Mercedes-Benz Sportcoupe CL203

At first glance, it is clear that this is a Mercedes. Not everyone can recognize the model correctly.

Review

At first glance, it is clear that this is a Mercedes. Not everyone can recognize the model correctly. Not surprisingly, the Sportcoupe (designated CL203) was not a success in the market and was one of the least popular versions of the Mercedes C-Class. The car is built on the basis of the W203 sedan and debuted a year after the premiere of the “donor”.

In 2008, a successor model, the CLC, appeared. It looks like a three-door version of the W204 sedan. But in fact, it is still the old Sportcoupe, with an old interior. The novelty received only a different design of the front and back. What is interesting is that the car was first assembled in its homeland in Sindelfingin, and in early 2007, production was transferred to Brazil, at the plant in Juis de Fora. The assembly and successor, CLC, continued.

The Mercedes CLC is the same stuffing, but a new look. The car was produced until 2011.

Mercedes, traditionally guarantees a high level of comfort, is well equipped, and its originality effectively masks the recognizable appearance. It is noteworthy that the sports coupe of the end of production are in less demand than those that appeared from the very beginning.

A characteristic speedometer with a large display of the onboard computer was offered until 2004. Later it was replaced by traditional round pointers with a display between them (photo below).

And here's the front panel of the CLC (2008-2011). As they say, find 10 differences.

Sportcoupe was offered only in one – three-door version of the body. The car has a longitudinal engine in the front and rear-wheel drive. The line of power units is very large.

Engines

If someone is looking for a cheap and reliable version, then it is worth recommending the basic modification of the C180 with an atmospheric gasoline engine with a capacity of 129 hp. Such a coupe lacks dynamics, but the car guarantees the absence of problems, and the engine is suitable for installing HBO. Unfortunately, there are not many such proposals. The Sportcoupe is shorter than the sedan by 18 cm, but the wheelbase of both related models remained unchanged and is 2715 mm. The sales announcements are dominated by versions with four-cylinder gasoline engines equipped with a mechanical compressor: C180K, S200K, C230K. They are very dynamic, but inefficient and expensive to repair. Beware of the 170 hp Mercedes C200 CGI. Its power unit has not only a compressor, but also direct fuel injection. This is a big complication for an old car. Top modification of the C320 is equipped with a 6-cylinder V-shaped gasoline engine, developing 218 hp. The engine is voracious, but at least it doesn’t break and guarantees excellent dynamics. The strongest power unit (354 hp) is the inflatable V6 modification developed by AMG. There is enough room in the car for four people. The front seats are very comfortable and resemble those installed in larger models. Diesel versions of the coupe are a rarity. But there are also such proposals in Europe. The most popular models are the C200 CDI and C220 CDI. Both have a 4-cylinder engine with a working volume of 2148 cm3 and differ only in power.

Transmission

A big plus is a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the vast majority of CL203s are equipped with a 5-speed automatic, and some versions (the most powerful) are equipped with a 7-band 7G-Tronic automatic.

The well-groomed specimens, despite their age, look great today. Sportcoupe with 4-cylinder engines disappoints the average (by Mercedes standards) noise insulation of the cabin, which is especially noticeable with a diesel unit under the hood. A good impression is made by the position behind the wheel, the level of comfort, smoothness of the ride and the chair. The degree of driving pleasure can reduce the signs of mechanical wear, typical of the age and mileage of the car. You need to be prepared for the fact that after the purchase you will have to invest about 200-500 dollars in the repair of the suspension.

The trunk has a volume of 310 liters. Under the floor is a spare wheel niche.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• Body corrosion. Rust appears on the lower edges of doors and wings.

• Steering malfunction. It's pretty hard to steer, he's reluctant to go back to zero. The new pump will cost $200, and the new rail will cost $300.

• The nozzles of diesel engines with 4 cylinders. A free-wrapped nozzle for cleaning or regeneration is a real miracle.

• Electrical malfunction. Among the most common: burnout light bulbs, and destruction of the mat, detecting the presence of a passenger on the seat.

Engines

• Such a coupe lacks dynamics, but the car guarantees the absence of problems, and the engine is suitable for installing HBO.
• They are very dynamic, but inefficient and expensive to repair.
• The engine is voracious, but at least it doesn’t break and guarantees excellent dynamics. The strongest power unit (354 hp).

Transmission

• The degree of driving pleasure can reduce the signs of mechanical wear, typical of the age and mileage of the car.
• You need to be prepared for the fact that after the purchase you will have to invest about 200-500 dollars in the repair of the suspension.

Characteristic problems and malfunctions

• Rust appears on the lower edges of doors and wings.
• - Steering malfunction.

• At first glance, it is clear that this is a Mercedes.
• Engines: This coupe lacks dynamics, but the car guarantees no problems, and the engine is suitable for installation of HBO.
• Transmission: The degree of driving pleasure can reduce the signs of mechanical wear typical of the age and mileage of the car.
• Characteristic problems and malfunctions: - Corrosion of the body.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.