Mercedes C180 Kompressor

[Miles]

actually, i dont understand this "good handling" talk. To me, it is good ride and handling.

u can have super handling with super stiff suspension but ride will be nightmare.

 

both 3series and c class are good in both ride and handling with the bimmer slightly ahead in handling and c class with its typical magic carpet ride its priority.

 

so. it depends on what's yr priority. on paper both pump out 143bhp and 200nm ... kerb weight is quite even. so its down to gear ratio and throttle mapping of the ECU.

 

to me both are excellent cars in their own right. it all depends on which one u like most when u drive the damn thing. why buy a car based on car mag reviewer's comment? who will pay for the car anyway?

 

i would say 99% of the life of the car, nobody will ever know the limit of the car and the handling prowess. because nobody has the skill to exploit it to its true potential.

 

so... compare as u like... but always buy the one you like and feel most comfortable in.

[Vblaster_w211]

Our Vblaster_W211 is not only knowledgable abt Mercs, he's also quite an expert on his 2nd love, his Integra GSR

 

Both are so different, so they really cater to different moods when driving. I honestly cannot say which I prefer over the other

 

The same can probably be said of BMW and Merc. Sometimes, I wished I got the 5 series, but sometimes, I felt the E was just right! That just shows how great they really are. Again, probably the same for 3 series and C Class as well. Just get the one that moves your heart, not your mind. Don't blindly look at specs, get in the car, drive, and if you feel something stirring in your heart, the car's probably right for you.

 

I tried S60, 318, C Class etc, before I decided on C Class. Then just after the order was signed (yes, after), I changed to E Class... My wife is the primary driver, and the elegent finish and comfort of the E was, in our opinion, ahead of the rest.

Edited July 9, 2006 by Vblaster_w211

[Vit4wd]

If water sips in between the rubber lining and the metal door frame, and it stays on there (hard to dry), you get rust after a while.

 

LOL! Water always and is designed to "sip in" for our car doors! Water will also sip in between side window glass and rubber strips into the internal of the doors.

 

The doors will then have drainage holes for the water to sip out again.

 

Take open any car door, and you'll understand better. Conti doors like Merc usually will have additional damping sheets which will insulate asound (prevent rattle), and also protect the more water sensitive door electronics. Japanese makes may have just a plastic sheet inside. That's why we strip our doors and insulate further.

 

Don't be overly critical if you're not sure about the workings of some of these designs. For e.g. like for many sunroof design, no matter how good the rubber linings, water will seep through (and a lot in a downpour!). The water is then drained via plastic tubes down the inside of the A pillar.

 

 

 

Perhaps you really should make a trip to the Merc showroom to see it for yourself. And keep me posted on your views thereafter, OK?

 

There is absolutely no reason for water to sip in to that top part of the window frame. & I don't see any drainage there either.

 

* I agree that the C Class is a good car in general. But by sharing the faults of this car, we can all learn from it - that is the primary purpose of a forum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi there, did you manage to make a trip to C&C to spot that fault in the C Class ?

[Mercs]

Anyone receive the invite for the new mercedes center at pandan loop?

 

Read from brochure got tour of their workshop and also test drive new model...

[Vblaster_w211]

Maybe will take a look then. I must say I've not seen any of such faults before.

[Cklasse]

will be going....I always send car to Leng Kee for servicing though.

[Kinggo]

Hi,

 

My C180K is reaching 60,000km .......coming to 2 years old. C&C service for 60,000km costs around SG$2000

 

Thinking of doing the service at Star Automotive instead. They charge SG$700

 

Anyone has information on the following?

 

1)Is the 3year 100,000km warranty still valid if I service outside C&C?

 

2)How is the service quality at Star Automotive?

 

Thanks so much,

Kinggo

[Dgwee]

1) Stated in the Vehicle Delivery Certificate that warranty will be void if the car is not serviced by C&C during the warranty period.

 

2) I sent my previous 2 cars (Alfa Romeo and Miata) to Star and ended up having to go back to agent to "undo" the damages they did to the cars while servicing/repairing them.

 

Why Star? If you are willing to take the risk of having your warranty voided, you could send to MBM instead who specialises in Merc and I understand their charges are quite reasonable.

 

I also have a 2-years old C180K and I most likely will take this route cos C&C's current servicing price is ridiculous (they just increased it 2 weeks ago, again!). I remember the 60K servicing of my SLK 3 years ago at C&C was much less than that!

[Vit4wd]

If you can spend close to S$150K on a C180, what is S$2K?

 

Consider the Camry or Accord. Maintenance costs is much lower.

[Cklasse]

I did my 70 000 km at the workshop in Tampines (the guy is an ex-C&C tech). The charges is about $400 (compared to C&C quote of $1400 or more).

This service includes changing oil and auto transmission oil. I am going to use the $1000 saved for my holiday next month. In fact, I paid about $900 for this service plus changing the 2 front brake disc and pads too. i believe it is going to cost me maybe $3000 in C&C for this job.

[Amazon777]

If you can spend close to S$150K on a C180, what is S$2K?

 

A dollar saved enrich your bank account by a dollar, no need throw away unnecessary money . You will be surprise many multi-millionaires in Singapore are miser and stingy, my uncle which is a bit extreme, owns a few shops and houses worth few millions, but no car, no handphone.... Was born poor and was told no money even for bus fare when he was young. Became a teacher, thrift, bought few properties in the 1970/80's and flip it over for profit. Retired early, coz he said the rental yields from his existing paid up properties already must pay so much income tax, no point working. People who experience rags to riches will know the value of money.

Edited July 22, 2006 by Amazon777

[Mercs]

Even before warranty expire I already took my car for outside servicing.

 

Cos they told me next service(60,000km) will cost 2k plus!

 

Had it serviced outside for few hundred only.You can try Super workshop or MBM who specialise in Merc.Or Chip Soon in tampines ex tech from C&C.

 

No idea on Star....

[Mercs]

One more thing I encountered with agent.When during warranty period there is this service called STAR ASSIST if anything happens to your car.They will come down to check and send in your car for repairs if can't repair on the spot at no cost.

 

My warranty expired and there was one time I called STAR to come check on a fault.They inform me once no more warranty means there will be a transport charge incurred if they come.

 

It just make me feel that once warranty over,you're on your own!

[Mercs]

Ya..my money every dollar squeeze got sweat come out!

 

[Mercs]

How's the service quality and workmanship at CS?

 

Never like the idea of servicing done by agent where they take your car in and whether really any parts changed or serviced as claim you wouldn't know cos can't see them work.

 

When I do servicing or replacement wear and tear parts outside can see how they do it in full view.

Edited July 22, 2006 by Mercs

[Wtee]

I say BUY now if you like the car....the new C-class will look like a baby S-class, very beautiful (if you like the new S-class). However, the new C-class will be launch in 2007 and by the time it reach our shore, I think it will be 3Q 2007 (that's 1 year later from now).

The current promotion of the sports packaged C180 is going for $133k+.....which means a neg. price of +-$130k. This is definitely a good price going by the original optionl parts C&C is throwing in.

 

My 80 000 km, 2.5 years C180k (W203) has the facelifted C-class twinpulse kompressor and it has worked without failure. This is one car that has gotten its dimension and curves right and I am still in love with it after 2.5 years.

 

Hi Bro CKLASSE,

 

C200 sports edition going for $142,888.00, i may go for it and buy from the SE you recommended. Test drive it today, very responsive, with all the items thrown in, very good offer, esp with the 163bhp under the bonnet...

 

Thankyou.

[Ahbengdriver]

ya man!!! Merc so BUAY KAN RIGHT?!?!? BMW the best!!!! Pickup so fast!!! brakes so good!!! feels much much better than Merc rite?!?!?! BMW confirm better than Merc one la!!!

 

So clever man you.... wad an intelligent post man!!!

 

Jon

 

I dont think so brother. Both BMW n Merc make good cars. BMW pick up better than MERC....depends on which model or series u talking abt.....am sure an SLK500 pickup is no where near no good. Problem is in SG car prices are so high people tend to buy smaller BMWs/MERC. Many of the bigger BMW and bigger MERC hv good pick up. I sat in a E350 overseas, the driver who gave me a ride floored the trottle on the highway, and it took off like a rocket.

[Vblaster_w211]

Johnnybravo's being sarcarstic towards Guitar77. Johnny is clearly disagreeing with BMW is much better than Merc. They're both very good and they tend to excel in different areas.

 

I test drove the C350 and the CLS350 here - one word - stunning!

 

But on budget side, I'll think the E280 makes the most sense