[jmlynick]

What are common problems or signs I should look for?

I have a choice -
'02 - C230K 6 speed manual w/ leather seats - 59K miles - about $10K
'03 - C230K 6 speed manual w/ leather seats - 51K miles - about $11K
'04 - C320 <= yes 320 - 6 speed manual w/ leather seats - 75K miles - about $11K

What is preferable - the C230K or the C320? I know the 230K gets better gas mileage - but are they higher maintenance that a C320 w/o the supercharger?

Any help would be GREATLY appreciated. Will go look at all three tomorrow.

 

[oefvetw124lover]

whatever you choose make sure you get it from a mercedes dealer. if thats not possible then get an obd II to check for codes.

 

[Musikmann]

I'd rather have the C320, same engine as mine and pretty solid. Do you really want a hopped up 4-banger?

 

[jmlynick]

Not buying from Dealer......

Not a Mercedes Dealer anyway - I cannot afford the premium at this time (You saw my budget above)

I do have a OBDII code reader that I will take with me - thanks for the reminder on that.

I am wondering if the C320 w/o the supercharger would be less trouble in the long run. I am a musician who hauls equipment around to gigs - so the hatchback is ideal. The other side of the equation is I need this car to be rock solid dependable, because I will keep it for a long time and put many miles on it.

C230 Kompressor replacement supercharger lists for about $1900.00
C320 get 26MPG on the hiway (4 miles less than the C230)

Will the greater reliability of the C320 more than offset the increased fuel expense??????

 

[jmlynick]

Read a thread about Balance Shafts...

Do the M111 or M112 engines suffer from this Balance Shaft Problem?? I am looking to buy one of these:
"02 C230 K Coupe - assumed to be an M111 engine
"03 C230 K Coupe - assumed to be an M111 engine
"04 C320 Coupe - assumed to be an M112 engine

Help me avoid making a costly mistake - Thanks

 

[sfestiva]

Whatever you pick, dont pick the 03 230Komp, they have problem with the design of the cylinder head.

The 230K 2002 is good and reliable, I dont think you will have a prob with the supercharger...my 02 C230K had 128KMiles never replaced supercharger...Cheap on gas and 192HP

The 320, smoother engine, more HP and more $ on gas


Good luck either one

 

[Buellwinkle]

I would immediately avoid the 2003 at any price, it will have the most problems of the 3. The C320 is the best bet from a reliability point of view, albeit it has higher miles and the 2002 will also be reliable and with an inexpensive pulley can easily beat the C320 in a drag race. You state mileage, but to me, condition is #1 priority, run a Carfax to see if it was in an accident.

 

[stacydl]

What inexpensive pulley are you refferring to, and what is it for?

 

[zeet]

You can add a supercharger pulley to the M111. It's not super-cheap but it is available and works well.

However, I don't like your list. The C320 would be subject to a possible balance shaft problem. The 2002 C230 is likely a nice deal, but I suspect you can find a 2002 C230 for less than that if you look. Up here they are going for $8k with full history. My 2004 with full records barely sold for $10k.

 

[jmlynick]

Paying more - or too much....

There are 2 - well 4 requirements for any car I buy - especially in one of these C-Class Coupes.

1) GREAT condition with NO accident history - and maintenance records
2) As low in mileage as possible - around 50K would be great - but definitely less than 80K
3) Six speed manual tranny - I am SOOO tired of driving an automatic - and shouldn't a sports car have a stick. This might be a middle aged penis thing - oh well, I'll just go with it.
4) Leather seats - the cloth seats in these cars suck - which designer chose the fabric?. And leather seats just last longer and look nicer - even when they are worn.


Sticks are fairly rare - I see WAY more automatics out there - There is an 2003 C230K AUTO w/ leather just down the street from me thats selling for just under $9K. I am thinking the stick raises the price - even though a stick sold for $650 less than the AUTO when it was new.

Leather costs more - well not in a used car - but the perception is there
This could account, at least somewhat for the higher pricetag.

If I can find one for less I will buy it - provided it fits my 4 requirements.

By the way - THANK YOU ALL - for your input. You have all given me things to look out for and that will hopefully prevent me from making a mistake.

 

[zeet]

My 2004 was a stick.

Have you driven the C-coupe in a stick? The transmission is certainly a love-hate thing in these cars. It was redesigned for the 2005, resulting in a different shift feel. The earlier transmissions really benefit from a fluid change with the newer MB fluid.

 

[jmlynick]

The C-Coupe Stick

I drove a C-Coupe today - the 2002. I bought it.

The stick was different - It seems the first four gears are the power gears and 5 & 6 are overdrives for highway use & Mileage. It does seem that you could drive it all day long in 4th.

I Loved the power - I loved the tightness - I loved the handling

I will start another thread outlining the car - its condition - and the VERY few issues with it. Almost all used cars have issues & this one is no exception.