Any opinions or info on US C-Class Coupe (203)?

[benzaholic]

I'm thinking about a 2004 or 2005 C Class Coupe, so I'm looking for info on pluses and minuses of that model, or specific years, or specific features.
I'd probably look for a four cylinder with the manual transmission.

My previous Benzes (hence my frame of reference for wanting to return to a Benz) include a 1980 240D, 1985 300D, 1963 190c, 1995 C280, and 1989 300CE. All but the 63 were automatics.

Key things I'm hoping to find in this model are consistent engineering, effective air conditioning (I'm in central Texas), decent reliability, and at least half decent fuel economy.

Thanks.

[ncp3708]

So I guess I'll get you started...

The C230k sport coupe is either 1.8l or 2.3l engines both supercharged, the year you are talking about will most definetely be the 1.8l M271 engine (I COULD BE WRONG! ) I have the 2.3 and thanks to the charger I used to get 28 MPG on average. The climate control system is excellent and has a charcoal filter if you smoke. The panoramic sunroof will make all the difference to any passengers that can't call shotgun quick enough. The power is decent but as you can imagine this baby benz is still quite heavy (2800 - 3000 lbs). The styling for some people is weird BUT I LOVE IT and with the right set of rims this car is easily quite a looker. The manual i think is optional but its a nice six speed box so highway cruising is no sweat. Dont expect to be blown away by performance but rather the smooth pull of a 192 hp engine will still give you that smile as you pass other hot hatches.

[benzaholic]

Thanks for the info. Having driven neither engine, but heard that the 2.3 can be a little inelegant at revs, I'm leaning toward one with the 1.8.

I agree that the exterior look can be a little polarizing, but perhaps one could say it was ahead of its time. I see that split back window on Prii and Insights, so I'm guessing it has serious aerodynamic value, at least for fuel economy. (Yes, I know the infamous Aztek used it, but maybe that's just further validation of the technical merit.)

I remember seeing these coupes in the dealer when they were new and noticing that they were around $25K, which was about what my 240D went for new in 1980. Obviously, I'm a little worried that the cost cutting might be too obvious to one who is familiar with 80s Benzes. Is that a valid concern, or did they hide the savings reasonably well?

[ArmchairExpert]

Take this as anecdotal. A buddy of mine has a C230 that is constanly in the shop. My stepdaughter has one and it never gives her any trouble. My buddy believes service intervals were invented by the manufacturers to rob your wallet, stepdaughter brings hers to me for regular checkups, oil changes, etc..
He needed a new torque converter and blamed it on lack of quality, the dealer blamed it on broken cooling hose which Ed ignored. Hey, they put fluid in at the factory, why check it? Oil changes were invented by oil companies.
Stepdaughter is happy and her car is great. Ed's is Ed's.

[benzaholic]

Oh yeah. I've had enough Benzes to understand that their maintenance recommendations are the key to longevity. Other brands may take different approaches, and I don't know if current Benzes take this approach, but I always got the impression that MB suggestions were intended to get the car to at least 200,000 miles, while most others are simply trying to get to end of the US-required 100,000 mile emissions warranty.

A 92 W124 turbodiesel is the kind of reference point I'm talking about. Have you spent enough time driving or riding in either of the two C coupes you mentioned to be able to compare them to your sedan?

[ArmchairExpert]

They're smaller and lighter than a W124. Not as roomy but comfortable. Not as smooth on the road, but the ride is softer than a similar size Beemer 3 series (Goddaughter's got one and it's rough). I'd say a C230 is better handling than a late 190 and the ride is similar.
I take people saying "they don't make them like they used to" with a grain of salt. "They" said that about the W124 too. Times change, we live with lighter cars with more plastic and less wood and leather. The ride may not be "boaty" but the handling improves with each generation. Except, a W123 can do a 90 deg turn into a parking space, everything after can't quite turn as tight. Just my opinion. I still miss some things about my old 240D, but I'm also glad I sold it for the W124. If you're looking for a daily driver to commute to work and still feel good after a long drive, I'd drive a C230 before a Camry. Just, I have this great 300D.....