Hi I'm new to the forum but have driven couple of w203s (c240s/c230) from relatives and loved them. I bought a new daily driver that has been well maintained (dealer) by the previous owner and all service records. It's a 2007 Pewter C230 with 103K miles on the clock. I checked the vin and it's well past the balance shaft issue. Being a 10 year old car with 100K miles, it does come require a little bit of TLC and I have a couple of questions for you guys.
1. Brake knock / clunk
PO just had it serviced less than 10K miles ago with new pads, rotors, brake fluid etc. from the dealer ship. Problem occurs when you do a fast light tap on the brakes. You could feel like there's a little play along with the sound? But if you first ease on the brake before putting your foot down firmly, there's no clunking or feel of play in the brake/suspension. I just got the car today haven't had the chance to check it but I will double check the calipers, brakes, suspension if there's anything lose. Could it be bad bushings? Struts?
2. Intake Manifold Linkage
Going through the PO's service records from the dealership, I read one note that says "Tested intake flaps, found linkage coming apart. Recommend to replace intake manifold. ..... Note! Intake manifold decline at this time." This about 4K miles ago. Never mentioned anything which linkage needs to be fixed. Don't even know what that is. How expensive/difficult is this? I've done some basic mechanic work before.
3. Head light resotoration
PO owner backed up on the left front fender of the car, she had everything fixed, including a used, new looking driver side headlight. Now the passenger looks like ass because it's yellow. Should I do headlight restoration or get a used but new looking one?
4. Stereo / phone / bluetooth / mp3
What are my options regarding having my music stream to the head unit? Use FM transmitter? Way to put an aux in? Sound system sounds really good for stock though.
5. Heated seats retrofit
Anybody done this? Too much hassle? Do able? I did it before on my 2006 BMW E46 M3, which I put heated seats and did all my wiring.
6. Make the look less dated and more aggressive
Any thought on making it look meaner? Removing the hood emblem that's sticking out and put a grille with the mercedes logo on it?
Sorry for all the questions!
Thank you in advance!
1. Brake knock / clunk
PO just had it serviced less than 10K miles ago with new pads, rotors, brake fluid etc. from the dealer ship. Problem occurs when you do a fast light tap on the brakes. You could feel like there's a little play along with the sound? But if you first ease on the brake before putting your foot down firmly, there's no clunking or feel of play in the brake/suspension. I just got the car today haven't had the chance to check it but I will double check the calipers, brakes, suspension if there's anything lose. Could it be bad bushings? Struts?
2. Intake Manifold Linkage
Going through the PO's service records from the dealership, I read one note that says "Tested intake flaps, found linkage coming apart. Recommend to replace intake manifold. ..... Note! Intake manifold decline at this time." This about 4K miles ago. Never mentioned anything which linkage needs to be fixed. Don't even know what that is. How expensive/difficult is this? I've done some basic mechanic work before.
3. Head light resotoration
PO owner backed up on the left front fender of the car, she had everything fixed, including a used, new looking driver side headlight. Now the passenger looks like ass because it's yellow. Should I do headlight restoration or get a used but new looking one?
4. Stereo / phone / bluetooth / mp3
What are my options regarding having my music stream to the head unit? Use FM transmitter? Way to put an aux in? Sound system sounds really good for stock though.
5. Heated seats retrofit
Anybody done this? Too much hassle? Do able? I did it before on my 2006 BMW E46 M3, which I put heated seats and did all my wiring.
6. Make the look less dated and more aggressive
Any thought on making it look meaner? Removing the hood emblem that's sticking out and put a grille with the mercedes logo on it?
Sorry for all the questions!
Thank you in advance!