Mercedes - Owner Opinions

[JHarris1385]

Well it looks like my wife and I are needing a newer car, and we both happen to like the Mercedes C230 Kompressor Sport

One in particular is a 2005
They are a 1.8L Kompressed engine at roughly 23city v 32hwy mpg
(one big reason we like this model over others)

My question is: Since I value the opinions of members here, especially current or past owners (of MB), how do you feel about the reliability of Mercedes and price of potential maintenance?

Please don't post anything biased if say you only like Audi or Lexus.

Thanks.

[Vendetta]

You'll like it. It's supercharged.
-V

[JHarris1385]

Test drove one tonight.

Loved it, just don't care for the horror maintenance price stories I have already heard.

Wanted to see if anyone here has truly had issues. I plan to do as much as possible myself.

[RickOKC]

I sent an email to my bro-in-law who owns an import repair business. I'll relay his opinion once he writes back.

[JHarris1385]

Thanks a lot!

Right now it is between:

2005 C230 Kompresser Sport (rear drive)

2007 C280 3.0L 4Matic
(have not seen this one in person yet, but is is actually cheaper, with only 7k more miles)

[Ldub]

Please don't post anything biased if say you only like Audi or Lexus.

Thanks.

I like Isuzus...:smilewink

[VXD959]

My wife actually owns a 2007 C280. We got it with 42K miles on the clock a couple of years ago. It now has 75K miles and we haven't had any issues with it. We have a good mechanic that charges a lot less than the stealership (in my opinion this is the key to save some $$). He does all the maintenance / service on the car - and expenses are pretty much in line with other cars I have owned.

I'm 6 ft tall and find the car small for my taste. But it is a great ride, very comfortable and smooth. My wife and I test drove a 2011 C300 and she said that she would not trade the C280 for that as the C280 drives better. And I agree 100%.

The kompressor is sportier if that is what you are looking for. But I have not test driven one of them. I like the looks better though.

Just make sure a mechanic inspects the car before buying it. And for a better ride, buy a set of brand new tires (we replaced the stock tires with Yokohamas 215/55/16 and it drives like a dream!).

[JHarris1385]

Ldub - Not falling for it, don't believe you one bit.

VXD - Thank you for that info. The looks are very different. This would be replacing an 06 Scion Tc, and the C230 actually decreases the insurance while the 2007 only increases by $10 a year. I expected different. The main reason I like the 2007 is the 4Matic versus rear 230, plus the better mpg. We need to keep at least one that gets decent mileage in our driveway!

The 230 will have 4 new tires put on tomorrow before I make my decision - I put a refundable down payment on it tonight, to take it off the market and to be able to go home and make sure it was the right decision. The tires are 225/45-17 front and 245/40-17 rear

[JHarris1385]

Wife just insisted that I mention that this will be the baby mover, we are expecting our first in May and that she hopes its kiddy approved.

[VXorado]

My parents have a 2005 C320 4matic & its great. I drove it last weekend and it was so smooth, powerful, comfortable and fun. They've had it for years and haven't had any issues. Last year, my parents had a tire blowout on the interstate and the traction control kept the car completely under control while my dad slowed the car down to pulled over.

They'll be getting a new Merc soon and told me I can buy it off them for the trade in value which should be under $10K :)

[89Vette]

Does 4Matic mean AWD?

I always wondered why Mercedes seemingly advertised a 4-spd automatic. I thought to myself (more than once), "That's so 1980s!"

:p

BTW...there's a 2002 ML320 nearby for sale. 96xxx miles. Says it gets 22/28 mpg. It's their small 4x4. If I (myself) haven't also been concerned about maintenance costs for BMW/Mercedes, I might have bought a "high" mileage unit by now. Maybe I show buy this and let the VX go?!?! The price isn't too far off the value of the VX.

After all, VX or Mercedes?

;)

[Mile High VX]

.

After all, VX or Mercedes?

;)

Is that even a real question...VX of course!

[vt_maverick]

Wife just insisted that I mention that this will be the baby mover, we are expecting our first in May and that she hopes its kiddy approved.

I assume you're looking at four door models then?

[JHarris1385]

Yes this C230 isn't the coupe, it is slightly a rarer four door model Sport edition. Take a 4 door C280, add the lower bumper, side skirts, and wider wheel fenders and you have the body of the C230 Sport K

[vt_maverick]

Okay, just wanted to make sure you weren't planning to try and put a newborn into a rear-facing seat in a 2-door. It's do-able in the VX because of the rear hatch, but damn near impossible in a 2-door car.

[JHarris1385]

I have run into the confusion of it being the little coupe a couple of times already and I haven't even brought it home yet.

Its in the service center right now getting new tires and a detail.

[circmand]

That gives vehicle repair and maintaince cost. Mercedes makes great vehicles ( I have never owned one) but I hear horror stories about costs of repair and Maintainance.

[JHarris1385]

Bought the C230 Kompressor Sport.

Also had them repair or replace:
All tires
Brakes
console

And the kicker - 5 year maintenance package plus theft protection.

[VXorado]

Bought the C230 Kompressor Sport.

Also had them repair or replace:
All tires
Brakes
console

And the kicker - 5 year maintenance package plus theft protection.

Congrats :jump:

Lets see some pics!!!

[RickOKC]

I'm late (as usual) but it sounds like you bought a good one. :) My bro-in-law didn't report anything unusual that would put it on the "avoid" list.

CONGRATS! (I had to look it up, wow, those are some good-lookin' cars!)

[JHarris1385]

Thanks can't wait to bring it home.

I had the choice of driving it home today but then bringing it back Friday a.m. to have the console lid replaced. I decided to just let them have till then, so when I pick it up it is good to go.

The maintenance package was key to me. I don't and wouldn't mind changing the oil but knowing those and the MB required maintenances are included now, sent me home a little happier.

[WormGod]

I spoke to my 2 buddies last night who are Merc techs. The cliffs notes of that conversation are as follows:

Avoid it with your life.

Oh man, what a piece of !@#$.

Hope I never have to work on another one.

Poor man's wheelbarrow. (this one had me on the floor)

I would just get a Corolla.

You mean there is still one running somewhere?

It went on and on, but I think their general consensus was, they suck. But, since it sounds like you jumped on it, good luck I guess.

I have my eye on the C250 Sport. Nothing to call home to mom about, but there is just something charming, sporty, and affordable about them.

[JHarris1385]

If I already bought it, was the negativity needed?

I spoke with local non-dealership Benz mechs, they said 2006-2009 can be terrible due to the Daimler Chrysler joint. And it is these that are being bought at a more rapid rate due to their more recent affordability. Thus the reasoning behind the "horror" repair stories.

And that info played into the fact that the 2007 4matic (which I heard is crap) was cheaper than the 2005.

He said for the most part 2005 and older are built from a solid piece of granite. And the only major thing I may have to look forward to, is a supercharger rebuild, otherwise it should hit 300K.

I had a 190E in high school that had 238,000 on the clock.

[WormGod]

If I already bought it, was the negativity needed?

You asked for opinions, I just gave you valid opinions from "Mercedes" techs.

[JHarris1385]

Without a doubt better left unsaid.

Much like commenting on your STI purchase and saying how much your model sucks after the fact of the purchase, and then wishing you luck. Decent pissing on parade technique.

Nothing gained.

Oh well, hopefully my detailed opinions were more factual.

[vt_maverick]

If I already bought it, was the negativity needed?


Perhaps. I can't speak for your state, but in Virginia there's a 3-day buyer remorse law that allows you to return the car and get 100% of your money back, as long as the car is in the same condition as you bought it (there are stipulations for mileage I believe). I imagine WG doesn't know the laws of your state either, so probably better to contribute and have you ignore it than to not say anything and (potentially) cost you the opportunity to change your mind.

Re-reading this thread from the beginning it really sounds more like you were looking for affirmation of the decision you had already more or less made. Just my $.02.

[JHarris1385]

More or less looking for particulars if possible, not garbage opinions that did not point to a particular problem or model. It would have been much different, if it was, stay away from this engine, look out for this year etc. That is typically the info you acquire when asking such questions, including overall reliability - which I assume those would fall under.

Like I have been told, the Daimler Chrysler Benz are the ones to stay away from, from my VIN, I have succeeded.

I assume I should have updated this thread and stated, info was acquired elsewhere but valuable opinions are still welcomed here. Obviously, opinions with like I said no particulars wouldn't/shouldn't change a decision.

[VXorado]

More or less looking for particulars if possible, not garbage opinions that did not point to a particular problem or model. It would have been much different, if it was, stay away from this engine, look out for this year etc. That is typically the info you acquire when asking such questions, including overall reliability - which I assume those would fall under.

Like I have been told, the Daimler Chrysler Benz are the ones to stay away from, from my VIN, I have succeeded.

I assume I should have updated this thread and stated, info was acquired elsewhere but valuable opinions are still welcomed here. Obviously, opinions with like I said no particulars wouldn't/shouldn't change a decision.

...and I can say the Merc I've driven of the same model & year (just different engine) has been flawless. You should be good with your new ride :thumbup:

Although I still want to se some pics or it didn't happen. :p

[VXD959]

Congrats! You will not regret it! As I said, we haven't had a problem with our C280. Mercs are made to last and are very safe.

In reference to the "2 Merc buddies"...The fact that they said "I would just get a Corolla" desqualify them from life.

Enjoy your new Merc! And please send pics!!

[WormGod]

When I ask for opinions, I am fully prepared for the critique. I guess that just means I am ready, willing, and mature enough to accept the onslaught of various "opinions" that I asked for. Rethink your title next time. I had not read through the plethora of posts following to the point to where you had actually already bought it. This information was not known to me by my post time. In the future, I will read on before commenting when asked for opinions before posting, though, probably best left alone if it is you asking for what you only want to hear.

Sorry if you feel offended, it was not the intention, but at the same time, I do not apologize for jumping on the bandwagon of yay-sayers. Do enjoy your new car. I certainly hope it provides you with all that you are looking for.

For the record, I am always told my car(s) are garbage. Funny thing is, I smile and I don't cry about it....

[JHarris1385]

Its great so far, member of bezworld.org now.

Like I said, those were opinions that did not come close to pinpointing a particular issue. There was no mentioning of years to avoid or potential failure of certain parts. Posting after the purchase, with zero facts, obviously was the reason for the response to the nonsense, and you know that.

Trust me, I have 5 cars in the driveway, I have had heard critques. Not my first rodeo nor MB.

[WormGod]

Understood J, and as I said before, apologies. Was never my intention to offend and it's ridiculous for us to argue over it since it's said and done (and cause it just useless on the web!). I won't make excuses for myself concerning it anymore.

http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2010/8/14/eaa76fd2-dfb1-40d0-a70b-47320b3b863e.jpg

Let's turn the page. And feel free to take the liberty to make fun of my "white" shifter boots (even though they are gray). :p

[Osteomata]

Jesus sensitive much? I would offer some specific critique but wouldn't want anyone to get their feelings hurt. Should have bought an Audi or Lexus.

[vt_maverick]

Jesus sensitive much? I would offer some specific critique but wouldn't want anyone to get their feelings hurt. Should have bought an Audi or Lexus.


Please don't post anything biased if say you only like Audi or Lexus.

Lol...