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The W204 C-class is a massive improvement over the previous generation. It's probably the saner way to spend that kind of money on a used Mercedes. You really need to take it for a test drive to judge it though, a lot of people hate how it handles.
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Feb 29, 2012 20:06
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The Third Man posted:I think the general consensus is stay away from the mid-ninties up to around 2002-03 I want to say? I actually wouldn't got that far. The w203 was still a tremendous pile of poo poo and that was available until 2007. The jury is still out on the w204 in terms of reliability. Even the much improved W220 S-class (available through 2005)can encounter some very costly maintenance bills. A single air shock was more than $1000 last time I checked. Personally, I wouldn't recommend any modern MB product outside of one with warranty period.
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Feb 29, 2012 21:45
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The W210 was fantastic to drive, though. Just horrible to keep running.
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Feb 29, 2012 22:00
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It's quite telling that recently I've seen more W123's on the road than W210's, and every one looked & sounded about 5 minutes from death. A ton of people at work have W204's as company cars and I've not heard any horror stories, but it might be that they get serviced religiously and that's upping the perceived reliability.
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Feb 29, 2012 22:12
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I think the W204 is a solid car. I did a ton of research before buying mine and I couldn't find anything which consistently goes wrong on them besides some ignition system related stuff. The only warranty work I ever got done was the replacement of a few specific motor mounts because it was vibrating at idle, but I drive like a crazy person and my previous car had similar issues.
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Feb 29, 2012 22:13
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Hughmoris posted:Can someone school me on used entry-level MB that can be had for a $15k - $20k budget? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to Mercedes and I need some ideas on what can be had for that price range, models to look at or stay away from etc. I am located in the Florida panhandle. Go to mypreownedmercedes.com and search in your price range for a certified pre-owned. For $20k there's quite a few options, so choose the style that is the best fit for you. I noticed a nice 2007 CLK 350 coupe for $21k that would probably be a great pick.
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Mar 1, 2012 00:16
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http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/2880928230.html Is this a good deal? If I take a look at this what should I be looking for?
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Mar 2, 2012 22:38
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rscott posted:http://wichita.craigslist.org/cto/2880928230.html The automatic transmission for sure. If it hesitates with gear changes or moving between Park and Reverse or Drive, walk away.
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Mar 3, 2012 01:17
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NOTinuyasha posted:I think the W204 is a solid car. I did a ton of research before buying mine and I couldn't find anything which consistently goes wrong on them besides some ignition system related stuff. The only warranty work I ever got done was the replacement of a few specific motor mounts because it was vibrating at idle, but I drive like a crazy person and my previous car had similar issues. I have the X204 and I'm happy. I'd agree, the ignition coils are the only common problem thus far (forum research). True Delta Reports shows good results too, for the GLK at least. Personally I've only had an issue with the nag screen going wacky. 36k miles thus far. All things considered, I'm leaning toward getting an extended warranty.
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Mar 3, 2012 03:14
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Hello, I hope this doesn't get me laughed out of the thread but here goes: I currently drive a 2004 well equipped Subaru Outback. It's my daily driver and hauls my dog, my bike and me up to the mountains on a frequent basis. What I need is a luxury vehicle that isn't a total dirt/hair/filth pit that I can take my wife out in. I am trying to weigh between a 2012 Chrysler 300c and a newer Mercedes C class. Can someone more knowledgeable than myself explain why one might be better than the other? I tried comparing them side by side and the 2012 300c came out ahead in terms of horsepower and luxury trimmings. Looking for any solid advice.
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Mar 3, 2012 20:31
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A mercedes is going to be better than a chrysler in ever conceivable metric, even a C class. Go sit and drive in both and you will understand.
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Mar 3, 2012 21:20
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The C-class is a sports sedan and the 300 is a luxury cruiser, there's a big weight and price difference between the two. Used 300s are much cheaper because all Daimler-era Chrysler products are poo poo, if you sit in one you'll find out why. The newer 300 dropped the gangsta looks but I still don't see any reason to go near it unless you're sixty or older.
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Mar 3, 2012 21:56
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This is basically the feedback I've gotten from every single person I've talked to about it. Nobody even cared about the SRT-8. I am going to go to a Merc dealership today and test drive something...not sure what! I'll report back!
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Mar 3, 2012 23:00
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Drive a 2012/2013 E550. $57k to start and a twin turbo V8. Judging by the buttometer, it's as fast if not faster than my E55 AMG with the supercharged V8.
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Mar 3, 2012 23:21
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Defghanistan posted:This is basically the feedback I've gotten from every single person I've talked to about it. Nobody even cared about the SRT-8. I am going to go to a Merc dealership today and test drive something...not sure what! Go for an E-Class if your looking for a cruiser that can be a little sporty on the side. That is why I like the 5 series, you can drive it comfortably down the road, but can push it into a twisty or two. Though I am having a soft spot for the new S class. Those cars just look fantastic.
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Mar 4, 2012 00:21
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Defghanistan posted:This is basically the feedback I've gotten from every single person I've talked to about it. Nobody even cared about the SRT-8. I am going to go to a Merc dealership today and test drive something...not sure what! You should just drive both. Or maybe a used E if it's in your price range. My sister's 2010 E350 is pretty spiffy. I love the limo-style lighting it has.
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Mar 4, 2012 02:50
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Hughmoris posted:Can someone school me on used entry-level MB that can be had for a $15k - $20k budget? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to Mercedes and I need some ideas on what can be had for that price range, models to look at or stay away from etc. I am located in the Florida panhandle. Comedy E55 option, with high miles you can find them under $20k. Random stuff will probably be broken, but the engine is pretty solid and drat quick. Wear items like brakes will not be cheap though.
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Mar 4, 2012 08:05
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REDjackeT posted:You should just drive both. Or maybe a used E if it's in your price range. My sister's 2010 E350 is pretty spiffy. I love the limo-style lighting it has. Well, I went to a few dealerships today. Went to a Volvo dealership for the wife to eyeball XC90's (wtf they stopped making a v8 option? 240 HP for that boat? No thanks!) and then went to the Chrysler dealership...so much for that thought! Car is way uglier in person than I thought it would be. Yuck. I had higher hopes. Lastly went to the Merc dealership (am I a douche for calling it a Merc? It just sounds so good to say). I test drove a 2012 turbo 4 c250 coupe and liked it quite a bit. Interior was fantastic and it drove well. Between the auto and the weird power band from the turbo the thing had these odd speed bursts that kept happening when I didn't expect them. I didn't test drive a C350 coupe at 300hp with the 6cyl but I am leaning towards that model. For just $5k more you get nearly 100hp while maintaining the same gas mileage. I have to say I'm pretty sold- I think I caught some sort of bug. We even went to a Rang Rover dealership afterwards and for the price they just didn't compare (we aren't planning on doing any off-roading, which is a lot of what you pay for I'm sure). I need to set new salary goals for myself so I can justify buying one of these things!
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Mar 5, 2012 05:11
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Defghanistan posted:am I a douche for calling it a Merc?
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Mar 5, 2012 05:32
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Defghanistan posted:We even went to a Rang Rover dealership afterwards and for the price they just didn't compare (we aren't planning on doing any off-roading, which is a lot of what you pay for I'm sure). Pretty much. I forgot about the turbo 4. Can't say I really think of such an engine when I think about mercs.
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Mar 5, 2012 08:28
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REDjackeT posted:Pretty much. I hadn't considered a turbo 4, but totally agree that when I think about a Merc I think about a big v8. It just seems...indecent do to it with anything less. Turns out however that to get into a big v8 it's going to cost a very handsome fortune, and I don't know if I can get the wife to buy off on that. It might have to be a 6 cyl c350 coupe for me! 300hp isn't bad for a car that size.
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Mar 5, 2012 16:30
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Go with a used CLS class and ride the wave of massive depreciation, questionable styling and reliability with V8 power!
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Mar 5, 2012 17:05
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I couldn't seem to find any...but...does anyone know of the existence of a 2012 c250 4cyl turbo stick shift? Because a manual version of that car would be very, very fun.
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Mar 5, 2012 17:22
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Defghanistan posted:I couldn't seem to find any...but...does anyone know of the existence of a 2012 c250 4cyl turbo stick shift? Because a manual version of that car would be very, very fun. You don't want a Mercedes manual. It is about as little fun as you could imagine. Regardless, I don't think they exist stateside. Also, the glib "the 300 is crap" comments completely smack of people that actually haven't driven one recently. Looks, are subjective of course. They are very very good cars for the money. Much different than the c250, of course.
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Mar 5, 2012 18:01
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Tai-Pan posted:Also, the glib "the 300 is crap" comments completely smack of people that actually haven't driven one recently. Looks, are subjective of course. They overdid the chrome shiny bits on the new 300, but I like it in white. They're still using that same mb 5 speed for the base v6 and the only v8 transmission, which kinda blows. There is the 8 speed available for the v6 though. Very different then the C, yeah. If you wanted fairly inexpensive luxury and didn't think it looked like rear end, it's a good option. REDjackeT fucked around with this message at 21:38 on Mar 5, 2012 |
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Mar 5, 2012 21:35
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Mercedes unveils invisible car -- literally https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIGzpi9lCck Seems like a ticket to road accident to me.
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Mar 6, 2012 03:16
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mod sassinator posted:Comedy E55 option, with high miles you can find them under $20k. Random stuff will probably be broken, but the engine is pretty solid and drat quick. Wear items like brakes will not be cheap though. Wear items are actually not bad at all, considering the car. I did all four rotors and pads with OEM Brembo parts(except Porterfield front pads) for under $600. What will get you is stuff that shouldn't break but does occasionally, like the Airmatic struts, fuel pumps/tank if you're unlucky, ball joints(somewhat expected),exhaust manifolds, and cracked wheels. They're actually very solid cars, but be warned that engine and tranny mounts are a normal wear item, rear tires last 10-15K a set, and you'll never find a non-drag tire that even pretends to hook up. You can find them in the teens with 100K+ miles. Mine just rolled over 120K and I've been very lucky as far as maintenance goes.
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Mar 6, 2012 04:16
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Hi guys, I've already asked this in here; just looking to reiterate. Going to be looking at a '92 300E 2.6 I6. Everything on it sounds okay, but he says his mechanic said something about a vacuum leak. He also mentioned that it was running 'reasonably'. I remember you all said that they ran on some kind of pressure for the locking etc. He's only asking $1,800 - but I'm relatively sure he needs to grt rid of it "ASAP". Thoughts? Thanks!
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Mar 6, 2012 14:02
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Defghanistan posted:I hadn't considered a turbo 4, but totally agree that when I think about a Merc I think about a big v8. It just seems...indecent do to it with anything less. Turns out however that to get into a big v8 it's going to cost a very handsome fortune, and I don't know if I can get the wife to buy off on that. I have an '09 C350 that I paid about $7k in tuning to get up to 300 hp and I will tell you it's definitely a nice balance for luxury and sport. We're looking at buying a second car for my wife and there's little out there that can compare all around in function, performance, price, comfort, and style. I'm not a big fan of most Japanese cars, but the Lexus IS350 is the one car many of the C class owners on my Mercedes forums were considering buying when they were looking at the Mercedes. I don't think you'll find anything more brilliant than Mercedes' COMAND system out there though. Protip: Don't bother with ipod integration, get the MM package instead and just use a memory card. Much better interface and controls.
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Mar 6, 2012 17:07
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How does the memory card interface from the ipod control? I only use the ipod interface, no major complaints.
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Mar 6, 2012 18:02
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I'm seriously considering buying a 2005-06 SL65 AMG when I finally decide to sell the Cayman S. I think the joy of a twin turbo V12 and enough horsepower and torque to affect the rotation of the earth will make up for what I'll miss about the Cayman. But what am I really getting into? What I hate about the Cayman:
It appears that I'll miss the lighter weight of the Cayman, the manual transmission (is the Mercedes just an auto, or a manual auto?), the absolutely brilliant chassis, and the fact that it stops traffic. However, I'll gain a lot of luxury and no small amount of performance -- it just won't want to dance quite like the Cayman. einTier fucked around with this message at 22:38 on Mar 6, 2012 |
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Mar 6, 2012 22:36
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I think Mercedes still does focus heavily (exclusively?) on torque-converter and planetary based automatics. That said, I have never driven any automatic better than a Mercedes automatic.
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Mar 6, 2012 22:51
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I'd say most people would avoid the 65 series AMGs due to the potential for high maintenance costs related to the Active Body Control suspension and just the fact that every wear item is expensive. 24 spark plugs etc. However, I'm sure you're used to all that now and you should get it so I can live vicariously.
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Mar 6, 2012 23:49
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einTier posted:I'm seriously considering buying a 2005-06 SL65 AMG when I finally decide to sell the Cayman S. I am not really sure I see the parallels. The things you listed about loving the Cayman, essentially, don't apply to the MB. The maintenance costs of the SL65 could shame the Cayman by several commas. I have driven the SL55, but never an SL65. The 55 was plenty fast, and much too powerful for the chassis. I cannot really think of a good reason to get a 65 over than the "cool" factor (Which, don't get me wrong, is strong). But you if you need actually worry about the cost of ownership the 65 probably isn't the way to go and you are not missing much with the 55 as far as I can tell. You should also cross shop an M6.
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Mar 7, 2012 03:02
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Tai-Pan posted:You should also cross shop an M6. Yes absolutely this. My friend let me flog his M6 cab around Thunderhill. It was absurdly fun in a muscle-car sort of way (especially round turn 2). Stepping back into my Cayman though, I couldn't imagine giving it up. Chalk and cheese. Whatever floats your boat though (and I am planning to give Vision Motorsports way too much of my hard-earned for a preemptive rebuild)
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Mar 7, 2012 03:17
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IOwnCalculus posted:I think Mercedes still does focus heavily (exclusively?) on torque-converter and planetary based automatics. That said, I have never driven any automatic better than a Mercedes automatic. The AMG transmissions seem to be better then the normal ones, though I think that's just tuning. I drove an SL55 (06 or 07, cant remember) and my mother has an 07 SL550 and there's a pretty big difference. Maybe it's not as bad in the other mercs, but the SL550 likes to dick about way more then the AMG or my '03 XKR. I can't imagine that a nearly 200k vehicle is going to be fun to repair. e; Oh those years were 5 speeds. I think that was the NAG1/W5A580. Seemed ok in the 300s/chargers/jeeps I test drove. REDjackeT fucked around with this message at 08:48 on Mar 7, 2012 |
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Mar 7, 2012 08:30
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einTier posted:I'm seriously considering buying a 2005-06 SL65 AMG when I finally decide to sell the Cayman S. I noticed CLK63 AMG black series cars are getting down to Cayman-level pricing, $70-80k. For example: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merc...f#ht_500wt_1182 They look fantastic, are more exclusive than AMG, and sound incredible: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hnKZejxnB4
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Mar 7, 2012 10:13
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With the risk of sounding like a ricer, how would I manage to change the exterior trim of my W202 Classic to Elegance' chrome accents? I've noticed the plastic strips in the Classic are one-piece, while the ones found in the Elegance are two piece (plastic+chrome). Where could one purchase these accessories? Also I'd like to add foglights to the car where the "air vents" are located in the front bumper, like those found in the C32, but I think the fitting is a bit different (as in the fogs in the C32 won't fit my C180). Anyone had luck fitting fog lights in their W202, that is if anyone still has one of these in this forum  .
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Mar 7, 2012 11:04
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Can anyone identify this MB: http://g.co/maps/p7wqa It's been sitting at this shady taxi repair place near me forever. It doesn't appear to be for sale, it might not even run, but I've half-assedly thought about making an offer for it. Edit: W126 Coupe? bolind fucked around with this message at 14:16 on Mar 7, 2012 |
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Mar 7, 2012 13:11
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bolind posted:Can anyone identify this MB: http://g.co/maps/p7wqa Seems like it, although I think you're looking at the wrong MB. Buy that G-class off that lot RIGHT NOW, considering how rare they are where you're from! Edit: wait, nevermind, thought you lived in the U.S.A, don't know how rare they are in Denmark. Even still, Geländewagen are amazing vehicles, I'd try to bargain it to a fair price and snatch it off that lot as soon as possible! Steiler Drep fucked around with this message at 16:28 on Mar 7, 2012 |
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Mar 7, 2012 16:26
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