Used 2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Consumer Reviews
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C230 Bag for not much Buck
Recently bought my C230 Kompressor w/ manual 6 speed tranny. So far so good. It's just over 100,000 miles, 1 owner and care for... it shows. Also purchased and very extensive 5yr/100k extended warranty too. I've owned 72 cars (all different makes/models) and have been a BMW fan for ever. This is my 3rd Benz and its a pleasure to drive. 30+ mpg on the freeway @ 85+mph, shifts smooth and has decent power to climb freeway hills with ease, even in 6th gear. Traded in my Jaguar S-type for this and I have no regrets. I will say the Jaguar was a better looking car, but that's it. I'll update more as I add more miles...
Geat Car For The Money
Been a very good car (close to 100K miles now). The only failures have been the hood struts, pano roof, and the multi function display. Both hood struts and MFD are easily fixed by anyone with the slightest mechanical skill. Pano roof is basically unfixable because of the significant cost (and lack of utility anyway). Handles very well had has adequate power. A bit slow off of the line though. Very practical as it is a hatchback and storage is generous. Rear seats fold down which gives even more cargo room. Simple to maintain yourself (both A & B service). Get one used with the leather interior and the Bose sound system (sound is excellent). Avoid the pano roof if possible. I give it an A-
- C240 SedanMSRP: $6,995169 mi away
- C32 AMG SedanMSRP: $14,991227 mi away
- C240 4MATIC SedanMSRP: $5,995373 mi away
Love every thing about it
I originally wanted the m. B. E350 but my husband said that we would be spending a lot more money on gas. So he got me the c240 and I have to say that I love this car we bought it used with 98,000 miles on it. It has been very reliable drives great, and I look forward to taking long trips in it. I previously owned a 2002 BMW 330i and I thought that that was the best car ever, but I have to say I like this one just as much. It has that luxury and sports car look to it, the interior is excellent and very comfortable. I am definitely going to buy another m. B.
An excellent car that holds up well...
My car has been with me since brand new, now going on 142,000 miles and counting. Issues have been catalytic converter (under warranty), front headlights, steering linkage break, serpentine belt replacement (at 130,000 miles), leather interior cracking, faux leather on shift knob coming off, CD changer jamming, blower fuse melting and compressor breaking, and small ghosting on console display. Performance is decent for a car with 168hp. Gas mileage could be better but I drive like a maniac with quick acceleration so no fault of the car. I'm pretty satisfied with the car and feel fortunate I don't have the issues so many others have. This car was manufactured in Brazil.
A Love/Hate Relationship
The 'Sway Bar Rods' go regularly. Fortunately, they go within a year so are covered under parts warranty. Fender liner fell off, CV boots replaced, heater door motor broke, signal switch broke, rear speakers rattled, driver's seat belt squeaked, rear set belts lock up at -25C, passenger seat bottom loose, rear door lock knobs come loose and the rod drops inside, headlight bulbs are $180 each!. Nothing serious mechanically though. Bit it is starting to rust at the same place on all 4 of the doors.
Excellent car still going strong!
I bought my C240 after I totaled my 3- series BMW so the MB was not the same sporty performance ride, but it's no slush box either. Interior is very comfortable with supportive seats in nice leather, typical of Mercedes at all levels. Power is produced via a 2.6 L V6, delivering 168 hp (not so bad back in '03, but hardly stellar) in a linear fashion. It's very smooth and the car doesn't feel like it's on at idle (have to double check every now and then). Cons are the loud air conditioning. Only one problem with the cat converter and that was fixed under warranty. Just change the oil regularly (every 10k mi) and you should have no issues. My car was made in Brazil according to door jamb.
worth to keep
I purchased this car when it was new back in October 2002. I was a sport package with leather n panorama roof and Bose system. Such a fun car to drive. Over the years I'd put on 130k mileage on it so far. This was my third car I purchased new. my kind of driving style both my civic and accord never made it to 120k... This 230k had been some cam repair done within the first 50k warranty. and replaced the OC sensor and some hosts last year. other than that I have no issue with the engine, transmission and the radiator whatsoever. It'd been such a reliable car. I'm going to keep this car for another 130k hopefully. and just do my synthetic oil change every 5k miles and see how far it can go..
Certified pre-owned, what a great car...
Bought a black on in June,certified with just under 25k miles. I drive just over 900 miles/week,almost all highway, rest is 2 lane winding county road. The car is quick and quiet,with a smooth and well contolled ride. I drive aggressively, this car is very responsive. Just had heavy ground frost and icing, 4matic lets me accelerate into traffic with confidence. This is a very sporty car with the utility of a wagon. Drove BMWX3,BMW325Xi, VW 4motion GLS and W8,this was much nicer. Best praise, just bought another one today for my wife,certified '03 with just over 19K since we both like this one so much. Cargo room is small for a wagon, but plenty big when the rear seats are folded down.
Best value
I bought the car 3 days ago and I'm writing the review so it's about the shopping experience. I was looking for ~$30,000 car. I test-drived BMW 325i, Infiniti G35 sedan, Acura TL, Eclipse GTS, MB C230/240 sedan, and C320 sports coupe. The C320 sports coupe gives me best handling (only 325 is close) and very good speed (G35 is faster, but handle sucks). It's the most lux car in the group. I love the panarama sun roof and the sports wheel. So far, it's like a dream come true.
I agree
Before I purchased mine, I came to this site.I got the car with the premium pk (C5,C1-elect seats,plus the cd player). It was really worth it to get these extras. This car is sooooo easy to get around in. Big on front seat comfort but easy for parking. So far really hugs the road-will see what winter brings.My last car was the XJ8 Jaguar- so I was used to luxury and speed plus troubles with service. So far I really like this car.
Mercedes has become Chrysler!
Mercedes used to be one of the best quality, most reliable, a durable cars. Since they merged their purchasing / procurement function with Chrysler and decided to globalize themselves instead of being 100% German, the Mercedes quality degenerated to the level of Chrysler or even below. I love the design and the functionality of the station wagon. I love driving it. But the QUALITY? My car within 30,000 miles had 2 catalytic converters, 2 (!) alternators, engine gaskets (ouch) and several little bottoms replaced. 2 door knobs and parts of 2 doors were replaced. The headlights after 50,000 miles are no longer possible to turn off, electrical problem with several thousand dollar repair cost
This car is a surprise...
I bought this car just over a month ago and have had nothing but a great driving experience ever since. The handling, horsepower and features are wonderful. The MBZ experience itself is great since you get the opportunity to get the same wonderful customer service that the more luxurious car owner's receive! it is also not something you see coming and going all the time, and the few I have seen here in the land of MBZ (Newport Beach) reveal a smirk from the other driver-- like, "wow, isn't this car great?" I recommend it highly!
Worst nighmare please read!
Bought the 03 Mercedes c230k sport sedan from dealership used with just over 50,000 miles. Had problems after two weeks and never quit. Engine dying, chugging, losing power 4 different times in less than a year, all suspension replaced, two rims bent, rough ride severe right pulling, sunroof broke, rear defroster didn't work, multiple check engine lights, transmission stuck or thumped occasionally, many sensors replaced. And there's still more! Had the car less than a year and went from 50-60k miles and dozens of problems and thousands and thousands in repairs. Will never get a Mercedes again! If you are thinking of getting this car please don't do it! I now have a Toyota and couldn't be happier.
Worst Car Ever
I am 63 years old. I've driven hundreds of cars and worked as a race car engineer, and also worked at dealerships and never, never in all that time have I come across a car with so many design faults and poor quality components. The many forums tell the story. Bottom line is that Mercedes tried to reinvent the wheel at every phase of the design in general, but especially with the electrics. The SAM system is a joke. The seat adjusting components, another joke. In fact any of the electrical systems not associated with the engine (except the stupid oil level sensor instead of dipstick!) are a joke. I would love to meet the chief electronics design engineer of these vehicles. Update: They get worse with age, Mercedes should be forced to buy them all back. (Rear view mirror fell to pieces, dash display disappeared, speedo and RPM gauges showed 6000 rpm and 120 mph while sitting in traffic, high beam stopped working, window washer stopped working, turn signals do not stay on, hazard signal stopped working etc. etc!)
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Little Benny Coup
One owner, 40 k miles, has never been in the shop except for scheduled maintenance. Not too many of the V-6 coupes imported, hard to find in USA. Fast, fun to drive and gets great gas mileage.
It's ok, but a MERCEDEZ should be great.
It's nice. It's cheap (it is not as expensive as people think), yet you get the prestige of driving a mercedez. It has cool features, tele aid, memory seats, fuel economy, interior qualities and the sound system. However, have had some problems. ABS and ESP lights turn on constantly. Friends of mine with similar models have the same problems. Mercedez has not admitted the problem, but I think there could be a recall eventually, because of the reoccurrence. It has occasional braking noise. Not a problem just not smooth.
amazing car, completley satisfied
my parents bought the car back in march for my for my 16th bday (driving age in fl is 16) and i'd have to say i'm completely satisfied with it. yeah i'm probably a baby compared to most people on this site, but i still think my input couldn't hurt. the car runs great, i love hearing the engine roar from 4000 to 5000 rpms every so often, and i get lots of looks in it haha. i can definitely tell the difference between the 230 and 320 models, the v6 improves performance like no other - it's a little rocket! i'd recommend it to anyone looking for a great car in this price range - i chose it over the audi a4, lexus IS300, and bmw 325i.
The Enthusiast C320 Coupe Fan
I traded in my 2001 BMW 325i & 2002 C230 coupe for the new 2003 C320 coupe in 1/2003. I went in HOI in 1/2003 to check out the new C320 coupe. When I saw the xenon headlight & the 17 in wheel, I fell in love! After test driving the vehicle, I bought the car the next day.
Super Fun Car!
I have really enjoyed driving this car. My only issue with M-B is the options packages. They make it too hard to get what you want. I initially had a problem with the memory seats but after 2 trips to the dealer it was fixed. I would recommend this car to anyone looking for a great drive with lots of WOW factor!
Great Car all around!!!
Great Car.Very comfortable(might be a little tight in the back seat).Engine could use a little more kick.Seats are very comfortable and sound is very good (I didnt get bose because there wasnt much of a difference.Stock system is made by Alpine.Good enough for me).Overall a good buy,many features,handles the road great,and very luxury!!This cars great!!!
Seduced by the shining star
My wife thinks this car is beautiful and loves it because of that. I can only see the horrible reliability, expensive purchase price, and the crippling maintenance costs. Recently had an alternator go bad at 68K for a $900 surprise. No power, mushy ride, cheap stereo where 2 of 4 speakers don't work. Very high TCO in both money and frustration. Even the salesman admitted the C240 line had major quality problems and offered to sell us a newer model. No thanks!
Sharp,comfortable luxury car
After about 50,000 miles, i still enjoy to drive the C240 everyday to work. It has never stranded me, and is a comfortable highway cruiser with decent gas mileage getting about 28mpg highway, though with just 168hp, I thought it would be better. I maintain it well and the interior and exterior look like the day I bought it. The car has been to the dealership though about 8 unscheduled times for various issues such as both catalytic converters failing, speaker failure, headlight assembly failure and battery dying without any warning. Still, all covered under warranty.
Mercedes should recall the door handles
I have owned this sporty Mercedes C 240 for going on 3 years. It's my 5th Mercedes, but I got to tell you, the Daimler folks really screwed up on the interior door handle design, as all four have broken off, actually broken off!? The problem is that they connect to the side airbag system so you can't just glue them back. I would expect more from Mercedes-Benz, this isn't a Honda or a Chevy, this is a Mercedes. The car runs fine, although the over usage of plastic on the under carriage is a bit nutty. Also, the factory didn't even put an oil dipstick? I bought a Jaguar X-Type since, now I am happy.
Watch out! Benz not what marketed...
I purchased this car used for 15,500 in Feb. 2007 with only 40,000 miles on it. It handled well but sucks gas like you cant believe. It doesn't help that every trip to the station requires 93 octane either. Regardless, 13,000 miles later (3000 off warantee) one morning, a complete suprise, the engine begins to shake. I take it to get the oil changed only to have the entire car give out 30 mins later. I had it towed to the dealership to find out that 2 pistons were bent 5' totaling a bill of 4800.00 dollars. This isn't the first time I've heard of this happening since I bought the car. Maybe thats why they stopped making this model?? left me with 8000 neg. equity for my next car. Thnks benz
Disappointed
Just got rid of this after 2 years. Soon after buying, back of the passenger seat fell-off, then, the engine's serpentine belt fell-off & left me w/o power steering & in serious danger of overheating. Then the interior door handle of the driver's-side door broke off, then the driver's cup-holder broke. Round logo inserts in center of wheels fell off. Right driver arm-rest/storage lid gets sticky & attracts a layer of grime. The interior door handles made of malleable plastic discolor & become mismatched with the rest of the arm-rest assembly & scratches and looks terrible. Then, I discovered RUST on all door bottoms & above the license plate. Then the a/c dampers began to malfunction.
Almost a 10
Had the car for over a year. Been a joy to drive. Have enjoyed driving car everyday. A tremendous amount of comfort & safety features for the price. A little weak in the performance department but adaquate. Full power seats should be std. & not a $1200 package upgrade. Also, cupholder is a Rube Goldberg experiment. Feel sorry for the poor soul that paid close to sticker price. I get a tremendous discount by working for Daimlier but was almost insulted by the trade-in value. Plan to keep this car a while!!
It saved my life
We purchased our c320 used with under 60.000 miles on it. I could have had a new Corola but why when for less money I could drive the cute little Benz? After nearly 2 years of ownership I was struck in the driver's side door by a truck. I was nearly sitting still at the time but he was going at least 35 mph. I was rushed to a local trauma center, with the damage the car took officials feared I wouldn't service. The airbags deployed, the door was pushed in about a foot but I left the hospital the same day with only a broken arm. The safety rating is accurate, now I'm a devoted Mercedez driver.
This is a Mercedes engine in a Chrysler
Ever since Mercedes and Chrysler merged, the quality of Mercedes has dropped. This car can hit 150MPH (track) without tossing and turning. Acceleration is excellent. Fuel economy is amazing, even when driving city very fast, I average 17mpg or even 19mpg. The downside is the interior - cheap nasty plastic(of American design). No more German luxury. You dont realize it because you are excited about your new 'Benz'. After a few days you start to realize that this is not a Benz. A bBenz is about luxury. If you can't enjoy your Benz and show off to your friends, then what good is it? Exterior design is beautiful. Interior is terrible. Parts are ridiculously expensive. And they wear so fast and break
Drives nice but...
Purchased this car in 2005 with only 9000 miles, luckily under warranty. Car is nice to drive but has had a lot of electrical issues. Tranny leaked but had a recall on that and so far so good on that issue. The problematic electrical seems to be ongoing though, now at 40K miles the moonroof switch does not work all the time. Probs with electrical have been: Cig lighter failed (dealer said from plugging in cell phone?) told me to use the one in the back..convenient!; front headbeam would work sometimes when it wanted to, now taillight is out; drivers headrest failed. Non-elec quality- back seat cover seam tear fixed 3X (still torn); carpet on floor came apart; both front struts blown at 20K
Great Car!
Wolf is sheeps clothing is how I would describe this car. Interior and gas mileage are the only non-perfect things on this car. Interior needs in -dash CD player some of the controls are overly complicated with no apperent reason but the interior is still very nice compared to Acura or BMW. Gas mileage is just a result of being able to go as fast as most Corvettes and the goverened top speed is easily attained. If you have a family and want to have the ultimate car experience and can't afford a Merecedes Benz CLS AMG then this is your car.
If Mercedes Benz built a Mustang
If Mercedes Benz built a Mustang; this would be it. I have had my C320 coupe for almost 3 years and a little over 30K miles. It is one of the rare ones equipped with short throw a six speed manual. (Less than 50 C320s with manuals where imported from Germany). The car continues to make me smile everytime I drive it. The acceleration is impressive, the handling tight and the fuel economy, surprisingly good. There will never be a Mercedes quite like this one in the US again; too bad. I've heard that the C350 version in Europe (278HP) can do 0-60 in 5.4 sec.
German Luxury?
This car has been nothing but trouble. New torque converter, transmission service twice, new radiatior, seatbelt retractor, cam sensor, ecu unit, wiper motor, wiper control stalk and unit, valve rollers and sensor again, power window and lock control unit, a/c control unit, shift program controller, hard shift and grinding sound three times-ended up being upgraded spec auto transmission fluid.
Good times don't last.
This was my first car. I'm in high school and even though I'm young I love and research cars nonstop. I have had my c230 coupe since 9/06 and it was my dream car until about a month ago. My sunroof cable broke and that was the only part that the extended warranty didnt cover. Less than a week later, my engine started shaking and the check engine came on. Took it in and there is a flaw with Mercedes and something in the cylinders can get stuck open and dont bet on your insurance/warranty place to cover anything. Cost for new cylinder: $5000. Too much maintainance, in shop too much, need a more reliable car so I'm selling. Overall, I love the car to death but not worth the time in the shop and hassle.
Great Value
We looked at lots of competitors before we went with the 320 2dr coupe and feel great about the decision. This is a great value. Quiet, smooth, powerful ride and above average interior. The 320 has a lot more pep than the 230.
This is one terrific car!
Purchased in August 2003. Previously owned a 2000 Audi A6 and never thought I'd find a car with a better ride and handling, but the C240 4Matic wagon fit the bill quite nicely. Great styling, comfortable interior and QUIET! Fantastic handling and control.
Still Love it
This car is still a blast to drive. The fuel economy is good for the power available, but it depends on how you drive it. When you want the performance it is there, when you don't it is a fuel sipping V6. I considered getting a new car, but why, this car is still amazing. Every time I hit the gas from a stop a smile comes over my face. I had a couple of minor electrical issues that occurred just before the car was out of warranty (6 disk cd changer stopped working, drivers heated seat didn't heat, and the visor vanity mirror light would come on when the visor was lowered because the mirror cover would open slightly). The dealer took care of them and The car has been very reliable since.
2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 - Odd butt, but I love it
I've owned my 2003 Mercedes-Benz C320 for almost two years and 7,000 miles without any no problems. I love it, and my wife has to tear the keys out my hands every couple weeks to borrow it for the day. It still feels new, looks new, and drives like it cost twice the money. If I could only find an AMG motor and brakes to drop into it...
This our second M-B
We traded in our 1999 C280 - Loved that car! This 2003 C240 4Matic is amazing. There are many improvements over the '99 M-B. It is very quiet and smooth on the freeway. Power is adequate for me. Sound system is good. Like the CD changer in the glove box. Heated seats are great. Love the ability to read functions on the dash area, is a big improvement with the much brighter readability. Love the rear window blind feature.
Mercedes C230 Coupe
This is a great car, even though that it is the cheapest Mercedes sold. It's a fun car to drive and still has all of the safety features expected from a Mercedes. The leather makes a huge difference over the cloth and gives the car that luxury feel. Panorama sunroof makes the ride enjoyable for rear seat passengers and there is enough room in the back for full sized adults. Overall, an excellent car.
Best car I've ever owned!
This car does everything well! Unparalled safety, even when compard to new cars today, great performance (I live at 9,000 ft. elevation in Colorado and run at 75-90 mph in the mountains between Denver and Breckenridge easily). It gets 27.5 mpg average hwy. if I hold it to 70. With 73,000 miles, total maintenance expense, other than tires, has been under $800. Oil changes are every 13,000 miles and it never uses a drop in between. No repair costs have been incurred in 6 years. Only one warranty claim was experienced 3 years ago for a slight transmisson fluid leak in -15 degree and below weather (a brittle o-ring). Having owned over 60 cars over the past 40 years, this is by far the best
Great AWD Wagon
I live in rural area; moderate to heavy snow; steep hills. Car performs beautifully in winter conditions. On highway, it feels like a larger and heavier car, although it is slightly smaller and lighter than my previous car.
Great entry level Mercedes
I'm pleased with my purchase. The cost for maintenance and repairs are the worst aspect of this vehicle. When it is time to do brake work, be prepared to drop $1,000. Mercedes is the only one who can get the specialized soft brake pads with the specialized coating. It handles exceptional for a 4-cylinder vehicle. It can turn on a dime and has uncharacteristically fast acceleration for a small car. Great car for a first Mercedes or for a hand-me-down to a teenager.
Great Car
Bought vehicle for around town transportation for one person. Is great for this. Have taken it cross country. Performed very well. Suprisingly solid, quiet and smooth at highway speeds.Have had no repairs. Has good acceleration and gets wonderful gas mileage i.e. 29 MPG @ 80 MPH.
Nice Car
I used to own an Acura 3.2TL. My C is smaller, but feels more solid than the Acura and handles much, much better. The fuel economy could be better. The engine is powerful, but could stand a few more ponies. I have driven this through a blinding snow storm and can say that the AWD worked like a dream. The car handled beautifully. Contrary to another review, this car is easy to park and handles very well at all speeds. It came down to a choice between the BMW 330ix and the C320 4Matic. The BMW drove better, but only marginally. Finally, the BMW could not compare in terms of luxury i.e. dual climate, seats, other features.
Not worth the money!
It's $22000.00 car and not $34,000.00!! Very disapointed for what you get for the money, thinking about trading it for BMW.
Rating the C240
We bought our C240 preowned back in Dec 07. So far, there have been several issues. Cup holder had to be replaced as well as both rear door outside handles. Now there is an issue with catalytic converter. Dealer says it may be defective. Car had 24K miles when we bought it. Now has 28K miles. Love the way the car looks and interior, but not sure about quality. Gas mileage not that great either. We traded in a 99 230 compressor which was a better overall car. Not sure if we would buy Merc Benz again.
very unique automobile
I bought the car about 7 weeks ago and absolutely love this vehicle. Not many vehicles impress me since I work in the automobile collision industry- but this one does. Sold a Lexus Is300 for this vehicle and I'm glad I did. Don't get me wrong, the lexus has a bit better quality control than the Benz but there is just something about German cars that make them so much more enjoyable to drive. This car feels as if it was chiseled out of stone. Fit and finish is typically German and everywhere I go, people look at me like with wonder, bewilderment and then envy for having such a nice vehicle at the ripe old age of 29.
Love this little car!
Recently purchased this car for commute to and from work. Averaging 25 mpg, over 30 on the freeway! The car is sporty but not overly flashy, and is a lot of fun to drive. It is our second MB, and now I wonder why we ever drove anything else. It is a much stiffer ride than most MBs, but that just adds to the sporty feel of it. Bigger back seat than you would think for the size of the car, and the seats fold down so you can fit a surprising amount of cargo when necessary. This car is destined to be passed to our oldest when she begins driving.
Honest C230 Coupe Review
I have had this car for over 4 years now and still looks sharp. Paint has held up well and even where I have chips/scrapes very little rust. Excellent gas mileage (28+) for such a sporty car. Good performance and still feels 'solid' (no flex or gives) just like when I bought it. Very comfortable for a small car as long as you are not too tall in back seat. Trunk room is average for small car. Would get higher ratings but it's a horrible car in the snow. I got stuck once on flat driveway <1" snow. With all season tires still bad in snow. Also, car is very tough on tires, wearing them quickly. Car was in shop 4 times (fortunately under warranty) for computer and sensor prob.
Spend more up and get a bigger Mercedes
I had this as my first car. The car is very attractive. I have had numerous problems such as, alternator, batteries, serpentine belt. I would also note that I upgraded the drive train, supercharger belt, and the exhaust. This improved the gas mileage on the highway to 33-35. I would also like to note the faux leather placed on knobs and buttons have begun to fall apart. Outside of that the car is cool, also all of mercedeces cars during this time had trouble with fiberoptics, which were just being introduced. This could explain the "ghost" that seems to plague most mercedes of the early 2000's. I would recommend buying domestic because they are cheaper to repair