W202 PROS n KONS Options

[Benzonline]

For us few W202 drivers here....this topic always came up on club202.

What do you like about it? What do you dislike?

LIKES

- Solidity of it, and the last of it...night and day comparison to my 203.
- a Benz that was built right smack dab in the middle of modern/classic...especially for the 98-2000 models.
it is pretty neat to have a new smartkey opening a classic boxy Benz.
- having a cupholder that has a set of many gears just to open.
- the Bose Beta Sound System leaves my ears wet all the time
- the Mono-wiper - end of an era, the world's most interesting to watch wiper and has scared many passengers
- vacumn controlled rear "dropping" headrests - perfect for waking up rear passengers when they thump down
- no-nonsense, timeless styling...simple but not boring
- the window controls in the middle console, and buttons that you KNOW would still function 20 yrs from now
- always smells like a Mercedes, even if you smoke in it
- can't seem to get tired of the car and makes you wanna write posts like this
- RELIABLE


DISLIKES


- RUSTBUCKET
- the adaptive 5-speed transmission's shift patterns and "subjective" reliability
- should have gotten a C280, the Kompressor although is fast as hell, makes a racket. Scratch that, C43!
- suspension design is out-dated and sucks in higher speed turns + parts seemed to wear out earlier
- leg cramps up after 2 hours of driving continuous...very little leg room

[BenzMaster19]

Since I have a C280 and a C36 AMG, I am going to just compare my C280 since the AMG is in a different league of its own.
And since Marko already gave some pretty dam good comparisons already I will try to make it a bit shorter and sweeter, I hope lol.

My NON AMG 202 comparison.

Likes
-One of the best built Vehicles on the road
-Timeless styling that will never look "old" People think its a 2001-2004 model
-Handles really nicely compared to other imports and domestics
-A really nice Bose sound system!
-A great looking interior with very minimal plastic parts, leather looks amazing.
-One of the BEST cruising vehicles I have EVER drivin, ESPECIALLY on the highway
-100,000 kilometers on the clock? that's nothing for a 202! Drivin one with over 300,000 kilometers and they drive like brand new.
-When you are driving one, you know you are driving a tank!
-Great trunk space for a "small" car
-Very fun car to drive, NEVER get bored of it!
-One of the best styled vehicles on the road
-Great torque! greatly under estimated engines especially in the C230 KOMP and the C280
-RELIABLE

Dislikes
-Rust bucket! although a yearly oiling will surely prevent rust from forming
-Almost all vacuum controlled, one little crack in a line and you can loose your power locks for example.
-Window regulators often cause trouble, especially the back ones
-Although suspension is VERY comfortable (especially on the C280) it must be kept up with regular maintenance for safety reasons.
-C180, C220 and C230 (NON Kompressor) have somewhat weak engines

Keeping in mind, this is NOT comparing my C36 AMG, that is in a totally different league by itself.

This post has been edited by BenzMaster19: May 7 2009, 08:08 PM

[Andrew C280sport]

The best analogy I could come up with is a W202 is like an a supermodel who isn't discovered yet and thats a constant ball breaker... and over time after looking at her for a while you see that she is a supermodel... but no matter how much time passes by she'll always be a ball breaker and after about ten years need plastic surgery and a facelift and a new hip.

But hey thats because I bought an early model supermodel... I mean 1997 sport that was a complete lemon... thats my take on the car.

If I had lots of money and wanted to have a few cars in my collection I would defiantly want a mint low mileage W202 C55... only problem with alot of these cars is most people that owned then enjoyed them and didn't save them as collectors they all have high mileage on them.

I don't know if in 30-40 years well look back at the W202 like we do the SL300 gullwing but hey I had one and enjoyed it alot even though it constantly broke down... drained my wallet... caused some stress and some tickets...

[Benzonline]

If I had lots of money and wanted to have a few cars in my collection I would defiantly want a mint low mileage W202 C55... only problem with alot of these cars is most people that owned then enjoyed them and didn't save them as collectors they all have high mileage on them.

Same with me....in Designo Orange please. Aswell a 1999 S600 W140 in black, or the Grand Edition.

[Andrew C280sport]

I think the best way right now to get that perfect w202 C43 and C55 would be to find the best low mileage one and do a restoration rebuild... replace everything that is worn to like new... maybe even rebuild the engine and transmission so its like your getting a new W202 but its really an old one...

Foolishly I have been eyeing some C43's and they are at the right price that you can afford to drop 5-7k on a factory style repaint... do some refurbishing... with the price of the car and about 10 grand in making it perfect you could still have a very nice daily driver for under 20 grand.

I been desiring a Porsche for 3 years now and leaning towards that over buying another benz even an AMG benz but I can tell you this after driving the slk280... the slk55 would destroy most Porsches in just about everything. But to be honest if GM goes down the tube I will probably try and snag a new Corvette as they are the best and most powerful they have ever made in there lifetime of 50 years...

This post has been edited by Andrew C280sport: May 8 2009, 11:00 AM

[msiumng]

I need a 202 badly lol........I wish I can bring one in from the US!!

[Scorpion]

Why can't you?

[W202AMG]

I think the best way right now to get that perfect w202 C43 and C55 would be to find the best low mileage one and do a restoration rebuild... replace everything that is worn to like new... maybe even rebuild the engine and transmission so its like your getting a new W202 but its really an old one...

Foolishly I have been eyeing some C43's and they are at the right price that you can afford to drop 5-7k on a factory style repaint... do some refurbishing... with the price of the car and about 10 grand in making it perfect you could still have a very nice daily driver for under 20 grand.

I been desiring a Porsche for 3 years now and leaning towards that over buying another benz even an AMG benz but I can tell you this after driving the slk280... the slk55 would destroy most Porsches in just about everything. But to be honest if GM goes down the tube I will probably try and snag a new Corvette as they are the best and most powerful they have ever made in there lifetime of 50 years...

Your right slk's are fast, seriously, for their engines, but there is no way in hell a slk55 would ever beat a porsche, have you ever driven a porsche? and im not talking about the boxsters.

I need a 202 badly lol........I wish I can bring one in from the US!!

bro, don't.

After driving a regular E55 w210, im not looking anywhere else, its got everything, elegance,sleeperness, the classic look, and the power... i LOVED driving it, better then some of the faster cars i have driven.

im saving up now to buy an E55 AMG W210, i test drove the E55 AMG W211 yesterday, fast as hell but it didn't make me feel like "holy @#$% i want to buy this right now!" unlike your E55, i can't even tell the car is moving in a w211 is so quiet and BIG!

E55 W210 is the SH.IT!

[BenzMaster19]

After driving a regular E55 w210, im not looking anywhere else, its got everything, elegance,sleeperness, the classic look, and the power... i LOVED driving it, better then some of the faster cars i have driven.

im saving up now to buy an E55 AMG W210, i test drove the E55 AMG W211 yesterday, fast as hell but it didn't make me feel like "holy @#$% i want to buy this right now!" unlike your E55, i can't even tell the car is moving in a w211 is so quiet and BIG!

E55 W210 is the SH.IT!

If he loves the looks etc.. of a 202 and he wants Power at the same time he can surely buy a 202 AMG! He already has an E55 AMG W210, why not get another rare and fast AMG with a different body style aswell??

[Andrew C280sport]

Your right slk's are fast, seriously, for their engines, but there is no way in hell a slk55 would ever beat a porsche, have you ever driven a porsche? and im not talking about the boxsters.
bro, don't.

After driving a regular E55 w210, im not looking anywhere else, its got everything, elegance,sleeperness, the classic look, and the power... i LOVED driving it, better then some of the faster cars i have driven.

im saving up now to buy an E55 AMG W210, i test drove the E55 AMG W211 yesterday, fast as hell but it didn't make me feel like "holy @#$% i want to buy this right now!" unlike your E55, i can't even tell the car is moving in a w211 is so quiet and BIG!

E55 W210 is the SH.IT!

I have driven a 1990 911 I was going to buy it. A doctor friend of mine has a GT3 and gave me a ride.

SLK specs
355 HP
0-60 4.9 seconds or less.

911 C2 Specs
345 hp
0-60 4.9 Seconds

Both convertibles on paper seem to be the same to me but the slk feels faster.

Regardless if I had 100,000 dollars I would by a 1996 911 Turbo like in bad boys.

[Benzonline]

I think the best way right now to get that perfect w202 C43 and C55 would be to find the best low mileage one and do a restoration rebuild... replace everything that is worn to like new... maybe even rebuild the engine and transmission so its like your getting a new W202 but its really an old one...

Foolishly I have been eyeing some C43's and they are at the right price that you can afford to drop 5-7k on a factory style repaint... do some refurbishing... with the price of the car and about 10 grand in making it perfect you could still have a very nice daily driver for under 20 grand.

I been desiring a Porsche for 3 years now and leaning towards that over buying another benz even an AMG benz but I can tell you this after driving the slk280... the slk55 would destroy most Porsches in just about everything. But to be honest if GM goes down the tube I will probably try and snag a new Corvette as they are the best and most powerful they have ever made in there lifetime of 50 years...

This is pretty much what I would have to do for obtaining the perfect 202 aMG. There is only one 43 on trader right now going for dirt cheap in Waterloo....Andrew u wanna check it out? :) In the pics it looks pretty good then again all of the cars do. :(.

It would be hard for me to get another Benz in any less worse condition than the current one I have especially an AMG....Meaning in my eyes it would me less "comfortable" having the higher end model in worse shape than the more lower model.

[Hot Rodder]

..........Click ............this is the hidden performance jewel

[BenzMaster19]

..........Click ............this is the hidden performance jewel

What does that have to do with Mercedes, or even 202's?? lol

[Andrew C280sport]

Marko msn me with details I will go tomorrow and be your personal shopper... I swear to god if I end up buying it we cant talk anymore lol

I found it will check it out for sure.... want to compare C280 power to C43 Power...

This post has been edited by Andrew C280sport: May 8 2009, 08:10 PM

[BenzMaster19]

want to compare C280 power to C43 Power...

My friend,, its like comparing a bicycle to a rocket ship!! NO comparison what so ever!!

[Andrew C280sport]

My friend,, its like comparing a bicycle to a rocket ship!! NO comparison what so ever!!

I think your going to be surprisingly disappointed. C280 200 Hp Vs C43 302 HP engine weighs about 200kg more... those massage seats weigh a tone... bigger heavier rims... I think the rear end gears are the same in both...

Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG (W202)

By far the most powerful car in its class, the C43 AMG can truly be considered a 4-door muscle car. New camshafts and freer-breathing, larger-diameter intake and exhaust systems increase the peak output to 302 horsepower, 27 more than the engine it is based on used in the E430 sedan. A heavier-duty five speed manual transmission is borrowed from the SL500 and used to handle the extra power produced. Although on paper the C43 looks like it should be a sizzling performer, it disappoints both in the 0-60 and 1/4 mile acceleration test, where it trails its two main competitors, the BMW M3 and Audi S4 by at least 0.3 seconds in each test, despite the 52 and 62 horsepower advantage over the S4 and M3, respectively.

As for handling, the C43 benefits from firmer springs, stiffer shock damping and thicker anti-roll bars, all adding up to a vehicle with excellent handling dynamics and unparalleled precision through the turns. All-wheel vented disc brakes help the C43, which by the way is over 200 lb heavier than the BMW M3, stop in record braking distance. Its 112 ft stopping distance from 60 mph is good enough to topple a Ferrari F355. Furthermore, the 155 mph top speed betters its aforementioned competitors by over 10 mph each.

The C43 does have some faults, however. The sport-tuned suspension and low-profile tires combine for an extra-firm ride that becomes downright harsh on rough roads, while the interior lacks a tilting steering-column and dual-zone climate control, features that should be considered a must have for a vehicle that costs $55K, or $15K more expensive than any of its competitors. Not only that, but the rear bench is inhospitable for long trips considering the ultra-tight legroom, worse even than the M3. In the end, for the true performance enthusiast this will probably not matter, as the extra money could be considered a sound investment for its muscle car-like V8 engine and exhilarating braking and handling capabilities. -

Specifications
Base Price, USD 54,559 Engine Type SOHC V8
Powertrain Layout Front engine, RWD Displacement, cc 4266
Horsepower@rpm 302@5850 Torque, lb-ft@rpm 302@3250
Curb Weight, lb 3461 0-60 mph, sec 5.8
1/4 mile, sec@mph 14.4@99 600 ft slalom, mph 67.1
60-0 mph, ft 112 Top speed, mph 155

[BenzMaster19]

I think your going to be surprisingly disappointed. C280 200 Hp Vs C43 302 HP engine weighs about 200kg more... those massage seats weigh a tone... bigger heavier rims... I think the rear end gears are the same in both...

Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG (W202)

By far the most powerful car in its class, the C43 AMG can truly be considered a 4-door muscle car. New camshafts and freer-breathing, larger-diameter intake and exhaust systems increase the peak output to 302 horsepower, 27 more than the engine it is based on used in the E430 sedan. A heavier-duty five speed manual transmission is borrowed from the SL500 and used to handle the extra power produced. Although on paper the C43 looks like it should be a sizzling performer, it disappoints both in the 0-60 and 1/4 mile acceleration test, where it trails its two main competitors, the BMW M3 and Audi S4 by at least 0.3 seconds in each test, despite the 52 and 62 horsepower advantage over the S4 and M3, respectively.

As for handling, the C43 benefits from firmer springs, stiffer shock damping and thicker anti-roll bars, all adding up to a vehicle with excellent handling dynamics and unparalleled precision through the turns. All-wheel vented disc brakes help the C43, which by the way is over 200 lb heavier than the BMW M3, stop in record braking distance. Its 112 ft stopping distance from 60 mph is good enough to topple a Ferrari F355. Furthermore, the 155 mph top speed betters its aforementioned competitors by over 10 mph each.

The C43 does have some faults, however. The sport-tuned suspension and low-profile tires combine for an extra-firm ride that becomes downright harsh on rough roads, while the interior lacks a tilting steering-column and dual-zone climate control, features that should be considered a must have for a vehicle that costs $55K, or $15K more expensive than any of its competitors. Not only that, but the rear bench is inhospitable for long trips considering the ultra-tight legroom, worse even than the M3. In the end, for the true performance enthusiast this will probably not matter, as the extra money could be considered a sound investment for its muscle car-like V8 engine and exhilarating braking and handling capabilities. -

Specifications
Base Price, USD 54,559 Engine Type SOHC V8
Powertrain Layout Front engine, RWD Displacement, cc 4266
Horsepower@rpm 302@5850 Torque, lb-ft@rpm 302@3250
Curb Weight, lb 3461 0-60 mph, sec 5.8
1/4 mile, sec@mph 14.4@99 600 ft slalom, mph 67.1
60-0 mph, ft 112 Top speed, mph 155

Are you trying to compare a regular 202 with a 202 AMG? Buddy, I don't know about the C43, but I have a C36 AMG and a C280, and the C36 KICKS THE CRAP OUT OF THE C280, its not even a comparison!! Please speak only when you have owned both. Paper numbers mean nothing lol. and C280 is 194 HP.

[Hot Rodder]

What does that have to do with Mercedes, or even 202's?? lol

Its a performance sedan, are you buying the "star" or "performance"? If you're buying the star its got nothing to do with it, if you're buying performance G8 is exceptional value as a performance sedan.

E63 - M5 - CTS-V are all performance sedans....

C63 or a G8 GT for half the money are both performance sedans.

If you are going to talk about a C36 which was a "half baked effort" from AMG fooling around with a bored out inline 6 trying to compete with the BMW philosophy when historically every performance M-B has had a V8 or a C43 which by now is 10 years old with a slightly warmed over 4.3 litre engine the regular version had 275HP a G8 is a dramatically better value from a performance perspective.

[Andrew C280sport]

C36 AMG and a C280, and the C36 KICKS THE CRAP OUT OF THE C280, its not even a comparison!!

No matter what you tell me wont change my opinion the C36 has 68 hp more then the C280 its going to maybe win by one car lenght in a drag race...

FYI I have driven a W202 C230k C280 C36 C43... even AMG admits they where all failed attempts at trying to keep up with the M3 none of any where successful.

Sorry the C36 is a nice cruiser nothing more... its not a performance car, its not a muscle car, its not a race car...

I am not nocking your cars its very nice...

To be completely honest my car the W203 C230k was just as much fun to drive this morning in the wet as C43 maybe on a dry day with perfect hookup from the tires on the AMG it might be a bit faster then it was but I had perfect traction on the 90-120 runs and a car like the z350 blows the AMG away they are the same hp.

In no way am I saying my C230 is faster then a C43 or even as fast. On paper its slower buy 2 seconds at everything and thats alot.

The C36 C43 C55 are just normal Mercedes that went to Amg to have there engines worked on and little accents... in the end they are just souped up normal C classes...

FYI even though the C43 has 100 hp more then my car which is 50% more but its not 50% faster... what you need to realize is it takes 130hp to get to 150 mph but to get to 160mph it might take 330hp... the performance is not a linear line equation

[BenzMaster19]

What does that have to do with Mercedes, or even 202's?? lol

Its a performance sedan, are you buying the "star" or "performance"? If you're buying the star its got nothing to do with it, if you're buying performance G8 is exceptional value as a performance sedan.

E63 - M5 - CTS-V are all performance sedans....

C63 or a G8 GT for half the money are both performance sedans.

If you are going to talk about a C36 which was a "half baked effort" from AMG fooling around with a bored out inline 6 trying to compete with the BMW philosophy when historically every performance M-B has had a V8 or a C43 which by now is 10 years old with a slightly warmed over 4.3 litre engine the regular version had 275HP a G8 is a dramatically better value from a performance perspective.

I wouldn't purchase an M5 or G8 even if you paid me, I have driven the new Bimmers and their quality SUCKS compared to the older Benz's, I don't care how fast it is.

You wouldn't know this but back in 1995/1997 the C36 AMG and the M3 were one of the fastest, just like the 2009 C63 AMG and 2009 M3 are now!! ofcourse the C36 cant do 0-60 in 4.4 seconds but 0-60 in 5.8 is pretty dam sweeeet to me, and to most of the car enthusiasts in this world aswell! Especially how rare these cars are.

"half baked effort"?? haha what makes you say that? that C36 engine is one of the best built! especially for a 6 cylinder. A Bored out, stroked, Tuned and Maxed out 6 cylinder engine that goes 0-60 in 5.8 seconds, and that beats most cars on the road today even.

You can drive your "G8" lol, I will keep my AMG.