W203-not successfull?

[matrix]

W203-not successful?

Hi everyone,

It was a long time since I last joined the forum. Sorry...
I want to buy a 2000-2003 yrs W203 MB. But it is said to be not successful model so far. Do you have any experience about that car? I currently own 1998 W202, which is OK with me. What priviliges/ lacks it has over W202?

Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[jberks]

define succesful - they certainly sold a lot.
The problem, if there is one, stems from the cost cutting on the 1999-2004 era. There were the odd reliability issue here and there for cars made in that period. Most are fine but you do get the odd extra niggle. It's generally regarded that the facelift 203 is better made than the earlier version.

 

[television]

Do get one after 09-03 better still get a 2004 with the Nano paint

 

[Phil D]

Do get one after 09-03 better still get a 2004 with the Nano paint

As someone who has one - can you forgive my ignorance and tell me what nano paint is? thanks Malcolm

 

[whitenemesis]

As someone who has one - can you forgive my ignorance and tell me what nano paint is? thanks Malcolm

I think it should refer to the thickness of the paint!!

Never known paint to chip so easily

 

[matrix]

What about technical background and reliability? Any deficiencies?

 

[egallacher9]

From a comment in 2001 on a c class-for info

Mobilo service

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi Ernest,

Gorners told me air sometimes leaks in via the push fit fuel pipes and this is common on higher mileage cars. *

I noted on previous diesels I've owned, there was a manual pump on top of the fuel filter housing to enable you to remove air from the system - used when you've changed filters etc. *Alas, this is not the case on Mercedes.

I was going to start a new topic but, whilst I've got your attention, can I ask you a couple of questions?

1. *what grade of engine oil (inc min or synthetic do you use in you c250td ?

2. *do you find the seats to be bum nummingly hard ?
Please feel free to e-mail your response.
__________________
Dave B
1999 C250TD (Estate)
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/dave.bu.../signature.jpg

 

[hawk20]

As someone who has one - can you forgive my ignorance and tell me what nano paint is? thanks Malcolm

MERCEDES PAINT PROCESS.
http://www.ae-plus.com/Key topics/kt-materials8.htm

Wonderful article on Mercedes paint process. FROM ae-plus.com which is Automotive Engineer -plus

Taking a shine to Mercedes
By William Kimberley

 

[hawk20]

Hi everyone,

It was a long time since I last joined the forum. Sorry...
I want to buy a 2000-2003 yrs W203 MB. But it is said to be not successful model so far. Do you have any experience about that car? I currently own 1998 W202, which is OK with me. What priviliges/ lacks it has over W202?

Any information would be helpful. Thanks!

The C class has been very successful here a nd in Europe, and elsewhere. A real best seller I would say and one of the best looking saloons ever to my eye, thanks to the great Bruno Sacco, the chief designer -now sadly retired.

Go for built in 2003, second quarter onwards, if you can as they were the first to have all steel panels fully galvanised. Don't just check that it was registered in 2003 -you want built in 2003. Bargain prices around now the new model is out.

C CLASS -203 series- saloon and estates: -

All steel panels were galvanised from Quarter 2 2003 production onwards.
During the previous six months (Q4 2002 + Q1 2003) the process was
gradually introduced on the production line and therefore some vehicles
were galvanised during this lead-up period, but not all.

 

[Phil D]

MERCEDES PAINT PROCESS.
http://www.ae-plus.com/Key topics/kt-materials8.htm

Wonderful article on Mercedes paint process. FROM ae-plus.com which is Automotive Engineer -plus

Taking a shine to Mercedes
By William Kimberley

Just a straightforward spray job then? many thanks Hawk

 

[verytalldave]

Useful links...........answers many questions..........

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template_talk:Mercedes-Benz_vehicles

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W203#W203