz looks heavier built.

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Steve
1985 Mercedes 500SL Euro (Gray market)
1995 BMW 520i Euro (Gray market)
1992 BMW 525it Wagon
1994 Honda Del Sol Si

Yup. The 2001 is not as snazzy as the newest 2005 models, but of course, we saved buckets buying used. It's the Limited version with leather, side bags and dual sunroof. We love it. Deadly reliable, seamless AWD and quite luxurious.

Things I don't like? If you leave the crossbars for the roof rack on, they can whistle at highway speeds. Minor and not note worthy, really. The frameless doors feel lighter than I am used to, and there is no MB-like thunk.

The automatic has no solid detent at "D" and it's way too easy to go into lower gear when shifting out of park or reverse. You have to pay close attention to the shifter, and I find it annoying. You have to turn the heater elements on for the mirrors and under the wiper blades, unlike MB that uses a temp sensor. Easy to do, but I'm just used to the mirrors coming on automatically. BUT, those under-wiper elements are AWESOME, but do add to the cost of a new windscreen. Aftermarket glass usually lacks them.

I HATE the horn-honk feature for the keyless entry, and thankfully, you can shut it off. BUT, there is no light flash. It's tough to tell if the car is locked or not. The C230 has light flash only, perfect.

Other minor nitpicks? The coolant temp gauge has no markings, so I don't really know what the temp is. Typical Japanese "we put it there, but don't expect you to really use it" approach to gauges. The rear cupholders are near the floor, far out of my daughter's reach. The C230 has them pop out of the rear armrest. Much smarter. I wish the front sunroof really opened.

Good stuff? The leather is heavy and seems robust. Not even a spot of wear on the driver's bolster. The paint seems much more chip resistant that the paint on the C230, but has lost a wee bit of it's shine. Overall, pretty good. The engine is tight and strong, and uses no oil. I don't change it at home, as the Subie dealer has a $29 deal with parts and labour. I pay the difference between dino and synth, and it's still free labour pretty much.

The flat four drones a bit under load, but otherwise is torquey and a good match to the automatic. It's not an exciting driveline, but gets the job done.

One thing about the AWD wagon is weight. It's 3700lbs and you MUST have good winter tires, as braking distances can be long on slick surfaces thanks to momentum. The C230 stops much better on ice as it's about 500lbs lighter.

This summer we had to drive up a river bed to get to a trailhead and I was surprised at it's off road prowess.

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif

Tell you what. Purchase one used early model ML from the dealer. That'll cure you forever

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You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows - Robert A. Zimmerman

LMAO!!

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John Shellenberg
1998 C230 "Black Betty" 240K

http://img31.exs.cx/img31/4050/tophat6.gif