15th Sep 2006, 00:52

I currently own a 2004.5 C320 Sport. I would like to say that yes, there are a couple of problems here and there that are electrical, but I have driving all those G35, 350Z, TL cars, and none of them impress me as much as my Benz. As far as the engine goes, it has a bunch of torque and plenty of horse power to jump onto the freeway with ease. The car is solid and very reliable as far as I am concerned. It truly is a Benz.

15th Sep 2006, 02:52

I just bought a 2002 C320 on the 12th and have had no problems with it so far. I bought it from Carmax for around $22,000.00 and bought the 4 year warranty on it. The car had 35,000 or so miles on it and looks like it's in great shape. I don't know why I didn't do it before I bought the car, but I did most of my thorough researching the last few days after I bought the car. Unfortunately, I am reading nothing, but negative reviews for all the C Class models in the 2001-2005 range and it's starting to make me nervous. Review after review complains about electrical problems that affect not just one or two isolated parts of the car, but a whole myriad of parts that are connected to the car's electronics. In the few days I've had this car, it drives great and has not given me any problems. Carmax did a thorough inspection and replaced all sensors and such... but these reviews have me worried. I am really hoping that I don't have to excercise my warranty... but if I do, I'll post here and let you guys know.

2nd Oct 2006, 10:02

I bought my 2002 C320 back in May 2005 for $21,000 with 41,000 miles – it was a one owner lease car. Both my wife and I LOVE the car – we have not been disappointed. While the car was still under the 50,000 mile warranty, we did take the car in for the following problems: Rear window shade stopped working (replaced), my second electronic key stopped working (replaced), rattle sound under the shifter (heat shroud was warped), shifter trim ring was loose (replaced), scheduled maintenance (oil, filters, etc). Under the 50,000 mile warranty, everything was free, even standard maintenance – I'll miss that aspect the first time I have to take it in now that I’ve passed 50,000 miles.

The car automatically determines when its time for your oil change according to your driving habits. Although the manual lists 10,000 files as normal range, I'm now at 18,000 and the computer is telling me I have another 600 miles for my next service. I think I've fallen in love with synthetic oil.

The car has the NAVCOM system. I was able to find an updated navigation CD for my area on eBay for $8.00 – buying an updated one from MB would have cost me $125 for 1 CD – I don’t need the other 9.

There are more gadgets on this car than you can shake a stick at – you really have to read the manual to find them all. The only things I don't have on this car (that we have on our Explorer Limited) that I wish I had are the backup sensors and the tire pressure monitors. Oh, and a pass-thru between the trunk and passenger compartment would have been handy 2 weeks ago for a patio umbrella I had to pick up.

I currently have one error message – "left brake bulb is out – substitute bulb in use"… how many cars will do that for you? I'll pick up some extra bulbs this weekend and change that out.

Negatives?... well, having to use premium gasoline when gas prices were above $3.00 a gallon wasn't any fun. I drive about 50/50 between city and highway and average about 22.5 miles per gallon. And, I wish the integrated phone system wasn't limited to such a small number of phones. I'm not going to switch my cell phone to one of their approved phones just so I can use the system.

Yes, I've done research and found sites where some owners were complaining about their cars, but I've only had minor problems and the level of service at the dealer was the best I've ever experienced.

14th Dec 2006, 12:18

We leased a new C230 Kompressor sedan back in 2003. We have about 40,000 miles on it right now. As far as looks and performance, this car has it all. To this day I still glance back at it when we park her.

Reliability, small complaints, and road noise, is a totally different story.

1. Lost all the steering wheel button functions twice so far. It took the dealer a whole month to get the parts in, and complete the repairs the first time, 2 weeks the second.

2. Brakes go out with less than 20,000 miles and it's not due to driving habits.

3. Lost the digital gauge (s) 'read out' once.

Road noise is absolutely horrendous. The tires that came with the car, 'howl' and 'growl' constantly. At low speeds it was terrible. Took the car back to the dealer and received no satisfaction at all. We opted to wear out the tires instead of spending the bucks to replace them prematurely. Not being an expert, I believe there is also road noise transmitting from the suspension system as well.

The interior is very well done with a combination of cloth and vinyl appointments, unfortunately they put cloth at the kick panel just in front of where the doors open. Every time you get out, your foot hits this panel and leaves black marks that have to be steam cleaned.

We have had zero problems with the drive train and it is a kick to drive the car.

21st Jan 2007, 23:54

I have had the 2002 C320 only a short time, but have driven the previous model (year 2000) C230 Kompressor for a few years before this one. I'm very much impressed with the C-Class. The C230 Kompressor was a great combination of sufficient power and good gas mileage. (Note: the C230 Kompressor from 2002 onwards is not the same engine. It is actually a 1.8L, not 2.3 liter, and thus has somewhat less power).

This C320 has very good power - 0-to-60 in 7.1 seconds I'm told. The gas mileage is lower however. I get about 23-24 MPG. The best thing about the car though is that it is much better handling, quieter and smoother. The interior design is more modern and luxurious - even though I liked the previous model's more classic interior design just fine.

I think you can get a little more for your money with couple of the finer Japanese cars - such as the Acura TL. And the Mercedes will probably give you a few repair issues to deal with. But the Japanese car is NOT going to have the panache of the Mercedes. This you can be sure of.

I'm happy with this car. Looks great - inside and out. Great combination of power, handling, comfort and gas mileage.

18th Mar 2007, 13:33

Panache is over rated, realibality is more important, to be rich and not have anyone know is my goal, quiet money, my business is just that, why would someone want to make them selves a target? Tell the whole world "look at me " almost all of the Porsche's, M.B., Ferrari's etc never make it to 65 MPH in the first place so my Toyota is perfect for me. Some of the richest people in America will never say so.

19th Mar 2007, 08:57

Many Americans have very low self esteem and therefore have to fill that void by telling people how rich they are (or think they are). It is very typical of new money, and is personified by rappers, sports stars, and anyone on MTV.

That said, the Mercedes C Class is actually quite subtle and doesn't "scream money" the way a Hummer H2 or Ferrari would.

20th Jul 2007, 11:52

Regarding the use of premium fuel: I started putting regular unleaded (87 octane) in my '98 C280 probably five years ago. The car has never missed a beat and the only time you'll EVER know the difference is if you drive it like a sports car and really run the revs up. Otherwise, you're just burning a lot of money for no reason, in my opinion.

20th Jun 2008, 15:13

How come no one mentions the use of gas on C320 or C230? I have a 02 C320 and it is horrible on gas, I barely drive it (like 25 minutes per day, and very very slow acceleration), and I still have to fill it up in 1 and half week (expensive)

BUT on the highway it seems so much easier on gas.