1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class C230 Sport Kompressor 2.3 supercharged 4 from UK and Ireland
Summary:
A good car, but a bad Mercedes
Faults:
Numerous dashboard creaks.
Failed electric window.
Glove compartment catch broke.
Auto box ECU replaced under warranty.
General Comments:
If this were a Ford or Vauxhall it would be acceptable. It goes well, is comfortable and quite well equipped. What it isn't is especially well built or particularly refined - the two key things which I would expect from a prestige brand like Mercedes.
The supercharged engine delivers the goods but is very rough and noisy when worked hard. It's not a pleasant noise either - just a coarse, featureless thrash, although to be fair the engine has been faultless. The auto box is the exact opposite - lovely to use but a bit temperamental, the ECU had to be replaced when it kept refusing to engage Drive.
The Sport suspension sharpens the C Class up nicely, and the car can be quite good fun to hustle along, although the traction control intrudes early on to slap you on the wrist if you're being naughty. The steering is very light, but has reasonable feel, and the brakes are strong.
The single real disappointment is the quality. You don't expect things like failed electric windows, dash creaks and broken glovebox catches on a main dealer serviced prestige car which has done only 47,000 miles.
This is a really good car which has a lot to like about it, but the bottom line is that it's not worthy of the image or the price that the Mercedes badge commands. My previous Rover 623 was just as well made, and had a more pleasant engine to boot.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know
Review Date: 21st September, 2001
8th Sep 2002, 09:29
I have a C250TD, 1997. The metallic paintwork is appalling, it is subject to stone chip damage on all the frontal areas. Additionally, the paint is so pitifully thin that scratches are induced with ease.
The interior trim is cheap & certainly not up to past M-B standards.
The alarm system electronics are over sensitive.
Unless the key is withdrawn very slowly after ignition shutdown, the central locking does not operate.
Wheel lacquer has failed in places with onset alloy wheel corrosion.
Door lock mechanism has corroded on 3 doors.
Engineering quality on the engine & mechanical components is excellent. Diesel MPG is very good. The ride is comfortable, but soggy on the Elegance. ASR is effective & ESP is very useful in marginal conditions.
The car has completed 50k miles, the engine prognosis is good, but systems controlled by electronics are not.
Not up to 190E standard.
Herbert Smith.
1st Aug 2002, 12:25
My 1999 C230 has 83000 miles on it and has not experienced any problems. We have been very well pleased with performance, service, and price.