Hi guys
Kindly advise on the pros and cons of dis machine. Want to change my 2001 camry dat has served me for 3years and I wanna drive a german machine. Auto gurus kindly advise

nice one...don't know too much about those W203s, the C240 from reviews, is a little underpowerd, the C320 is better or the C32 Amg. Watch out for electrical issues (not a big deal), maybe at some point it would need a new wire harness.
Overall its a good car W203, i'l go for it myself witthout a split sec of hesitation. Consider also a BMW e46...

Tnx yungboss.
I've been doing some mkt surveys and I noticed that some of dem don't use the conventional metal keys, they use sumtin dat looks like a sensor to start d ignition.
Does dat sensor expire? At purchase are u given two ignition starters? Wat of d ac? Is it as chillin as dat of the 01 camry?

U are looking for trouble. From 2001 camry to C320? Don't get ur life complicated. Still to toyota till u have enough money to maintain such a German car. Though stronger but at a cost

Trust me you'll never regret going for a Mercedes, I've been driving them for 5 years now and not one single problem. I moved from the C-Class to the E-Class- Benz is a combination of luxury and durability.

I can't say the same about the BMW or Lexus (Toyota engine)- which gave me either electrical or engine problems regardless of servicing.

lazbay: U are looking for trouble. From 2001 camry to C320? Don't get ur life complicated. Still to toyota till u have enough money to maintain such a German car. Though stronger but at a cost

Have u driven a c320 before? If yes pls state ur facts and give reasons why I shld avoid it.

hustla242: Trust me you'll never regret going for a Mercedes, I've been driving them for 5 years now and not one single problem. I moved from the C-Class to the E-Class- Benz is a combination of luxury and durability.

Wat of the ignition keys of yours? Are they the sensor types or the metal ones? If sensors hw efficient and durable are they?

be careful. Keyless ignition vehicles have their pros and cons.

question: be careful. Keyless ignition vehicles have their pros and cons.

Just like every other thing on earth. Kindly articulate the pros and cons. Someone advise that the european assembled is better than the american assembled. Wats ur take on this?

elite:
Just like every other thing on earth. Kindly articulate the pros and cons. Someone advise that the european assembled is better than the american assembled. Wats ur take on this?

The C320 aint keyless ignition. Its a sensored key. The American specs are better aesthetic-wise. They have more accessories and more elegant.
The key doesn't expire but avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures, electromagnetic devices, falling on hard surfaces
Pros: Strong performance of C320 model, secure feel on the road, well equipped, standards of finish look excellent.
Cons: Throttle lag from rest in C240 model, steering feels a little heavy just off centre, limited rear leg room and comfort of centre
rear seating position, brake dust quickly soils front wheels.

the sensor doesnt expire. It works just as a key would work, but just that its not a key. I would say, though, that Mercedes cars are pretty costly to maintain. Just my two cents, as I dont know what your maintenance budget is like; but German cars are just as sexy as they are strong.

elite: Tnx yungboss.
I've been doing some mkt surveys and I noticed that some of dem don't use the conventional metal keys, they use sumtin dat looks like a sensor to start d ignition.
Does dat sensor expire? At purchase are u given two ignition starters? Wat of d ac? Is it as chillin as dat of the 01 camry?

like an earlier poster said ...b careful ohhhhhh...i hav driven an e-class and knw ppl who hav driven a c-class ...in terms of luxury and performance both r exquisite bt.....BUT........in terms of maintenance,fuel efficiency,ruggedness through naija roads they dont match a toyota camry by a mile......

Again b careful

The keys u are referring to are called smart keys. The ECU reads codes from the smart key. The c class, e class and clks are very efficient and effective. In terms of security it's the bomb. I have been driving my c320 to and fro Ghana from abuja constantly for 4yrs nw.. The car is a machine if serviced regularly my broda.

davioli: The keys u are referring to are called smart keys. The ECU reads codes from the smart key. The c class, e class and clks are very efficient and effective. In terms of security it's the bomb. I have been driving my c320 to and fro Ghana from abuja constantly for 4yrs nw.. The car is a machine if serviced regularly my broda.

Dats quite interesting. Kindly comment on the effectiveness of the a/c.

I just have this topic at heart, thanks @topic for this :DI just have this topic at heart, thanks @topic for this

@elite, d c class, e class n clks a/c are as effective as other japanese models if not better.. The only thing try ur best 2 get a benz with a low mileage so as 2 be sure of the a/c performance.. I can assure u that d a/c is ice cold, my c320 has been ice cold without issues since purchase. If u looking 4 a car 2 use for quite a while and if u r also looking for unmatched performance then I'll say u go 4 dat german machine. Bur be careful so as not to lose d smart key cuz it's quite expensive.

davioli: @elite, d c class, e class n clks a/c are as effective as other japanese models if not better.. The only thing try ur best 2 get a benz with a low mileage so as 2 be sure of the a/c performance.. I can assure u that d a/c is ice cold, my c320 has been ice cold without issues since purchase. If u looking 4 a car 2 use for quite a while and if u r also looking for unmatched performance then I'll say u go 4 dat german machine. Bur be careful so as not to lose d smart key cuz it's quite expensive.

Thanks for ur response.
I'll start searching for a good c320, based on your recommendations. Besides, how do I identify a c240 and a c320, apart from the label at the rear?

If the Toyota served you well, then remain with it or move up within that "league." The Mercedes you are referring to in question is NOT anywhere dependable as the Toyota you have accustomed yourself to.

Trac: If the Toyota served you well, then remain with it or move up within that "league." The Mercedes you are referring to in question is NOT anywhere dependable as the Toyota you have accustomed yourself to.

sorry bro, your statement is grossly misleading. That merc is 'somwhere' as dependable as a toyota. Just spend a little more on maintenance thats all. Overall its got better ride quality than a toyota... My uncle uses the 2003 C320 and a BMW e39 528i since 2007 or 2008. i saw him recently and we got talking , i asked him how his car was,he had nothing but praise for it 2gether with the bmw...the only major concern 4me is the wire harness...understand when it needs a complete wire overhaul and fix it when its time, you'l be very fine with it.

Trac: If the Toyota served you well, then remain with it or move up within that "league." The Mercedes you are referring to in question is NOT anywhere dependable as the Toyota you have accustomed yourself to.

dDfdc

I'm afraid ur post makes no sense to me!

elite:
Have u driven a c320 before? If yes pls state ur facts and give reasons why I shld avoid it.


Wat of the ignition keys of yours? Are they the sensor types or the metal ones? If sensors hw efficient and durable are they?

The ignition is key-less, stick it in and push to start. Like I said I've never had a problem with the ignition, I had a plastic key ignition previously on my C-Class, never had any problems. Trust me, with a Mercedes Benz, as long you service it- you'll not regret owning it.

Brother, Mercedes is in a different league from Toyota- Absolutely no comparison there. I owned a 2002 Camry before it got stolen, I was glad cuz it was nothing special.

C240 is a great car..@Elite ur post shows u knw d drive....The accelerration is alow on the first gear but after that its great..I think its a good car if ur ready to mainmtain it...yould enjoy it well...

yungboss:
sorry bro, your statement is grossly misleading. That merc is 'somwhere' as dependable as a toyota. Just spend a little more on maintenance thats all. Overall its got better ride quality than a toyota... My uncle uses the 2003 C320 and a BMW e39 528i since 2007 or 2008. i saw him recently and we got talking , i asked him how his car was,he had nothing but praise for it 2gether with the bmw...the only major concern 4me is the wire harness...understand when it needs a complete wire overhaul and fix it when its time, you'l be very fine with it.

The Mercedes in question is no where as dependable as the Toyota within the original post.

In addition to what I said, Mercedes Benzes (21st century) is no where as dependable as a Toyota. This is not the 20th century. No argument or point-of-view can prove otherwise. If you're in doubt, start with the definition of the word "dependablity" and ask those that own them.

elite: dDfdc

I'm afraid ur post makes no sense to me!

You wouldn't know till you own one. The post-war Mercedes standards are the reputations you have familiarised yourself with and they were designed with an approach of durability with no expense spared. Mercedes-ownership is not the same as Toyota-ownership. You can drive a Toyota for 10 years without having to replace a part (except wear items). This isn't so with the Mercedes. This is the "league" I was referring to. If you aren't the kind to do a lot preventative maintenances and use genuine parts and follow specifications strictly, your ownership experience will not be as enthusiastic as envisioned.

Trac:

The Mercedes in question is no where as dependable as the Toyota within the original post.

In addition to what I said, Mercedes Benzes (21st century) is no where as dependable as a Toyota. This is not the 20th century. No argument or point-of-view can prove otherwise. If you're in doubt, start with the definition of the word "dependablity" and ask those that own them.





You wouldn't know till you own one. The post-war Mercedes standards are the reputations you have familiarised yourself with and they were designed with an approach of durability with no expense spared. Mercedes-ownership is not the same as Toyota-ownership. You can drive a Toyota for 10 years without having to replace a part (except wear items). This isn't so with the Mercedes. This is the "league" I was referring to. If you aren't the kind to do a lot preventative maintenances and use genuine parts and follow specifications strictly, your ownership experience will not be as enthusiastic as envisioned.

You seem to know benz very well.
Well, can u recommend a ride that will perform well on the highways because I do more of travelling. Currently considering 2005 camry, 2005 eod v6 and the c320 2003 model. Wats ur take on these machines asper performance, reliability, fuel consumption, maintenance and stability on the highway?

Nice thread...Am almost a Convert to the benz religion...the C240/C320 is an awesome piece of engineering but the 05 C230 Kompressor Has my heart. I use to be of the old idealogy that benz cars are not reliable but that has totally changed...Driving an 08 E350 changed my whole thinking of Benz. God willing. I should be working on getting a Benz soon.

On your Options of 05 accord, 05 camry and the C320...I personally would pick/ suggest you get an Accord. Ivtec engines are superb,good handling & Comfort.

elite:

You seem to know benz very well.
Well, can u recommend a ride that will perform well on the highways because I do more of travelling. Currently considering 2005 camry, 2005 eod v6 and the c320 2003 model. Wats ur take on these machines asper performance, reliability, fuel consumption, maintenance and stability on the highway?

Mercedes in general are good for high-speed and long distance journeys.

I cannot really speak much for the Camry. I cannot say anything about the Honda because I am not familiar with the brand. With the Mercedes, my best advice would be to avoid the very model you are inquiring. On the other hand, if you decide to go with the model, avoid the V6 engine. Mercedes' cost savings led to the sectioning of the V8 to give a V6 with a 30-degree splay-angle. Besides it not as smooth as the engine that left it, its silent shaft (balance-shaft) can barely even out the vibrations. So, it is prone to silent shaft failure and it is a very expensive repair because it rips right through the engine. This is the Achilles heels for that engine. It doesn't matter if it is on the M's, E's, S's or G's. It is recently a dedicated V6 has been made for the C Class. This leaves you with the 4's or the V8's. Avoid the supercharged engines (except you have a good mechanic). The turbine is also a wear item and it is expensive in replacement.

Since this may be your first Mercedes, my best recommendation would be the model before or the model after. The model before is robust in its own way, though not free from its own issues. Though all are not as refined as a true Mercedes, the 280 is the smoothest in the normal series. I do not know much about the 2007 C Class (except the AMG) because I never developed interest in it; however, what I am certain is that the quality (most of it) had returned to that very model. It could still be better but it is many levels higher than the 2005 you are looking into and it is very refined in ride comfort.

If you ever consider the E-Class (210), you either get the straight 6 or the V8. If you opt for the later model, avoid the 2003 - 2006 and avoid the V6's. It's got issues and it is a lot; one of which is the brakes that has a number of times it can be actuated. The recall ends in 2014 and you will be on your own. It'll also be best to get the steel-spring suspension as opposed to the air-suspension. The air-suspensions are unpredictable and they could fail at any time and very expensive to replace.

If your choice is a Mercedes, keep the Toyota for a while as your dependability on your Mercedes grows. This way, you can have a feel of the vehicles personality in terms of maintenance.

Ok Mr Trac. Thanks for your response.
Which of the BMW, Audi or Volkswagen would u recommend for a first time european vehicle driver?

elite: Ok Mr Trac. Thanks for your response.
Which of the BMW, Audi or Volkswagen would u recommend for a first time european vehicle driver?

hey elite,
consider the 2005 c230 kompressor. i learnt it comes with a 4 cylinder engine. hv a colleague dat has been using it for almost a year now and the bobo is full of praises for the car. he does abuja-kano almost on daily basis for abt 5 months now and no issues except fuelling and oil changes.

Mercedes is the car. But if u have never owned one, u can't know its worth.

The w203 mercedes C-class is a sporty handling piece of machinery with a nice interior. The major thing to contend with is the long term reliability ( the electricals in particular). Avoid any benz with a 'kompressor' badge on it (it means the engine is supercharged),they are more problematic...dats why newer generation benzes use turbochargers instead- which are more reliable and fuel efficient. If you must get a W203 c-class, search for the C350s (a 3.7L V6 replaced the 3.2L V6 in the C320s,hence the designation change), they are more powerful than the C320s and have better fuel efficiency.

elite: Ok Mr Trac. Thanks for your response.
Which of the BMW, Audi or Volkswagen would u recommend for a first time european vehicle driver?

I don't like the BMW's, so you won't get anything from me concerning those brands.

If you are purchasing the Audi's, I will not recommend the American specifications. Reliability is questionable and it isn't uncommon to spend thousands in a single service job. The European brands are reliable. This includes the VW as well. The only American spec of the family that is close to the quality of the Europeans are the Toureg models. This explains why there are clashing remarks about the VW/Audi brands in terms of reliability.