Hey guys, my ’94 C220 AMG wanna be has passed away as of yesterday at the age of 318, 000 KM…R.I.P

I was looking around and since I already have a ML thought I’d pick up a 02 or 03 C240 as my commuter. I was looking around and noticed there is a Classic and Elegance model with the only difference I could tell being the Black door Handles and hub caps on the Classic. Could someone please tell me the main difference between the Classic and Elegance models?

Also If I could get some input from this forum on how reliable this model is and what kind problems to expect from this car and what to look out for while I shop around for one.

Your suggestions would be very thankful and helpful during this car search of mine,

Thanks and Take Care,

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

From what I've read, the W203 represents a bit of a low point in MB design and quality. There is plenty of information to read here, as this sub-forum is dedicated to W203s.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203-c-class/

__________________
Jonathan

2011 Mazda2
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1994 C280 (retired)

I would be interested in the dead car depending on where you are located.

Hey man my C220 was a AMG C43 replica with the wheels, door jams, paint job and all. You can see the pictures in my profile. The car is in absolute mint condition, no rust and ran great till a few days ago. I think I blew the head on the car and it smokes like its a disco inferno, so its been parked and assumed dead even though it runs.

Where are you located?

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

Hey guys will my C43 17'' AMG wheels fit perfectly fine on a W203 C240? I looked at a C240 today and the car had the ugliest hub caps I have ever seen produced by an auto maker. Wondering if my wheels will move over from the W202 to W203? let me know please,

take care,

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

anyone?

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

First, I HAD a 1998 C230, got totaled one-month ago, fantastic car, great gas mileage, built like a hand-built car, and performed like a champ in the accident.

I purchased a 2002 C240 new, but used it very little, 18K miles in seven-years.
Now that I use the car full-time, it makes the W202 seem very aged.

As far as CLASSIC and ELEGANCE you SHOULD be able to find the differences at the Mercedes factory web-site (maybe better luck at the U.K. site).

I did have some electronic teething problems when the car was new, a sensor in the car for the infra-red key was replaced, and the notorious ESP error occured - meaning new wiring ends - www.mbwholesaleparts.com under STARTECK INFO has articles about this.

Actually my car has been very good, these cars like a fresh battery, a mediocre battery cause all kind of driveability issues like transmission shift points, maybe even caused some bulb issues in the driving-lights can't remember exactly what happened, but know I has to change a few different bulbs, not all at one time, but now no more bulb issues.

My C240 gets great gas mileage as stated by the on-board computer, something like 32mpg on the highway at 70mph with smooth pedal useage. City, suburban gas mileage is not as good as my 1998 C230.

Car is very quiet, wind noise really isn't noticeable until about 70mph, the Michelin Primacy tires I run are super quiet. The HVAC has a gear in the dash which some people have had issues with, mine works great, you can hear the gear hum when working and it makes a noise during start-up and after ignition is turned off - this seems normal.

The suspension and steering are nothing like the W202, at low speed the car is very luxurious riding, at high-speeds the handling is very composed - and at very high-speed I think you probably have increased grip but the W203 seems like if it did lose rear end traction at high speed it would be very abrupt and I think that I wouldn't be able to recover. I know that sound wacky - but what I'm trying to say is the C240 is very fast and very confidence inspiring and it is way easy to find yourself entering sweeping turns at crazy speed.

The 2002 C240 has a wonderful dash-display - changed I think in 2005, now that I've lost a few pounds I find the seats much more confortable- I used to get lower back ache during long 100 plus mile drives.

The automatic transmission is SLICK, I used to think the traditional gated Merceds automatic selector was all class. Presently the side wack activation for up & down shifting is a real treat.

You got to drive a dozen or so test cars to know what is normal, but a nice C-240 is a great car. My opinion is it's the nicest car out there except for another higher level or newer Mercedes, I think the Porsche Caymen has the ultimate combination of pedal (gas, brake) to suspension relationship - dynamics, but I think Mercedes is more reliable with stronger engines and fuller-proof transmission ( rear main seal ) production.

Attached Thumbnails

 

Also, if you wash the underside of your W203 often you can cause the insulation above the driveshaft to drop. This will cause a clicking noise that is speed dependent. You would think it was an internal transmission issue.

But once up on a lift the dropped insulation is easy to remove and cure the clicking noise.

Oh yeah it should be Startuned Magazine listed in my initial post not STARTEKINFO.

And yes the W203 interior creaks a bit more then a W202, maybe a bit of flet rubbing on the inside A-pillar, but it gives the car personality I like to believe.

Hey Ethan thanks for the informative response to my question. Your write up was very convincing that the C240 would be a good buy for me. Im currently looking for a c240 but reliability has been my main concern. I'm glad to hear from someone that enjoys their c240.

Do you know if there are any changes to the models between 2001 to 2003? These are the ranges i'm looking in.

Take Care,

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

In an overall sense Mercedes is good at making improvements for each consecutive model year.
And good advice is to buy the most recent model you can afford.


With an internet search (maybe at Benzworld) you should be able to find a coded listing of TSB's - technical service bulletins for the W203 orderd by date.

Of course you need to be WISE, need to get an expert evaluation- on a car such as a used Mercedes - it's not like buying a used Honda or Toyota.
I imagine many people who lease or own a C-class don't maintain them as they should be. The W203 is not like a W202 either in that the W203 is more electrical complex.

Does Canads have STARMARK warranty? because reliability should be your main concern. I'm a maintenance freak, and am actually very gentle on my cars, I mainly forgo hard acceleration and occassionally enjoy high-speed runs.

Hey Ethan, thanks for this informative response. I've narrowed it down right now that i'm trying to get a 2002 C240 and if the right deal comes along perhaps a 2003. Here's in Western Canada the 2002 model year is fulled with classic models. I haven't driven many, I just keep walking around the dealer lots. This classic model so far I have noticed has the ugliest hub cabs ever put into production that it ruins the appearance of such a great looking car. Also the classic model has black trim door handles versus them being matching color coated.

I'm thinking about just buying a classic and putting some elegance model alloy wheels on it as the classic still has full leather interior and wood grain trim.

I also have W202 C43 rims which I wonder if they'll fit on a W203? I can't seem to get an answer from anyone regarding that.

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

I'd be very surprised if the wheels of W202 could fit a W203 (offset for one) since the front suspensions are so different.

It really is a beautiful car and Ronal or BBS for example may make a good looking wheel if you go 16 or 17 inch diameter. I like the AMG style split spoke even the traditional BBS style on that car, all about price.

Here are some tips for checking out a W203

a) look in the drivers foot-well up under the dash and compare to other cars, your looking to make sure there are no dropped/exposed harnesses, there should be a black plastic piece covering the wiring above.

b) go through the steering wheel (left )buttons to view the dash display and make sure you get a - O MALFUNCTIONS - reading.

c) feel carpeting for moisture under the floor mats, check rubber on brake, gas pedal to notice if waffle imprint is worn or matches wear for the mileage

d) make sure all buttons work, express windows, sunroof, all fog light (rear), EC REST red light glistens on the HVAC unit when pressed on.

e) check battery in engine compartment passenger side firewall under HVAC filter check condition, make, cleanliness.

f) trunk floor for spare tire condition, cleanliness, scratches, jack.

g) wheel-well plastic cladding for flushness and rubber flexible wind deflectors at sill level in front of all four wheels.

h) have a dealer inspect car for CRASH DAMAGE, and all suspension linkage etc.

I'm still shopping and looking for a good C240. I've looked at a couple but am having a real hard time finding exactly what I want. Looking for a 2002 or newer white/silver or black C240 with black leather interior with not out of this world mileage with a documented service track record. Perhaps i'm looking for too much......

While searching online for a C240 I came across this site listing common problems with the C240, thought i'd share it with everyone and use is as a checklist while shopping for a good used one myself.


Common Mercedes-Benz C240 Problems

Brakes Due to the size and materials of the brakes on these vehicles, the brakes start to squeak around the 50 percent wear point. The brake rotor surfaces become uneven, causing a lip to form at the outer edge of the rotor. Because of this, the rotors are usually replaced when the pads are worn (pad life varies depending on driving style and terrain).
Brake fluid should be flushed every two years to prevent premature anti-lock brake system (ABS) failure.

Engine Oil leaks from the PCV vent housings on the valve covers and inspection plates on the front of the engine are common.
The rubber bond in the harmonic balancer can decay, which causes the balancer to move and work its way into the timing chain cover. If the balancer comes into contact with the timing cover while the engine is running, it will fracture and damage the timing case and potentially other surrounding parts. The harmonic balancer should be inspected at every service.
Oil leaks from the oil level sensor are common.
The crankshaft position sensors tend to fail. Symptoms of this are: The engine will crank—but not start—especially when the engine is warm. The car may start again if it is left to cool off, but it may run roughly or have poor performance. Communicating these specific symptoms to your technician can save diagnostic time.

Exhaust & Emissions Bad spark plug wires can cause misfires; the Check Engine Light may illuminate.
The mass air flow (MAF) sensor tends to fail. The engine air filter should be replaced when the mass air flow sensor is replaced; a dirty filter can allow debris to damage the new sensor.
Catalytic converter failure is common and may cause a Check Engine Light to illuminate.

Suspension & Steering Irregular and premature tire wear can be caused by the front thrust link bushings cracking and causing excessive movement in the suspension. The thrust link bushings are fluid-filled (to help reduce vibration), so if they crack, they will leak oil.
Sway bar end link joints cause a knocking noise when going over bumps.
The hold down nut for the upper front strut area can become loose, causing a knocking noise. This can be repaired without removing the strut assembly.

Drive Train A vibration felt through the center floor of the vehicle can be caused by driveshaft flex discs, which crack and shred, causing excessive driveshaft movement. Not repairing these can cause damage to the driveshaft center support bearing, or, in the worst case scenario, damage to the transmission or differential.
High mileage or older vehicles develop leaks at the differential seals and cover; the whole unit needs to be resealed to repair the leaks.
The wire connector on the transmission leaks fluid into the wiring harness. If not repaired, the oil will migrate through the wiring harness and damage the transmission control module. A new harness and control module are required to fix the problem.

Electrical & Lights Brake light switch failure can cause the ESP and BAS warnings to illuminate.
A bad seat control module can cause a dead battery. Spilling liquid on the front seats can cause these modules to fail.
CD changers suffer from internal mechanical problems and may need replacement.
The SRS (airbag) light may illuminate if liquid is spilled into the seat belt buckles or pools underneath the seat and gets into the electrical connector for the seat belt pretensioners.

Heating & Air Conditioning A repetitive clicking noise from behind the center area of the dash panel is usually caused by a broken stepper motor actuating arm. The actuating arm controls the direction of air flow in the climate control system. Disassembly of the center console will be required to access and change the broken arm with the updated, reinforced part.
The heater case for the center vents can crack near the stop sensors. If the stops break, the control motor will not know when to stop and will run continuously.
The heater box is susceptible to mildew buildup.

Source: " http://repairpal.com/cars/mercedes-benz/c240 "

__________________
My Cars
Mercedes CLS
Mercedes C-Class W203 - All time favorite

R.I.P.
Mercedes C-Class - W202 Lemon
Mercedes ML - Warrior
VW Jetta – Worst Car I ever owned - Alot of problems

The items with the brakes, spark plug, flex disc and suspension seem to me to be what happens at the useful end of these components when they have provided their projected lifespan. If there are incidences of these conditions happening at low mileage then that is a problem. Though I doubt the brakes have an issue.

I thought the crankshaft balance issue was from the older V-6 engines in 210's and 202's.

The issue with liquid spill, that's an industry common problem, anyone remember the memorable quote form the japanese toyota executive who contributed that issue to sloppy americans and their excessive eating/drinking habits.

No matter that is an interesting list, and good research

Also, when cars are put up for sale there are many tricks for hiding imperfections in the paint, fillers and color enhanced waxes can hide swirl marks and holograms in the paint, so bright sunlight and halogen lamps are the conditions for inspecting paint. Additionally 70% water mixed with 30% isopropyl alcohol in a spray bottle is a good wiping solution for cleaning paint to rid of the fillers and evaluating paint condition