want to buy: W203 - Benzworld.org

Guest (MBNZ) · 01-10-2000, 03:10 PM

Oops sorry - looks like i've accidentaly posted an empty message. Here it comes:I've almost decided not to buy an used MB, but go for a factory C instead. However, my local dealers are unable to answer some questions i'm asking. I'm living in Poland, but i think that this fact does not make a big difference, because i think that new C models are available with similar options here and there.At first i would definitely go for a C320; it's worth adding, that my current car is 1995 C280 so it's natural that it becomes a current reference for me (to be exact, this is US model of C280).Could anyone give me some details about how the entire drivetrain system behaves in that car? I'm already familiar with the specs, but i want to know how the car "feels". How about acceleration? Driving dynamics? Last but not least, i'm wondering that avg. milleage will differ much from that i'm getting with my current car...Is there a stiffer suspension option available in US? If so, it is worth buying? I feel that suspension on my W202 is definitely "too lazy" for my pretty agressive driving style. I would like also to have sport seats (again: i would not buy them if "side holding" with the standard ones is acceptable).Other options i'm going to have includes glass sunroof, Bose system (i'm very satisfied with Bose on W202; is it still OK on W203?), Thermotronic climate control, parametric steering, memory package, multicontour seats, xenons (i have them on 95 W202 already:) and others. Could you please comment on them? My selection is based on my previous cars; i'm pretty familiar of almost all mentioned options from my previous vehicles (W124 and W202) but i want to know that maybe some of them are not worth their money in W203. If you think that there is some very important add-on that you just cannot use that car, tell me please - i'll consider it on my option list.Sorry for this bit too long posting, but i'm very greedy for information that sources of information i have access too, are obviously lacking.

Guest (MBNZ) · 01-11-2000, 06:20 AM

The auto in this car is simply superb. Smooth shifting of gears. According to my butt-dyno, the car accelerates really fast although it lags a bit from 2nd to 3rd. Handling is pretty good when cornering but still leans a lot and tires aren't so great either. It was raining the other day and I skidded several times. Thank God for ESP. Lowering springs and better tires should fix this. Avg. mileage. not so sure since I haven't driven the car that long yet. I'll post again. I have the sport package so the stiffer suspension isn't really stiff enough. IMO, not worth buying. Just by the plain-jane C320 and upgrade with H&R and Bilsteins. The sound system is pretty good. A little bass and good speakers (nokia?) Things I got which I think are worth it :Climate Control - a definite since weather here varies so much. Memory seats - Me, my wife and brother-in-law drive it so it's good to have this. If you're the lone driver, not worth it. Multi-contour seats - yes. I have a bad back (that's my excuse to my wife) Xenons - Another definite. Looks and lights a lot better.Things I didn't get : Phone - Too much money for a pc of motorola crap. Premium leather - Can't really tell the difference between the vinyl and the real leather. CD changer - Another too high priced option from the dealer. I bought mine from AutoClass.net when Frank (webmaster) mentioned it to me. It's a lot lot cheaper and can easily be installed.If I remember anything else, I'll post againGo get it !!John.

Guest (MBNZ) · 02-27-2000, 09:34 PM

I am ready to by a C320, but do you think the COMAND system is worth it? On the MB website it says the CD changer can be installed at the retailer for $525, is this true? Will upgrading to an H&R suspension make the ride really stiff?thanks: The auto in this car is simply superb. Smooth shifting of gears. According to my butt-dyno, the car accelerates really fast although it lags a bit from 2nd to 3rd. Handling is pretty good when cornering but still leans a lot and tires aren't so great either. It was raining the other day and I skidded several times. Thank God for ESP. Lowering springs and better tires should fix this. Avg. mileage. not so sure since I haven't driven the car that long yet. I'll post again. I have the sport package so the stiffer suspension isn't really stiff enough. IMO, not worth buying. Just by the plain-jane C320 and upgrade with H&R and Bilsteins. The sound system is pretty good. A little bass and good speakers (nokia?) Things I got which I think are worth it :Climate Control - a definite since weather here varies so much. Memory seats - Me, my wife and brother-in-law drive it so it's good to have this. If you're the lone driver, not worth it. Multi-contour seats - yes. I have a bad back (that's my excuse to my wife) Xenons - Another definite. Looks and lights a lot better.Things I didn't get : Phone - Too much money for a pc of motorola crap. Premium leather - Can't really tell the difference between the vinyl and the real leather. CD changer - Another too high priced option from the dealer. I bought mine from AutoClass.net when Frank (webmaster) mentioned it to me. It's a lot lot cheaper and can easily be installed.If I remember anything else, I'll post againGo get it !!John.