C220CDI questions

[superaquarama]

Hi Guys,

Following some good advice from forum members about a month ago I think we've firmed up on buying a 2003/04 C Class (rather than E Class as I think the C will be large enough) estate, Elegance if we can find one, but not an Avantgarde with it's inferior ride.

It seems hard to find a manual box version and I don't mind an auto anyway; am I right in thinking that Tiptronics are quite rare (or do they not warrant a mention in the ads ?), and are they a 'good thing' or not ? Also, if an ordinary auto or for that matter the Tiptronic, are these 4 speed and do they have an overdrive top which locks up the torque convertor ?

On another issue, it seems from the forum you can still get rust probs even with post-'02 galvanised bodies. Question is, how long is the Merc body warranty, and do I understand it correctly that the car needs to have FMBSH to maintain the warranty ? Can MB wriggle out if the services have not been carried out exactly on time ?

Thanks

 

[jberks]

Hi,
all 203s have a 5 speed tiptronic boxes - hence it normally doesn't warrant a mention. Generally speaking the auto is the better gearbox and manuals are unpopular so yes get an auto.
On the corrosion warranty - rust problems are rare post 2003 and almost unheard of post 2004 or so. I suspect the rusty ones aren't galvanised as MB phased it in over a period so some are and some aren't 2002-2004.

MB are pretty good on the bodywork warranty for around 8 years and in my experience they're not that fussy about the service history. It's easier with FMBSH but not essential.

 

[superaquarama]

Many thanks for that, JBerks !

 

[britnordic]

Hi
mines an early 03 reg, made in 02, there's no sign of any rust so far.
Having tried manual and automatic 220 & 270 cdi's whilst looking, I would certainly prefer the auto box anytime over the manual.

 

[outsmartsmart]

I have an '06 C220CDi Avantgarde auto with 17" and sports suspension. I think the ride is fine, it doesn't jar bones and handles flat and neutral, much better than I expected. It has leather sports seats as well which aren't so heavily bolstered only Kate Moss can fit in them (good job too for me!!!)

Box is 5 speed auto and it seems common view that Merc + manual = less desireable (or cheaper depending on how you look at it). I used the tiptronic function a few times but don't bother now, its an automatic for a reason IMO. (I also think it a little odd that you go left/right with the gearstick rather than back/forwards)

It has a dual setting feature for 'comfort' or 'standard'. I find the 'standard' setting is smoother and better unless you're really light on the gas in 'comfort' it jerks away in 1st and is a 'rough' (but early) change into 2nd. Not noticed any economy benefits for using 'comfort' either.

Overall economy is about 40mpg. I have a 37 mile fast 'A' road, dual-carrigeway commute so taking it smoothly at speeds of 50-70mph with use of cruise where posssible sees economy up to about 43mpg over a week. In 'normal' town/bimbling mode its around 35mpg overall.

I looked at C class (too small 10% of the time) and E class (too big 90% of the time) and plumped for the C class as I just found the 'right one' first. Its bigger than expected in the boot area but the rear screen does slope quite a bit eating into load-lugging ability.

What's your budget as an unexpected job promotion sees me back with a too-good-to-refuse company car package so my Merc' may be up for sale soon, you never know.........