Need Advice/ tech info about purchasing a Mercedes C240 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

trueog · #1 03-19-2009, 11:43 AM

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,

jlomon · #2 03-19-2009, 12:16 PM

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/

dubvee · #3 03-19-2009, 09:25 PM

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

trueog · #4 03-20-2009, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dubvee

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?

trueog · #5 03-20-2009, 04:43 PM

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,

trueog · #6 03-22-2009, 03:50 AM

anyone?

Ethan · #7 03-23-2009, 07:37 PM

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.

Ethan · #8 03-23-2009, 07:42 PM

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.

Ethan · #9 03-23-2009, 07:47 PM

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.

C280 Sport · #10 04-18-2009, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

And yes the W203 interior creaks a bit more then a W202,

No way. I think the W202 interior makes all kinds of noise. The 203 interior is by far better and it has much better materials used. No plastic like the 202.

trueog · #11 03-25-2009, 12:25 AM

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,

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

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.

Ethan · #12 03-25-2009, 11:27 AM

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.

trueog · #13 03-27-2009, 04:44 PM

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.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ethan

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.