New 2002 C320 Owner Here!

[Randy L]

Hey All,

Just found this forum and my first impression is that this is a MUCH better--AND informative--site than 2 other popular Benz forums.

Just picked up a silver '02 C320 last week, with 54k miles, for $12600. Carfax came clean and other than a few minor surface scratches in the paint, a missing passenger vanity mirror assembly (in the visor), and missing rear door lock (the plastic thingy), the car is in pristine condition. I believe the bank valued the car at over $17K so I feel I got a great deal.

Anyways, I've read that these cars have a common problem of the electric seat motors somehow draining the battery. Never read into exactly what was causing the drain.

I've also read that earlier V6 engines had a problem with the harmonic balancer (or damper?) causing wear on a plastic piece, which causes a heavy oil leak. I thought this problem was fixed around the 2000 year models.

Is there anything else I should be keeping an eye on?

Also--thanks for bering with this newbie--I'm thinking of getting 17" or 18" wheels and tires. Since the car won't be driven agressively, I'm not looking for super wide tires. I'd be happy with the stock 8.5" wide wheels and around 225-245mm width tires. Any suggestions on a great wheel & tire size combo?

Thanks!

[Tri-Star]

Congrats on the car. I also have a silver 03 c320. I have 18 by 8 inch wheels on the car. So far I haven't experienced really any problems but I heard that this car could have electrical problems. I'd also check to see if you car has a Valeo radiator. That part was replaced in the later models but leaks coolent into the tranny which will cause expensive repairs. Good Luck.

[Buellwinkle]

Congrats and welcome to the forum. Don't worry about the seat modules, nothing you can do about them, when they fail they fail and they are too expensive to just arbitrarily replace. If it happens to you, just put the seat where you like it, unplug the seat module under the seat and charge the battery and you are good to go until you can get it fixed.

Key to happiness with an MB is finding the right mechanic and avoid MB dealers at all costs.

Please update your profile to include car model and location as this will come in handy in future posts.

[Randy L]

Tri Star,

That's a beautiful wheel on the car! What is the brand & model if I may ask?

How do I see if I have a VALEO radiator? Maybe a brand name sticker or something? I'm guessing that the tranny cooler line that runs through the radiator is the problem? Maybe an aftermarket tranny cooler totally bypassing the radiator?

[Buellwinkle]

I'm pretty sure the Valeo radiator issue happened on 2003 C230's.